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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. 

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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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. 

 Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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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. 

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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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.

 Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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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.

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

Support for BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is provided by Genentech 

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Join us for part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Dr. Suzanne LeBlang, Director of Clinical Relations at Focused Ultrasound Foundation (www.fusfoundation.org). Host Meryl Comer and Dr. LeBlang discuss eligibility criteria and applications for the ground-breaking technology of focused ultrasound – a non-invasive procedure for treating tremors in Parkinson’s disease and those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This technological advancement can target and treat tissue deep within the brain, enhance drug delivery, and facilitate the removal of amyloid plaques. As featured on CBS 60 Minutes, patients are awake during this transformational procedure.  You won’t want to miss part 2 of this interview! 

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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A ground-breaking, but still experimental non-invasive procedure for treating those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, has attracted widespread media attention. Featured on CBS 60 Minutes, focused ultrasound can target and treat tissue deep within the brain, enhance drug delivery, and facilitate the removal of amyloid plaques without the need for surgery. Dr. Suzanne LeBlang, Director of Clinical Relations at Focused Ultrasound Foundation (www.fusfoundation.org), discusses this new non-invasive technology with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer that could transform care and quality of life for patients suffering Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s.  You won’t want to miss this episode!

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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Traditionally two-thirds of unpaid family caregivers have been women, but that is changing. Men now account for more than 40% of those caring for a spouse or aging parent with dementia. Former Wisconsin Governor Martin Schreiber talks with host Meryl Comer about his caregiving journey. Schreiber recounts his wife by his side during 16 years in public service, but his nearly two decade  journey as her caregiver provides insight that he shares in his book, My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver. Schreiber discusses how to handle the challenges faced by male caregivers when it comes to managing intimate tasks of daily living and shares personal anecdotes. When asked how he endured, he replied “I remember the good times.” You won’t want to miss this episode!

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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Join us for part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Dr. Brent Forester, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, and Director of Behavioral Health at Tufts Medical Center. Host Meryl Comer and Dr. Forester discuss the need for a change of mindset by the medical community and the public in general when it comes to dementia.

Dr. Forester, author of The Complete Family Guide to Dementia, Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself, explains how countless families grappling with the complexities of caring for a parent with dementia are frustrated by the scarcity of neurologists. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be done for people with dementia rather than dwelling on limitations. His advice to caregivers - adopt a "caring smarter, not harder" approach. Comer and Dr. Forester delve into strategies for observing and addressing behavioral symptoms in dementia patients, as well as as new FDA approved treatment for psychosis and agitation in AD. 

Whether you’re directly impacted by dementia or not, you’ll leave this episode with valuable insights. Tune in today!

This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck. 

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