Lisa Genova, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist and bestselling author, shares her expertise on memory and Alzheimer's disease. She distinguishes between normal forgetfulness and serious memory loss, and discusses the powerful role of meditation in brain health. Genova emphasizes the importance of sleep for memory retention, while debunking myths about brain games. She also offers practical advice on nutrition and exercise, highlighting essential nutrients for cognitive health. This engaging conversation sheds light on proactive strategies to support brain wellness.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Personal Inspiration
Lisa Genova's interest in Alzheimer's began with her grandmother's diagnosis.
This led her to write "Still Alice," exploring the patient's perspective.
insights INSIGHT
Living with Alzheimer's
Many living with Alzheimer's are now sharing their experiences, increasing our understanding.
We are shifting from viewing it as "dying of" to "living with" Alzheimer's.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Connecting with Alzheimer's Patients
Don't argue with someone experiencing Alzheimer's; accept their reality.
Practice "yes, and" like improv actors to connect and build relationships.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The novel follows Alice Howland, a celebrated Harvard professor and linguistics expert, as she navigates the devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The story, told from Alice's perspective, details her increasing disorientation, memory loss, and the emotional and practical challenges she and her family face. Despite her fierce independence, Alice's sense of self is gradually stripped away, affecting her relationships with her husband, John, and their three children. The book provides a heartfelt and insightful look into the experiences of those living with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones[2][3][5].
The 36-hour day
Peter V. Rabins
Nancy L. Mace
The 36-Hour Day is a definitive guide for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. It offers practical advice on managing daily care, understanding behavioral changes, and navigating the healthcare system. The book emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers and provides resources for support and advocacy.
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers.
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Understanding the difference between ‘normal’ forgetfulness and actual memory loss, practical ways to stave off Alzheimer’s disease, and meditation’s role in brain health.
Lisa Genova has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University. She is the New York Times bestselling author of several novels including Still Alice—which was adapted into a film starring Julianne Moore who won the 2015 Best Actress Oscar for her role as Alice Howland, Love Anthony, and Every Note Played. Her first work of nonfiction is Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting. Genova’s first TED talk, What You Can Do To Prevent Alzheimer's has been viewed over eight million times and her most recent TED talk, How Memory Works--and Why Forgetting is Totally OK was the sixth most watched TED talk of 2021.
In this episode we talk about:
The difference between ‘normal’ forgetting and actual memory loss
The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Meditation’s role in brain health
What the Memory Paradox is
The best foods and types of exercise for staving off Alzheimer's
The three things happening in your brain while you sleep that are helpful for memory
Why brain games (like crossword puzzles and sudoku) don’t actually improve memory
The first necessary ingredient for creating a memory
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
