Contents
- Requirements
- Dedication
- Invitation – UC Irvine – Wednesday, May 14, 2008
- UCI Study – Lecture Notes (Extended)
- Sex and QOL, Wellbeing and Satisfaction
- Betty White’s Position
- Impotence
- Role of Fantasy
- Living Well
- Protective Factors
- Performance (Physical) in Older Adults
- Reprise – Betty White
- Person of Interest – CH Kawas, MD – Geriatric Neurology
- Public Lectures
- CBLM
- The 90+ Study – UCI MIND
- Interject COVID related
- The 90+ Study – Living beyond age 90
- Laguna Woods Village – Article
- Confirming Findings
- Dementia
- Outreach
- STEM Fields
- UCI Neuro Department
- Scandinavian Longevity Alternating Generations
- Appendix
Dedicated to Joan “Marie” Nemec-Zhorne
Born 1943 – Most Significant Other Ever (MSOE)
Together 1998-2018
Lived together 2005-2006
Survived & Suffered Congestive Heart Failure (Age 60 in 2003)
Fell prey to dementia
Invitation – UC
Irvine – Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Lived Experience - UCI Study
Notes from Lecture (50 minutes)
Principal investigator - Pronunciation Dr. Claudia “K-wass”
What contributes to a 90 year or older individual’s high functionality?
What are some features of 90+ year olds’
Life Expectancy (US)
1900 average life expectancy - 48 male and 49 female
1950-68 years old
2003-77.6 years old
2026 added later 79 both sexes combined
Year 2000 in China 1.4 million over 90
Year 2008 Leisure World Population now the city of Laguna Woods = 18,442
2020 added later U.S. Census recorded 17,644 residents living in Laguna Woods
2026 added later - Over 2 million people aged 90 and older living in the United States. This "oldest-old" group is one of the fastest-growing parts of the American population, and the total number has more than tripled since 1980.
Longevity Expectation (USA)
Added: Average life expectancy at birth in the United States reached an all-time high of 79.0 years, based on final mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This metric marks an increase of 0.6 years from the prior year, driven by drops in COVID-19 and drug overdose fatalities
Impact of Parental Longevity
Added: Parental Longevity boosts a child's chance of living a longer, healthier life. Research shows a person's risk of early death drops by about 17% for every decade that at least one parent lives past age 70. Children of long-lived parents also face lower risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and slow cognitive decline.
Fantasy
Added: The psychological role of imagination and play in healthy aging, and the cultural-commercial "fantasy" of escaping biological aging entirely through the booming longevity market.
Other Determinants
Vitamin A, C & E = No Affect
Calcium = No Affect
Tea = No Affect
Alcohol (EtOH) up to 2 servings per day = decreases Mortality
Caffeine <= 2 cups per day = Decreases in Mortality
BMI – Normal and Overweight good
Not wise to drop weight when over 65
Activity best 45 minutes per day
More than 45 minutes not beneficial
Activities out and about up to 6 hours per day
Key Word “Moderation”
Consider - Living well V Living long V Both
Up to 80 years old chance of getting dementia is reasonable
Added: By age 80, roughly 1 in 6 people (about 15% to 18%) will have some form of dementia. The risk of developing the condition is not uniform; it increases significantly as people grow older, doubling roughly every five years past age 65
Oxygen
O2 saturation 93-97% OK
< 93% increases chance of dementia
FAQs from Audience (2008)
- Effect of WWII activity & greater death of males than females in their 90s
- Male survivors to and past 90: What did they do during WWII?
- Effect of smoking tobacco
- Effect of sex/orgasm
Said her team did not assess for sex because it was embarrassing to ask someone as old as your parents about sex.
Sex and QOL, Wellbeing and Satisfaction
Sexual health, quality of life (QOL), wellbeing, and satisfaction are deeply connected. Higher sexual satisfaction consistently links to better mental health, lower anxiety, stronger emotional bonds, and a greater overall sense of life satisfaction across all adult age groups.
