UNF is fighting Alzheimer’s with a concert, art exhibit and research

The Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study at the University of North Florida has collaborated with the UNF School of Music and the Department of Art, Art History and Design to host a concert and three-day residency with renowned composer John Mackey and art exhibit to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s Disease.

UNF Wind Symphony and UNF Concert Band Present "Places We Can No Longer Go"

Wednesday, April 5, 7:30 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall

The UNF Wind Symphony will host renowned composer, John Mackey, for a three-day residency April 3 to April 5. The focus of the residency will be Mackey's piece, "Places We Can No Longer Go," which tells the story of Alzheimer's inspired by his own mother’s battle, but in reverse. It starts in the present, or maybe even in the future, and over the course of 22 minutes, goes in reverse as confusion turns to clarity and grief turns to comfort. Dr. Erin Bodnar serves as conductor. In addition to the concert performance, attendees will be able to view vinyl art pieces on the windows of the UNF Fine Arts Center created by art students.

John Mackey’s Residency

Monday, April 3: 2:30 to 4 p.m. The UNF Wind Symphony Rehearsal in Lazzara (open to public)

Tuesday, April 4: 7 to 9 p.m. The UNF Concert Band Open Rehearsal in Lazzara (open to public)

Wednesday, April 5:

• 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wind Symphony Rehearsal in Lazzara (open to public)
• 4 to 5 p.m. Meet and Greet with John Mackey
• 6:45 p.m. Pre-concert talk
• 7:30 p.m. Concert

Forms of Knowing: Cultural Documents Considering Alzheimer’s Research

Wednesday, June 21 - Thursday, November 9, UNF Lufrano Intercultural Gallery

Forms of Knowing is a two-part exhibition highlighting artwork concerning research and interpersonal connections between Alzheimer’s studies and human impact. This exhibition asks the viewer to consider Alzheimer’s through an investigative prism, illuminating myriad ways of understanding and qualifying a disease that impacts a sizable portion of the aging population. Designed into two segments, last year's exhibit featured the work of Ellie Brown and Rosemarie Oakman while this year's exhibit will feature the work of Lorrie Fredette and Kija Lucas. This exhibition is co-curated by former UNF Gallery Director and instructor Jessica Borusky and Sculpture Professor Jenny Hager with assistance from UNF Interim Gallery Director Michael Bell.

Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study

Led by Dr. Jody Nicholson, associate professor of psychology, the PACT study is making a positive impact in the campus and local communities through groundbreaking research and interdisciplinary collaborations within the College of Arts and Sciences. The study, which began at UNF in 2021, aims to examine whether computerized brain training exercises can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to UNF, the study is also taking place at four other institutions including the University of South Florida, University of Florida, Duke University and Clemson University. The UNF PACT study recently surpassed 800 participants in its quest to gain a total of 1,300 participants. For more information on the PACT study, please visit PACTstudy.org, or call at 904-620-4263.