Dementia Matters

By Wisconsin Alzheimer‘s Disease Research Center

What's Dementia Matters about?

Dementia Matters is a podcast about Alzheimer‘s disease and other causes of dementia. Host Dr. Nathaniel Chin interviews leading scientists and caregiving experts to bring listeners the latest in Alzheimer’s disease news, research and caregiver resources. Brought to you by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, find show notes and more resources at adrc.wisc.edu/dementia-matters.

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Dementia Matters episodes:

04.11.2024
Living with Lewy Body: A Neurologist’s Journey Through Research and Dementia Care
What do you do if you have a family history of dementia and are experiencing symptoms, but can’t get a diagnosis? Dr. Sara Langer has dealt with just that. In the latest episode of our Voices of Research Participants series,...
03.26.2024
The Fundamentals of Neuropsychology: Breaking Down Cognition, Memory and More
The brain is the most complex part of the human body, controlling thought, memory, emotion, motor skills, sensory input and all the processes that regulate our bodies. How exactly does it work, and how are clinicians able to determine whether...
03.12.2024
Long COVID and Its Effect on Cognition
Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, there have been many concerns about how cases of COVID-19 and Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) affect not just a person’s physical health, but their...
02.28.2024
Listen Up! The Connections Between Hearing Loss, Hearing Interventions and Cognitive Decline
Hearing loss affects roughly 15.5% of Americans 20 years and older. While the majority of these individuals experience mild hearing loss, the prevalence and severity of hearing loss increases with age. What does this sensory change mean for dementia risk,...
02.13.2024
From Caregiver to Research Participant: How One Woman’s Experience as a Dementia Caregiver Drew Her to Alzheimer’s Research
Caring for a loved one with cognitive decline can be challenging. While it is a labor of love, burnout is all but inevitable. In this episode kicking off our Voices of Research Participants series with co-host Sarah Walter, Cynthia Sierra...
01.23.2024
Looking at Lecanemab’s Eligibility Guidelines and Prescription Process
In the past few years, new therapies shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in people in the early stages of the disease have been making their way through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval process. With...
01.09.2024
Do Non-Medicinal Interventions Reduce Dementia Risk? Studies are Inconclusive, Here’s Why
In 2017, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published a report showing promising but inconclusive evidence suggesting that interventions like cognitive training, blood pressure control and increased physical activity reduce a person’s risk for dementia, but what does...
12.26.2023
The Road to Hope: Philanthropy’s Impact on Alzheimer’s Research
In this year-end episode of Dementia Matters, we explore the vital role of philanthropy in advancing Alzheimer's disease research and care. Mr. Dave Adam serves on the board of visitors for the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s (IEA) and is...
12.13.2023
Could Green Tea Hold the Key to New Alzheimer’s Treatments?
Dr. Paul Seidler joins the podcast to discuss his recent study looking at the connection between molecules in green tea and tau proteins. He also discusses the impact those molecules have on preventing cognitive decline and how these findings could...
11.28.2023
The Impact of Social Isolation on Dementia Risk in Older Adults
In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, released an advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness and social isolation in the U.S. With this widespread issue affecting such a broad population, how does social...
11.14.2023
Memories and Milestones: Celebrating Six Years of ‘Dementia Matters’
Six years following the start of Dementia Matters in October 2017, the podcast team turns the tables on our host, Dr. Nathaniel Chin. Producers Amy Lambright Murphy and Caoilfhinn Rauwerdink talk with Dr. Chin about how the podcast got started,...
10.25.2023
Crosswords or Computers: Which is Better for Cognitive Engagement?
Cognitive engagement is vital to keeping your brain healthy since it can slow shrinkage and induce neuroplasticity. While modern technology offers many new tools and games to keep your brain active, are they better than traditional puzzles like crosswords? Dr....
10.10.2023
RAISE(ing) Support for Caregivers: State and National Resources for Family Care Partners
Dementia caregiving is a multifaceted domain, deeply influenced by research, strategy and personal experiences. How are these elements shaping the current and future landscape of care? Dr. Beth Fields joins the podcast to discuss strategies and resources for caregivers from...
09.19.2023
Mental Health and Memory: The Connections between Chronic Mental Illness and Dementia
Like cognition, mental health is a key component of the brain — and overall — health. In what ways can mental health and chronic mental illness impact a person’s cognition and risk for dementia? Dr. Art Walaszek joins the podcast...
09.05.2023
Highlights from the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference
The 2023 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Amsterdam brought together the world's leading scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, caregiving researchers and more to discuss the latest findings and advancements in dementia science. Dr. Percy Griffin joins the podcast...
08.23.2023
A Fair Fight Against Alzheimer’s: The Need for Equity in Dementia Research and Care
How can we ensure that all communities are represented in Alzheimer’s and related dementias research and have access to the latest treatments and interventions? Dr. Carl Hill, the chief diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer for the Alzheimer's Association, joins...
08.08.2023
Agitation and Alzheimer’s: Strategies for Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Many people living with dementia experience behavioral symptoms alongside changes in their cognition. What can care partners and healthcare providers do to manage these behavioral changes? After leading the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s (ADRC) annual Dr. Daniel I. Kaufer...