The Connection to Quality of
Life (QOL)
Physical Health
Barometer:
Sexual function often reflects general cardiovascular and neurological fitness.
Life Evaluation:
People who report satisfying sexual relationships routinely score higher on standard subjective quality-of-life and health evaluations.
Chronic Illness Impact: Medical conditions like heart disease or chronic pain can lower sexual satisfaction, which in turn impacts overall QOL if emotional or physical symptoms are left untreated.
Wellbeing and Emotional Health
Stress Reduction:
Intimacy and sexual activity release endorphins and oxytocin, which lower daily stress and improve mood.
Lower Distress:
Positive sexual health correlates with lower rates of depression and everyday psychological distress.
Life Balance:
Emotional stability and healthy communication with a partner enhance both general wellbeing and the quality of physical intimacy.
Sexual Satisfaction Factors
More than Frequency:
Satisfaction relies heavily on emotional connection, physical comfort, and mutual pleasure rather than just the frequency of activity.
Partner Communication:
Open dialogue about desires and boundaries directly increases both sexual and relationship satisfaction.
Holistic Self-Care:
Good sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing mental health all serve as direct building blocks for a satisfying sex life.
Betty White’s Position on Sex for Older Adults (10-5-2010)
https://www.tvguide.com/news/betty-white-sex-1023975/
Betty White: You're Never Too Old for Sexual Desire
Betty White says sexual desire doesn't melt away with age. In the November/December issue of AARP Magazine, the 88-year-old says that if her third husband, Password host Allen Ludden, were still alive, they'd be spending a lot of time in bed.
Medications Associated with Impotence
Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Common culprits include blood pressure drugs like beta-blockers and diuretics, certain antidepressants (SSRIs), anti-anxiety medications, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors used for hair loss or enlarged prostates.
Blood Pressure and Heart
Medications
Beta-blockers: Propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol.
Diuretics (water pills): Hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide.
Centrally-acting agents: Clonidine.
Mental Health Medications
SSRIs (Antidepressants): Fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and citalopram (Celexa).
Antipsychotics: Haloperidol, risperidone, and quetiapine.
Anti-anxiety drugs: Diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax).
Hormonal and Prostate
Medications
5-ARIs: Finasteride (Propecia/Proscar) and dutasteride.
Anti-androgens: Used in prostate cancer care, such as leuprolide.
Hormone treatments: Spironolactone.
Other Common Drugs
Opioids: Morphine, oxycodone, and methadone.
Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Acid reflux drugs: Cimetidine and certain proton pump inhibitors.
Discuss alternative medications in these classes that are neutral or safer for sexual health?
Learn about strategies to manage ED while staying on a necessary prescription?
Please share which specific drug you are curious about if you'd like more tailored details.
Role of fantasy in sex
Sexual fantasy plays a vital, healthy role in human sexuality by generating arousal, reducing anxiety, and fulfilling psychological needs like novelty, validation, or stress relief. Fantasies act as an internal safe space where individuals can explore desires without needing to recreate them in real life.
Why We Have Sexual Fantasies
Building Arousal:
Mental imagery stimulates the brain and primes the body for sexual response.
Emotional Escape:
Imagining scenarios helps people disconnect from everyday stress or boredom.
Exploring Taboos:
Thoughts allow safe mental exploration of forbidden or unconventional ideas.
Processing Needs:
They often compensate for unfulfilled emotional or physical desires.
Aside – Search - A video detailing the most common sexual fantasies and what they mean:
Common Themes and Types
Intimacy and Romance:
Focusing on deep connection, passion, or being cherished by a partner.
Novelty and Adventure:
Visualizing new locations, changing routines, or adding variety.
Power Dynamics: Exploring roles of dominance, submission, or rougher physical play.
Validation and Attention:
Imagining being watched or deeply desired by others.
Sharing Fantasies with a
Partner
Fosters
Intimacy:
Open communication about private thoughts can build trust and vulnerability.
