Dementia Matters
Our podcast is here to help humanize Alzheimer’s disease, by speaking with the experts in our community to keep you informed on the latest headlines, research studies, and caregiver resources.
Episodes
Looking at More than Memory: Functional Assessments and Blood Tests for Alzheimer's Disease in Primary Care
Though new blood-based biomarker tests have made it less expensive, less invasive and more accessible to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, they can’t replace the diagnostic process as a whole. Dr. Eric Widera joins the podcast to discuss the importance of assessing function when making a dementia diagnosis, what functional change can look like and how this kind of assessment can be incorporated into p
Examining Environmental Factors' Effects on Cognition
New research is looking at the effects of environmental factors on the brain as we age. Dr. Kathryn Conlon joins the podcast to discuss how factors like air pollution and lead exposure can affect cognition and overall brain health. She highlights how pollution affects both semantic and episodic memory as well as strategies for protecting brain health against these pollutants.
Guest: Kathryn Conlo
Blood Tests and Brain Scans and Biomarkers, Oh My! How Biomarkers are Changing Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials
In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved new biomarker tools for Alzheimer’s disease, including blood tests and tracers for brain scans. How are these tools used in research to help develop new Alzheimer’s treatments? Dr. Henrik Zetterberg returns to the podcast to discuss how blood tests, brain scans and other biomarker developments are transforming clinical trial
New Alzheimer’s Association Special Report Breaks Down How Americans Understand and Support their Brain Health
In recent years, public interest in brain health has increased. So how are Americans understanding brain health information and incorporating it into their own lives? This year, the Alzheimer’s Association released a special report focused on how people understand and support brain health throughout their lives, covering topics like how they perceive cognitive health, the importance of lifestyle b
Reflecting on 25 Years of the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention
Twenty-five years ago, a single participant enrolled in what would become the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP), now one of the largest and longest-running studies of Alzheimer's risk in the world. To celebrate this milestone, we’re joined by Dr. Mark Sager, who co-founded WRAP, along with current multi-principal investigators Dr. Sterling Johnson and Dr. Jessica Caldwell, to di
How Dementia Caregiving Affects the Spousal Caregiver
Caring for those with dementia represents a major public health challenge, with caregivers, especially spouses, providing long-term, largely unpaid care. With caregiving stress linked to a decline in mental and physical health, it is crucial to understand the complex burden these care partners face in order to support them. Dr. Donna de Levante Raphael joins the podcast to shed light on the effec
Managing the Medicine Cabinet: How Prescriptions Impact Cognition and Brain Health as We Age
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-d
Taking a Deep Dive into Subjective Cognitive Decline
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 b
Defining Subjective Cognitive Decline
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, directo
SPRINT to a Healthy Mind: How Blood Pressure Control Affects Brain Health and Dementia Risk
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, pro
Addressing Cochrane’s Review on Amyloid-Targeting Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
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
What to Expect from ‘When Memory Fades’ with Drs. Art Walaszek and Nathaniel Chin
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,
New Study Examines the Effects of Food Insecurity on Dementia Risk
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
The Importance of Early Dementia Detection and Diagnosis
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.
Show Notes
Read the article Dr. Chin mentions, “Implementing early detection of cognitive impairment in primary care to improve care fo
Unpacking the U.S. POINTER Study
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
Navigating Difficult Conversations about Driving and Dementia
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
The Role of Social Work in Dementia Care
People with dementia and their families see many different doctors and health care providers following a diagnosis. Some may be surprised to know that social workers play a role in dementia care as well. Jeni Synnes, a social worker at UW Health, joins the podcast to explain her role in a memory clinic, the support social workers provide for families and care partners, and what people should know
Training for Clinical Trials with the IMPACT-AD Program
Are you a researcher interested in getting involved in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) clinical trials? The Institute on Methods and Protocols for Advancement of Clinical Trials in ADRD, or IMPACT-AD, program brings investigators from around the world together for a week of professional development and education. IMPACT-AD co-directors Dr. Josh Grill and Dr. Rema Raman, as well as
How Ultra‑Processed Foods Impact Your Overall Health
Ultra-processed foods are a hot topic in the fields of health and nutrition, but what exactly are they and how do they impact our overall well-being? Dr. Beth Olson joins the podcast to explain what this term means, describe strategies for developing a balanced diet and share a preview of her upcoming Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) presentation, “Unpacking Ultra-Processed Food
On the Pulse: How Resting Heart Rate Improves a Dementia Risk Score’s Accuracy
What if your heartbeat could help determine your dementia risk? The CAIDE dementia risk score has long helped clinicians estimate midlife risk for dementia using cardiovascular health factors, but its accuracy hasn’t been equal across populations. New research suggests that integrating resting heart rate meaningfully improves predictive performance across most racial groups. In this interview, Dr.
