The Aging & Brain Health Alliance at Rutgers University–Newark, which has a long history of research and outreach within Newark, was honored by city officials at a gala marking its 20th anniversary
Founded by neuroscientist Mark Gluck, the alliance has forged an international reputation for research on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia among African Americans—who have proven to be at greater risk of the disease than other groups. It has also built one of the nation’s most extensive community-based brain health outreach programs
Over the years, Rutgers Aging & Brain Health Alliance has partnered with churches, senior centers, community organizations, post-incarceration support groups, and public housing communities to bring health education and research opportunities directly to residents
At a black-tie gala celebration titled Giving Brain Science Back to the Community, Gluck, the center’s director, accepted a copy of the Newark City Council’s resolution commending the alliance, along with a letter of appreciation from Mayor Ras Baraka. Both were presented by Newark Councilwoman-at-Large Louise Rountree, who is also a minister
Baraka recognized the alliance for its legacy of work in the city
“I applaud the Aging & Brain Health Alliance for your diligence and devotion on every level,’’ Baraka declared. “We are also proud to acknowledge the many contributions that you have already made and will continue to make and the strong foundation of ethical values that you are building and will continue to build on this journey. I know you will continue to be an inspiration to us all.”
Gluck thanked city officials for the collaborative effort that has helped ensure success
“What we have built in Newark over the last two decades, promoting and studying aging and brain health in the most vulnerable members of local African American communities, would not have been possible without the continued support and encouragement of the Newark mayor’s office and city council,’’ Gluck said
“They have shown up at our events, connected us with key local partners, and shown how an alliance between Rutgers-Newark and Newark can put our shared home at the forefront of innovative approaches to Alzheimer’s prevention,’’ Gluck added
Combining neuroscience, public health and community-based research, the alliance has become a global leader in studying how factors such as genetics, cardiovascular health, sleep, stress, physical activity and the environment influence cognitive aging and dementia risk in older Black adults
At the center of its research is Pathways to Healthy Aging in African Americans, a major NIH-funded longitudinal study that has, since 2014, enrolled over a thousand older African Americans from Newark and surrounding communities
Through extensive cognitive testing, health assessments, brain imaging and lifestyle measures, Rutgers-Newark researchers are working to identify the earliest predictors of cognitive decline and better understand the factors that promote healthy brain aging and resilience
The alliance’s public events, newsletters and community-based programs have reached tens of thousands of Newark residents with information about Alzheimer’s disease, healthy aging and dementia prevention while helping increase participation of African Americans in aging research
Rutgers University–Newark Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson praised the pioneering work of the alliance and its relationship with the city
“The Aging & Brain Health Alliance is a powerful example of what makes Rutgers–Newark unique. Its strength lies in treating community members not as subjects of research, but as real partners in the production of knowledge,’’ she said. “By grounding scientific inquiry in the lived experiences of community partners, the alliance generates deeper insights, more impactful discoveries, and research that is both academically excellent and directly responsive to community priorities.
“This partnership enriches our community while helping to redefine and reimagine how aging and brain health research is conducted – the real gold standard,’’ said Smith-Jackson.
