Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience

Dr. Bert Vargas speaks with Dr. Dani Cabral about the growing evidence supporting multimodal lifestyle interventions for brain health and dementia risk reduction. Dr. Cabral reviews findings from the FINGER trial and related studies evaluating physical activity, diet, cognitive and social stimulation, and vascular risk factor optimization, emphasizing that consistent lifestyle changes could benefit cognition, particularly in people with cardiovascular risk factors. She also discusses modifiable risk factors highlighted by the 2024 Lancet Commission, including hypertension, obesity, and social isolation. The conversation highlights the importance of translating these findings into practical, achievable recommendations for patients and expanding collaboration with primary care.

Dr. Bert Vargas speaks with Dr. Kavita Nair to discuss dementia risk factors and the importance of making brain health a routine part of preventive care before cognitive symptoms emerge. She reviews considerations around APOE testing, emphasizing the value of involving primary care clinicians or genetic counselors and using genetic risk information alongside modifiable risk factors such as cardiovascular health, physical activity, and social engagement. Dr. Nair also explores how family history, socioeconomic factors, education, and other social determinants of health can influence cognitive health, while distinguishing cognitive health as one component of broader brain health. The discussion highlights the need to normalize these conversations and determine how proactive brain health assessment can be incorporated more consistently into clinical practice.

Dr. Bert Vargas speaks with Dr. Moher about the growing importance of brain health and the evolving understanding of Alzheimer’s disease across the disease continuum. Dr. Moher discusses how advances in identifying Alzheimer’s disease–related changes years before symptom onset have shifted his approach toward more proactive conversations about cognitive health with his patients. He also highlights the role of primary care clinicians have in recognizing cognitive decline, initiating screening, and following patients longitudinally as concerns develop. The conversation emphasizes the need for continued awareness of brain health.