Could Managing Four Common Health Conditions Slow Cognitive Decline from Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease isn’t always the only health condition a person faces, so how does treating other diseases impact the progression of Alzheimer’s? Researchers at the University of Arizona focused on four common health conditions – type two diabetes, hypertension, inflammation and dyslipidemia – which are known to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and set out to investigate wh
Taking Steps to Slow Decline: New Study Examines the Role of Physical Activity on Alzheimer’s Progression
10,000 – that’s the magic number of steps often recommended for a healthy lifestyle. With recent research looking into whether that number is an accurate benchmark for health, could the number of steps taken per day have an impact on brain health and, specifically, cognitive decline? That’s precisely what a new study from Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham sought to examine, looking a
Reflecting on 2025: The Impact of Gratitude on Brain Health
As 2025 comes to an end, host Dr. Nathaniel Chin discusses the importance of gratitude for brain health and shares what he’s grateful for from this past year.
Show Notes
Complete the Dementia Matters Feedback Survey to let us know what our show is doing well and how we can improve in the New Year! This anonymous survey will be open until January 14th, 2026 and is estimated to take about 5 minutes
Talking TBI: The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries on Cognitive Decline
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) like concussions are not uncommon, especially in children and older adults. These injuries can have both short-term and lasting effects on the brain, but what about their impact on cognitive function? Dr. Deling He of UW–Madison’s Cognitive-Communication in Aging and Neurogenic Disorders Laboratory (CCANDL) lab joins the podcast to discuss her research on the connect
How Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists Support Cognitive Health
When memory, thinking or communication changes begin, knowing where to turn for support can make all the difference. In this episode, we explore how two key health care specialties can help individuals and families meet those challenges with confidence. Sarah Gunderson, an occupational therapist, and Kari Esser, a speech-language pathologist, draw from their work supporting people experiencing a w
Study Finds COVID-19 Can Cause Build-up of Alzheimer’s-Related Proteins in Eyes and Brain
What do COVID-19 brain fog and ophthalmology have to do with Alzheimer’s disease? There may be more connections than one might think. Dr. Sean Miller is one of the scientists behind a recent study that used retinal tissue to investigate the links between COVID-19 infections and the build-up of amyloid and other indicators of Alzheimer’s disease in the central nervous system. Dr. Miller joins the p
Taking a Positive Approach to Dementia Care with Strategies from Teepa Snow
Caring for someone living with dementia can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly challenging. Finding effective ways to connect, communicate and provide support often requires shifting how we see and respond to changes in the brain. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, renowned dementia care specialist Teepa Snow joins the podcast to share her insights on improving life with dementia
A Guide to Grief: Strategies for Navigating Loss and Dementia
Grief is a complex topic for people with dementia, their loved ones, caregivers and doctors to navigate. Dr. Erica Srinivasan, an expert on the psychology behind grief, joins the podcast to discuss the different kinds of grief people can experience and share strategies and resources for addressing the grief associated with dementia.
Guest: Erica Srinivasan, PhD, associate professor of psychology,
Clarifying the Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials Landscape
Clinical trials are essential for improving the lives of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. With so many trials out there, it can be difficult for someone who’s interested in participating in research to know where to start. Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford joins the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of clinical trials and the state of Alzheimer’s treatments today, as well
Making Sense of Microplastics: New Research Looks at How Microplastics Build Up in the Brain and Body
Microplastics are a growing concern in the field of environmental health, but their impact on the brain is only beginning to be understood. Joining the podcast to share the latest research on these tiny particles, which have been found in the brain and other parts of the body, is Dr. Matthew Campen, a leading researcher in the field whose work is helping to uncover how environmental exposures like
Identifying and Addressing Changes in Decision-Making Ability with Capacity Testing
As an individual develops dementia, they may need support in many areas of their lives. One of these areas is decision-making, particularly regarding health care decisions, but how can someone or their loved one determine if they need support with decision-making? To answer these questions, Dr. Victoria Williams joins to discuss capacity and capacity testing. She dives into the different kinds of
Mindfulness and Meditation Practices for Living with MCI
Receiving a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia can be an emotional and challenging experience. How can meditative practices support those living with MCI? Buddhist chaplain Sharon Lukert wrote her book, Until My Memory Fails Me, with the goal of sharing mindfulness and spiritual practices that have helped her since being diagnosed with MCI in 2021. She joins the podcast to sh
Under the FTLD Umbrella: A Deep Dive into Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is one of the most common causes of dementia in individuals under the age of 60, yet it remains lesser known and often misunderstood. From the early symptoms to the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, FTLD presents unique hurdles for clinicians, researchers and families alike. Joining the podcast to discuss this complex disease is Dr. Brad Boeve, princip
Helpful or Harmful? New Study Looks at the Impact of Technology Use on Cognition
Smartphones and technology are ubiquitous in nearly every aspect of our lives, but is technology helping or hurting us when it comes to memory and cognition? Dr. Jared Benge, neuropsychologist and associate professor from the University of Texas at Austin, joins the podcast to discuss his research into how technology and smartphone use impacts the brain, how digital technology can be used to help
Facing the Facts: Looking at the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 Annual Report
