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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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Alzheimer’s is not just an aging issue, but a lifelong brain health challenge that has major global, economic, and societal implications. George Vradenburg, Chairman and Founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, who has incubated satellite organizations globally to address these issues, debriefs BrainStorm host Meryl Comer on the recent launch of “Brain House” at the Davos World Economic Forum. Together they explore the potential role of AI in enhancing brain capacity, the fragile state of Alzheimer's research funding, and the business case for diverse representation in clinical trials. You don’t want to miss this leadership episode.

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger.

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In this episode of BrainStorm host Meryl Comer continues her compelling interview with "Rockstar of Science" Dr. Rudy Tanzi, the pioneering Director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit and Director of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Mass General Hospital. Dr. Tanzi unveils the secrets of brain health and Alzheimer's research. Exploring his innovative SHIELD framework, Dr. Tanzi offers practical strategies for cognitive wellness, from sleep and stress management to diet and lifelong learning.

The episode takes an innovative turn with AI-generated questions that probe the challenges of Alzheimer's research. Dr. Tanzi provides candid insights into prevention, early intervention, and the future of medical science, sharing an unexpectedly optimistic view of combating cognitive decline. Blending scientific expertise with actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in brain health, aging, and medical innovation.

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Join BrainStorm host Meryl Comer as she kicks off 2025 with "Rockstar of Science" Dr. Rudy Tanzi, the pioneering Director of Genetics and Aging Research and Director of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Mass General Hospital. Dr. Tanzi delves into the new FDA-approved drugs, early cognitive blood tests, and why treating Alzheimer's should mirror our approach to heart disease by focusing on prevention long before symptoms appear. Drawing from his decades of research, Dr. Tanzi shares his vision for the future: a simple daily pill that could prevent Alzheimer's just like statins prevent heart disease. Whether you are concerned about brain health or fascinated by cutting-edge medical science, this episode offers hope and practical wisdom from one of the field's most influential voices. You don’t want to miss it!

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In part 2 of BrainStorm, host Meryl Comer and Dr. Rebecca Chopp, former Chancellor of the University of Denver and Dean of Yale Divinity School, delve into maintaining dignity while living with Alzheimer's and dealing with guilt when transitioning loved ones to memory care. Dr. Chopp shares how spirituality and religious practices can help those with dementia, including the role of music and ritual in connecting with memories. The episode also stresses the importance of early conversations about care preferences and advocacy as a way for caregivers to maintain their identity while fighting the disease. Dr. Chopp, author of Still Me: Accepting Alzheimer’s Without Losing Yourself, offers spiritual insights into interacting with loved ones who have Alzheimer's. You don’t want to miss this poignant and informative episode!

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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Spirituality can often be used to provide support to families and caregivers coping with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.  Dr. Rebecca Chopp, former Chancellor of the University of Denver and Dean of Yale Divinity School, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2019,  talks about her spiritual journey with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer. Dr. Chopp shares her personal story of being raised in an agnostic family to becoming a theologian. She explores spirituality and faith while offering insights into acceptance, grief, and maintaining one's sense of self while living with Alzheimer’s disease. Chopp, author of Still Me: Accepting Alzheimer’s Without Losing Yourself, shares how she reshaped her life for a healthy and vibrant approach to finding meaning while living with Alzheimer’s. You don’t want to miss the heartfelt episode!

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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Music and the arts have a positive impact on 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 healing power of music and the brain with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer. 

Fleming’s 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 human experiences, particularly how it plays a critical role to help preserve memory. In part 2 of the interview Fleming discusses the need for greater integration of the arts into the healthcare system and the role AI can play in advancing music related medical research.  You won’t want to miss this conversation highlighting the intersection of art, music, and science.

Support for BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is provided by Eisai. 

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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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.

Sponsored by Eisai

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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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

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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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

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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