Aging with Dignity: Advancing Equity, Access, and Brain Health

In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Research, for a candid conversation about the intersection of science, policy, and aging. From Alzheimer’s drug coverage to the future of stem cell research, they unpack what it truly means to age with dignity—and how equity, access, and advocacy play a critical role.

Sue shares her personal journey into aging research, her leadership transition at the Alliance, and the organization’s long-standing commitment to ensuring older adults receive fair and effective healthcare. They explore the challenges of Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) in Medicare, the rising need for culturally competent communication, and how the stigma around neuropsychiatric symptoms in aging can be addressed through education and empathy.

Key Topics Covered:

• The origins and mission of the Alliance for Aging Research
• Medicare’s use of “Coverage with Evidence Development” for Alzheimer’s therapies
• Challenges in equitable access to aging-related treatments
• The political and scientific landscape of stem cell research
• Outreach strategies for underserved and underrepresented aging populations
• Neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia and the importance of caregiver education
• Mental health trends in older adults and increasing substance use concerns
• The role of policy, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing healthy aging

Memorable Quote:
 “Everybody deserves to age as healthy as they can.” – Sue Peschin

Resources & Links:
 🔗 Alliance for Aging Research
📧 Contact Sue: [e-mail]
📺 YouTube: Alliance for Aging Research Video Library
🔬 Learn more about our mission at TofflerTrust.org

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.