In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer some listener-submitted questions. Then, Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Michael Okun, co-director of the Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, and the Adelaide Lackner Professor of Neurology at the University of Florida. Dr. Okun sheds light on the increasing rates of Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in our communities, environmental factors that may contribute to the disease, and important considerations for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Additional Resources

Parkinson Secrets

Skin Problems May Be Early Signs of a Neurologic Condition

Factors That May Increase the Risk of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s Disease Won’t Extinguish This Firefighter’s Passion

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes

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

How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson’s

Comedy and Courage: Comedian Richard Lewis on Living with Parkinson’s Disease

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:  Dr. Michael Okun @michaelokun @fixelinstitute

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

In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by author and neuroscientist Charan Ranganath to discuss his book “Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters.” Charan discusses the science behind why certain memories stick with us and techniques to hold on to memories throughout our lives.

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources

Why We Remember by Charan Ranganath

Why Memory is Integral to Who We Are

How Scents Evoke Memory

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes

Memory and Your Brain, Explained

Marilu Henner and the Mysteries of Memory

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:  Charan Ranganath @thememorydoc

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

In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters discuss some of their favorite articles from the most recent edition of Brain & Life magazine! They give tips to feel healthy during the holidays, discuss career changes after a neurologic condition diagnosis, and explain what Sunflower Syndrome is. Check out the articles and more here.

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources        

Three People Share How They Changed Career Course After a Neurologic Disorder Diagnosis

Smart Ways to Eat Well During the Holidays

What Is Sunflower Syndrome?

Thriving in the Kitchen with Chef Dan Jacobs

Part One: Community Stories of Navigating a Rare Epilepsy Diagnosis

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 episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters answers your questions. She discusses managing the holidays with a neurologic condition, how weather can affect your brain, self-advocacy, and more. Thank you for submitting your questions and sharing your comments about the Brain & Life Podcast!

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Unfortunately, for this episode we had a few audio issues that could not be fixed, but we are excited to bring you this discussion and answer your questions

Additional Resources

Six Ways to Maximize Joy and Make Life Easier Around the Holidays

Apps and Self-Advocacy with Roon’s Dr. Rohan Ramakrishna

Anyone Can Become a Patient Advocate

Country Singer Drake White’s Rare Brain Condition and Healing Journey

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 episode of the Brain & Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by influencer, video creator, and writer Jacquelyn Joyce Revere. Jacquelyn, who goes by “MomOfMyMom” on social media, shares her experiences navigating the road to care and support of a loved one with dementia and creating a community for others in similar situations. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Jason Cohen, neurologist and dementia specialist at Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Cohen discusses dementia diagnoses and what the pathway to finding the right care looks like for families like Jacquelyn’s.

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources

Mom of My Mom

How to Talk to Loved Ones Who Have Dementia

Caregivers Share Tips to Simplify the Holidays and Reduce Stress

Other Brain & Life Episodes on Similar Topics

Leaving a Legacy of Love and Care with Mary Lou Falcone

Journalist, Producer Kitty Eisele’s Honest Recount of Her Time as Caregiver

The ‘Humor and Heartache’ of Caregiving with Filmmaker Michelle Boyaner

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: Jacquelyn Revere @momofmymom

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

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, Dr. Katy Peters is joined by author, essayist, and speaker who “writes, thinks, and talks about disability” Jessica Slice. Jessica shares about her experiences as a disabled parent, what inspired her to write her books, and what hopes she has for the future. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, Director and Founder of Dysautonomia Clinic and Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Blitshteyn explains exactly what Ehlers-Danlos, POTS, and Dysautonomia are, how diagnoses are made, and what treatment options look like. 

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources

Jessica Slice

Understanding the Mysteries of POTS and Other Autonomic Disorders

A Swimmer Returns to the Pool After Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Diagnosis

New Research May Help People with Long-Haul COVID-19

Dysautonomia Clinic

Other Brain & Life Episodes on Similar Topics

Understanding Long COVID: What We Know

How Paula Carozzo is Redefining Disability and Advocating for Her Community

How Disability Advocate Wesley Hamilton Became Empowered by Adversity

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: Jessica Slice @jessicaslice; Dr. Svetlana Blitshtyen @dysclinic

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

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by JenVon Cherry, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child after a traumatic brain injury (TBI.) JenVon is now an epilepsy advocate who founded Epitome of Epilepsy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals affected by epilepsy, particularly within communities of color. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Latanya Agurs, former army neurologist and assistant professor of neurology serving as the Pediatric Neurology Residency Program Director at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Agurs discusses epilepsy and TBI in children, the emotional components of a diagnosis, and resources for caregivers.

