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Dr. Rachel Buckley of Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School discusses groundbreaking research revealing stark sex differences in Alzheimer's disease with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer. Her studies found that while men and women show similar levels of amyloid protein, women consistently display significantly higher levels of tau. This discovery has sparked a $50 million Welcome Leap Care grant aimed at cutting Alzheimer's lifetime risk among women by half.

The episode clarifies widespread confusion about hormone replacement therapy, explaining that the problematic Women's Health Initiative study used outdated hormone formulations on women over 65—far past the optimal window for intervention. Dr. Buckley emphasizes that current evidence supports HRT use within certain parameters and stresses the importance of women advocating for themselves when experiencing perimenopause symptoms like brain fog and sleep disturbances. The research highlights menopause as a critical period that may influence Alzheimer's risk decades later.

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In this deeply moving episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, Emma Heming Willis shares her intimate journey as a caregiver to her husband Bruce Willis, who lives with frontotemporal dementia. Their conversation covers the progression from early warning signs to diagnosis and the complex decisions required in caregiving - including the heartbreaking but necessary choice to have Bruce live separately to better serve both his needs and their children's wellbeing.

Emma's candid discussion about reframing expectations, finding permission to ask for help, and discovering unexpected beauty amid profound loss offers hope and practical guidance for other caregivers. Her transformation of personal tragedy into advocacy through her book "The Unexpected Journey"  demonstrates how caregivers can find purpose and meaning while navigating one of life's most challenging experiences. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Dr. Jonathan Rosand, co-founder of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Harvard discusses his revolutionary approach to preventing brain diseases before they start with host Meryl Comer. Dr. Rosand explains how his work originated from his experience treating severe brain injuries, where he witnessed patients and their families developing depression, anxiety, and PTSD after surviving critical care. This led him to ultimately developing the "Brain Care Score" - a tool that measures 12 daily lifestyle choices that can substantially reduce the risk of dementia, stroke, and depression. The Brain Care Score gives individuals agency over their brain health, emphasizing that prevention is about daily choices rather than complex medical interventions. 

Learn more about the Brain Care Score at the McCance Center for Brain Health. 

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, Founder and Director of Emory's innovative Integrated Memory Care Clinic continues to explore the complex realities of Alzheimer's caregiving with host Meryl Comer. Dr. Clevenger shares her expertise on recognizing when families need additional support, managing behavioral symptoms without over-medication, and ensuring families remain central to care decisions even in residential settings. The conversation covers the often-overlooked medical causes of agitation and how to navigate the challenging transition to memory care facilities while maintaining control over your loved one's treatment. This episode offers both professional insights and compassionate guidance for families facing difficult decisions in their caregiving journey.

Sponsored by Lundbeck US

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's, host Meryl Comer explores the critical issue of agitation in dementia care with Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, Founder and Director of Emory's Integrated Memory Care Clinic. Dr. Clevenger provides practical advice for caregivers, emphasizing that documentation of behaviors and triggers is crucial, and that caregivers must learn to adapt.  Her innovative approach to dementia care through integrated memory care which provides primary care, dementia specialist services, and family caregiver support all in one practice. This is a must listen for all caregivers! 

This episode of BrainStorm is sponsored by Lundbeck US. 

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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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