Reduces
Shame:
Recognizing that normal, private thoughts do not define your real-world intentions brings relief.
Optional
Action:
A fantasy does not have to become a blueprint for physical action; keeping it internal is entirely valid.
Added - Living Well
Living well means achieving a healthy, balanced, and meaningful quality of life. It goes beyond basic survival or material wealth to include physical health, emotional joy, personal growth, and strong connections with others. Most users on Quora agree that it centers on daily peace, gratitude, and purposeful actions rather than status.
Added - Living Long (USA)
Key Longevity Factors in the
U.S.
Lifespan vs. Healthspan:
Americans often spend their final decade managing chronic illnesses rather than living fully active lives.
Lifestyle Choices:
Regular physical movement, plant-rich diets, and strong social ties add healthy years.
Environment and Care:
Access to clean environments, steady income, and early medical screenings strongly boost personal longevity outcomes.
Financial Planning:
Living past 80 requires larger retirement funds and proactive long-term health care strategies.
Note: In general women in the USA live longer than men
As physical performance decreases risk for ALZ in older adults increases
Protective Factors
(Dementia & Longevity) - Summary
- Added: Around 8.5 hours of rejuvenating sleep
- Alcohol (EtOH) and coffee in moderation
- Chair Stands without using your hands (x4 times per day)
- Exercise 45 minutes per day
- Good Standing Balance
- Learning new things
- Nutrition – Focus heart health
- Rest decreases stress (Time outs)
- Social Engagement(s)
- Strong Grip Strength
- Walking normal V tiny steps is protective
Performance in Older Adults
Typical physical performance for a healthy older adult (ages 65+) includes a normal walking gait speed of about 1.0 meter per second, the ability to complete 10 to 19 chair stands in 30 seconds, and the endurance to walk roughly 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
Key Performance Benchmarks
Walking Speed:
A normal gait speed is near 1.0 m/s; speeds below 0.8 m/s often signal a higher risk of frailty or mobility issues.
Lower Body Strength:
Completing 14 to 19 chair stands (ages 60s) or 10 to 17 stands (ages 70+) in 30 seconds without using hands.
Balance: Standing unsupported on one leg for 10 to 20 seconds.
Aerobic Capacity:
Accumulating 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, like brisk walking, weekly.
Factors Affecting Performance
Muscle Mass:
Natural age-related loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) changes strength limits.
Joint Health:
Stiffness or past wear-and-tear can lower speed and flexibility.
Activity Level:
Regular training dramatically improves baseline scores compared to a sedentary lifestyle.
FYI – AI - If you have a specific test or age group in mind, tell me:
The specific age of the adult
Which skill or test you want to measure (like walking, grip strength, or memory)
I can give you the exact expected range for that category.
Feature Betty White
Betty White’s
Position on Sex for Older Adults
For Women, Sex Gets Better With Age—Right, Betty White?
Betty White and Our Cruel Obsession with…DO Women
Betty White became a beloved cultural icon through her sharp wit and saucy humor, yet cultural critiques—such as a notable essay in The New Republic—argue that reducing an accomplished, decades-long career to an obsession with "dirty old lady" jokes can be a patronizing form of ageism.
FYI - New Republic
https://newrepublic.com/article/113296/betty-white-and-our-cruel-obsession-dirty-old-women
Jun 15, 2013 (@ Age 91)
The NBC reality show “Betty White's Off Their Rockers” features senior citizens pranking unsuspecting youths.
Betty White
Born January 17, 1922 | Passed Away: December 31, 2021 (aged 99)
Person of Interest - Doctor
Claudia H. Kawas MD
University of California, Irvine
https://www.faculty.uci.edu/profile.cfm?faculty_id=4890
Dec 16, 2021
At UCI, she is Co-PI of The 90+ Study and Associate Director of the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders.
Dr. Kawas is looking like she is having a pretty good life.
