Dr. Diana Karamacoska, a cognitive neuroscientist and postdoctoral fellow, shares her groundbreaking research on brain health and dementia prevention. They discuss a clinical trial on a novel herbal formulation for vascular dementia. Diana highlights the crucial role of lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, in maintaining cognitive function. She also emphasizes the promise of various nutrients and herbs, as well as innovative assessments like digital tools and blood biomarkers, to combat cognitive decline and improve memory.
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Personal Motivation for Dementia Trial
Diana Karamacoska conducts Australia's largest clinical trial on vascular dementia using a herbal formulation with ginseng, ginkgo, and saffron.
Her personal motivation came from her grandmother's experience with vascular dementia and lack of treatment options.
insights INSIGHT
Biological Drivers of Dementia
Different dementias have distinct biological causes, such as strokes causing vascular dementia and toxic protein buildup in Alzheimer's disease.
These causes lead to symptoms like memory loss, altered decision-making, and sensory or mobility issues.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Modify Lifestyle to Reduce Dementia
Control dementia risk by modifying lifestyle factors like increasing physical activity and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Avoid excessive alcohol, smoking, and inactivity to reduce risk factors linked to cognitive decline.
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In this episode, Dr Adrian Lopresti speaks with cognitive neuroscientist and postdoctoral fellow Dr Diana Karamacoska to explore the evolving landscape of brain health and dementia prevention. With a personal connection to vascular dementia, Diana shares insights from Australia’s largest clinical trial investigating a novel herbal formulation combining panax ginseng, ginkgo, and saffron.
The discussion covers the biological distinctions between vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, the role of lifestyle factors, and the emerging use of digital assessments and blood biomarkers. Diana explains the cognitive and systemic benefits of physical activity, diet, social connection, and mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi. The conversation also highlights nutrients and herbs showing promise for memory and neuroprotection, including B vitamins, ginkgo, curcumin, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
This episode offers practical, evidence-informed strategies for addressing cognitive ageing, vascular decline, and dementia risk—providing value not only for practitioners in clinical care, but also as a resource they can confidently share with patients.
Covered in this episode:
(00:53) Welcome Dr Diana Karamacoska
(02:00) Vascular dementia clinical trial
(06:14) Main drivers of dementia
(07:18) Symptoms of vascular dementia
(09:51) Environmental factors
(15:25) Cognitive assessment and performance
(23:01) What is normal process of ageing
(26:11) Physical activity and ageing
(28:46) Nutrition for brain health
(31:40) Herbal and nutritional supplementation
(36:15) Final remarks
Find today's transcript and show notes here:
https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/intercepting-cognitive-decline-through-lifestyle-medicine
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