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Brené with Jason Karlawish, M.D. on
The Problem of Alzheimer’s

Brené Brown has a tough conversation about Alzheimer’s with Dr. Jason Karlawish author of "The Problem of Alzheimer’s." They talk about how society responds to a disease that diminishes autonomy.

Dementia expert says evidence behind Biogen Alzheimer’s drug ‘wasn’t sufficient’ for FDA approval

Dementia expert Dr. Jason Karlawish told CNBC he’s skeptical of the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Biogen’s Alzheimer’s disease drug, Aduhelm, saying “the evidence to approve the drug wasn’t sufficient.”

In Reversal, F.D.A. Calls for Limits on Who Gets Alzheimer’s Drug

“The revision of this label is yet another piece of evidence that should cause the American public to be concerned about how FDA is practicing its regulatory science,” Dr. Jason Karlawish told the New York Times.

 

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Cleveland Clinic, Mount Sinai and Providence Won’t Give Biogen’s New Alzheimer’s Drug

"It’s very disturbing that we’re starting to hear health systems that rely on the FDA sending signals that they don’t trust the FDA,” Dr. Jason Karlawish told The Wall Street Journal.

 

Alzheimer's Doctors On Biogen's New Drug; Tax Inequality

There's excitement — and controversy — surrounding Biogen's new Alzheimer's drug. What are doctors saying? Dr. Jason Karlawish talks about the drug's promise and peril.

Aduhelm, Biogen’s new Alzheimer’s drug, won FDA approval. Now doctors, patients, and insurers face tough decisions about care and cost

It’s unclear when the drug will be available or whether insurance will pay for it, yet it is eagerly awaited by many seeking options to treat an unrelenting disease.

Recently Approved Alzheimer Drug Raises Questions That Might Never Be Answered

In JAMA Network Medical News, Dr. Jason Karlawish expresses his concern over Aduhelm’s potential effect on enrollment of future clinical trials.

 

Should the FDA Have Approved the New Alzheimer’s Drug?

In an event hosted by The Hastings Center, Dr. Jason Karlawish discusses the impact of Aduhelm’s approval on clinical practice and the field of Alzheimer’s disease research.

 

"A disease does not fully exist in America until it has a business model"

In Episode XX of the podcast Whiskey & Cream the host, Ari Shapiro, dives into the topic of Biogen's Aduhelm. Aduhelm arrived like a bolt out of the blue and changed the way the world is looking at Alzheimer's disease.

Lockdown dementia with Jason Karlawish and Jennifer Watt

On the Deep Breath Podcast, Dr. Jason Karlawish discusses the negative impact of social isolation brought on by the pandemic for older adults and explains the importance of visitors for those living in a facility.

 

A NEW ALZHEIMER’S DRUG OFFERS MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS

Dr. Jason Karlawish describes the ethical dilemmas in prescribing Aduhelm to patients and the controversy surrounding the drug.

What’s on the Horizon for Dementia Care? with Dr. Jason Karlawish

In today’s episode, Dr. Karlawish discusses potential breakthroughs in the years ahead that can help us weather this storm. We also review the FDA’s controversial approval last week of aducanumab, the first new drug for Alzheimer’s in nearly two decades.

Aduhelm, Biogen’s new Alzheimer’s drug, won FDA approval. Now doctors, patients, and insurers face tough decisions about care and cost

“I remain an unenthusiastic prescriber (of Aduhelm),” Dr. Jason Kalrawish told The Philadelphia Inquirer. But, he added, “I have to respect that one of my chief goals is to help people maintain their autonomy.”

"לבנות על תרופה לאלצהיימר זה כמו לתכנן את העתיד על סמך זכייה בלוטו"

Dr. Jason Karlawish discussed the FDA’s approval of Aduhelm with Haaretz. This article is in Hebrew and has a paywall.

 

Alzheimer's disease drug approved in the US despite concerns of clinicians

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug for Alzheimer's disease in nearly two decades. But not everyone is welcoming the decision including one of our guests Dr. Jason Karlawish.

 

The FDA Just Approved A Major Alzheimer's Drug. Now What?

On Monday, the FDA approved aducanumab, a new medication for Alzheimer's. But the FDA's approval comes despite an intense debate. Dr. Jason Karlawish discusses what we know about the drug and how it will shape the future of Alzheimer's research and treatment.

Listen: Two Alzheimer’s experts with opposing viewpoints on Aduhelm

This week’s “First Opinion Podcast” is a special two-part episode focusing on the controversial — some say inflammatory — FDA decision to approve aducanumab. In this episode, two episodes, Patrick Skerrett talks with Dr. Jason Karlawish, who does not believe the drug is ready to be approved.