Public Lectures at
the Irvine Barclay Theatre
University of California, Irvine - Outreach
https://cnlm.uci.edu/outreach/barclay-lectures/
Our public lectures are free to the public and are meant to encourage community engagement with science, and promote public understanding of the brain, learning and memory. Lectures are held at the Irvine Barclay Theatre and are free. Attendees are provided with ample opportunity to interact with and ask questions of the speakers. Lectures are generally 45-50 minutes long and are followed by about 20-30 minutes of questions from the audience.
Lecture Series – Information
Aside
https://cnlm.uci.edu/distinguished-barclay/
Has past lectures cataloged
How to Get Old: Lessons from 90-year-olds
Claudia Kawas, M.D. – Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior
University of California, Irvine
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 – 7:30 p.m.
Irvine Barclay Theatre
Claudia Kawas, M.D.
Professor, Neurology School of Medicine. Professor, Neurobiology and Behavior School of Biological Sciences. Phone: (949) 824-2323
The 90+ Study - UCI MIND
FYI - http://www.mind.uci.edu/research-studies/90plus-study/
Co-Principal Investigators: Claudia Kawas, MD; Maria Corrada, ScD
Co-Investigators: Annlia Paganini-Hill, PhD; Dana Greenia, RN, MS
The 90+ Study was initiated in 2003 to study the oldest-old, the fastest growing age group in the
United States. The 90+ Study is one of the largest studies of the
oldest-old in the world. More than 1,600 people have enrolled. Because
little is known about people who achieve this milestone, the remarkable
increase in the number of oldest-old presents a public health priority to promote the quality as well
as the quantity of life.
The
90+ Study participants
Initial participants
in The 90+ Study were
once members of The Leisure World
Cohort Study (LWCS), which was started in 1981. The LWCS mailed surveys
to every resident of Leisure World, a large retirement community in Orange
County, California (now incorporated as the city of Laguna Woods). Using
the 14,000 subjects from the LWCS, researchers from The 90+ Study were
able to ask, What allows people to live to age 90 and
beyond?
Studying
the oldest-old
Participants of The 90+ Study are visited every six months by
researchers who perform neurological
and neuropsychological tests. Our researchers at the Clinic for Aging Research
and Education (CARE), located in Laguna Woods, obtain information about diet,
activities, medical history, medications and numerous other factors.
Additionally, participants are given a series of cognitive and physical tests
to determine how well people in this age group are functioning.
Goals
of the study
Determine factors associated with longevity: What makes people live to age 90 and beyond? What
types of food, activities or
lifestyles are associated with living longer?
Examine the epidemiology of dementia in the
oldest-old: How many people aged 90
and older have dementia? How many become demented each year? What are ways to remain
dementia-free into your 90s?
Examine rates of cognitive and functional
decline in the oldest-old: How do
memory loss and disability affect those in their 90s? How can people prevent memory loss and
disability at this age?
Examine clinical pathological correlations in the oldest-old: Do the brains of people in their 90s show
evidence of memory loss and dementia? Do people with dementia have
differences in their brains that can be detected and treated? Determining
Modifiable Risk Factors for
Mortality and Dementia: What kinds of things can people change in their lives
to live longer? Can people change their risk of dementia through diet, exercise
or supplements?
Major
findings
Researchers from The 90+ Study have published many scientific
papers in premier journals.
Some of the major findings
are:
People who drank moderate amounts of
alcohol or coffee lived longer than those who abstained.
People who were overweight in their 70s lived longer than normal or
underweight people did.
Over 40% of people aged 90 and older suffer
from dementia while almost 80% are disabled. Both
are more common in women than men.
About half of people with dementia over age
90 do not have sufficient neuropathology in their brain to explain their cognitive loss.
People aged 90 and older with an APOE2 gene
are less likely to have clinical Alzheimer’s dementia, but are much more likely
to have Alzheimer’s neuropathology
in their brains.
