In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Annmarie O’Connor, a Parkinson's disease advocate, bestselling author, and fashion editor. Annmarie shares her personal journey with early-onset Parkinson's, discussing the challenges and insights she has gained since her diagnosis. She highlights the importance of self-advocacy, the role of family support, and her efforts to raise awareness through her memoir 'Twitch' and her advocacy work on TikTok. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Raja Mehanna, an associate professor at the McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health. Dr. Mehanna is a fellowship-trained, movement disorders neurologist with a special interest in early-onset Parkinson’s disease. He discusses early onset Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatments and shares ongoing research in the field.

Additional Resources

About Annmarie O’Connor

Factors That May Increase the Risk of Parkinson's Disease

Exercise Helps This Coach Deal with Parkinson’s Disease

Living with Parkinson's During a Pandemic

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson’s Disease

How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson’s

NBA Star Brian Grant Living On Time with Parkinson’s

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

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Social Media:  

Guests: Annmarie O’Connor @aocdotme; Dr. Raja Mehanna @mcgovernmed

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is once again joined by Kristin Flanary, AKA Lady Glaucomflecken, to continue their conversation from last week. Kristin has advanced training in both cognitive neuroscience and social psychology and now is active on social media, podcasts, and comedy shows with her husband, Dr. Glaucomflecken. Kristin shares more about the term “co-survivor” and the importance of thoughtful doctor/patient communication, based on her own lived experiences. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Jessica McFarlin, is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky Department of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Palliative Care who is trained in both neurocritical care medicine and palliative care medicine. Dr. McFarlin touches on the role of care partners and medical professionals when it comes to the Neurointensive Care Unit.

Additional Resources

Lady Glaucomflecken

What is the Difference Between Coma, Minimally Conscious State, Persistent Vegetative State, and Brain Death?

How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in the Hospital

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

What is an ICU and Neurologic Critical Care? Tips and a Guide for Everyone

Nora McInerny on Moving Forward with Grief 

Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

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Social Media:  

Guests: Kristin Flanary @ladyglaucomflecken; Dr. Jessica McFarlin @ukadultneuro

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Kristin Flanary, AKA Lady Glaucomflecken. Kristin has advanced training in both cognitive neuroscience and social psychology and now is active on social media, podcasts, and comedy shows with her husband, Dr. Glaucomflecken. Kristin shares her unique perspective on the healthcare system, having been a patient, a caregiver, and a co-survivor of her husband's medical challenges, including his two cancer occurrences and a sudden cardiac arrest that led to a stay in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Jessica McFarlin, is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky Department of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Palliative Care who is trained in both neurocritical care medicine and palliative care medicine. Dr. McFarlin explains how Neurological Intensive Care Units provide life-saving care for patients with severe neurologic injuries, such as strokes and brain trauma. Come back next week for part two to hear more about the term “co-survivor” and the importance of thoughtful doctor/patient communication.

Additional Resources

Lady Glaucomflecken

What is the Difference Between Coma, Minimally Conscious State, Persistent Vegetative State, and Brain Death?

How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in the Hospital

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

What is an ICU and Neurologic Critical Care? Tips and a Guide for Everyone

Nora McInerny on Moving Forward with Grief 

Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

·       Email us at [email protected]

Social Media:  

Guests: Kristin Flanary @ladyglaucomflecken; Dr. Jessica McFarlin @ukadultneuro

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters discuss some of their favorite articles in the most recent issue of Brain & Life Magazine. The dive into the effects of ultra-processed foods, helpful innovations like smartphone apps and specialized gyms, and the support sibling caregivers provide to their loved ones. If you would like to read these articles and more, check out the latest issue!

Brain & Life Articles Mentioned

How Ultra-processed Foods Can Have a Negative Effect on Brain Health

Smartphone Apps Can Help Manage Parkinson’s, Migraines, Epilepsy, and More

How Specialized Gyms Empower People with Neurologic Conditions

Sibling Caregivers are Supporting Brothers and Sisters Through Chronic Conditions

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

The Many Faces of Cerebral Palsy with Micah Fowler, Phoebe Rae Taylor, and Kelsey Cardona

We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay

Cheryl Hile is Running Around the World with Multiple Sclerosis

Exploring Longevity with Author Dan Buettner

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

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Social Media:  

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by guest co-host Dr. Proleta Datta, assistant professor and epileptologist at Oregon Health & Science University who specializes in hard‑to‑treat seizures and improving access to epilepsy care. They delve into the complex relationship between epilepsy and driving safety, discussing the latest guidelines and recommendations while highlighting the importance of personalized care for all people living with epilepsy. Tune in to learn about the legal and practical aspects of driving with epilepsy, and discover resources available to support independence and mobility for all.

Additional Resources

New Position Statement: When People with Epilepsy Can Safely Drive Again

Navigating Life with Epilepsy

When Is It Time to Stop Driving Because of a Neurologic Condition?

