Dementia Matters
Episodes
Alcohol and the Brain: One Drink a Day Associated with Brain Shrinkage
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many conflicting studies on how alcohol consumption can impact a person’s health, with some studies suggesting light drinking can protect ...
Women’s Health Month: Women and Alzheimer’s Disease
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of Women’s Health Month, Dr. Jessica Caldwell joins the podcast to discuss sex differences in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. She explains...
Disaggregating Racial Data: How Studying Ethnic Subgroups Can Improve Research
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A graduate student from the University of Wisconsin–Madison is pushing for the disaggregation of data in research to better understand how individua...
Incorporating Cultural Knowledge: Improving Alzheimer’s Disease Research for Veterans and Native Americans
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Cynthia Carlsson and Daniel A. King join the podcast to discuss some of the unique ways that Alzheimer’s disease affects Veterans and Native Ame...
Update on Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s Disease
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Research in the field of fluid biomarkers is leading to new developments in Alzheimer’s disease identification, including new tests that can predict...
Harnessing the Power of Autophagy to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
11 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Puglielli lab at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has found a way to manipulate autophagy — a process where cell...
Go with the (4D) Flow: Neuroimaging Technology Used to Study Overlap of Cerebrovascular Disease and Alzheimer’s
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A recent study from Alzheimer’s disease researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison used neuroimaging technology called 4D Flow MRI to stud...
Breaking Down Medicare’s Proposed Decision on Aducanumab and Monoclonal Antibody Treatments
29 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On January 11, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its much-anticipated coverage proposal for monoclonal antibody treatment...
Nasal Vaccine for Alzheimer’s Disease Enters Clinical Trial
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In November 2021, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston launched the first human trial of a nasal vaccine for Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly 20 year...
‘American Dementia’: Author Interview with Dr. Daniel George and Dr. Peter Whitehouse
06 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Medical anthropologist and professor of humanities and public health sciences Daniel George, PhD, and professor of neurology and medicine Peter Whiteh...
New Research Shifts Thinking on Metabolism and Aging
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are many common beliefs about metabolism. Perhaps you’ve heard that a person’s metabolism slows around middle age, or that a woman’s metab...
Aging Behind the Wheel: How Driving Behavior Can Identify Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dementia impacts a person’s ability to complete day-to-day activities like familiar tasks at work or at home. What if we could identify these change...
Global Challenges in Dementia Diagnosis: A Deep Dive into ADI’s World Alzheimer’s Report 2021
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alzheimer’s Disease International’s World Alzheimer’s Report 2021 recently found that 75% of people with dementia are undiagnosed, equating to 4...
Accessibility and Community: Bringing Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resources to the Latinx Community
28 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
UsAgainstAlzheimer’s newly-released tool, BrainGuide, may seem like a simple questionnaire, but the project highlights a growing movement to make Al...
You Are What You Eat: Study of Diet and Brain Health Shows Cognitive Benefits from Cheese, Wine and Lamb
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A recent study of nearly 1,800 participants from the UK Biobank found that three dietary elements — cheese, wine, and lamb — may improve long-term...
AARP Study Shows Stigma Surrounding Dementia among Healthcare Professionals and General Public
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With the numerous efforts currently focused on educating the public about dementia, from clinical programs to research to podcasts (like this one), ho...
Caregivers, Care Partners and People with Dementia: Brainstorming New Interventions for Dementia Care
16 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When talking about dementia caregiving, researchers are often working toward new treatments and strategies for supporting people with Alzheimer’s di...
Tackling Stigma and Alzheimer’s Disease within the AAPI Community
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Vince Tien and Dr. Dung Trinh join the podcast to discuss the many ways Alzheimer’s disease affects the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)...
Creative Care: The Power of Imagination in Dementia Caregiving
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What would happen if caregiving strategies were inspired by wonder rather than memory? That’s what Dr. Anne Basting, founder and president of the no...
Better Now than Never: Quit Smoking to Reduce Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Researchers have produced many studies on how smoking affects parts of the body, such as the lungs or heart, but what about the brain? In today’s po...