What is the current impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias on the United States? To best understand its significance in 2025, we can turn to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, a comprehensive resource that highlights the effect of Alzheimer’s on individuals, care partners, health care professionals and more. Dr. Heather Snyder from the Alzheime
Paying the Price: The Cost of Dementia in 2025
How much does it cost to live with dementia in the United States? The hidden costs are often overlooked, but these numbers and trends are important to understand in order to inform the public and effectively allocate resources. Dr. Julie Zissimopoulos leads The United States Cost of Dementia Project, where they recently published a report on the total cost of dementia in 2025. Dr. Zissimopoulos jo
Harnessing Habits: The Power of Routines on the Brain
Everyone has habits. Some are beneficial for brain health while others are less so, but it turns out that habits as simple as brushing your teeth at the same time each morning can help your brain adapt to changes from cognitive impairment. Dr. Gordon Giles joins the podcast to dive into the fascinating world of neurological rehabilitation and how building small, consistent habits can rewire the br
Aging in Place: Addressing the Challenges of Living Alone with Dementia
It’s estimated that 4.3 million older adults across the United States live alone with cognitive impairment. How do these individuals navigate the challenges and concerns that arise due to these memory and thinking changes, and what recommendations are there to support them as they continue living independently? Dr. Elena Portacolone joins Dementia Matters to discuss her research focused on identif
Family Ties: How Family History Affects Alzheimer’s Risk
How important is one’s family history when determining Alzheimer’s risk? Returning guests Drs. Jessica Langbaum and Sterling Johnson discuss the latest research on family history and genetic risk factors and share their perspectives on the topic, specifically focusing on the role of the APOE gene as a risk factor.
Guests: Sterling Johnson, PhD, leader, Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention
Explaining Dementia to Kids Through the Power of Children’s Books
Having a relative or loved one receive a dementia diagnosis can be challenging for families, especially for families with children. How can parents, guardians and other adults explain these complex memory and thinking changes to children in a way they’ll understand? One possible way – children’s books. Dr. Tomás León joins the podcast to discuss his collection of children’s books focused on differ
Training the Next Generation: How the Research Education Component Supports Early Career Researchers
The Research Education Component (REC) focuses on educating, mentoring and training the next generation of researchers at the over 30 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) across the United States, offering a range of fellowships, educational activities and events like the annual Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Research Day. In honor of this year’s ADRD Research Day, early
Talking about Tau: The Role of Tau PET Scans in Alzheimer’s Research and Care
Early detection is a top priority in the field of Alzheimer’s research, and one indicator of Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of tau in the brain. What is tau, though? How can we detect this protein, and what can it tell us about a person’s symptoms or disease progression? Dr. Gil Rabinovici, a leader in the field of brain imaging, joins Dementia Matters this week for an in-depth discussion on t
Changing the Narrative: One Man’s Journey to Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Treatment
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can be a complicated experience. While some experience relief at being able to put a name to their concerns, many worry about telling loved ones or being treated differently due to the stigma surrounding the word “dementia.” Mike Zuendel joins the podcast to share his experience of being diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MC
A Pathway to Wellness: The Benefits of Integrative Medicine on Brain Health
Holistic medicine, alternative medicine, complementary medicine – you may have heard these terms or seen them used online and wondered what they mean. Each term refers to the concept of integrative medicine, a comprehensive approach to healthcare that focuses on treating a person’s mind, body and spirit rather than addressing symptoms or a specific disease through a combination of medical treatmen
Putting a ‘Spotlight on Care’: Caregivers Help Other Caregivers Through Podcast Series
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can be challenging, with no two journeys being the same. Who better to turn to for caregiving support, tips and advice, then, than other caregivers who have been on similar paths? Steve O’Leary and Virginia Naeve join Dementia Matters to share their different experiences caring for their partner and parent respectively, their go
Shining Light on Younger-Onset Dementia with Lorenzo’s House
Dementia diagnoses affect families in many different ways. One of the most challenging to navigate is that of younger-onset dementia (YOD), a form of dementia that affects someone below the age of 65. This diagnosis can be particularly jarring for young families, as resources, support and research for this form of dementia are limited. When Diana Cose’s husband Lorenzo received this diagnosis, she
What Now? Next Steps After Receiving an MCI Diagnosis
What exactly does a mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosis mean, and what should you do after receiving one? Hearing this diagnosis from a doctor can bring up a lot of emotions and questions for individuals and family members. Jennifer McAlister joins Dementia Matters to offer advice for next steps after receiving an MCI diagnosis and share strategies and resources that have been successful for
LATE, Explained
While there are many kinds of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, there’s one that researchers have only recently identified. LATE, or Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy, is a newly-characterized type of dementia associated with abnormal clumps of a protein called TDP-43. So, what exactly do we know about LATE? Dr. David Wolk joins the podcast to share what
‘Tis the Season: Navigating the Holidays as a Dementia Caregiver
The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, especially those with dementia and their care partners. In preparation for this season, Dr. Alexis Eastman joins Dementia Matters for our last episode of 2024. Drs. Chin and Eastman discuss strategies for managing the potential stress of holiday traveling and gatherings, important safety considerations and more.
