2019 Update on Dementia Research

Julie Kutac, MA, PhD

Julie Kutac, MA, PhD is the Professional Education and Research Specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association-Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter. Dr. Kutac received her BS in Molecular Biology with a minor in Theology from Texas Lutheran University, her MA in Religious Studies from Rice University, and her PhD in Medical Humanities from the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Dr. Kutac’s research at Rice University focused upon the ethics of memory and first person illness narratives that captured the subjective experience of Alzheimer’s disease. At the Institute for the Medical Humanities at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, she continued her studies on aging and elder care as a National Institute of Aging Pre-Doctoral Fellow with the Sealy Center on Aging. Her dissertation focused upon suffering, the elderly, and ways that the medical humanities can improve the practitioner-patient relationship. Dr. Kutac has been awarded the Texas Lutheran University Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Chester R. Burns Award in Medical Humanities, the John D. and Ann Stobo Award in Oslerian Medicine. She is a member of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement.

As the Professional Education and Research Specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association, Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter, Dr. Kutac serves as a content expert for the chapter. The trainer for two different dementia grants, Dr. Kutac prepares and delivers engaging, evidence based education programs to health care providers across Texas. She also liaises with the scientists studying Alzheimer’s disease in the Texas Medical Center and Southeast Texas, facilitating connections between the scientists and the community. Dr. Kutac has presented her research at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities national conference, the Conference on Medicine and Religion, among others. Her writings are published in The Journal of General Internal Medicine, The Journal of the Medical Humanities, and The Journal of Religion and Health.

Location & Sponsor: Holly Hall Retirement Community

Founded by a group of civic-minded Houstonians in 1949, Holly Hall is Houston’s first retirement community. A strong history of community support and philanthropy has allowed Holly Hall to keep its vibrant legacy of caring and community involvement alive. A 51-member board of directors governs Holly Hall, and the administrative staff oversees Holly Hall’s daily operations. Many staff members have served Holly Hall residents for decades.

Located at
2000 Holly Hall St.
Houston, TX 77054
Phone: (713) 799-9031