5 Things to Know About the New Alzheimer's Drug, Aducanumab

Doctors weigh in on Biogen's newly approved dementia treatment, brand name Aduhelm. "So if you take this drug, you're taking a risk that's unusual when you take a drug, and that risk is the drug may have no benefit,” says Jason Karlawish in this AARP article.

Why The FDA’s Approval Of A New Alzheimer’s Drug Should Worry You

Aduhelm may be a case study in everything that’s wrong with how America manages prescription drugs. “The results of studies of aducanumab don’t allow reasonable conclusions about the count of days of active life a person living with Alzheimer’s disease will receive from taking the drug,” said Dr. Jason Karlawish.

 

WHAT’s NEXT FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE? A conversation with PETER BOWES

There has been “spectacular” progress in the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s. In this LLAMA podcast hosted by Peter Bowes, Dr. Jason Karlawish says therapeutic treatments have had significant gains, but hurdles remain.

Alzheimer's Disease: care, treatment and prevention

The FDA approved use of the controversial Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm. We'll speak with Dr. Jason Karlawish about the decision and why it generated much debate. We'll also discuss the state of Alzheimer's research and treatment, particular the ethical issues that arise with the disease, and the toll Alzheimer's takes on caregivers. Karlawish's new book is “The Problem of Alzheimer's.”

The F.D.A.’s Extraordinary Approval of a Questionable Treatment for Alzheimer’s

It is very rare for the agency to ignore an overwhelmingly negative advisory recommendation. Dr. Jason Karlawish, a co-director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Memory Center, in Philadelphia, who ran one of the trial sites, was quoted for his opinion.

Dementia, Alzheimer’s have reached crisis point, Penn researcher says. Here’s what we can do about it. | 5 Questions

Sandy Bauers, For The Inquirer, asked Dr. Jason Karlawish 5 questions about how mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s now affect so many people — those with symptoms, plus their caretakers — and why he terms it a crisis.

 

FDA Approves First New Alzheimer’s Drug in Nearly Two Decades

Biogen drug approved after facing doubts over whether it slows the progression of the memory-robbing disease. Dr. Jason Karlawish and other experts talk to WSJ about Aducanumab.

What You Need to Know About the New Alzheimer's Disease Drug

A new drug to treat Alzheimer’s Disease received FDA approval. NBC10’s Jim Rosenfield spoke with Jason Karlawish of the Penn Memory Center who discussed concerns about raising false hopes for patients and families.

The FDA Has Approved A New Alzheimer's Drug — Here's Why That's Controversial

The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug aducanumab to treat patients with Alzheimer's disease on Monday. Dr. Jason Karlawish speaks to NPR about the drug, his opinions, and what the future may look like now that it is approved.

The First Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease Is Here

Alzheimer’s disease was first described by Alois Alzheimer in 1906, and now, more than 100 years later, doctors have an effective drug to treat the cognitive disorder. Find out the experts opinions and the possible future of Alzheimer’s with TIME.

 

Penn dementia expert on newly approved Alzheimer’s drug: ‘The data aren’t strong enough

Dr. Jason Karlawish speaks to the Philadelphia Inquirer about Biogen and the new “Alzheimer’s drug.” "It's not even certain that the drug works," Dr. Karlawish said.

Landmark Alzheimer’s drug approval confounds the research community

Many scientists say there is not enough evidence that Biogen’s aducanumab is an effective therapy for the disease. Dr. Jason Karlawish is among them in this Nature interview.

Alzheimer’s Drug Approval Draws Fire on Treatment’s Effectiveness and Uses

U.S. approval of a medication that removes a key marker for Alzheimer’s disease sharply divided clinicians and advocates over whether it has the ability to change the disease’s progress and how it will be used. Read more for Dr. Jason Karlawish’s thoughts.

Biogen’s Alzheimer’s Drug Is Approved by the FDA. The Price? $56,000 a Year.

Dr. Jason Karlawish and other experts talk to Barrons about Biogen and Aducanumab in light of its FDA approval.

 

Biogen's Alzheimer's drug wins FDA approval

After months of anticipation, Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) has won a coveted — but controversial — approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for aducanumab, its blockbuster drug to treat early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

FDA approves the first drug intended to slow cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease

Dr. Jason Karlawish speaks to the Washington Post about the hotly debated approval, the first for the illness in almost two decades, but he says evidence of effectiveness is scant.

A Highly Controversial Alzheimer’s Treatment Won FDA Approval. Scientists Say We Don’t Know If It Actually Works.

In one sense, aducanumab is a historic drug — but many scientists say its approval is a triumph of business interests over public health. Dr. Jason Karlawish speaks about his history and future with the drug.

