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What's the purpose of a long life if our brains can't enjoy it? Paul Irving, Senior Advisor at the Milken Institute on the Future of Longevity and Dean of Faculty at USC's Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, challenges conventional thinking about aging and longevity in a conversation with host, Meryl Comer. Together they address the critical distinction between longevity and brain health and explore why maintaining cognitive function matters more than simply extending lifespan. Paul shares insights into intergenerational collaboration and fighting ageism to create healthier, more productive later years.

Join us for this enlightening conversation that will transform how you think about aging, purpose, and creating a life of meaning regardless of your current age. 

If you have a story about your caregiving experience, share it with us at [email protected] to help advocate for continued research funding.

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In this episode of BrainStorm, Paul Irving discusses the PBS documentary produced by Bradley Cooper called Caregiving with host Meryl Comer. Their conversation centers on the widespread impact of caregiving in America, where over 53 million people provide unpaid care for loved ones with conditions like Alzheimer's. Irving emphasizes that caregiving is a universal human experience that creates significant economic challenges, with the Milken Institute estimating losses around $1 trillion annually. Irving advocates for developing "care-aware cultures" in workplaces and society and he stresses that human capital is any organization's most important asset. This is a must listen episode for everyone. 

Learn how you can share your personal story at [email protected].

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In this episode of BrainStorm, host Meryl Comer talks with Jay Reinstein, a former assistant city manager in North Carolina, about his 12 to15-month journey involving neuropsychological testing and brain scans before being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at age 57. Rather than retreat from public life, Jay transformed his diagnosis into a platform for advocacy, serving on national boards including Voices of Alzheimer’s and lobbying Congress for more funding. The episode covers the benefits of early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, support groups, and innovative programs like the Sunflower Lanyard for travelers with hidden disabilities. Jay emphasizes his fight to reduce the stigma of Alzheimer’s while honestly discussing its challenges.

Learn how you can share your personal story at [email protected].

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In this episode of BrainStorm Nancy Treaster, a certified caregiving advocate and co-host of The Caregiver's Journey podcast, shares her professional and personal experiences with host Meryl Comer. Their conversation focuses on agitation, one of the most challenging aspects of dementia care, affecting more than half of all Alzheimer’s patients in terms of quality of life while increasing caregiver burden. Treaster emphasizes the importance of being a "detective" when agitation occurs and identifying potential medical triggers before exploring other causes. They also share practical coping strategies while emphasizing the critical need for caregiver self-care. Don’t miss out on the caregiving advice they share from their own lived experiences. In addition, learn how you can share your personal story at [email protected]. 

BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is sponsored by Lundbeck. 

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This episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's features Muffy Walker, a psychiatric nurse, and founder of the International Bipolar Foundation.  Her new novel Memory Weavers is based on her professional and personal experiences caring for family members with Alzheimer's disease and issues of mental illness that inspire her advocacy work. Her novel explores how one person with fading memories from Alzheimer's and another with PTSD, who can't escape traumatic memories, find and support each other. 

Along With BrainStorm host Meryl Comer, Walker delves into the persistent stigma surrounding both conditions, the challenges of caregiving, advances in early diagnosis through genetic testing, and the impact of intergenerational trauma. Her novel includes valuable resources now available to patients and caregivers that weren't accessible when her mother was diagnosed 23 years ago. This is a must listen episode!

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in this episode of the "BrainStorm" by UsAgainstAlzheimer's, George Vradenburg, Co-founder and Chairman of UsAgainstAlzheimer's, and Russ Paulsen, the organization's Chief Operating Officer, discuss the impact of the Trump administration's policies on Alzheimer's research with host Meryl Comer. The conversation highlights the systematic dismantling of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other critical agencies, which threatens to undermine Alzheimer's research and public health. Vradenburg and Paulsen express concerns about the lack of transparency in the reorganization and the potential negative effects on drug reviews and approvals due to significant cuts at the FDA. They highlight the importance of protecting key programs that support seniors and the potential global impact of these policy changes. Despite the challenges, both Paulsen and Vradenburg are optimism about scientific advances in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's, including the development of blood tests and new treatments. Hear the call to action for listeners to advocate for continued support for Alzheimer's research and to contact their members of Congress to ensure that funding remains a priority. This is a must listen episode!  

This episode is sponsored by Genentech.

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Journalist and author Greg O'Brien, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's over a decade ago, shares with BrainStorm host Meryl his determination to be heard at the Washington D.C. rally at the Lincoln Memorial to protest proposed cuts to NIH biomedical research funding that would critically affect Alzheimer's disease research.  Greg also candidly shares what it takes for him to navigate at this late stage in the disease.

This episode also features a TopLine commentary by George Vradenburg, founder and chair of UsAgainstAlzheimer's, on the mobilization of patient advocacy organizations across diseases fighting to maintain the integrity of America's biomedical and scientific research.

This episode is sponsored by Genentech.

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In this episode of BrainStorm, host Meryl Comer continues explore the challenges of false Alzheimer's diagnosis in her interview with Doreen Monks, a former neuroscience nurse practitioner. Upon re-examination, Monks' diagnosis was revised eight years later as mixed dementia, but the stigma of Alzheimer's has already taken its toll.

Part 2 highlights issues in the dementia diagnosis process, the gap between scientific advances and clinical practice, and the emotional toll of misdiagnosis. Doreen Monks' personal journey offers both practical advice and emotional support for others facing similar challenges, emphasizing hope, proactive health management, and the need for scientific advances reaching clinical practice more efficiently. Take a listen!

BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is sponsored by Genentech (gene.com)

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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What if your life and career were upended with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s only to learn eight years later that the diagnosis was wrong?  In this BrainStorm episode, host Meryl Comer talks with Doreen Monks, a former neuroscience nurse practitioner, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at 63 years old. Doreen shares her emotional and professional experiences, the frustration of misdiagnoses, and the advice she has for others navigating similar challenges. They also discuss the crucial role physicians and caregivers have in empowering those with dementia.

Tune in to hear real, raw conversations about ways the stigma of Alzheimer's trends younger and how to adjust to find purpose and support along the way.

BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is sponsored by Genentech (gene.com)

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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Learning about an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in your family is never easy. When you are an iconic music legend like Tony Bennet with legions of adoring fans, it is front page news. Antonia and Johanna Bennett, daughters of the late Tony Bennett, candidly discuss their emotional reactions to learning about their father's diagnosis. They share their concern for their father and fears about their own cognitive futures with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer. Hear more about the challenges faced by the family and Tony’s final performances with Lady Gaga. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt episode. 

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