Rosemary Bailey-Pridham: Palliative Care Lessons

by AFAR

The first thing I noticed from the door of the patient’s room was her little feet sticking out from under the covers; I will always remember her sheer will and grace. She was slight; I suspected 5 feet tall in her prime. Even in sickness she put on a strong front and a smile for her family. Following several chemo treatments she wore a wig that never would sit quite straight while laying in that hospital bed. I learned from one of her sons that she was a woman of great faith and later heard about her gratitude when…

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Emily Guh: Study Patients Make an Impact

by AFAR

At the end of her annual follow up session at the Einstein Aging Study, M looks at me through thick-lensed glasses and tells me in a wavering voice that she is always amazed at the things she can remember and the puzzles that she can solve at her age of 90. In particular, she finds the Block Design Test, where she must take blocks that have all white sides, all red sides, and half red-half white sides and arrange them according to a pattern, particularly challenging and enjoyable even though she has done them in previous years. She goes to pick…

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Sydney Harvey: One on One Conversation

by AFAR

My days with the MSTAR program have thus far began in the lab, at 8 o’clock sharp. When I enter the lab I invariably find the researcher that I work with most closely, Dr. Sarkar, already engrossed in a scientific journal or news article on his computer. When I come in he quickly finishes and we set about our work, analyzing pre- and post-synaptic ion channel changes related to Alzheimer’s disease, which ties in with the lab’s overall goal of discovering neuroprotective estrogens. The work involves immunochemical assays and western blots, among other things, which…

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Lori Myers: New Work Experience

by AFAR

I have settled into my homey little cubicle here at the Indiana University Center for Aging Research. A sign graces my door/entrance and reads, “Lori Myers, MS2 MSTAR Scholar.” I feel so official. I have a stapler, an office phone, an array of colorful pens, and even my own roll of tape. I have yet to use my tape, but I can see it in my peripheral vision just begging to stick something to something. In the meantime, it contributes to my “official” office experience. I am here every day from about 9-5, 8-4, or…

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Suvi Neukam: Why Geriatrics?

by AFAR

“Why geriatrics?” is a question I get a lot. My compassionate side answers with an explanation of the fulfillment that comes with helping the elderly to achieve health or relieve pain. My practical side, however, thinks about the disparity between the aging Baby Boomer population and the shortage of geriatricians. The truth, however, is far more selfish. Why geriatrics? Well that’s easy— the patient’s are entertaining! When I think about some of my favorite pastimes—reading, visiting with friends, watching movies, people watching— common to all of them is their ability…

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