Author rlpionke


How can I tell if my loved one with dementia is depressed and what can I do to help them?

5/4/2023 by Dr. Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW May is mental health awareness month! One common mental health challenge that people living with dementia face is depression. Depression is a common condition for adults and can range in severity and duration. While depression is common among all adults, older adults with dementia are at greater risk of developing…


What should I do if I’m worried about my loved one driving?

8/31/2023 by Nicole Ruggiano, PhD, MSW Driving is often seen as a symbol of freedom and independence, which is why many families struggle when they aren’t sure if their older relative should still be behind the wheel. Many care partners find it stressful to even discuss issues of driving safety with their loved one. In…


Social Work Month 2025

Throughout March, the School of Social Work celebrates the profound impact of social workers and the invaluable contributions they make to our communities. As champions of social justice, advocates for marginalized populations, and catalysts for positive change, social workers embody the essence of compassion, empathy, and resilience. Join us in honoring their dedication and commitment…


Dr. Tenesha Littleton receive grant from Resource Center on Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) Deep South

Dr. Tenesha Littleton has received a grant from the Resource Center on Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) Deep South! Her project will build on her previous work funded by the University of Alabama Research Grants Committee that examined child wellbeing in the Alabama Black Belt. For her current study, Dr. Littleton will examine social determinants of health (SDOH) among African American…


Dr. Hee Yun Lee (MPI) awarded grant from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s funding program Data Visualization of Structural Racism and Place

Dr. Hee Yun Lee (MPI) and her team were awarded a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s funding program Data Visualization of Structural Racism and Place.  Thier project will create graphic representations of complex data that can be used to help understand the influence of structural racism on anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will also examine…