Dementia Matters is a podcast about Alzheimer‘s disease and other causes of dementia. Creator and 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.
…
continue reading

1
Family Ties: How Family History Affects Alzheimer’s Risk
36:52
36:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:52How 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, lea…
…
continue reading

1
Explaining Dementia to Kids Through the Power of Children’s Books
44:17
44:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:17Having 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 hi…
…
continue reading

1
Training the Next Generation: How the Research Education Component Supports Early Career Researchers
28:40
28:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:40The 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.…
…
continue reading

1
Talking about Tau: The Role of Tau PET Scans in Alzheimer’s Research and Care
55:33
55:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:33Early 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…
…
continue reading

1
Changing the Narrative: One Man’s Journey to Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Treatment
28:50
28:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:50Receiving 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 …
…
continue reading

1
A Pathway to Wellness: The Benefits of Integrative Medicine on Brain Health
29:58
29:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:58Holistic 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…
…
continue reading

1
Putting a ‘Spotlight on Care’: Caregivers Help Other Caregivers Through Podcast Series
40:10
40:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:10Caring 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 f…
…
continue reading

1
Shining Light on Younger-Onset Dementia with Lorenzo’s House
41:02
41:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:02Dementia 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 C…
…
continue reading

1
What Now? Next Steps After Receiving an MCI Diagnosis
44:42
44:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:42What 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 stra…
…
continue reading
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 LA…
…
continue reading

1
‘Tis the Season: Navigating the Holidays as a Dementia Caregiver
21:28
21:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:28The 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 considerat…
…
continue reading

1
Could AI Identify Alzheimer’s Risk Factors from Electronic Health Records?
34:51
34:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:51With 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 developin…
…
continue reading

1
The Future of Fluid Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
38:41
38:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:41The 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. Zetterbe…
…
continue reading

1
Support for the Supporters: Resources for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
29:48
29:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:48If 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 Nuttkins…
…
continue reading

1
Smartphone Screenings: Assessing Memory and Cognition using a Mobile App
31:45
31:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:45What 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 se…
…
continue reading

1
Catch Some Zzz’s: The Cognitive Benefits of Quality Sleep
33:35
33:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:35If 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 …
…
continue reading

1
Taking a Closer Look at Cognitive Decline and Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
24:26
24:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:26Dr. 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,…
…
continue reading

1
Defining and Addressing Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
21:49
21:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:49What 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 a…
…
continue reading

1
Gut Feelings: The Links Between Gut Health and Alzheimer’s Disease
33:32
33:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:32An 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 g…
…
continue reading

1
Reviewing the Six Pillars of Brain Health
45:57
45:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:57In 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 incorporat…
…
continue reading

1
Predictive Personalities: How Personality Traits Influence Dementia Risk
37:15
37:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:15While 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 som…
…
continue reading

1
Getting AHEAD of Alzheimer’s with Inclusive Clinical Trials
25:19
25:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:19Dementia 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 sympto…
…
continue reading

1
REVEALing APOE Results: Making Genetic Disclosures in Alzheimer’s Research
35:00
35:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:00On 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…
…
continue reading

1
Advocating for All: The Impact of Community and Equity in Dementia Research
32:45
32:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:45Dementia 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 S…
…
continue reading

1
Be BOLD: Detecting Dementia Early Through Public Health Initiatives
33:38
33:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:38When 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 abou…
…
continue reading

1
Let’s Talk: Navigating Family Conversations About Dementia Through Shared Decision-Making
47:44
47:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:44Picture 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 sha…
…
continue reading

1
Making an IMPACT: Advancing Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials Through Workforce Development and Inclusivity
23:17
23:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:17Advances 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 Re…
…
continue reading

1
Living with Lewy Body: A Neurologist’s Journey Through Research and Dementia Care
26:42
26:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:42What 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 neu…
…
continue reading

1
The Fundamentals of Neuropsychology: Breaking Down Cognition, Memory and More
41:52
41:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:52The 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 j…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading

1
Listen Up! The Connections Between Hearing Loss, Hearing Interventions and Cognitive Decline
38:52
38:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:52Hearing 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 th…
…
continue reading

1
From Caregiver to Research Participant: How One Woman’s Experience as a Dementia Caregiver Drew Her to Alzheimer’s Research
35:20
35:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:20Caring 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 he…
…
continue reading

1
Looking at Lecanemab’s Eligibility Guidelines and Prescription Process
35:57
35:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:57In 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 the…
…
continue reading

1
Do Non-Medicinal Interventions Reduce Dementia Risk? Studies are Inconclusive, Here’s Why
34:34
34:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:34In 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 Natio…
…
continue reading

1
The Road to Hope: Philanthropy’s Impact on Alzheimer’s Research
24:53
24:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:53In 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…
…
continue reading

1
Could Green Tea Hold the Key to New Alzheimer’s Treatments?
21:49
21:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:49Dr. 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 professo…
…
continue reading

1
The Impact of Social Isolation on Dementia Risk in Older Adults
24:55
24:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:55In 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…
…
continue reading

1
Memories and Milestones: Celebrating Six Years of ‘Dementia Matters’
22:21
22:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:21Six 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 diseas…
…
continue reading

1
Crosswords or Computers: Which is Better for Cognitive Engagement?
26:27
26:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:27Cognitive 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…
…
continue reading

1
RAISE(ing) Support for Caregivers: State and National Resources for Family Care Partners
28:16
28:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:16Dementia 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, th…
…
continue reading

1
Mental Health and Memory: The Connections between Chronic Mental Illness and Dementia
40:35
40:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:35Like 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…
…
continue reading

1
Highlights from the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference
21:24
21:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:24The 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 con…
…
continue reading

1
A Fair Fight Against Alzheimer’s: The Need for Equity in Dementia Research and Care
32:29
32:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:29How 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 the podcast to delve into the significance of representation, diversity, equity…
…
continue reading

1
Agitation and Alzheimer’s: Strategies for Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
40:15
40:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:15Many 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 Lecture, Dr. Helen Kales joins the podcast to discuss agitat…
…
continue reading

1
Promises to Practice: Creating Sustainable Community Partnerships to Support Alzheimer’s Research
45:28
45:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:28Gina 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 of community engagement and explains ways researchers can build intentional, s…
…
continue reading

1
Study Shows APOE Gene Affects Hispanic Populations’ Risk of Cognitive Decline Differently to Non-Hispanic Populations
22:27
22:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:27The 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 studies are looking at whether these trends are universal across different racial and ethnic…
…
continue reading

1
Putting Lecanemab into Practice: A Clinician’s Perspective on the New Alzheimer’s Treatment
33:11
33:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:11On 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 medication exemplifies a critical advancement in the ongoing battle to treat Alzheimer’s disea…
…
continue reading

1
Deciding to Donate: Barriers and Benefits of Brain Donations for Diverse Populations
36:30
36:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:30Dr. 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 participants may be interested in brain donations, the barriers that they may…
…
continue reading

1
Lecanemab, Clinical Trials, and the Importance of Clinical Meaningfulness
29:50
29:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:50On 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, Dr. Paul Aisen joins the podcast to discuss Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. Aisen, the founding…
…
continue reading

1
Understanding the Social Determinants of Health and Disparities in Alzheimer’s Research
29:21
29:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:21Dr. 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 the medical field. This episode is part of a series featuring spe…
…
continue reading