07.26.2023
Promises to Practice: Creating Sustainable Community Partnerships to Support Alzheimer’s Research
Gina Green-Harris joins the podcast to discuss the importance of collaborating with communities in Alzheimer’s research. Sharing her experience as a researcher with the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute (WAI) and the All of Us research program, she describes the key tenets...
07.12.2023
Study Shows APOE Gene Affects Hispanic Populations’ Risk of Cognitive Decline Differently to Non-Hispanic Populations
The APOE gene is recognized as a significant genetic risk factor for cognitive decline, with different alleles, like APOE e2, being seen as protective against decline and others, like APOE e4, indicating an increased risk for cognitive decline. However, new...
07.07.2023
Putting Lecanemab into Practice: A Clinician’s Perspective on the New Alzheimer’s Treatment
On July 6, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval for the Alzheimer’s disease drug Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb), the first medicine shown to delay the course of the disease. Having gone through a rigorous approval process, the...
06.28.2023
Deciding to Donate: Barriers and Benefits of Brain Donations for Diverse Populations
Dr. Crystal Glover, health equity in aging researcher at Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of increasing brain donations and tissue samples from older adults of underrepresented backgrounds. Dr. Glover talks about the reasons why...
06.14.2023
Lecanemab, Clinical Trials, and the Importance of Clinical Meaningfulness
On June 9, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) advisory committee unanimously voted to approve lecanemab, moving the treatment one step closer to full FDA approval. In the lead up to the FDA’s official announcement expected in early July,...
06.01.2023
Understanding the Social Determinants of Health and Disparities in Alzheimer’s Research
Dr. Lisa Barnes joins the podcast to discuss her research focusing on how social determinants of health, specifically racial differences, affect chronic diseases of aging.She explains the difference between equality, equity and justice, and the different drivers of disparities within...
05.16.2023
Take Care of Your MIND: Reviewing the MIND Diet for Healthy Brain Aging
To mark National Mediterranean Diet Month, Dr. Nathaniel Chin discusses a recent National Institute on Aging-funded study that suggests the MIND and Mediterranean diets — both rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, beans and fish — are associated...
05.02.2023
The National Strategy for Diversifying Alzheimer’s Research
Dr. Sarah Biber, the program director for the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC), joins the podcast to discuss efforts to increase representation and equitable practices across the 37 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs). She discusses key disparities in Alzheimer’s disease...
04.25.2023
The Future of Neuroscience: Early-Career Researchers Named ’One to Watch’ by the Alzheimer’s Association
Recorded live from the Wisconsin ADRC’s Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Research Day, Dr. Nathaniel Chin discusses the importance of mentorship and the future of neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease research with the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC) Neuroscience Next 'One...
04.20.2023
Studies Look at Generational Differences and Associations between Cognition, Sensory Changes and Blood Biomarkers
Dr. Natascha Merten joins the podcast to discuss her study focused on trends in cognitive function across generations. Merten also explains her research on the associations between sensory and motor functions and blood-based biomarkers for neurodegeneration and dementia. Guest: Natascha Merten,...
04.04.2023
Disclosing Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Results in Diverse Populations
Dr. Annalise Rahman-Filipiak joins the podcast to discuss her research focused on disclosing neuroimaging biomarkers across diverse populations. She addresses why some people might want to know their biomarker results, while others might not, and how careful disclosure of these...
03.21.2023
Difficult but Beneficial Conversations about End-of-Life Care
For families and dementia care partners, palliative care can help improve the quality of life for their loved ones and themselves by addressing physical and emotional needs. However, starting conversations around end-of-life care and planning can be difficult. Dr. Elizabeth...
03.08.2023
Caregiving While Black: Dementia Care for Different Racial and Ethnic Groups
When seeking medical information and treatment, different racial and ethnic groups may require specially tailored information to relate to, understand and apply to their own experiences. In this episode, Dr. Fayron Epps joins the podcast to talk about the unique...
02.21.2023
Our Evolving Understanding of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an emerging term in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, characterized as the stage between the expected decline in memory and thinking that happens with age and the more severe decline of dementia....
02.16.2023
A Closer Look at the Lecanemab Clinical Trials
In a special episode of Dementia Matters, Drs. Cynthia Carlsson and Sterling Johnson join the podcast to discuss what they know from lecanemab’s clinical trials following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) accelerated approval, granted on January 6, 2023. Guests:...
02.07.2023
Therapeutic Fibbing: Mastering the Art of Communicating with a Loved One with Dementia
Former Governor of Wisconsin, Martin Schreiber, returns to Dementia Matters to discuss different methods for communicating with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, including therapeutic fibbing. Governor Schreiber has been a widely outspoken advocate for Alzheimer’s disease while caring for...
01.24.2023
The Future of the Alzheimer’s Association: Interview with Dr. Joanne Pike and Harry Johns