Alzheimer’s Drug Poses a Dilemma for the F.D.A.

If the agency approves it, aducanumab would be the first new Alzheimer’s treatment since 2003. Patients are desperate for new options, but some scientists say there isn’t enough evidence it works.

 

Hidden Helpers: Unpaid Caregivers And The Pandemic

Dr. Jason Karlawish is a featured guest in this episode of NPR’s 1A podcast. Throughout the episode, Dr. Karlawish provides a physician’s perspective on this healthcare crisis to host Kathryn Fink.

Dr. Jason Karlawish: A Q&A About Alzheimer’s and His New Book

June 1st is the start of Brain Health Awareness Month and WAM decided to interview Dr. Jason Karlawish, author of The Problem of Alzheimer’s, about the history of Alzheimer’s and what it means for families everywhere.

If the FDA approves Biogen’s Alzheimer’s treatment, I won’t prescribe it

You might think that I’m among those hoping the FDA will approve aducanumab, an experimental Alzheimer’s drug developed by Biogen. But I’m not.  Why? Biogen hasn’t made a convincing case for it.

C-SPAN2 Book tv - the problem of alzheimer’s

Richard James hosts this Penn Biomedical Library event where Dr. Jason Karlawish traces the history of Alzheimer’s disease, from early disease recognition to its growth into one of the world’s most prevalent illnesses.

 

Sparks of Clarity - A Penn Medicine Listening Lab Story Experience

Dr. Jason Karlawish shares "Sparks of Clarity," in this storytelling interview with Penn Medicine’s Listening Lab to tell a story with humility and honesty to challenge societal assumptions about Alzheimer's.

Mild Cognitive Impairment Vs. Dementia Vs. Alzheimer's and What We Can Do About Them with Dr. Jason Karlawish

With so many questions about the difference between mild cognitive impairment versus dementia versus Alzheimer's Disease, Dr. Jason Karlawish provides answers and share tips for staving off dementia when you have mild cognitive impairment.

Jason Karlawish and an Alzheimer’s caregiver on dementia’s ripple effect

Dr. Jason Karlawish is featured in this episode of “First Opinion Podcast.” Jason and host Patrick Skerrett were joined by Richard Bartholomew, a husband and caretaker. Both share the isolating, all-encompassing experience of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other type of dementia. 

Jason Karlawish’s ‘The Problem of Alzheimer’s’ Makes Us Mad—In a Good Way

A new book by Dr. Jason Karlawish, The Problem of Alzheimer’s, shares largely untold stories of the history of the Alzheimer’s crisis, discussing the science, the missed opportunities, and the reasons for hope. But, as Phil Gutis writes, it may also make you angry.

 

Launching the chronicle of a disease of autonomy: PMC hosts book release event for Jason Karlawish’s ‘The Problem of Alzheimer’s’ 

Dr. Karlawish read an excerpt from his book and answered questions about the revolutionary moments of Alzheimer’s disease history at a virtual launch event hosted by PMC. Watch the event recording here.

The Humanist Is In

An overview of Dr. Jason Karlawish’s nonfiction narrative, The Problem of Alzheimer’s. Julia Klein questions Karlawish in this intensive Q&A that highlights the fragility of science and Alzheimer’s disease.

A Revolution Is Underway in Alzheimer's, and It's Not All Good

The biomarker revolution has changed the way people look at Alzheimer's disease -- and that has its downsides, says Dr. Jason Karlawish, MD, co-director of the Penn Memory Center in this interview with Judy George from Med Page Today.

Episode 20 – Dr. Jason Karlawish and the problem of Alzheimer’s

Rosanne Corcoran, host and creator of Daughterhood, interviews Dr. Jason Karlawish for the 20th episode of her podcast where they deep dive into the historical complexities of Alzheimer’s Disease and the consistent uphill battle that faces those caregivers who provide for the again adult population.

 

A Geripal Podcast focusing on Jason Karlawish and the problem of alzheimer’s

GeriPal hosts Eric Widera and Alex Smith talk with Dr. Jason Karlawish, about his new book to answer questions such as “Where are we with Alzheimer’s.”

‘The Problem of Alzheimer’s’ Book Excerpt

Dr. Jason Karlawish provides the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement an exclusive exert of “The Problem of Alzheimer’s” that takes a look inside laboratories, patients’ homes, caregivers’ support groups, progressive care communities. Read the excerpt below.

A Revolution Is Underway in Alzheimer's, and It's Not All Good

Dr. Jason Karlawish dives into the specifics of the history of Alzheimer’s disease in this interview with Judy George. Together they navigate the complexities of this medical field - acknowledging that science often collides with politics. And after decades people with Alzheimer's still have no effective treatments.

