Brenner Pathways - Tom and Karen Brenner

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About Tom and Karen Brenner

Tom Brenner holds an MA in Gerontology and has been working as a trainer, writer and consultant in the field of aging for many years. Tom is a trainer and researcher for the State of Illinois, Department on Aging. He also trains caregivers and case managers in the Illinois Community Care Project. Karen Brenner has worked in the field of education for 30 years as a teacher and administrator. She co-founded Montessori schools in the Chicago area, one of which specializes in the education of children who are deaf or communication disordered. Tom and Karen are authors of the book "You Say Goodbye and We Say Hello: The Montessori Method for Positive Dementia Care". Where they help people living with dementia, their families and caregivers navigate this challenging condition using techniques first developed by Maria Montessori.

Jewels of Time

Working with people who have memory loss, we try to create meaningful moments, fleeting times of connection in order to stay in relationship with the person who is living with Alzheimer’s. We know that our work cannot bring the person … Continue reading →

The Magical Mystery Tour

Someone you love has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. You may feel that this is the end of life as you know it. You are probably awash in the ocean of negativity that is out there when people speak of … Continue reading →

So Simple, So Meaningful

So Simple, So Meaningful: During the past few years, as we have worked in retirement communities, adult day centers and memory clinics, we have discovered some simple but powerful tools for engaging people who are living with Alzheimer’s. One of … Continue reading →

The Montessori Method for Alzheimer’s Care

When Dr. Maria Montessori was asked to define her method of education she had a simple reply, “It is an aid to life.” We use the Montessori Method as a highly effective and accessible approach to engage people who are … Continue reading →

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Recent News

Exercise Protects Against Brain Shrinkage

June 6, 2013

Here’s one more reason to stay active, regardless of age: Seniors who engaged in regular physical activity had less shrinkage of areas of the brain critical for thinking and memory, according to a new report. Even walking a few times … Continue reading →

Newly Identified Gene Triples Alzheimer’s Risk

June 6, 2013

Researchers have discovered a new genetic defect that increases the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s, by far the most common form of the disease, by threefold or more. The mutated gene is known to play a role in the immune … Continue reading →

British Prime Minister David Cameron Visits Rockefeller University to Discuss Advances in Dementia Research

May 17, 2013

On Wednesday, May 15, 2013, British Prime Minister David Cameron visited The Rockefeller University where he met with President Marc Tessier-Lavigne, Nobel laureate Paul Greengard, and other scientists working on Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative conditions. The Prime Minister was … Continue reading →

A Range of Diagnostic Tests for Alzheimer’s

May 15, 2013

Various tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease have become available in recent years, although they remain imperfect diagnostic tools. Now researchers at Duke University report that using a combination of tests – two types of brain scans along with analysis of … Continue reading →

Finding Dementia Sufferers Who Get Lost While Driving

May 15, 2013

Various methods may help boost success in finding drivers with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia who get lost, a new study suggests. They include prompt notification of law enforcement officers, detailed descriptions of the missing person and not … Continue reading →

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This project was supported, in part, by a grant, number 90AZ2791, from the Administration on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration on Aging policy.