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources

Epitome of Epilepsy

This Woman Overcame Tragedy to Educate Communities of Color About Epilepsy

Young Woman Tackles Bullying and Epilepsy

Other Brain & Life Episodes on Similar Topics

Actor Cameron Boyce’s Legacy and Raising Awareness About SUDEP

Tiffany Kairos on Finding Her Voice in Epilepsy Advocacy

Greg Grunberg on Raising Epilepsy Awareness

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: JenVon Cherry @epitomeofepilepsy; Dr. Latanya Agurs @chlachildneuro

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

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Top Chef contestant and restaurant owner Dan Jacobs. Dan shares his Kennedy disease diagnosis and how despite his symptoms, he found his way to the Top Chef kitchen. He also discusses what led him to pursue a career in cooking and how he is planning for his future. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Chris Grunseich, a neurologist and researcher with a focus on neurodegenerative disorders, working at the NIH in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Dr. Grunseich explains Kennedy disease and other genetic disorders and how researchers are working to find exactly what patients need to thrive.

Dan Jacobs, Dr. Correa, and Dr. Peters also shared some of their favorite holiday recipes in this episode! See the end of the show notes to learn more.   

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources

National Organization for Rare Diseases

8 Questions to Ask Before Undergoing Genetic Testing

Genetic Testing and Disease Resources

Other Brain & Life Episodes on Similar Topics

Aaron Lazar on His ALS Journey and the Impossible Dream

Author Tanita Allen on Existing with Huntington's Disease

Master Chef Christine Ha on Adapting to Life with NMO

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: Dan Jacobs @chefdanjacobs; Dr. Chris Grunseich @nihgov

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

Recipes

Dr. Peters’ Favorite Turkey Risotto

Dr. Correa’s Favorite Mojo Verde

Dan Jacobs’ Smashed Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 6-8 persian cucmbers or 2 large seedless cucumbers

• 1/4C mung bean sprouts

• 1/4C sliced daikon radish

• 1/4C scallions sliced as thin and long as you can

• 1 bunch cilantro roughly picked (you can leave some stem on. The stems are full of

flavor.

• 1/4C dill

• 1/4C roasted and salted peanuts chopped up in a food processor

• 2T chili crunch (by whatever producer. Fly by Jing’s is a nice one.)

• 4T black vinegar

• 1t salt

• 2t sugar

• 1/4C sesame oil

Process

1. Put cucumbers in a gallon ziplock bag. Do not seal them. If using Persian

cucumbers, you will need to chop them in. Thirds and then halve lengthwise.

2. Using a rolling pin or mallet, beat the cucumbers up a bit. The irregular crags and

breaks will hold the vinaigrette perfectly.

3. Mix the chili crunch, black vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and sugar.

4. Mix all ingredients.

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer some of your questions. Then, Dr. Peters is joined by Dr. Rohan Ramakrishna, professor of Neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medical College and co-founder of an application called Roon. Roon taps into accurate health information, particularly in the areas of ALS, dementia, and brain tumors, and connects patients and caregivers with the doctors and communities they’re looking for. Dr. Ramakrishna explains how this app came to be, who it’s helping, and what’s coming next. 

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources

Roon- Answers from Medical Professionals

How to Be Your Own Best Advocate

How Patient Organizations Engage Communities During the Pandemic

Caregivers Share How They Keep Loved Ones Engaged at Home

Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic

Building Healthy Digital Habits with Dr. Faye Begeti

Influencer Chan Plante on Coping with Misdiagnosis and Finding a Community

We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay

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: Roon App @roon.care

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 Deborah Vauclare, loving mother of Leo, who is living with a rare genetic neurodegenerative condition called Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD.) Deborah shares about Leo’s diagnosis and symptoms and how she and her family started an organization called Bisous for Léo with the goal to eradicate INAD and other related neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Darius Adams, clinical geneticist who works as the Medical Director of the Goryeb Children’s Hospital Genetics and Metabolism Division. Dr. Adams explains what INAD is and what types of research are being conducted to better the lives of patients and their families.

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources

Bisous for Léo

INADCure Foundation

How Parents Advocate for Their Children with Rare Diseases

Advice for Caregivers of People with Rare Diseases

Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic

Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition

Advocacy and Athleticism with the Pittsburgh Steeler’s Cam Heyward

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:  

Guests: Deborah Vauclare @bisousforleo; Dr. Darius Adams @AtlanticHealth

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