HOW SOCIETY CAN IMPROVE CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS

Dr. Jason Karlawish discusses society’s role in addressing care for individuals with memory loss, as well as current stigmas around Alzheimer’s, Wealthcare, and his cautious optimism for the future.

 

Jason Karlawish on the science and history of Alzheimer’s

The co-director of the Penn Memory Center outlines the medical, social, and ethical challenges that surround Alzheimer’s disease.

‘We Are Going to Keep You Safe, Even if It Kills Your Spirit'

For the millions of Americans living with dementia, every day during this pandemic can bring a fresh horror.

A Call for a Humanitarian Response to Alzheimer's

Dr. Jason Karlawish appears in this in-depth interview with Richard Harris, the host of this Next Avenue article, to dissect “The Problem of Alzheimer’s” and his inspiration behind the book's personal aspects.

The Past, Present, and Future of Alzheimer’s Disease Research

The Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center interviews Dr. Jason Karlawish in this four-part podcast series centered around his new book.

 

What is “The Problem of Alzheimer's” as told by Dr. Jason Karlawish

David Godfrey dives deep in this interview with Dr. Jason Karlawish about his new book, “The Problem of Alzheimer's".”

What We Still Don’t Know About COVID-19 and the Brain

As a member of the Global Council on Brain Health, Dr. Jason Karlawish gives his input on the possible long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

KWMR-FM's "Airwaves"

AIRWAVES broadcast’s discussions that are unrehearsed and informative interview conversations that flow back and forth as professionals share their thoughts, stories, and findings. Dr. Karlawish appeared on KWMR-FM's "Airwaves" LIVE on March 30th. The recording is here.

Alzheimer's on BYU Radio’s constant wonder

Dr. Jason Karlawsih is interviewed by the host of Constant Wonder on BYU Radio Marcus Smith on the complexities and confusions that surround Alzheimer’s disease.

 

How to foster supported decision-making for adults with cognitive impairment

People living with cognitive impairment often are able to make their decisions independently. But as their condition changes, their decision-making abilities change as well.

A monument to our monumental suffering can help America heal from this pandemic

Experts predict that the country will return to some semblance of normalcy within the year. But this optimism brings a new challenge into view: How will America heal from this collective trauma?

Viewpoints: Lessons On Getting The Vaccine, Heading To Mask-Less Times

In this article, we see how in the 56 weeks since the first case of Covid-19 was reported in the US, more than 475,000 Americans have died from the virus. And while this pain is shared, we have often suffered alone.

Alzheimer’s Prediction May Be Found in Writing Tests

IBM researchers trained artificial intelligence to pick up hints of changes in language ahead of the onset of neurological diseases.

 

IBM Algorithm Can Tell Who’s Going to Get Alzheimer’s by Reading Their Writing

"This is the first report I have seen that took people who are completely normal and predicted with some accuracy who would have problems years later.”

Treating the Causes, Not Symptoms, of Alzheimer’s

In this edition of Letters to the Editor, we hear from an individual about how Dr. Jason Karlawish offers optimism for Alzheimer’s disease. They also share a major problem in finding treatment specific for AD based on personal experience.

Dr. Jason Karlawish: ‘The Problem With Alzheimer’s’

Dr. Jason Karlawish examines the known history and study of Alzheimer’s disease, with information about possible biomedical relief in the future.

Legendary singer Tony Bennett battling Alzheimer's disease

Tony Bennett’s wife Susan told AARP magazine, “He’s not the old Tony anymore, but when he sings, he’s the old Tony.” He was first diagnosed in 2016 and is now 94 years old.

 

Ahead of a divisive election, this Penn doctor is working to ensure people with dementia can vote

Dr. Jason Karlawish shares his interest in ensuring that Americans with dementia can vote in this research-driven Health News interview.

How does “The Problem of Alzheimer’s” detail the diseases complexity

Janet Perry interviews Dr. Jason Karlawish about how to support caregivers and loved ones, and help patients reclaim autonomy.

WHYY Regional Roundup

We’ll hear from University of Pennsylvania physician JASON KARLAWISH in this interview as he advocates for the voting rights of patients with dementia.

Nursing Home Families Yearn to Visit Loved Ones Again

Struck hard by the pandemic, long-term and assisted living facilities shut their doors to outsiders. Many still have not reopened.

 

We created 2020

“Beginning the morning after his inauguration, a spectacular science-related tragedy has unfolded,” Jason Karlawish wrote about the whirlwind that was 2020.