Guest: Alexis Eastman, MD, geriatri
Could AI Identify Alzheimer’s Risk Factors from Electronic Health Records?
With the recent surge in artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, one of the most exciting fields it could revolutionize is health care and, more specifically, the field of cognitive care and research. Dr. Marina Sirota and Alice Tang join the podcast to share their research on how AI could be used to predict one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease based on their electronic he
The Future of Fluid Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
The field of biomarkers is constantly evolving, leading to developments in diagnosing and treating different kinds of dementia, but what exactly are biomarkers and how has our understanding of these measures changed over time? Dr. Henrik Zetterberg joins Dementia Matters to talk about the latest updates in research on fluid biomarkers. Dr. Zetterberg goes in depth on the role and properties of di
Support for the Supporters: Resources for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
If you're one of the 11 million Americans providing unpaid care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you know that caregiving is both incredibly rewarding and challenging. What makes caring for someone with dementia so emotionally and physically demanding, and what resources and strategies are available to help? In this episode, Bonnie Nuttkinson joins us to discuss the unique needs of dementi
Smartphone Screenings: Assessing Memory and Cognition using a Mobile App
What if you could test your cognition from the comfort of your own home using a smartphone? Drs. David Berron and Lindsay Clark have spent years researching cognitive neuroscience, culminating in a 2024 published study investigating the effectiveness of a smartphone app as a tool for detecting cognitive impairment outside of a clinic or research setting. Drs. Berron and Clark join Dementia Matters
Catch Some Zzz’s: The Cognitive Benefits of Quality Sleep
If you get the recommended eight hours of sleep per night, you spend a third of your life asleep. Why dedicate so much time to sleeping, and how can one get the most out of those eight hours? In this episode, Dr. Allison Reiss joins us for an insightful conversation about how sleep helps the brain, what the brain does while we are asleep, tips for improving one’s sleep hygiene and much more.
Gues
Taking a Closer Look at Cognitive Decline and Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr. Reisa Sperling returns for another episode of Dementia Matters. After covering her research focused on preclinical Alzheimer’s disease in part one, Dr. Sperling dives deeper into the different factors that can impact cognitive decline and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and how clinical trials are shaping the field’s understanding of detecting, treating and preventing the disease.
Guest: Reisa
Defining and Addressing Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
What if there was a way to detect Alzheimer’s disease before clinical signs and symptoms even appeared? Dr. Reisa Sperling joins Dementia Matters for a two-part series covering her research on detecting and treating Alzheimer’s disease at the earliest possible stage, known as preclinical Alzheimer’s. In this episode, Dr. Sperling goes in-depth on amyloid and tau proteins and the implications on ea
Gut Feelings: The Links Between Gut Health and Alzheimer’s Disease
An expanding field of research is looking at how the gut affects different parts of people’s health, but how does it affect brain health? Drs. Barb Bendlin and Tyler Ulland join the podcast to talk about their 2023 study, which suggests a link between gut health, aging and changes related to Alzheimer’s disease. They discuss their findings on how gut inflammation could impact brain health, as well
Reviewing the Six Pillars of Brain Health
In this compendium episode, we review some of the best information and research that we’ve shared on the six pillars of brain health. With excerpts highlighting the importance of physical activity, diet, sleep, social engagement and more, our six guests show that there are numerous evidence-based lifestyle interventions that a person can incorporate into their daily lives to improve their brain he
Predictive Personalities: How Personality Traits Influence Dementia Risk
While genetics and lifestyle can influence one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, other unexpected factors can shift the possibility. One of these factors is personality. Dr. Emorie Beck joins Dementia Matters to share her research on the link between personality and Alzheimer’s risk. Dr. Beck breaks down the Big Five traits that make up someone’s personality and their effects on a person’s
Getting AHEAD of Alzheimer’s with Inclusive Clinical Trials
Dementia Matters Special Series: Voices of Research Participants
When Ms. Carol Turner found out her family had a history of Alzheimer’s disease, she wanted to know how she could help herself and others with similar experiences. After learning about the AHEAD Study, which is testing a treatment that could delay memory loss before Alzheimer’s symptoms appear, she signed up to participate in this gr
REVEALing APOE Results: Making Genetic Disclosures in Alzheimer’s Research
On this episode of Dementia Matters, Dr. Scott Roberts talks about disclosing genetic test results for APOE, a gene that can increase one’s likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. While this information can be concerning, Dr. Roberts shares that it can empower individuals to take the necessary precautions to lower their risk of developing the disease. He discusses the Risk Evaluation and Edu
Advocating for All: The Impact of Community and Equity in Dementia Research
Dementia Matters Special Series: Voices of Research Participants
What do you do when dementia symptoms begin to upend your entire life? For Brother John-Richard Pagan, the answer was to persist in finding a diagnosis and a supportive community that aligned with his values. In this episode of our Voices of Research Participants series with co-host Sarah Walter, MSc, Br John-Richard describes how he
Be BOLD: Detecting Dementia Early Through Public Health Initiatives
When it comes to dementia diagnoses, the earlier, the better, but why is it difficult to detect dementia in its early stages? Moreover, what strategies can be used to improve dementia detection? Dr. Josh Chodosh joins the podcast to answer these questions and discuss how public health initiatives could improve dementia diagnoses. He also talks about his work with the Building Our Largest Dementia
Let’s Talk: Navigating Family Conversations About Dementia Through Shared Decision-Making
Picture this: you are supporting someone experiencing memory changes as a clinician, support person or care partner while they go through the memory clinic process. How do you navigate the challenging conversations surrounding symptoms, diagnoses, care plans and more that come up? Dr. Toby Campbell joins the podcast to discuss the importance of shared decision-making and share strategies for clini
Making an IMPACT: Advancing Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials Through Workforce Development and Inclusivity
Advances in Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials are accelerating rapidly, leading to new insights and disease-modifying therapies, but how does the field continue bolstering that momentum? For Dr. Rema Raman, it’s through improving inclusivity and training for early-career researchers. Recorded at the 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Research Day, Dr. Raman joins the podcast to dis
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, Dr. Langer shares the obstacles she endured to receive her diagnosis of Lewy body dementia (LBD), how her background as a neurologist influenced her search for clinical care a
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 brain changes are a result of normal aging, Alzheimer’s disease, or something else? Dr. Victoria Williams joins the podcast to explain important concepts in
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 cognition as well. In this episode, Dr. Jim Jackson talks about his path into critical illness research and his dedicated focus on unraveling the impact
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, and can this risk be prevented through interventions like hearing aids? Dr. Frank Lin joins the podcast to discuss the relationship between hear
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 touches on her personal experience with caregiver burnout as both a caregiver and research study partner for her mother, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
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 these treatments now available, there are a growing number of questions surrounding who is eligible to take these medications and what processes are needed to en
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 the research show now? Dr. Luke Stoeckel from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) joins the podcast to
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 an avid long-distance biker. In this episode, Adam shares his journey of combining his passions for biking and Alzheimer's advocacy. With personal experiences t
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 lead to new strategies for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Guest: Paul Seidler, PhD, assistant professor, University of Southern California Mann School o
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 isolation impact older adults? Dr. Alison Huang joins the podcast to share insights from her study on the relationship between social isolation and the
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, the brain health tips he incorporates into his own life, how he envisions the field of Alzheimer’s disease research advancing in the next five years and ot
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. Murali Doraiswamy of Duke University joins the podcast to talk about his recent study, in collaboration with principal investigator Dr. Dev
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 both national, state and personal perspectives, including the CHAT tool, the CAPABLE program and the National Strategy to Sup
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 to discuss the relationships between dementia and chronic mental illnesses, including major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in older adults.
Guest: Art Wal
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 to share key highlights from the conference. He discusses the use of CRISPR technology
