Hebrew SeniorLife

Could deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease work without surgery? New research from Hebrew SeniorLife suggests it might.

In a pilot study published in eBioMedicine, researchers tested a noninvasive technique called transcranial temporal interference stimulation, which uses carefully calibrated electrical currents delivered through the scalp to reach deep brain regions — no implanted electrodes required. Among 30 people with early- to mid-stage Parkinson's disease, a single 20-minute session produced clinically meaningful improvement in movement for 70% of participants, compared with just 15% after a sham treatment. The strongest effects were seen in slowness of movement and tremor, two of the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson's.

"Transcranial temporal interference stimulation represents a fundamentally different approach to non-invasive neuromodulation — one that can reach deep brain targets without surgery," said Alvaro Pascual-Leone, MD, PhD, senior scientist at Hebrew SeniorLife’s Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research.

The study was designed as a pilot trial measuring short-term effects, and the team — working with collaborators in China, the United Kingdom, and Germany — is already planning larger studies to test repeated sessions and longer-lasting benefits. If confirmed, the approach could one day bring the benefits of deep brain stimulation to far more patients, without the operating room.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4vIYi8q

Congratulations to Hebrew SeniorLife psychologist Rachael Arielly, PsyD, who has been named to the American Hospital Association's Next Generation Leaders Fellowship.

Arielly, associate director of psychiatry and behavioral health at Hebrew SeniorLife, is one of 46 health care leaders selected for the 2026–2027 cohort of the yearlong fellowship, which helps participants sharpen their leadership skills and drive meaningful change within their organizations.

She is also a recipient of the John A. Hartford Foundation Age-Friendly Health Systems Scholarship, awarded to leaders committed to advancing age-friendly care for older adults. As an Age-Friendly Fellow, Arielly will apply the 4Ms Framework — What Matters, Medications, Mentation, and Mobility — through a capstone project at Hebrew SeniorLife.

We're proud to see Rachael's leadership recognized as she continues working to improve care for older adults.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3AdLP2Q

Congratulations to Thomas J. DeSimone, who has been named board chair-elect of Hebrew SeniorLife.

DeSimone, a longtime member of the Hebrew SeniorLife board and a partner at W/S Development Associates LLC, will succeed current board chair Richard J. Henken when Henken's term ends in 2027.

"With Tom's longstanding commitment to Hebrew SeniorLife and deep expertise across our full range of services, I can think of no one better suited to lead this organization as we continue to embrace the many opportunities ahead and redefine what it means to age well," said Henken.

"At this stage in my own life, I can think of no more meaningful way to give back than by serving an organization like Hebrew SeniorLife, which is leading the way in redefining what aging can look like," said DeSimone.

DeSimone is a Fort Myers, Florida resident with deep community ties, including more than 15 years of volunteer leadership with Hebrew SeniorLife.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/44bQXm0

At Hebrew SeniorLife, we take employee feedback seriously – in fact, one of our cultural beliefs is “Speak Up.” That’s why we recently completed our annual employee engagement survey, so leaders can hear what makes us a great place to work and where we can do even better. Here’s NewBridge on the Charles Project Worker Renel Marcellin, who won one of the 12 raffle prizes that were given away to celebrate employee participation.

Interested in joining a culture where you have a voice in shaping your workplace? Check out our latest job postings on our Careers page

https://bit.ly/3WOygzd

Every grandchild deserves to know their grandparent's love is unconditional. 🏳️‍🌈

At NewBridge on the Charles, a group of grandparents meets monthly to talk about how to best support their LGBTQIA+ grandchildren — a group inspired by a guest talk from Nick Teich, founder of a summer camp for transgender and nonbinary youth.

In our blog post, Community Life Enhancement and Spiritual Care Liaison Miriam Priven shares advice for grandparents of LGBTQ+ grandchildren: lead with unwavering love, take time to educate yourself, give yourself grace when you make mistakes, and find safe spaces to work through your own questions and fears.

With the Boston Pride March taking place this past weekend, it's a fitting moment to celebrate the many ways families show up for the people they love.

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4dGZY9J