Promotion – Not Certain if this
is Current
The 90+ Study is seeking new participants. If you are at least 90
years old and are willing to participate in twice annual visits and donate your
brain to research after death, you may be eligible to enroll in The 90+ Study. Please contact 949.824.2323 or study90@uci.edu or 1517 Hewitt Hall, Irvine, CA 92637-1400 (mailing
address) for more information.
COVID Pause
“Given the current and rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19, The 90+ Study is taking measures to keep our participants and researchers safe from exposure. Until further notice, all in-person visits and brain scans are suspended. We will be conducting telephone visits for those with biannual appointments until the situation is over. We want to make sure that our participants are staying healthy, safe and have everything they need so please contact us at (949) 768-3635 if there is anything we can do to help. We will be checking our messages almost daily.”
Brain Donations
Please also know that we are doing everything possible to continue with the brain donation program during this time. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are confident in our study’s ability to navigate this unprecedented set of challenges together with our participants and their families. In the meantime, we extend our profound thanks for your dedication, patience and compassion.
Aside - For additional resources, please contact:
- Alzheimer’s Orange County 24/7 Helpline at (844) 435-7259
- Council of Aging at (714) 479-0107
- Heartland Hospice care at (888) 327-6590
The 90+ Study - Living beyond age 90 | UCI Health | Orange County, CA
https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2015/02/living-beyond-age-90
Feb 26, 2015 90+ Study
Alcohol and coffee longevity role
According to UC Irvine’s trailblazing 90+ Study, people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol or coffee live longer than those who abstain. Co-directed by UCI Health geriatric neurologist Dr. Claudia Kawas, the 90+ Study is the longest continuing research effort focused exclusively on the distinctive health and lifestyle issues of Americans in their 90s or older.
The UCI 90+ Study at Laguna Woods Village - Baby Boomer
https://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com/2014/05/the-uci-90-study-at-laguna-woods-village.html
May 8, 2014 - The study is being conducted by Dr. Claudia Kawas, a medical ... UCI researchers sent surveys to the residents of Laguna Woods ... They were able to find nearly 1900 of them who were still alive and in their 90's or older.
Key Words
Drinking Coffee
Laguna Woods
Dementia
Claudia Kawas, MD
Lived Experience
The UCI 90+ Study at Laguna Woods Village
On May 4,
2014, the CBS television show,
"60 Minutes" featured a study that is taking place in the retirement
community where I live, Laguna Woods Village in Southern California.
The study is being conducted by Dr. Claudia Kawas, a medical doctor and
professor of neurology at the University of California in Irvine.
However, the study actually started
about 30 years ago ... long before Dr. Kawas was in Irvine.
Between the years of 1981 and 1984, UCI researchers sent surveys to the
residents of Laguna Woods Village
(then called Leisure World). Nearly 14,000 residents completed them.
The surveys asked a wide range of
questions over topics such as health, marital status, the activities in
which they participated, foods they ate, vitamins they took, alcohol
consumption, etc.
The average participant was 73 years old at the time of that first
survey. Two-thirds of them were women. Most were white and about
40% were college graduates. During the following years, the
original group of participants were asked to update their information in 1982, 1985, 1992, and
1998. Gradually, of course, the group got smaller.
Then, in 2003, UCI researchers took these dusty old folders off the shelf and
decided to see how these people were doing. They were able to find nearly 1900 of them who
were still alive and in their 90's or older. Approximately 1600 of them enrolled in Dr.
Kawas' current study and agreed to submit to extensive testing.
In addition, 306 people in this group agreed to donate their brains to the researchers after death. So
far, they have done autopsies on approximately 210 of those brains.
The research has been fascinating and I have summarized it below after
watching both the "60 Minutes" episode as well as a YouTube video by
Dr. Kawas.
UCI Research on Longevity: [Confirming
Findings]
Vitamin consumption did not
seem to help people live longer, although it may help in other areas, such as
preventing fractures, etc.