In October 2022, the Alzheimer's Association named Dr. Joanne Pike, the current president of the Association, as the next CEO, succeeding Harry Johns who has served as CEO since 2005. In this episode, Pike and Johns join the podcast to...
01.17.2023
Introducing Lecanemab, the Latest Alzheimer’s Disease Drug to Receive FDA Accelerated Approval
Host Nathaniel Chin, MD, gives an overview of the new Alzheimer’s treatment Leqembi (lecanemab), and highlights results from the second and third phases of its clinical trials. On January 6, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Leqembi...
01.10.2023
Healthy Habits for the New Year and Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease
Host Nathaniel Chin, MD, starts the new year by discussing modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, commenting on building healthy lifestyle habits for the new year, and reflecting as Dementia Matters celebrates five years of production. Show Notes “Dementia prevention, intervention, and...
12.29.2022
Bioenergetics: How Mitochondria Affects Alzheimer’s Disease and Aging
It’s generally known that mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells, but did you know they can play a significant role in aging processes? Through the field of bioenergetics, scientists are looking to study how changes in mitochondria affect us as...
12.13.2022
Looking Toward the Future: How Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Disclosures Impact Society
The field of biomarkers is advancing quickly, allowing preclinical Alzheimer’s disease to be identified earlier and earlier in a person’s life. As individuals learn they are at risk for Alzheimer’s years or even decades before experiencing cognitive decline, what does...
11.29.2022
Mixed Dementia, Explained
Though brain and cognitive changes are typically diagnosed as one form of dementia, recent studies have shown that mixed dementia is more common than previously thought. Mixed dementia, also known as Multiple-etiology dementia, is a condition where brain changes are...
11.15.2022
The Case for Disclosing Biomarker Results to Alzheimer’s Research Participants
Though several validated biomarkers are studied and used in Alzheimer’s disease research, most research participants don’t have the opportunity to learn their biomarker results afterward, even if they have cognitive impairment. Drs. Jason Karlawish and Josh Grill join the podcast...
11.01.2022
Promoting Open Science and Community Engagement with the National Institute on Aging
Dementia Matters Special Series: The National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease Data and Research Part 6 Concluding our special series on the 2022 Spring ADRC Meeting, Dr. Cerise Elliott joins the podcast to discuss the NIA’s work within the field of Alzheimer’s...
10.25.2022
Moving into the Digital Era of Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Dementia Matters Special Series: The National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease Data and Research Part 5 Whether it be due to new research findings, innovative approaches and ideas, or technological advancements, Alzheimer’s disease research is constantly evolving. Now, dementia research is headed...
10.18.2022
National Efforts to Standardize Brain Scan Data for More Accurate Alzheimer’s Risk Predictions
Dementia Matters Special Series: The National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease Data and Research Part 4 Brain imaging is a key tool in Alzheimer’s disease research and diagnoses, allowing scientists to see changes in the brain years, even decades, before an individual...
10.11.2022
Protecting Participant Privacy and Making Predictions Using Alzheimer’s Data
Dementia Matters Special Series: The National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease Data and Research Part 3 With big data comes big responsibility. Dr. Sean Mooney joins the podcast to discuss his work with NACC, the precautions NACC takes to keep participant data...
10.04.2022
The Future of Sharing and Accessing Alzheimer’s Disease Data
Dementia Matters Special Series: The National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease Data and Research Part 2 Dr. Sarah Biber, the program director for NACC, joins the podcast to discuss building a one-stop shop for Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) data and what...
09.27.2022
Introducing the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center
Dementia Matters Special Series: The National Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease Data and Research Part 1: Kicking off our six-episode series on the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center and their Spring 2022 ADRC meeting, Dr. Walter Kukull joins the podcast. He explains what...
09.13.2022
Study Shows APOE e4 Not Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease in American Indian Populations
Researchers typically recognize the APOE e4 gene as a significant genetic risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. However, a new study has found that the allele is not linked to neurodegeneration for all races and ethnic groups, specifically for...
08.26.2022
Improving Registries and Representation in Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Research participants are recruited through a variety of practices. One of the most popular tools are registries, but how can registries affect diversity and representation within research? Josh Grill joins the podcast to discuss his work studying research registries, their...
08.10.2022
Highlights from the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference
AAIC Special Series Part 8: Closing out our special series spotlighting the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, Dr. Percy Griffin joins the podcast to discuss highlights from this year’s event. Guest: Percy Griffin, PhD, director, scientific engagement, Alzheimer’s Association Show Notes Find more highlights...
07.28.2022
COVID-19 and Its Effects on the Brain
AAIC Special Series Part 7: Recent studies have shown that 1 in 5 U.S. adults who were diagnosed with COVID-19 now deal with Long COVID, a condition where individuals report fatigue, cognitive issues, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms lasting at least...

