Dementia Matters

A study from the University of Wisconsin found 40% of geriatric memory patients were deficient in at least one vitamin linked to brain health. Vitamins tested in this study included B1, B6, B12, and D, all of which play an important role in brain health. Dr. Robert Przybelski joins the podcast to discuss his study, the influence of vitamin deficiency on brain health, and the potential consequences of vitamin deficiency when treating a patient for a memory condition. Guest: Robert Przybelski, MD, associate professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Episode Topics: Why is it important to look for vitamin deficiencies during a memory evaluation? 1:19 What were your research findings? 2:03 What do you focus on during a memory evaluation? 5:13 Is there a difference between normal vitamin levels and optimal levels? 6:40 What supplements do you take? 7:42 What diet do you think promotes brain health? 8:06 Why does your research look at general patients rather than participants? 8:41

For individuals concerned with memory loss, the first few steps for screening and diagnosis can be the most intimidating. Dr. Cynthia Carlsson discusses recent progress in Alzheimer’s disease research, health disparities some groups face with the disease, and advice for individuals and caregivers who have concerns about memory loss. Guest: Cynthia Carlsson, MD, MS, professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and director, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute  Episode Topics What is the current state of Alzheimer's disease research? 1:41 Is there more funding toward Alzheimer's disease research and care? 2:59 How has awareness of Alzheimer’s disease impacted diagnosis? 4:12 What are the health disparities we see in Alzheimer’s disease? 7:46 What are the benefits for early screening for Alzheimer’s disease? 11:07 How does an early diagnosis affect family members or caregivers?  13:36 Where should individuals concerned with memory loss look for resources? 15:06 Are there ramifications in research for early diagnosis? 16:08 What is your advice for individuals concerned with memory loss? 16:50

On October 27th, the NBC drama series This Is Us will return for a fifth season. An integral storyline in the show is the diagnosis of one of the main characters, Rebecca Pearson, with Mild Cognitive impairment (MCI). In this bonus episode, our host Dr. Chin helps define MCI and its potential causes and misconceptions. Episode Topics: What is Mild Cognitive Impairment? 1:37 Difference between MCI and Dementia: 3:29 Potential causes for MCI: 4:40

As intermittent fasting has risen in popularity over the last decade, researchers have been exploring its long-term effects on physical health. Dr. Mark Mattson joins to discuss his research on metabolic switching, caloric restrictions, and the cognitive benefits from intermittent fasting. Guest: Mark P. Mattson, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology Note: It is best to talk with your healthcare provider before engaging in intermittent fasting. Episode Topics: Defining Intermittent fasting: 1:08 How long does it take for a metabolic switch? 2:02 How is this process different from normal dietary recommendations? 3:44 What did you find in your research on the effects of intermittent fasting on health? 5:36 Are there cognitive benefits to intermittent fasting? 8:12 Can intermittent fasting and caloric restrictions improve the brain’s health? 9:49 How does our modern lifestyles affect our brain and overall health? 16:07 Is there any evidence that one way of intermittent fasting is better?17:54 Are there any long-term consequences of intermittent fasting? 20:30 What do you do in your life to improve your brain health? 22:39

Aerobic exercise is often a recommendation for maintaining cognitive well-being, however its true connections to brain health are still being investigated to learn its effects on Alzheimer’s disease. Wisconsin ADRC exercise physiologist and researcher Max Gaitán joins the podcast to discuss the recent pilot study “Protocol of Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Health (REACH)” and the study’s future research into the impact of aerobic exercise on brain health. Guest: Max Gaitán, MEd, Research Specialist, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Medicine Episode topics: What were the goals for the REACH study? 1:56 Was it difficult to recruit participants for the study? 3:18 What else did you learn from your participants?  4:22 Did you see any issues with retention in participants? 5:06 What were the results of the study? 5:42 What does improved glucose metabolism in the brain mean? 6:57 Does exercise improve the health of the brain cells? 7:43 What are the goals of studying metabolomics? 8:55  What did you define as usual physical activity? 9:47 How were the exercise targets chosen? 10:38 Are there studies researching high intensity interval training? 12:39  

Human factors engineering is the study and design of interactive systems, tools and technologies to best assist individuals in need. We are joined by Nicole Werner, PhD, an engineer working on a mobile technology to serve the lives of informal caregivers. Guest: Nicole Werner, PhD, Harvey D. Spangler Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison Episode topics: Explanation of the field of human factors engineering: 1:05 The challenges of informal caregiving: 2:22 What are some useful user friendly features for the app? 5:32 How is the app being tested and improved? 11:38 How do you know when the app will be ready for launch? 14:15 Does your lab work with other technology tools for individuals with dementia and their caregivers? 15:55 As consumers, what are the essential features that we should look for in technology assistance?: 18:10 Have you encountered any tools you’ve found helpful? 20:07 What have you learned about caregiving in your work? 22:55

Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women. In the Alzheimer’s disease research field, there is an interest in understanding the sex-specific differences in the risk and development of this disease. Dr. Michelle Mielke joins to discuss some of these differences as well as how pregnancy and menopause might affect cognition. Guest: Michelle Mielke, PhD, Mayo Clinic Rochester Episode Topics: What are the sex differences in the development of dementia? 4:09 What are explanations for these differences? 7:57 What role does pregnancy and menopause play in the development of cognitive disorders? 10:09  Could menopausal hormone replacement therapy affect the cognitive development of dementia in individuals? 14:32 Are there sex differences in the genetic risk of APOE? 21:30 What do you do in your personal life to maintain brain health? 24:31

A recent study from researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that people who lived in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s disease-related brain changes at autopsy than people who lived in the wealthiest neighborhoods. One of the authors joins the podcast to discuss the research findings, the methodology behind the study, and future research directions. Guest: Ryan Powell, PhD, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Medicine   Episode Topics: What are social determinants of health? 1:30 What is the Area Deprivation Index? 3:28 What did your study investigate? 7:24 What did you learn from your study of brain autopsy results? 8:49 How do you think social factors interact with brain changes? 11:10 Why is access to Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers important? 13:35 What is the next step for your research? 16:44 As a society, how can we slow the development of Alzheimer’s disease? 20:33

After serving as the primary caregiver for his wife for 11 years, Dr. Arthur Kleinman shares the unexpected experiences, difficulties and lessons that he faced. His book, The Soul of Care: The Moral Education of a Husband and a Doctor, chronicles the emotional and physical journey as a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Guest: Arthur Kleinman, MD, professor of medical anthropology and cross-cultural psychiatry, Harvard University   Episode Topics: Do you believe caregiving and empathy can be taught? 1:25 Unexpected experiences as a caregiver: 3:34 How do you communicate to your loved ones you need help with caregiving? 10:22 Differences between “illness” and “disease”: 20:38 Why is important for the community to welcome individuals with memory loss? 27:06

Research data collected from participants around the world has grown our understanding of genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Guest Jessica Langbaum, PhD, is the co-director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, which conducts clinical trials in people at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Langbaum discusses some recent findings in genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s disease, the psychological consequences of learning one’s risk, and testing interventions to delay or prevent the onset of symptoms. Guest: Jessica Langbaum, PhD, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Episode Topics: What is the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative? 3:44 What is the difference between the APOE gene and the presenilin gene? 6:07 How are you approaching disclosure of genetic risk to participants? 12:15 What kind of responses have you received from participants who were told about their genetic risk? 15:32 What would you recommend to an individual interested in learning their genetic risk? 22:19 What are your recommendations for preventing dementia? 24:25 What is the GeneMatch program? 26:35  How can individuals find a study to volunteer for? 29:48 What is the most feasible form of therapy for dementia? 31:06