Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and supplements are incredibly common among older adults, yet many of these routine treatments can unexpectedly impact cognitive function and brain health. To help us safely navigate medication management, Dr. Lauren Welch, a clinical geriatric pharmacy practitioner, joins the podcast to discuss how common drugs affect cognition, the risks of drug-drug interactions, and how families can effectively partner with their health care team to review and de-prescribe medications. 

Guest: Lauren Welch, PharmD, BCGP, clinical geriatric pharmacy practitioner, Veterans Affair Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center

Learn more about the Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality Collaborative (WPQC) and how to get a physician referral at the Pharmacist Society of Wisconsin’s website.

Learn more about the effect of blood pressure control on dementia risk, mentioned by Dr. Welch at 22:50, by listening to our past episode “SPRINT to a Healthy Mind: How Blood Pressure Control Affects Brain Health and Dementia Risk” on our website.

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

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Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.

Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Learn about Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Dr. Jessen returns to the podcast to take a deeper dive into subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Aiming to cover everything relating to SCD, Dr. Jessen shares insights in prognosis, risk factors and how SCD should be addressed in research and clinical practice. 

Guest: Frank Jessen, MD, professor of psychiatry and psychotherapy, director, department of psychiatry, University of Cologne, clinical board member, Clinical Alzheimer's Research, German Center of Neurodegenerative Disease (DZNE), chair, European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium (EADC), founder and past chairman, ISTARRT Professional Interest Area on SCD,  SCD-initiative (SCD-I), founder, chair, German Memory Clinic Network (DNG), advisory board, German Alzheimer Association, Hirnliga

Read Dr. Jessen's study, “The characterisation of subjective cognitive decline,” on the National Library of Medicine website. 

Listen to our previous episode with Dr. Jessen, “Defining Subjective Cognitive Decline,” on the Dementia Matters website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Read Dr. Jessen’s study, “Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE),” on the DZNE website.

Learn more about Dr. Jessen at his profile on the DZNE website.

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.

Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Learn about Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) can be one of the earliest noticeable signs of Alzheimer's disease, yet SCD is not yet fully understood. To help us understand more, Dr. Frank Jessen, an expert in the field, joins the podcast to discuss how SCD is defined, classified, and evaluated in both clinical and research settings.

Guest: Frank Jessen, MD, professor of psychiatry and psychotherapy, director, department of psychiatry, University of Cologne, clinical board member, Clinical Alzheimer's Research, German Center of Neurodegenerative Disease (DZNE), chair, European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium (EADC), founder and past chairman, ISTARRT Professional Interest Area on SCD, SCD-initiative (SCD-I), founder, chair, German Memory Clinic Network (DNG), advisory board, German Alzheimer Association, Hirnliga

Read Dr. Jessen's study, “The characterisation of subjective cognitive decline,” on the National Library of Medicine website. 

Learn more about Dr. Jessen at his profile on the DZNE website.

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.

Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Learn about Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Geriatrician Dr. Mark Supiano joins the podcast to discuss the connection between heart and brain health. Citing multiple clinical trials, he breaks down what these studies and their findings mean for blood pressure management’s effect on cognitive decline and how they directly impact both patients and clinicians.

Guest: Mark A. Supiano, MD, geriatrician, University Hospital Geriatrics Clinic, professor, Internal Medicine, Utah School of Medicine

Read about the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) Study on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website.

Learn about the SPRINT MIND study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. 

Read Dr. Supiano’s study, “Hypertension in the Oldest Old,” published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Advances on their website.

Learn about the HYVET, STEP, SPRINT-HEART and China Rural Hypertension Control Project studies through their articles on the National Library of Medicine website.

Learn about an ancillary study to SPRINT, “Changes in arterial stiffness under blood pressure control are independently associated with cognitive impairment,” on the National Library of Medicine website.

Learn about the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) study, published by Clinical and Experimental Hypertension, on the Taylor and Francis Online website.

Learn about the ESPRIT study on The Lancet website.

Learn more about Dr. Supiano on the University of Utah Health website.  

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.

Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Learn about Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Amyloid-targeting monoclonal antibody treatments have ushered in a new era of Alzheimer’s disease therapies after decades of research and clinical trials. A recent review published by Cochrane, a global, independent, non-profit network of researchers, professionals, patients and carers regarded as a gold standard for producing and promoting trusted, high-quality health information, has a different perspective on these therapies. The review found these treatments produce “little to no difference” in cognition and offer few benefits while increasing risks for adverse effects. Drs. Cynthia Carlsson, a clinical trialist, David Wolk, a clinician, and Henrik Zetterberg, a biomarker and disease biology expert, join the podcast to break down the review and their concerns, as well as highlight how this review could impact clinical care, research and public policy.

Guests: Cynthia Carlsson, MD, MS, director, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, Clinical Core leader, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), Louis A. Holland, Sr., Professor in Alzheimer’s Disease, geriatrician, University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health; David Wolk, MD, director, Penn ADRC, co-director, Penn Memory Center, co-director, Penn Institute on Aging, professor of neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; and Henrik Zetterberg, MD, PhD, professor of neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg, visiting professor, UW–Madison and University College London, Biomarker Core co-leader, Wisconsin ADRC

Read Cochrane’s review, “Amyloid‐beta‐targeting monoclonal antibodies for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease,” on the Cochrane Library website.