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

JenVon Cherry on Educating Communities of Color About Epilepsy

Actor Cameron Boyce’s Legacy and Raising Awareness About SUDEP

Tiffany Kairos on Finding Her Voice in Epilepsy Advocacy

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

• Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
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Social Media

Guests: Dr. Proleta Datta @oshunews 

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In part two of this two-part episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with internationally bestselling author Liz Nugent, who shares her journey as a writer and her experiences living with dystonia. Liz discusses her experience with Deep Brain Stimulation and the relationship between her writing and her dystonia diagnosis. Dr. Correa is then joined by world-renowned neurologist and movement disorders specialist Dr. Alfonso Fasano, Chair in Neuromodulation at the University of Toronto and a neurologist at Toronto Western Hospital. Dr. Fasano explains Deep Brain Stimulation and upcoming research for dystonia.

Additional Resources

Liz Nugent

Dystonia Overview

Speaking Up About Dystonia

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

Billy McLaughlin on Life as a Musician with Focal Dystonia

Rogers Hartmann on Beating Dystonia

Self-Discovery and The Lost Voice with Songwriter Greta Morgan

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

• Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
• Email us at [email protected]

Social Media: Liz Nugent @liznugentwriter; Dr. Alfonso Fasano @al_fasao

Guests: Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In part one of this two-part episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with internationally bestselling author Liz Nugent, who shares her journey as a writer and her experiences living with dystonia. Liz discusses her early career in theater and television and highlights the importance of advocacy, awareness, and storytelling. Dr. Correa is then joined by world-renowned neurologist and movement disorders specialist Dr. Alfonso Fasano, Chair in Neuromodulation at the University of Toronto and a neurologist at Toronto Western Hospital. Dr. Fasano explains how the different types of dystonia present and delves into treatment options. Tune in next week to hear about Deep Brain Stimulation and upcoming research.

Additional Resources

Liz Nugent

Dystonia Overview

Speaking Up About Dystonia

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

Billy McLaughlin on Life as a Musician with Focal Dystonia

Rogers Hartmann on Beating Dystonia

Self-Discovery and The Lost Voice with Songwriter Greta Morgan

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

• Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
• Email us at [email protected]

Social Media: Liz Nugent @liznugentwriter; Dr. Alfonso Fasano @al_fasao

Guests: Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by author, adaptive fashion model, and disability advocate Sarah Todd Hammer. Sarah Todd shares her experiences with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) from diagnosis to today, highlighting the diagnosis and treatment processes and how she has continued to follow her dreams throughout the years. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Kiran Thakur, a neurologist and expert in infections that affect the brain and nervous system. Dr. Thakur is an associate professor of Neurology at Columbia University and has worked around the world studying how diseases like viruses can lead to serious neurologic conditions. Dr. Thakur explains what AFM is, the effects it can have, and what can be learned about how to care for patients with rare and life-changing neurologic conditions.

Additional Resources

Sarah Todd Hammer

Rising Measles Cases Raise Concerns About Serious Brain Complications

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

How Disability Advocate Wesley Hamilton Became Empowered by Adversity

Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice

How Paula Carozzo is Redefining Disability and Advocating for Her Community

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

• Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
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Social Media: Sarah Todd Hammer @sarahtoddhammer; Dr. Kiran Thakur @columbiamed

Guests: Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer listener question to celebrate World Brain Day! They discuss healthy habits, finding support in small towns, and coping with big changes after a diagnosis. Do you have a question or topic you’d like to hear featured? Send us an email!

Additional Resources

Try These Habits for a Healthy Brain on World Brain Day—and Every Day

Natural Disasters Can Be More Dangerous for People with Neurological Conditions—Here’s How You Can Prepare

A Call to Action to Provide Poststroke Care for Impoverished and Rural Patients

Functional Connectivity in Adult Brain Tumor Patients: A Systematic Review

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

Answering Your Rare Disease Day Questions!

Holiday Episode with our Listeners

Answering Your Spinal Cord Injury Questions with Dr. Shelly Hsieh

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

• Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
• Email us at [email protected]

Social Media

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this two-part episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Elizabeth Ansell, founder and director of #NotJustFatigue. #NotJustFatigue is a nonprofit organization shining a light on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as ME/CFS, and educates patients, clinicians, and health organizations about the condition. Elizabeth shares how raising awareness, and furthering research really improves the everyday lives of people living with ME/CFS. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. W. Ian Lipkin, who is known internationally for his research and is the John Snow Professor of Epidemiology, Professor of Neurology, and Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Mailman School of Public Health. Dr. Lipkin discusses what’s next in ME/CFS research and what the future could hold.

Additional Resources

#NotJustFatigue

How to Fight Fatigue

Understanding the Impact of Invisible Illnesses on Daily Life

How Families Are Leading the Charge in Rare Disease Advocacy

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition

Shedding Light and Love on a Rare Genetic Condition with Deborah Vauclare

Neurofibromatosis Advocacy and Community Building with the Gilbert Family Foundation

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

• Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
• Email us at [email protected]

Social Media: Elizabeth Ansell @notjustfatigue; Dr. W. Ian Lipkin @columbiapublichealth

Guests: Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD