BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's

Meryl Comer, UsAgainstAlzheimer's

BrainStorm, a podcast series by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, features conversations with doctors, researchers, authors and luminaries, people living with dementia and their caregivers. We’ll delve into what matters most to you about your brain and ask questions about keeping your memory sharp and maintaining optimal brain health. Learn about the latest in the science of longevity, Alzheimer’s and cognitive disease research. We’ll look at disparities in diseases, and equity and access for all. New episodes, hosted by Meryl Comer, are available first and third Tuesdays of every month. Join Us! read less

Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Start Here

Ep 61: Dr. Brent Forester – The Complexity of Dementia Care and the Importance of a Holistic Approach (part 2)

Ep 61: Dr. Brent Forester – The Complexity of Dementia Care and the Importance of a Holistic Approach (part 2)

Join us for part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Dr. Brent Forester, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, and Director of Behavioral Health at Tufts Medical Center. Host Meryl Comer and Dr. Forester discuss the need for a change of mindset by the medical community and the public in general when it comes to dementia.Dr. Forester, author of The Complete Family Guide to Dementia, Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself, explains how countless families grappling with the complexities of caring for a parent with dementia are frustrated by the scarcity of neurologists. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be done for people with dementia rather than dwelling on limitations. His advice to caregivers - adopt a "caring smarter, not harder" approach. Comer and Dr. Forester delve into strategies for observing and addressing behavioral symptoms in dementia patients, as well as as new FDA approved treatment for psychosis and agitation in AD. Whether you’re directly impacted by dementia or not, you’ll leave this episode with valuable insights. Tune in today!This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck. Support the show

Episodes

Ep 61: Dr. Brent Forester – The Complexity of Dementia Care and the Importance of a Holistic Approach (part 2)

Ep 61: Dr. Brent Forester – The Complexity of Dementia Care and the Importance of a Holistic Approach (part 2)

Join us for part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Dr. Brent Forester, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, and Director of Behavioral Health at Tufts Medical Center. Host Meryl Comer and Dr. Forester discuss the need for a change of mindset by the medical community and the public in general when it comes to dementia.Dr. Forester, author of The Complete Family Guide to Dementia, Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself, explains how countless families grappling with the complexities of caring for a parent with dementia are frustrated by the scarcity of neurologists. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be done for people with dementia rather than dwelling on limitations. His advice to caregivers - adopt a "caring smarter, not harder" approach. Comer and Dr. Forester delve into strategies for observing and addressing behavioral symptoms in dementia patients, as well as as new FDA approved treatment for psychosis and agitation in AD. Whether you’re directly impacted by dementia or not, you’ll leave this episode with valuable insights. Tune in today!This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck. Support the show

Ep 60: Dr. Brent Forester – The Complexity of Dementia Care and the Importance of a Holistic Approach (part 1)

Ep 60: Dr. Brent Forester – The Complexity of Dementia Care and the Importance of a Holistic Approach (part 1)

If you're facing the challenge of caring for a parent with dementia, you are not alone. In this episode of BrainStorm Brent Forester, MD, MSc, Psychiatrist in Chief, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, and Director of Behavioral Health at Tufts Medical Center, discussed the complexity of dementia care and the importance of a holistic approach with host Meryl Comer. Dr. Forester, author of The Complete Family Guide to Dementia, everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself, provided crucial insight for effective management of behaviors, and tips to facilitate communication with healthcare providers. The needs of both patients and caregivers must always be considered during the decision-making process. You won’t want to miss this episode!This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck.Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show

Ep 59: Pierre N. Tariot, PhD – Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Ep 59: Pierre N. Tariot, PhD – Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Join us for part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Dr. Pierre Tariot, former Director for Banner Alzheimer's Institute and Co-Director of The International Alzheimer's Prevention Project. Host Meryl Comer and Dr. Tariot delve into the neuropsychiatric features of dementia and highlight advancements on how to manage these challenging symptoms and behaviors in order to keep a loved one at home. You won’t want to miss this episode.This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck.Support the show

Ep 58: Pierre N. Tariot, PhD - The Neurology Crisis and What it Means for Alzheimer's

Ep 58: Pierre N. Tariot, PhD - The Neurology Crisis and What it Means for Alzheimer's

By 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 years of age or older, equating to over 71 million people. As the aging population grows, a shortage of neurologists and geriatric doctors puts early diagnosis in jeopardy. In this episode of BrainStorm Dr. Pierre Tariot, former Director for Banner Alzheimer's Institute and Co-Director of The International Alzheimer's Prevention Project discussed the challenges of diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease with a shortage of neurologists. Host Meryl Comer and Dr. Tariot, who has devoted his career to the care and study of people with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease, talk about the importance of early detection for effective treatment. You won’t want to miss this episode!This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck.Support the show

Ep 57: Dr. Rudy Tanzi - How to SHIELD the Brain (part 2)

Ep 57: Dr. Rudy Tanzi - How to SHIELD the Brain (part 2)

Join us for part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Dr. Rudy Tanzi, Director of Genetics and Aging Research Unit and The McCance Center for Brain Health. Host Meryl Comer delves into whether Dr. Tanzi practices what he preaches on brain health and the efficacy of different brain health supplements to increase cognitive longevity. Dr. Tanzi, the Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, also spoke about the role AI plays in accelerating clinical trials and how his musical talents improve his creativity as a scientist. You won’t want to miss it. Support the show

Ep 56: Dr. Rudy Tanzi – How to SHIELD the Brain (part 1)

Ep 56: Dr. Rudy Tanzi – How to SHIELD the Brain (part 1)

Brain health and lifestyle interventions play an important role in longevity. Dr. Rudy Tanzi, Director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Director of The McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, spoke with host Meryl Comer about the latest brain health research. Dr. Tanzi explains the tools for presymptomatic detection and the importance of early diagnosis. Listen as they discuss the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise, and what he’s learned about super agers. You won’t want to miss this episode! SHIELD - Sleep, Handle stress, Interact with others, Exercise, Learn new things, DietSupport the show

Ep 55: George Vradenburg - Advancing the Science of Alzheimer’s Prevention (part 2)

Ep 55: George Vradenburg - Advancing the Science of Alzheimer’s Prevention (part 2)

Breakthrough advances in research coupled with health-conscious strategies around brain health continue to bring us closer to the prevention of Alzheimer’s and related dementias In part 2 of a conversation with George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder of UsAgainstAlzheimers, discusses the shift in the Alzheimer’s treatment paradigm as well as prevention that comes along with people taking ownership of their brain health. Medicine, along with a healthy lifestyle, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other diseases. Listen as we discuss what the future holds when it comes to beating this disease globally. Co-produced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show

Ep 54: George Vradenburg - Advancing the Science of Alzheimer’s Prevention (part 1)

Ep 54: George Vradenburg - Advancing the Science of Alzheimer’s Prevention (part 1)

2023 has brought exciting advances in the prevention, detection, and treatment of Alzheimer’s. George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer's, Chairman of the Global CEOi and Founding Chair with the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative, spoke with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer about the shared research commitment to get a vaccine, or immunotherapy intervention, on market by the end of the decade. Listen as George discusses the challenges to make a future free of Alzheimer’s a reality. Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger. Support the show

Ep 53: Mary Lou Falcone - Breaking through the Silence and Stigma of Lewy Body Dementia (part 2)

Ep 53: Mary Lou Falcone - Breaking through the Silence and Stigma of Lewy Body Dementia (part 2)

Lewy Body Dementia, the second most progressive form of dementia impacting one million people in the US, is often confused with Alzheimer’s disease. In part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Mary Lou Falcone, author of “I Didn’t See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss and Lewy Body Dementia” she describes her very personal journey with her husband Nicky Zann, famed musician and painter. She reflects with host Meryl Comer what prepared her for her caregiving role, and both candidly offers advice to other caregivers on intimate issues that rarely get discussed. You won’t want to miss it!Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show

Ep 52: Mary Lou Falcone - Breaking through the Silence and Stigma of Lewy Body Dementia (part 1)

Ep 52: Mary Lou Falcone - Breaking through the Silence and Stigma of Lewy Body Dementia (part 1)

Lewy Body Dementia is the second most progressive form of dementia after Alzheimer's and impacts an estimated one million individuals in the United States. Symptoms typically present at age 50 or older and are often confused with Alzheimer's disease. Like Alzheimer’s, there is no cure. In this episode of BrainStorm, host Meryl Comer talks with Mary Lou Falcone, author of “I Didn't See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss and Lewy Body Dementia.” Listen as they discuss her very personal journey with her husband Nicky Zann, an accomplished rock and roll musician who became a world-renowned cartoonist and painter, to get to an accurate diagnosis.Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show

Ep 51: Leigh Callahan, PhD – Breaking through the Silence and Stigma of Alzheimer’s (part 2)

Ep 51: Leigh Callahan, PhD – Breaking through the Silence and Stigma of Alzheimer’s (part 2)

In this episode of BrainStorm host Meryl Comer continues her care partner conversation with Leigh Callahan, a respected epidemiologist and researcher about her journey with her husband, Dr. John Winfield, a distinguished career as a researcher and rheumatologist until Alzheimer's changed everything. Listen as Dr. Callahan reflects on the challenges of managing his agitation and why she thinks the FDA needs to hear and consider the patient/caregiver perspective.This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck.Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show

Ep 50: Leigh Callahan, PhD - Breaking through the Silence and Stigma of Alzheimer’s

Ep 50: Leigh Callahan, PhD - Breaking through the Silence and Stigma of Alzheimer’s

The care partner is the keeper of the secrets and their perspective is essential to break through the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s disease. In this episode of BrainStorm host Meryl Comer talks with Leigh Callahan, a respected epidemiologist and researcher focused on rheumatic disease. Her husband, Dr. John Winfield, had a distinguished career as a researcher and rheumatologist until Alzheimer's changed everything. Dr. Callahan shares her experience as she navigated her husband’s journey, sharing that the first signs of disease - agitation, irritation, and frustration - are not typically identified as symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Listen as they discuss the challenges before and after a diagnosis. This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck.Support the show

Ep 49: Dr. Jeremy Nobel - Loneliness and Alzheimer's

Ep 49: Dr. Jeremy Nobel - Loneliness and Alzheimer's

Chronic loneliness affects young and old and has been cited by the 21st US Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, MD as a major health crisis. Research shows that loneliness can reduce life expectancy by 30% and increases the risk of dementia by 40%, Dr. Jeremy Nobel, a primary care physician and public health expert on the faculty at the Harvard Medical School, is Founder and President of the Foundation for Art and Healing. In this episode of BrainStorm, host Meryl Comer and Dr. Nobel discuss his new book “Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection." Listen as they discuss the connection between loneliness and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Sponsored by The Otsuka and LundbeckSupport the show

Ep 48: The Alzheimer’s Journey – Stories from Those Who Live the Disease

Ep 48: The Alzheimer’s Journey – Stories from Those Who Live the Disease

There is nothing more powerful than the stories of people who are directly affected by Alzheimer’s. This week’s BrainStorm host, Jon Summers, Chief Communications Officer at UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, spoke with a few patients and caregivers who share their deeply personal experiences to help raise awareness of Alzheimer’s. They discuss the disproportionate impact of the disease on Black and Latino people, and the hope they have for the future.UsAgainstAlzheimer’s lifts voices of Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers to raise awareness of the disease, educate, and eliminate stigma. The UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Story Project—Voices of Hope, Inspiration and Courage is made possible by an educational grant provided by Biogen. Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show

Ep 47: Susan Magsamen, MAS, Co-author of Your Brain on Art, How the Arts Transform Us (part 2)