What's Dementia Matters about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Dementia Matters episodes:

Living with Lewy Body: A Neurologist’s Journey Through Research and Dementia Care

The Fundamentals of Neuropsychology: Breaking Down Cognition, Memory and More

Long COVID and Its Effect on Cognition

Listen Up! The Connections Between Hearing Loss, Hearing Interventions and Cognitive Decline

From Caregiver to Research Participant: How One Woman’s Experience as a Dementia Caregiver Drew Her to Alzheimer’s Research

Looking at Lecanemab’s Eligibility Guidelines and Prescription Process

Do Non-Medicinal Interventions Reduce Dementia Risk? Studies are Inconclusive, Here’s Why

The Road to Hope: Philanthropy’s Impact on Alzheimer’s Research

Could Green Tea Hold the Key to New Alzheimer’s Treatments?

The Impact of Social Isolation on Dementia Risk in Older Adults

Memories and Milestones: Celebrating Six Years of ‘Dementia Matters’

Crosswords or Computers: Which is Better for Cognitive Engagement?

RAISE(ing) Support for Caregivers: State and National Resources for Family Care Partners

Mental Health and Memory: The Connections between Chronic Mental Illness and Dementia

Highlights from the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

A Fair Fight Against Alzheimer’s: The Need for Equity in Dementia Research and Care

Agitation and Alzheimer’s: Strategies for Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Promises to Practice: Creating Sustainable Community Partnerships to Support Alzheimer’s Research

Study Shows APOE Gene Affects Hispanic Populations’ Risk of Cognitive Decline Differently to Non-Hispanic Populations

Putting Lecanemab into Practice: A Clinician’s Perspective on the New Alzheimer’s Treatment

Deciding to Donate: Barriers and Benefits of Brain Donations for Diverse Populations

Lecanemab, Clinical Trials, and the Importance of Clinical Meaningfulness

Understanding the Social Determinants of Health and Disparities in Alzheimer’s Research

Take Care of Your MIND: Reviewing the MIND Diet for Healthy Brain Aging

The National Strategy for Diversifying Alzheimer’s Research

The Future of Neuroscience: Early-Career Researchers Named ’One to Watch’ by the Alzheimer’s Association

Studies Look at Generational Differences and Associations between Cognition, Sensory Changes and Blood Biomarkers

Disclosing Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Results in Diverse Populations

Difficult but Beneficial Conversations about End-of-Life Care

Caregiving While Black: Dementia Care for Different Racial and Ethnic Groups

Our Evolving Understanding of Mild Cognitive Impairment

A Closer Look at the Lecanemab Clinical Trials

Therapeutic Fibbing: Mastering the Art of Communicating with a Loved One with Dementia

The Future of the Alzheimer’s Association: Interview with Dr. Joanne Pike and Harry Johns

Introducing Lecanemab, the Latest Alzheimer’s Disease Drug to Receive FDA Accelerated Approval

Healthy Habits for the New Year and Modifiable Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease

Bioenergetics: How Mitochondria Affects Alzheimer’s Disease and Aging

Looking Toward the Future: How Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Disclosures Impact Society

Mixed Dementia, Explained

The Case for Disclosing Biomarker Results to Alzheimer’s Research Participants

Promoting Open Science and Community Engagement with the National Institute on Aging

Moving into the Digital Era of Alzheimer’s Disease Research

National Efforts to Standardize Brain Scan Data for More Accurate Alzheimer’s Risk Predictions

Protecting Participant Privacy and Making Predictions Using Alzheimer’s Data

The Future of Sharing and Accessing Alzheimer’s Disease Data

Introducing the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center

Study Shows APOE e4 Not Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease in American Indian Populations

Improving Registries and Representation in Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Highlights from the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

COVID-19 and Its Effects on the Brain