BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's

The latest research shows that not only does music play an important role in the development of cognitive, emotional, and social abilities in children, but it also benefits cognitive functioning in older adults, including those suffering from dementia.

In this episode of BrainStorm host Meryl Comer sits down with Dr. Assal Habibi, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the Brain and Creativity Institute and Director of the Center for Music Brain and Society at the University of Southern California. Dr. Habibi’s essay in the anthology Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health highlights the benefit of musical engagement across the lifespan.

You won’t want to miss this episode of BrainStorm’s six-part series that showcases researchers & clinicians featured in Renee Fleming’s anthology Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health.

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Long-term and health care costs for people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias are projected to reach $360 billion in the Unites States this year. In part 2 of the interview with Investment Advisor and New York Times Bestselling author Ric Edelman, host Meryl Comer asks about the financial challenges faced by families dealing with Alzheimer’s. Listen to the advice Edleman has about long-term care insurance and mistakes individuals commonly make in planning for retirement. You won’t want to miss this informative episode of BrainStorm!

BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is sponsored by Biogen and Eisai

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Alzheimer’s disease can devastate families financially and requires smart financial planning for healthy longevity. Investment Advisor and New York Times bestselling author Ric Edelman and host Meryl Comer discuss the financial implications of Alzheimer’s. Mr. Edelman highlights a few common financial mistakes individuals often make, including procrastination in planning for retirement. Better diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s and the importance of early detection are needed to help manage the building economic burden of the disease on individuals and society. You won’t want to miss this informative episode of BrainStorm!

BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is sponsored by Biogen and Eisai

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When it comes to brain health, it can be information overload. Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, co-directors of the Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University give their perspective on brain health supplements and the tests to have your doctor administer. In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's, host Meryl Comer also delves into the couple's research and the difficulties of recruitment. Their work, featured in the Netflix documentary You Are What You Eat, shows the crucial role diet plays in brain health.

BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is sponsored by Biogen and Eisai

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Can small adjustments to lifestyle make a difference for healthy longevity? In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's, host Meryl Comer focuses on Alzheimer’s prevention with Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, co-directors of the Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University. The couple's research, including their work featured in the Netflix documentary You Are What You Eat, shows that diet plays a crucial role in brain health. Their discussion underscores that every positive step can lead to substantial benefits in brain health and Alzheimer's prevention. Up to 90% of Alzheimer's cases can be prevented with optimal lifestyle changes, according to the Sherzais. You don’t want to miss this episode.

BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is sponsored by Biogen and Eisai

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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How does someone with a movement disorder that effects executive functioning suddenly move to music with a dance tempo?  Concetta M. Tomaino, Executive Director and Co-founder of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, and long-time collaborator with famed British neurologist Oliver Sacks, explores the power of music to reach those with dementia and other neurologic conditions. Tomaino dives into the research with host, Meryl Comer on ways to use music to awaken cognitive reserve in our loved ones deep into late-stage Alzheimer’s disease.  You won’t want to miss this episode in BrainStorm’s six-part series that showcases researchers & clinicians featured in Renee Fleming’s anthology Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health. 

Support for BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is provided by Biogen and Genentech. 

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How can someone with supposedly no memory recognize a familiar melody? Concetta M. Tomaino, Executive Director and Co-founder of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, and long-time collaborator with famed British neurologist Oliver Sacks, dives into the research with host, Meryl Comer. Tomaino shares clinical techniques to help us reach and awaken cognitive reserve in our loved ones with music deep into late-stages of Alzheimer's disease.  You won’t want to miss this episode in BrainStorm’s six-part series that showcases researchers & clinicians featured in Renee Fleming’s anthology Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health.

Support for BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is provided by Biogen and Genentech. 

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Lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia. A recent study by Dr. Dean Ornish, Founder and President of The Preventative Medicine Research Institute, suggests actual reversal of Alzheimer’s symptoms without medication. In part 2, host Meryl Comer and Dr. Ornish further discuss the findings of his study published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy. Listen as they talk about the success of his nine-week Medicare-covered program for heart disease, which could be adapted for Alzheimer's patients. You won’t want to miss this episode that gives hope for those with cognitive decline. 

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Imagine being able to fight the effects of Alzheimer’s through changes to the way you live your daily life. Dr. Dean Ornish sits down with host Meryl Comer to discuss the findings of his study published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy. Lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise not only can reduce the risk of developing dementia, but this study also suggests actual reversal of Alzheimer’s symptoms without medication. Listen to Dr. Ornish’s approach that is adding to the treatment options and giving hope, as well as a roadmap, in the fight against cognitive decline.

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How personal and meaningful are music and the arts to your brain health, mental well-being, and quality of life? Renée Fleming, World Renowned Soprano and Global Arts Health Advocate shares the latest science behind the intersection of arts and health with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer. 

Fleming’s new anthology, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, is a collection of essays about the powerful impact of music on health and the human experience. You won’t want to miss this first episode in BrainStorm’s six-part series that explores the findings and speaks to scientists featured in Music and Mind.

Support for BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is provided by Genentech 

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