Cognitive Aging Not Always Inevitable: Michigan Psychology Faculty Uncovering New Paths to Preserving a Fit Mind
Memory and cognitive performance start declining in our early 30s and continue to do so for the rest of our lives. But the speed and severity vary from person to person. Normal cognitive aging is gradual and leaves many abilities intact. Diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s can move rapidly and take away much more.
As average lifespans increase, understanding what causes cognitive aging only becomes more important, and it has long been a major research focus for Michigan Psychology faculty. The good news is they and other scientists have brought major breakthroughs to our understanding of both normal and disordered aging, and many of the underlying neurochemical changes appear to be shared. Therefore, developing pharmaceutical or behavioral interventions for one form may also help us treat others. Moreover, many contributing factors, such as cardiovascular health or the strength of a person's social network, are already modifiable at the individual and community level. Over time, many forms of cognitive aging may become preventable or even reversible. Read more about how Michigan Psychology faculty are leading this research
Read more about how Michigan Psychology faculty are leading this research
Join Us 10/16 for the Psychology Homecoming Picnic
You are invited to attend the 2026 Psychology Homecoming Picnic! The festivities will include free food, games, and an opportunity to catch up with the department. Join the fun Friday, October 16, from 12-2pm on the grassy area between East Hall and Weiser Hall. RSVPs are required.
“No Matter What I Pursue Here, They’re Great at It!”: Kenneth Karbowski Establishes Gift Fund to Support Psychology Students
Kenneth Karbowski (BA: 1985; MPH: 1988) is the Vice Chair of Finance and Administration for the University of Washington's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. A passionate advocate for liberal arts education and the study of psychology (especially at Michigan!), he recently signed a $25,000 bequest to support future Department of Psychology students. Read more about how Michigan shaped Karbowski's life and career
Alumni: Share Your Career Experience
We would love to hear from alumni who have pursued careers in psychology or in other fields! If you would like to share your post-graduate career experience, please contact us.
“No Matter What I Pursue Here, They’re Great at It!”: Kenneth Karbowski Establishes Gift Fund to Support Psychology Students
Getting lost, even close to home, is one of the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease for patients and caregivers alike. That disorientation isn't simply forgetfulness. It reflects damage to one of the brain's fundamental navigation systems. Combining computational modeling with animal studies, Omar Ahmed’s lab investigates how that system breaks down, and how treatments like carefully targeted psychedelic compounds might help restore it. Read more about Ahmed's work
Most People Do Not Realize When a Personal Message They Receive Was Written by AI, Study Finds
Recent research by Andras Molnar shows that most people cannot tell whether personal texts or emails were written by humans or AI. Yet most people also view such AI-generated communications more negatively than those written by humans. This creates a situation where people who use AI in their personal lives frequently avoid admitting it. Read more about Molnar's study
Targeting Inflammation May Offer Hope for Depression Treatment
Standard antidepressants don’t work for everyone, and clinicians have few reliable ways to predict who will respond. A new analysis co-led by Annelise Madison points toward one clue: When treated with anti-inflammatory medications, patients who have both depression and high levels of inflammation experienced improved mood and greater capacity for pleasure. This research adds clarity to the emerging field of immunopsychiatry and hints that future depression treatments may target the immune system as well as the brain. Read more about Madison's findings
Recent Psychology Graduate Annalee Miner Receives 2026–27 Fulbright U.S. Student Award
Annalee Miner, a recent Department of Psychology graduate, received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award to serve as an English Teaching Assistant for the 2026 –27 academic year. Miner's Fulbright award will take her to Colombia, where she will teach at a regional university and volunteer in a family health clinic. Her work is driven by a commitment to culturally responsive care and a dedication to fostering cross-cultural exchange. Congratulations, Annalee!