Drinking a glass or two of alcohol of
any type (not just red wine) occasionally (not necessarily daily)
seemed to help people live longer.
Caffeine from all sources, including soft drinks, chocolate, tea and coffee did
make a difference. People who consumed about 200 mg. of caffeine a day (2-3 cups of coffee) seemed to
live longer. People who consumed too much or too little did not live as
long.
Being of average weight or heavier seemed to be protective; being too thin was associated with an increased risk
of early death. People who were underweight in their 70's had a 50%
increase in their mortality rate. People who were of normal weight or overweight in their 70's had a 3% lower
mortality rate for each year they lived.
While having low blood pressure
was healthier for younger seniors, having high blood pressure
seemed to benefit those who are over the age of 90.
It was beneficial to stay mentally, physically and socially active as long as possible. About
45 minutes a day of physical
activity seemed to help people live until their 90's. More time spent in
exercise did not make a difference. In addition, the activity did not
need to be intense in order to benefit this age group. It did not have to
be jogging and it did not have to be all at once. It could be broken up into two or three
periods of activity a day. As for leisure/social
activities, those were also associated with a longer lifespan.
UCI Research on Dementia: (Confirming Findings]
Risk
There are more than 100 pathologies that can lead to dementia. Alzheimer's is only one form of dementia, although it is one of the most common. The more different pathologies you have, the higher your risk of developing dementia.
Researchers have long believed that plaques and Amyloid tangles in the brain are related to Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia. However, the brain autopsies that have been completed to date are bringing this into question. So far, half of the people with dementia had plaques and tangles, while half did not. In addition, the reverse has also been true. Half of the people without dementia had plaques and half did not. Dr. Kawas is now concluding that plaques and Amyloid tangles may not be as closely related to Alzheimers and other forms of dementia as we first thought, although there is still some reason to believe that it does matter. Researchers are concluding that dementia is more complicated than they first thought.
Three or more micro-infarcts or mini-strokes in the brain can multiply your chances of having dementia by five times.
Age seems to matter the most in regard to dementia. By age 85 about 5% have dementia; at 90, 10% of all seniors have dementia; by age 95, 20% have dementia; by 100, 40% have dementia.
Low oxygen levels in the blood, especially below 93%, doubled your chances of developing dementia.
Low walking speed resulted in an eleven times great risk of dementia.
People with a weak hand grip had a five times greater risk of dementia
High blood pressure and high cholesterol apparently REDUCES your chances of dementia (although these are still related to a higher incidence of heart disease and strokes). Researchers are now studying whether it is the blood pressure and cholesterol themselves, or if it is the drugs that are given for these illnesses, that provide the protection.
This report was fascinating ... and they are not finished, yet. They intend to continue studying this group of people until they have all died. Who knows what other incredible facts are still to be discovered?
Aside - If you want to watch the entire "60 Minutes" episode for yourself, which also includes an update on the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, you can find it here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/over-a-barrel-90/
If want to see an even more in-depth lecture by Dr. Kawas, here is a YouTube video of her giving a guest lecture at the University of California in Davis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXWhCniCWck
FYI – AI - Aside - If you are looking for more interesting information to assist you with aging and retirement, use the tabs at the top of this blog. They contain links to hundreds of articles to help you.
You are reading from the blog:
http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com
Photo Held Back - Photo credit: Photo of a clubhouse at Laguna Woods Village was taken by Author, Deborah-Diane. All rights reserved.
