Thinking Ahead: Building and Sustaining a Brain That Lasts a Lifetime

Brain health matters to everyone — at every age and every stage of life. A healthy brain enables us to accomplish, well, everything, from tying our own shoes to caring for others to solving social challenges. And although the brain’s functions can be disrupted for many reasons, the everyday habits and choices that support them are within reach for everyone.

Understanding how the brain changes across a lifetime makes clear why planning for brain health is one of the most important investments we can make in our future selves. When we take steps to strengthen and sustain our brains, we are ultimately celebrating one of the most fundamentally human things we share.

Brian Carpenter is a clinical psychologist, Professor in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, and Co-Director of the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at Washington University. Dr. Carpenter received a B.A. from Williams College and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Case Western Reserve University. After completing a predoctoral internship at the New Orleans Veterans Affairs Medical Center, he completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Philadelphia Geriatric Center, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Portland Oregon VA Healthcare System. His teaching, research, and clinical interests focus on family relationships in later life, with an emphasis on communication among older adults, their family members, and their healthcare providers, particularly in the realms of Alzheimer’s disease and end-of-life care.

From mesmerizing ballads to electrifying beat sets, Katarra Parson is a powerhouse singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer whose music transcends genres. This St. Louis native weaves Soul, R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Classical influences into unforgettable performances that resonate deeply with audiences nationwide.