Learn more about Dr. Carlsson and Dr. Zetterberg at their profiles on the Wisconsin ADRC website and about Dr. Wolk at his profile on the Penn Memory Center website.

Watch and listen to Dr. Carlsson’s past episode, “A Closer Look at the Lecanemab Clinical Trials,” on our YouTube channel or on our website.

Listen to Dr. Wolk’s past episode, “LATE, Explained,” on our website.

Listen to Dr. Zetterberg’s past episode, “The Future of Fluid Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias,” on our website.

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.

Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Learn about Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia, out June 2, 2026.

Guest host Dr. Art Walaszek takes over the podcast to interview Dr. Chin about his upcoming book, When Memory Fades. In addition to discussing the importance of dementia research and other clinical topics covered in the book, Dr. Chin shares what drew him to write When Memory Fades, what the writing process was like, and what he hopes readers take away from his story.

Guest host: Art Walaszek, MD, geriatric psychiatrist, professor, vice chair for education and faculty development, Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Learn about and pre-order Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia, out June 2, 2026.

Learn more about Dr. Chin's book at his upcoming event with Mystery to Me bookstore on June 3, 2026. RSVP to attend in person or watch via livestream.

Learn more about Dr. Walaszek at his profile on the Wisconsin ADRC website.

Find an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center near you on the National Institutes on Aging (NIA) website, and find clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.

Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

The latest Household Food Security report estimated that 13.7% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024. This lack of access to a nutritious diet can significantly affect health, so how does it then impact older adults’ health and their risk for cognitive impairment? Dr. Heejin Lee joins the podcast to share what food insecurity means, how it can affect a person’s overall health and what her study found about its effect on dementia and cognitive impairment, as well as resources for those experiencing food insecurity.

Guest: Heejin Lee, PhD, postdoctoral research fellow, department of nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Read Dr. Lee’s article, “Food Insecurity and Risk of Dementia and Cognitive Impairment With No Dementia in US Older Adults,” published by JAMA Network Open online.

Learn more about Dr. Lee at her profile on the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health website.

Read the Household Food Security report, "Household Food Security in the United States in 2024," on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service website.

Listen to our episode with Dr. Beth Olson, “How Ultra‑Processed Foods Impact Your Overall Health,” mentioned at 11:00, on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.

Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Learn about and pre-order Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia, out June 2, 2026.

Many adults are diagnosed with dementia at later stages or not diagnosed at all, despite how critical early detection is. Why is this the case? Dr. Chin discusses a recent article that highlights some key reasons for this trend and shares an exciting announcement.

Read the article Dr. Chin mentions, “Implementing early detection of cognitive impairment in primary care to improve care for older adults,” on the National Library of Medicine’s website.

Learn about and pre-order Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia, out June 2, 2026.

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.

Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

The U.S. POINTER study is one of the first large-scale, randomized controlled clinical trials to focus on how lifestyle interventions impact dementia risk and cognitive decline. On a special bonus episode of Dementia Matters, Dr. Laura Baker joins the podcast to explain how the clinical trial came to be, what it found and what the next chapter of lifestyle intervention research and clinical trials looks like.

Guest: Laura Baker, PhD, professor, Gerontology and Geriatrics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, principal investigator, U.S. POINTER Study

Learn more about the U.S. POINTER Study on the Alzheimer’s Association website.

Learn more and register for the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin State Conference, happening May 19-20 in Wisconsin Dells, by April 17, 2026 on their website.

Learn more about prevention strategies and the six pillars of brain health on our website.

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.

Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Learn about and pre-order Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia, out June 2, 2026.

Driving can be a sensitive topic as a person gets older, and especially so when someone begins experiencing cognitive decline or is diagnosed with dementia. How can family members and care partners discuss their concerns about a loved one’s ability to drive while still respecting their dignity, autonomy and independence? Dr. KJ Hansmann joins the podcast to share strategies for how to talk about a loved one’s driving habits and how to plan to help them stop driving as they navigate cognitive decline, as well as what signs to look out for when assessing their ability to drive and what resources are available for both those living with cognitive decline and their care partners.

Guest: KJ Hansmann, MD, PhD, MPH, family medicine doctor, UW Health, assistant professor, department of family and community health, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, principal investigator, Driving Connections Lab

Read Dr. Hansmann’s article, “Dementia and driving: A scoping review of family caregiver involvement in driving cessation research,” online through the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia. 

Learn more about Plan for the Road Ahead, mentioned by Dr. Hansmann at 29:48, on their website.

Find conversation guides and other resources for discussing driving with dementia on the Alzheimer’s Association website and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America website.

Learn more about your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or Area Agency on Aging (AAA), mentioned by Dr. Hansmann at 30:10, on their websites.

Learn more about Dr. Hansmann and the Driving Connections Lab at the UW Department of Family Medicine and Community Health website 

Listen to our past episode on driving, “Aging Behind the Wheel: How Driving Behavior Can Identify Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease,” on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.

Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Learn about and pre-order Dr. Chin’s book, When Memory Fades: What to Expect at Every Stage, from Early Signs to Full Support for Alzheimer's and Dementia, out June 2, 2026.