BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's

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The quest to speed up clinical trials is personal for John Dwyer, CEO of the Global Alzheimer's Platform (GAP). A long-time UsA2 advocate, he’s been motivated by the generations of family members lost to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Dwyer shares with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer the critical challenges of NIH funding cuts by the Trump Administration, forcing many trial sites to shut down at a time of new FDA-cleared blood tests for early diagnosis.  Dwyer highlights GAP's innovations in improving the participant experience through streamlining visits, personalized feedback, and bringing mobile trials directly to small communities. This must listen episode reinforces clinical trial participation as a valuable care option while advancing research for millions affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias. 

This episode of BrainStorm is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson

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Diane Rehm, the legendary 89-year-old NPR talk show host, discusses her passionate advocacy for medical aid in dying with BrainStorm host, Meryl Comer. Rehm’s view was shaped by her husband John's difficult death from Parkinson's disease and the experience transformed her into a fierce advocate for end-of-life autonomy. She's adamant that if diagnosed with serious illness or early signs of Alzheimer's, she would travel to Switzerland rather than undergo treatment or lose her cognitive capacity, declaring that legislators have "no right to control my decision as to when I die."

Despite confronting these weighty topics, Diane exemplifies what researchers call a "superager"—maintaining remarkable physical and cognitive health through decades of Pilates, a disciplined diet, active social engagement, and continued work. She also reflects on her storied broadcasting career, lamenting how modern media has become siloed and less committed to presenting multiple perspectives, while emphasizing her core philosophy that "a talk show should really be called a listening show"—valuing ordinary people's voices as much as those of distinguished leaders.

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Dr. Rachel Buckley discusses the critical link between menopause and Alzheimer's risk in women with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer. Dr. Buckley explains that early menopause can be associated with faster cognitive decline and higher tau levels in the brain. She emphasizes the importance of timing for hormone replacement therapy and how estrogen plays a vital role in brain health through receptors that regulate communication between brain regions and mood. Dr. Buckley advocates for proactive conversations with doctors starting at age 40, midlife cognitive checkups around age 55, and better sex-specific reporting in clinical trials, noting that recent Alzheimer's treatments showed dramatically different results in men (42% benefit) versus women (12% benefit). As leader of a Welcome LEAP research team, she's working to cut women's lifetime Alzheimer's risk in half within three years, representing a new wave of prevention-focused research that coincides with the critical menopause transition period. This is a must listen episode!

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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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