After retired Black NFL players file lawsuit, experts weigh in on race and diagnosing dementia

Some diseases are relatively easy to diagnose. A cancer diagnosis is often based on a biopsy. Diagnosing dementia is not like that, said Jason Karlawish. It is what doctors call a “clinical diagnosis.”

Pandemic isolation has killed thousands of Alzheimer’s patients while families watch from afar

One man fights from the doorway of a nursing home to save his wife. It’s not just the loss of interaction, said Jason Karlawish, an Alzheimer’s expert at the University of Pennsylvania. “

Late Payments, Credit Scores May Predict Dementia

Problems paying bills and managing personal finances were evident years before a dementia diagnosis, retrospective data showed.

 

When a Drug Study Abruptly Ends, Volunteers Are Left to Cope

A participant might commit months or years to a drug trial, only to see it vanish overnight. Jason Karlawish gives his take on the abrupt stopping of drug studies around Alzheimer’s.

‘Better business model’ needed for dementia care, Senate committee hears

A “better business model for the diagnosis and care of persons with Alzheimer’s disease” needs to be created, Dr. Jason Karlawish said in this Senate Finance Committee Subcommittee on Health hearing.

Alzheimer’s Tests Soon May Be Common. Should You Get One?

Diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s disease are already here. But the results may raise as many questions as they answer. Dr. Jason Karlawish breaks down the research behind Alzheimer’s tests.

KHN Morning Briefing

KHN’s Morning Briefing highlights Dr. Jason Karlawish’s opinion piece as a key summary of health policy that was covered by major news organizations in recent weeks.

 

In The Hospital With Dementia: These Patients Need Their Caregivers

Dr. Jason Karlawish outlines his knowledge about the connection between patient and caregivers as he is especially concerned about delirium - a dangerous and potentially fatal condition. Ahead of a divisive election, this Penn doctor is working to ensure people with dementia can vote

Nursing home residents need to be allowed an “Essential Support Person” during times of crisis

In this opinion piece, Dr. Jason Karlawish’s views and studies are used to encourage citizens and representatives to support ESP designation.

From the Front Lines: Dr. Jason Karlawish Talks About the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

Top on the list of fears among older Americans: Alzheimer’s. We have a conversation with Dr. Jason Karlawish, who has spent decades researching the disease, giving him a front-row view of the challenges that face Americans living with Alzheimer’s.

Financial habits may be as important as a brain scan to identify Alzheimer's

Your financial habits may be just as important as a brain scan when it comes to diagnosing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Here Jason Karlawish identifies financial habits as tools for early diagnosis.

 

Art Circle Library reopens March 8

Dr. Jason Karlawish’s nest book, “The Problem of Alzheimer’s” has been placed on the Art Circle Libraries “Best New Books” list.

Brain Books by AARP

Dr. Jason Karlawish’s newest book, “The Problem of Alzehimer’s,” has been added to AARP’s collection list of new Brain Books of 2021.

New Release Tuesday a booklist from the tiny bookstore

The Tiny Bookstore highlights Dr. Jason Karlawish’s newest book in their list of “New Releases".” Check out their site for online orders.

Dr. Jason Karlawish—Author of The Problem of Alzheimer’s

Robert Rimm showcases “The Problem of Alzheimer’s,” as an unambiguous account of decades of missed opportunities in this Q&A with Dr. Jason Karlawish.

 

A dive into “The Problem of Alzheimer’s” with Author Dr. Jason Karlawish

Dr. Jason Karlawish appears in a St. Louis Library Facebook Live interview with Kathy Brathowski, the host of this Higher Education Channel podcast, to dissect “The Problem of Alzheimer’s.”

Application of In-Home Monitoring Data to Transition Decisions in Continuing Care Retirement Communities: Usability Study

A study deployed a suite of in-home monitoring technologies to detect changing levels of care needs in residents of independent living units.

The Library Guy: The Problem of Alzheimer’s with Dr. Jason Karlawish

This month, Bill Peak, the Library Guy,  talks with Dr. Jason Karlawish about his new book, The Problem of Alzheimer’s. Karlawish cares for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers at PMC.  He is perhaps the leading authority on Alzheimer’s.

3 New Books About Memory — and Keeping It Sharp

What to know about staving off dementia, and the mysteries of Alzheimer's. Dr. Jason Karlawish’s newest book “The Problem of Alzheimer’s” is featured on this AARP memory book list.

 

The problem of Alzheimer’s: Caregiver exhaustion and a minefield of ethical quandaries

As the world's population ages, a new generation will be facing Alzheimer's. A new book by Dr. Jason Karlawish delves into the disease's toll and what's needed to quell the effects of the coming wave.