When we talk about Alzheimer’s disease, we typically focus on the person living with the diagnosis. But Alzheimer’s profoundly changes the lives of the family and loved ones who step into the role of caregiver as well.For former Wisconsin Governor Martin Schreiber, that journey began when his wife, Elaine, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007. As a husband and caregiver, Martin navigated the challenges, hardship, and even moments of humor and joy that come with caring for a loved one living with this devastating disease.Now, in his latest memoir, My Two Elaines, Martin reflects on these experiences in an effort to light a path for others navigating care. Through his story, he offers an honest look at the emotional toll of caregiving, the importance of finding moments of connection, and what it truly means to survive alongside someone you love.

As respiratory virus season approaches, the Alliance is joining hundreds of advocates worldwide to promote vaccinationagainst COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Leading the effort is CVEEP—Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress—a coalition working to build confidence in recommended vaccines and available antiviral treatments.

Joining us to discuss the importance of early detection, testing, and treatment is advocate, CVEEP co-convener, and Alliance Board Member Janet McUlsky.

Believe it or not, Innovation is happening all around us, and advocates and policymakers are working hard to ensure groundbreaking developments in medicine reach those who need it most. At the forefront of our efforts increase equitable access is the Patient Eligibility Restoration Act, or PERA Act, a bill that could dramatically change the landscape of patent protections, especially for transformative innovation in medical diagnostics. 

Joining me today to discuss the significance of the PERA Act, it’s growing support on the Hill and what’s at stake is Alliance President and CEO, Sue Peschin. 

Music, the great communicator,” as the Red Hot Chili Peppers once put it, has the power to transcend barriers and weave rhythm and melody into our lives. Whether you're an infant drifting off to a favorite lullaby or a concert pianist composing a magnum opus, music connects with us on a fundamental human level. It’s no surprise, then, that some of our most cherished songs and sounds can also play a meaningful role in care.

As we continue to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and amplify the voices of patients, advocates, caregivers, and experts, we’re excited to explore how music is transforming the way we approach neurodegenerative care.

Joining us today are Marianna Blagburn and Amy Hewes, Directors of Memory Support and Programming at Ingleside at Rock Creek and Westminster at Lakeridge. Through its Life Plan Communities, home care services, and foundation, Ingleside is committed to helping residents live engaged, fulfilling lives with access to a full continuum of care, including memory support.

In addition to its person-centered approach to aging services, Ingleside offers robust music therapy programming designed to support cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. We’re excited to learn more about that work and the power of music as dive into today’s chat.

Until recently, receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis often required an expensive brain scan or invasive procedure. The introduction of the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act aims to change that by expanding access to innovative diagnostic tools that could make screening more affordable and accessible.

As the ASAP Act continues to gain bipartisan support, the Alliance remains committed to advancing innovations in Alzheimer’s care and amplifying the voices of advocates working to improve access to early detection.

Joining us to discuss the ASAP Act and its potential to remove barriers to care is patient advocate and Alliance for Aging Research Board Member Jay Reinstein.

May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate older adults, recognize advocates supporting aging communities, and embrace the journey to healthy aging. It’s also Physical Fitness and Sports Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, making this the perfect time to explore the connection between fitness and healthy aging with four-time reigning California’s Strongest Man and physician, Dr. Andrew Mock.

When Dr. Mock isn’t pulling 16-wheelers or lifting 225-pound scuba tanks, he’s promoting health, wellness, and longevity as Director of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum. Throughout his career, he has championed the long-term benefits of exercise and made it his mission to lead by example. Join us as we discuss the many benefits of movement and share simple ways to begin your own fitness journey.

For more than 60 years, the Older Americans Act has provided vital support to vulnerable older adults through programs that home-deliver meals, offer transportation services, caregiver support, and beyond. Administered through the Administration for Community Living, these services help millions of older Americans age with dignity and independence.

Despite its long-standing success, the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget revives efforts to dismantle the Administration for Community Living and threatens the future of these critical programs.

Joining me to discuss what’s at stake, the potential impact on older Americans, and how advocates are fighting back are Alliance VP of Public Policy Scott Frey and Alliance Board Member and former HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging Edwin Walker. 

As we continue celebrating our milestone 40th anniversary, the Alliance for Aging Research is setting its sights on another big event, Heroes in Health.

If you’re new to the show or unfamiliar with our awards dinner, it’s an annual gathering in Washington, DC where advocates, experts, patients, policymakers, clinicians, and more come together to honor leaders advancing healthy aging. And this year feels especially meaningful.

Joining us to share what we have in store is Alliance Development Coordinator, Lauren Belsky. Since joining the Alliance last year, Lauren has hit the ground running, playing a key role in corporate partnerships, fundraising

Alzheimer’s and related diseases don’t just affect memory. They also bring behavioral and psychological challenges known as neuropsychiatric symptoms, or NPS. These can include anxiety, depression, agitation, and sleep disturbances, making life difficult for both patients and caregivers. As symptoms progress, so do the risks of injury, isolation, and the need for institutional care, often worsened by stigma and limited support.

To address this, the Alliance for Aging Research and the National Alliance for Caregiving co-hosted the “Caring Together” summit in December 2025, bringing together experts, caregivers, and people with lived experience to share practical tools and strategies—now captured in a new white paper. Joining us today to discuss these resources is Jason Resendez, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, where he leads efforts to better support more than 63 million family caregivers nationwide.

This year marks a major milestone as the Alliance for Aging Research celebrates its 40th anniversary. That’s four decades of changing the narrative around aging and fighting for equitable access to care. And if you thought turning 40 was a sign to slow down, we’re here to tell you we’re just getting started.

On this very special episode of The Check-Up, I’m joined by Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin and Founder and Board Member Dan Perry to reflect on 40 years of service to the aging community, and to discuss our continued commitment to healthy aging.