Dementia Untangled

What does it feel like to notice your thinking has changed — but not quite know what that means for your future? In this deeply personal and profoundly moving episode, we sit down with Mike Zuendel, who opens up about his lived experience with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) — the space that exists between normal age-related memory changes and a diagnosis. 

Mike's story is one of honesty, resilience, and remarkable self-awareness. He takes us inside the day-to-day reality of living with MCI — the moments of frustration, the adjustments he's made, the relationships that have shifted, and the outlook that continues to carry him forward. This is not a clinical conversation. This is a human one. Too often, we hear from caregivers and clinicians, and while those perspectives are invaluable, there is something irreplaceable about hearing directly from the person living the experience.

When most people hear the word dementia, they think of memory loss. But the truth is, dementia reaches far beyond forgetting names or misplacing keys. In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Anna Burke, Geriatric Psychiatrist and Director of the Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Division at Barrow Neurological Institute, to explore the full landscape of how dementia affects the way we think, reason, communicate, and experience the world. 

Dr. Burke brings a rare combination of clinical depth and compassionate clarity to one of the most misunderstood aspects of dementia, and by the end of this conversation, you'll have a much richer understanding of what your loved one may be experiencing, and why. Because when we understand what our loved ones are going through, we can show up for them in a whole new way. 

We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Jeremy Pruzin, Cognitive Behavioral Neurologist, for a conversation that could genuinely change the way you think about your brain health and your future. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the landmark U.S. POINTER Study (U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk), one of the most significant dementia prevention trials conducted on American soil. Dr. Pruzin breaks down what the results actually mean, cuts through the noise, and helps us understand how this research translates from the lab into real, everyday life. 

Whether you're navigating a loved one's dementia diagnosis, worried about your own cognitive future, or simply want to be proactive about brain health, this episode is packed with insight and actionable takeaways you can start today.

In this special season finale, we take a step back to reflect on the incredible journey of Season 13. Join us for an intimate behind-the-scenes conversation with Amber Ayers, the editor and producer who has been instrumental in bringing these powerful stories to life. 

Season 13 has taken us to unexpected places and challenged us to think differently about cognitive health. Now, Amber pulls back the curtain to share her unique perspective on the season's most impactful moments, the stories that stayed with her long after recording, and the technical and creative decisions that shaped each episode. This isn't just a recap—it's a deeper dive into the themes, connections, and revelations that emerged across the season. 

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into one of the most alarming environmental health discoveries of our time: microplastics are infiltrating our brains—and the implications for cognitive health may be profound. 

Our conversation with Dr. Matt Campen, a distinguished professor and toxicologist, and Dr. Eliane El Hayek, an assistant professor at the forefront of microplastic research helps us unravel the science behind how these tiny plastic particles enter our bodies, cross the blood-brain barrier, and potentially contribute to neurological decline. 

From the water we drink to the air we breathe, microplastics are everywhere—and emerging research suggests they may be accumulating in brain tissue at concerning levels. Our guests explain the latest findings, the potential mechanisms of harm, and what this means for dementia risk and brain health across the lifespan. 

We sit down with Dr. Santino Severoni, the World Health Organization's Head of Health and Migration, to explore an often-overlooked intersection of global health crises: dementia care among refugee populations. 

Dr. Severoni brings his extensive expertise to illuminate the unique challenges faced by refugees and migrants living with dementia—from language barriers and cultural stigma to the trauma of displacement compounding cognitive decline. We discuss how forced migration disrupts traditional family care structures, the difficulties of diagnosis in transient populations, and the critical gaps in healthcare systems that leave vulnerable elderly refugees and migrants without adequate support. This conversation challenges us to think beyond borders about dignity, care, and our collective responsibility to the world's most vulnerable populations.  

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Deborah Kan, an award-winning journalist and founder of Being Patient, shares how her caregiving journey transformed her from a seasoned journalist covering global events to a trusted voice in the dementia community. She opens up about the challenges of balancing her career with the demands of caregiving, the moments that challenged her, and the insights that ultimately led her to create resources that thousands of families now depend on. 

Deborah brings her storytelling expertise and investigative instincts to a conversation that explores the gaps in dementia support, the isolation caregivers face, and why she decided to use her platform and skills to build something bigger than herself. From the newsrooms of Asia to the quiet moments of caregiving at home, this is a story about finding purpose in unexpected places and turning personal struggle into collective strength. 

As a mom of three and an avid runner, Deborah also discusses how she maintains her own well-being while supporting others, the lessons journalism taught her about advocacy, and what it really takes to create meaningful change in the dementia space. 

We've all experienced those frustrating moments—forgetting where we put our keys, blanking on a name, or walking into a room and wondering why we're there. But when do these everyday memory slips cross the line from normal aging into something more serious? 

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Michelle McDonnell, a clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in cognitive assessment and dementia diagnosis. She helps us understand the crucial differences between the natural cognitive changes that come with aging and the warning signs of dementia that should never be ignored. 

With compassion and clarity, Dr. McDonnell walks us through what happens to our brains as we age, explaining why some forgetfulness is completely normal while other patterns demand attention. She shares real-world examples that illustrate the distinction, discusses the role of neuropsychological testing, and offers guidance on when to seek professional evaluation.

What if we could stop Alzheimer's disease before the first symptom ever appears? In this groundbreaking episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Malek-Ahmadi, a researcher, to explore the cutting-edge frontier of pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's intervention. 

Dr. Malek-Ahmadi takes us deep into the science of early detection, explaining how researchers are now identifying biomarkers and brain changes decades before memory loss begins. We discuss the revolutionary clinical trials targeting at-risk individuals, the ethical complexities of treating people who feel perfectly healthy, and the potential to fundamentally transform how we approach neurodegenerative disease. 

From amyloid plaques to tau proteins, from genetic risk factors to lifestyle modifications, this conversation challenges everything we thought we knew about Alzheimer's treatment. Dr. Malek-Ahmadi shares insights from the latest research, the promise of disease-modifying therapies, and what this paradigm shift means for patients, families, and the future of brain health. 

We asked Susanne White, founder of Caregiver Warrior, to help us explore one of the most challenging emotional aspects of caregiving: guilt. The weight of caregiving can take its toll, often leading to self-doubt, overwhelming feelings during the journey, and lingering questions long after. 

Susanne helps us understand the crucial distinction between guilt and shame, and why recognizing this difference matters for your emotional well-being. She emphasizes the importance of giving yourself grace and love as you navigate the complexities of caring for someone with dementia — a role that no one truly signs up for. 

Throughout our conversation, Susanne shares practical strategies for reframing difficult feelings without compounding them, helping caregivers manage expectations and find compassion for themselves. We discuss why self-compassion is essential for caregiver sustainability and explore techniques for managing the unpredictable nature of the caregiving journey. Susanne offers wisdom on honoring your humanity while caring for others, validating the caregiver experience, and finding hope for emotional healing.