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Founding Director
Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Dr. Patricia C. Heyn has more than 25 years of experience in conducting research, educational activities, services, and advocacy in gerontology and rehabilitation sciences. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific abstracts, book chapters, and articles. In addition, she has developed a variety of products for pragmatic and translational consumer utilization. She has unique expertise in the conception and implementation of evidence-based research projects and initiatives to inform best practices and policies. She is renowned for her exceptional research in the evaluation of exercise programs for Alzheimer’s disease. Her investigations include (1) health disparities and chronic disease prevention of people who are aging with a disability; (2) preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease with exercise and/or cognitive training; (3) evaluating protective/risk factors associated with cognitive decline and frailty; (4) health promotion, wellness, and person-centered health outcomes; and (5) evaluating emerging technologies for individuals with cognitive impairment, She is a leader in the development of innovative scientific training and mentoring activities aimed at increasing the diversity of the biomedical science workforce. Dr. Heyn is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity and strives to develop and advance a culturally diverse and representative research agenda. Her studies have been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living, and Coleman Institute.