Demographics
Posted by Deborah-Diane at 7:51 PM (Wednesday, August 5, 2026)
Labels: alzheimers research,
alzheimers risk factors, Dr. Claudia Kawas research, how to live to be 90,
research on 90+ population, UCI study of Laguna Woods Village residents, UCI
study of the elderly
Outreach
Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory | UCI CNLM
https://cnlm.uci.edu/outreach/ (2025)
Connecting Neuroscience and Society
The Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM) at UC Irvine is committed to serving students and the community through our outreach programs directed by the Outreach Team of Dr. Manuella Oliveira Yassa, Director of Outreach and Education; Dr. Morgan Coburn, Assistant Director of Outreach and Education, and Dr. Erin Purvis Conway, Civic Science Fellow. Our public lectures foster community engagement and understanding of the brain, learning, and memory. Our K-12 programs facilitate a new passion for neuroscience in the next generation of brain scholars. The CNLM Ambassador Program is a trainee-led neuroscience outreach, education, and training group run and founded by Dr. Oliveira Yassa. The Program not only serves the community, but also enriches its trainees by offering pedagogy, project management, and leadership training, teaching and scientific communication opportunities. Through their participation, Ambassadors broaden their connections in the field of neuroscience, foster community and identify outlets for engagement outside of the lab.
Mission and Vision:
- To advance public understanding of brain science
- To bridge the gap between neuroscience and society
- To inspire youth to pursue education and careers in STEM fields
- To broaden participation in neuroscience
- To foster an inclusive and supportive environment for CNLM scientists
STEM Fields
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It groups these four closely related academic and professional disciplines together. These fields focus on innovation, scientific inquiry, logical reasoning, and solving real-world problems.
The Four Core Pillars of STEM
Science:
Studies the natural and physical world through observation and experiments (includes biology, chemistry, and physics).
Technology:
Focuses on computers, software systems, networks, and data management to build digital tools.
Engineering:
Applies scientific and mathematical principles to design and build physical structures, devices, and systems.
Mathematics:
Uses numbers, formulas, and logic to analyze data, model systems, and solve abstract problems.
Popular Disciplines and Majors
Computer Science:
Software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Life and Physical Sciences:
Biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and physics.
Traditional Engineering:
Mechanical, civil, electrical, and aerospace engineering.
Math and Data:
Statistics, data science, and actuarial science.
Are you looking for a specific career path or college major?
Do you want to know about job growth or salary estimates?
I can provide more tailored information for your goals.
Aside - The 9th Annual Arnold Starr Lecture and Exhibition
http://www.neurology.uci.edu/starr-lecture/
Admission: Free (No RSVP Required)
Arnold Starr Lecture was established in 2010 at the University of California, Irvine to honor Dr. Arnold Starr, the founding chair of the UC Irvine Department of Neurology, and to celebrate advancements in neurophysiology, cognitive neuroscience, and the study of the auditory system.
FYI – UCI Department
of Neurology (August 12, 2026)
https://www.ucihealth.org/medical-services/programs/neurology
Our approach to neurology
Our goal is to provide you with patient-centered, individualized and compassionate care. We offer you evidence-based medicine with a holistic, integrated approach.
How we work together
Neurology is an intricate and complex field. Your brain, spinal cord and nervous system are responsible for managing:
Your senses – what you see, hear, feel, touch and taste
How you move
Your cognitive ability, thoughts and feelings
Involuntary activities like breathing, heart pumping and metabolic processes
Body activities like temperature control, blood pressure, thirst, hunger and digestion
Your case is unique, but you can expect to work with a highly specialized team based on your diagnosis. We are naturally collaborative and work across multiple departments to provide the most accurate diagnosis and the best treatment options. Our team will coordinate your access to care across our subspecialties.
The advantages of an academic hospital
The benefits to you include:
- Highly integrated network of generalist and specialist providers
- Access to the most sophisticated diagnostic testing and the latest treatments
- Leading-edge research on the future of medicine and neurological advances
- Includes access to clinical trials that offer hope for complex neurological issues
In fact, we have over a hundred clinical trials taking place in neurology. At UCI Health, the gold standard in medicine, the latest treatments and integrative add-ons such as acupuncture and Tai-Chi are all available.
We offer telemedicine
We love to see you in person, but many of our specialties work well via telemedicine, saving you the drive. However, sometimes there's no substitute for coming in for hands-on exams and testing. We'll always find time for you if you need to visit us in person at our clinic.