Ep 47: Susan Magsamen, MAS, Co-author of Your Brain on Art, How the Arts Transform Us (part 2)

What do technology, AI and the Arts have in common? In part 2 of an interview with Susan Magsamen, founder and director of the International Arts and Mind Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Ms. Magsamen talks with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer about how technology and AI are best used to advance the evolving science of neuroaesthetics. Neuroaesthetics is an expanding field of research aimed at the intersection of psychological aesthetics, biological mechanisms, and human evolution. Ms. Magsamen is also co-author of the New York Times Bestseller, Your Brain on Art, How the Arts Transform Us. Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger.Support the show

Ep 46: Susan Magsamen, MAS, Co-author of Your Brain on Art, How the Arts Transform Us (part 1)

Ep 46: Susan Magsamen, MAS, Co-author of Your Brain on Art, How the Arts Transform Us (part 1)

Art for Art's sake is about to become passe with the emerging science of neuroaesthetics, an expanding field of research aimed at the intersection of psychological aesthetics, biological mechanisms, and human evolution. Susan Magsamen, founder and director of the International Arts and Mind Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine talks with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer about the health and healing benefits when we participate in the arts. Ms. Magsamen is also co-author of the New York Times Bestseller, Your Brain on Art, How the Arts Transform Us. Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger. Support the show

Ep 45: Debra Tann, Ed D - Author of The Race of Dementia

Ep 45: Debra Tann, Ed D - Author of The Race of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease spares no one… and this story could easily be anyone’s story. Debra Tann Ed D., author of The Race of Dementia talks with host Meryl Comer about juggling her advocacy work while caring for her husband with dementia at home. Recipient of the 2023 Bright Focus Foundation Community Impact Award, Dr. Tann breaks the silence of the Alzheimer’s journey and talks about the stigma of Alzheimer’s and her push for education, equity, and access to health services for all. This episode is sponsored by Eisai.Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show

Ep 44: Lily Johnson White – Breaking Through the Silence of Alzheimer’s Disease

Ep 44: Lily Johnson White – Breaking Through the Silence of Alzheimer’s Disease

The Alzheimer’s journey tests and complicates the interpersonal dynamics in families as they try to protect the dignity and privacy of their loved ones. When the family is influential and privileged it’s even harder. That’s why breaking the silence of the journey is both a gift and a necessity to break through the stigma of the disease. In this episode of BrainStorm, Lily Johnson White speaks out for the first time six years after the passing of her mother, a philanthropist and storied New York socialite. Lily shares her determination to help other families and sheds light on the need for early diagnosis, specially trained physicians, caregivers, and a support system of friends because as she says “it takes a community”.This episode is Sponsored by Eisai. To donate to BrainStorm click here. If you interested in becoming a sponsor, email BrainStorm@usagainstalzheimers.org.Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show

Ep 43: Sue Peschin – FDA, CMS, and Alzheimer’s Drugs: What Do American Voters Want?

Ep 43: Sue Peschin – FDA, CMS, and Alzheimer’s Drugs: What Do American Voters Want?

Should Alzheimer’s drugs be treated like all other drugs when it comes to Medicare coverage? The Alliance for Aging Research CEO Sue Peschin and BrainStorm host Meryl Comer dive into polling data that reveals most American voters, regardless of party, disagree with CMS’s policy that will limit access. Their conversation sheds light on how the coverage decision, if it stands, will create not only greater disparities, but also have wide-ranging implications on coverage for other disease-modifying therapies.This episode is sponsored by Eisai.Support the show

Ep 42: John Dwyer - The Latest Battle on Medicare Reimbursement for Alzheimer’s Drugs

Ep 42: John Dwyer - The Latest Battle on Medicare Reimbursement for Alzheimer’s Drugs

Alzheimer’s is being singled out in Medicare’s decision on reimbursement for patients. President of Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation and Co-Founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, John Dwyer spoke with host Meryl Comer about the ramification to patients and how this decision will create greater disparities. Take a listen.This episode is sponsored by Genentech and Eisai. Support the show