Why choose UCI Health for neurology care?
We're meeting the needs of our patients across all ages
Neurological diseases can hit at any age, but as we age, there’s an increased risk of getting disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, stroke, and epilepsy. To keep pace, it's our responsibility to make sure we keep delivering the most advanced treatments.
We’re growing the movement toward precision medicine
Because many neurological disorders are complex and mimic other illnesses, getting a precise diagnosis is vital. For example, we not only want to understand an Alzheimer's diagnosis but everything else that could possibly play into it. If there are vascular or any other risks, we’ll spot them with ultra sophisticated testing and imaging. High level, precision diagnostics allow us to get you the right treatment at the right time while minimizing side effect risks. We’re currently expanding our precision neurology and precision Parkinson’s programs.
We have a rare offering, a women’s epilepsy program
Neurological disorders and symptoms sometimes affect men and women differently. Dr. Mona Sazgar is one of the world’s foremost experts and leads our women’s epilepsy services. If you’re an epileptic woman, you may benefit from seizure treatments that take your hormones and reproductive health into account.
We treat the most difficult-to-control conditions
We will help you manage complex and challenging neurological disorders that may resist standard treatment methods. That includes rare diseases, advanced stages of common neurological conditions, or cases with multiple, interacting symptoms needing a highly specialized approach.
For example, if you have drug-resistant epilepsy, our highly skilled team performs complex electroencephalogram (EEG) studies. This helps us find the “origin of the storm” of electrical activity. You may then benefit from advanced surgical procedures and neuromodulation device implants.
Aside - The UCI Health neurology program has one of the only
specialized brain monitoring units in Southern California
We can handle as many as six patients at once. This
monitoring unit allows our specialists to track and locate seizure origins in the folds of your brain. If
epilepsy medication isn’t a good fit and surgery is the better option, we can
map your brain with pinpoint accuracy.
FYI - Distinguished Lecture on the Brain - UCI MIND
http://www.mind.uci.edu/events/lecture-series/
Illustrious speakers from across the country are invited to deliver community lectures on their research in the area of brain, learning, and memory. This series is held at the Irvine Barclay Theatre on UCI Campus and is free to the public. Check back soon for updates and tickets for our upcoming lecture:
FYI - What Can We Learn from the Sleeping Brain? (About 1 hour long on You Tube)
Ruth Benca, MD, PhD, UC Irvine - February 7, 2017
Scandinavian Longevity
Alternating Generations
Primary Reference: https://www.nature.com/articles/5201832
Historical Scandinavian demographic and epidemiological studies (particularly using Swedish and-overlapping historical cohort records) have identified sex-specific, alternating-generation (transgenerational) responses in human longevity and metabolism linked to ancestral food supply during the slow growth period (SGP).
Transgenerational Responses
Grandparent-to-Grandchild
Link:
Research using historical Scandinavian parish databases (such as those from northern Sweden) showed that a grandfather’s nutrition during his slow growth period specifically impacts the longevity and metabolic health of his male grandchildren, bypassing the intervening father.
Sex-Specific Paths:
Dietary abundance or severe famine shocks experienced by a paternal grandfather during pre-adolescence route directly to the grandson's lifespan outcomes, mirroring a separate maternal grandmother-to-granddaughter transmission line.
Father-to-Son Effects:
Direct linear responses from father to son also occur, but the multi-generational "skipped" generation effect operates explicitly along the same-sex lineage (grandfather to grandson).
Underlying Factors
Epigenetic Imprinting:
Environmental stressors like food scarcity modify chemical tags on sex chromosomes or autosomal DNA during gametogenesis in the growing child.
Resilience Transmission:
Surviving early-life nutritional adversity builds an inherited physiological or metabolic resilience that manifests in later male descendants.
The exact age range defined as the slow growth period (SGP)
How historical Scandinavian famine data was mapped in these studies
The biological mechanisms proposed for sex-specific chromosome imprinting
Appendix – MSOE Health Records