Dentistry and Dementia: The Importance of Caring for Oral Health
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Elisa Ghezzi, DDS, PhD, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of maintaining oral health throughout one’s life, and especially as one grows ol...
Vote for Dementia Matters in the 2021 Podcast Awards!
17 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dementia Matters has entered into the 2021 People's Choice Podcast Awards! If you enjoy our show and want to support us, register and vote before July...
From Studying to Living with Alzheimer‘s Disease: A Conversation with Dr. Daniel Gibbs
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Neurologist and author Daniel Gibbs, PhD, joins the podcast to discuss his recent book, “A Tattoo on My Brain,” which details his journey from tre...
How Close Are We to Curing Alzheimer’s Disease?
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For our 100th episode of Dementia Matters, Nina Silverberg, PhD, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRC) Program at the National I...
How to Shape Your Brain Health and Reduce Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Neuropsychologist and author Michelle Braun, PhD, joins the podcast to talk about lifestyle changes that can support brain health. “We have the abil...
Study Finds Air Pollution a Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that among older adults with cognitive impairment, the greater the air pollution in...
Managing Inappropriate Sexual Behavior in Alzheimer’s Disease
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Inappropriate sexual behavior is a common yet rarely discussed symptom in individuals with dementia. Author Elizabeth Marcus writes about her personal...
Being Patient Translates Alzheimer’s Disease Science for the General Public
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Being Patient is an online news source dedicated to providing research news, caregiver information and resources related to Alzheimer's disease. Bein...
How Society Can Improve Care for People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jason Karlawish discusses society’s role in addressing care for individuals with memory loss, as well as current stigmas around Alzheimer’s d...
The Healthcare System’s Role in Alzheimer’s Disease
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jason Karlawish joins the podcast for the third installment in our series on his new book, "The Problem of Alzheimer's: How Science, Culture, and ...
How Culture, Society and Politics Shaped Alzheimer’s Disease Research
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jason Karlawish returns to the podcast to continue our discussion on his new book, The Problem of Alzheimer's: How Science, Culture, and Politics ...
The Past, Present and Future of Alzheimer’s Disease Research
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Physician and author Dr. Jason Karlawish joins the podcast for the first installment of a four-part series centered around his new book, The Problem o...
Research Suggests Financial Problems an Early Sign of Alzheimer’s Disease
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In a recent study, health economist Lauren Nicholas, PhD, found older adults who go on to be diagnosed with dementia are more likely to miss payments ...
The Powerful Benefits of Music on Memory Loss
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Growing research has shown that music can have a profound impact on individuals with memory loss. Right to Music is an organization dedicated to promo...
Emergency Care Tips for People with Dementia
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Visiting the emergency department can be a challenging experience for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers. Dr. Manish Shah joins the po...
Safely Disclosing Amyloid Results with Alzheimer’s Disease Research Participants
06 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Lindsay Clark’s new study will evaluate the psychological consequences of disclosing amyloid test results to cognitively unimpaired adults. Dr...
Poetry and Memory: A Poem by Dr. Fabu Carter
25 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this special holiday bonus episode, we are joined by poet laureate, writer, and senior outreach specialist, Dr. Fabu Carter, to discuss the impact...
Update on Blood Tests for Predicting Alzheimer’s Disease
11 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Recent developments have introduced a blood-based test that could predict Alzheimer’s disease, with more of these tests currently in development. Dr...
Vitamin Deficiency and Its Impact on Brain Health
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A study from the University of Wisconsin found 40% of geriatric memory patients were deficient in at least one vitamin linked to brain health. Vitamin...
Benefits of an Early Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
05 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
For individuals concerned with memory loss, the first few steps for screening and diagnosis can be the most intimidating. Dr. Cynthia Carlsson discuss...
Defining Mild Cognitive Impairment with Dr. Chin
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 mai...
Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects on the Brain
09 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As intermittent fasting has risen in popularity over the last decade, researchers have been exploring its long-term effects on physical health. Dr. Ma...
Research Update: Aerobic Exercise and Brain Health
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Aerobic exercise is often a recommendation for maintaining cognitive well-being, however its true connections to brain health are still being investig...
Apps & Alzheimer’s: Supporting Informal Caregiving Through Mobile Technology
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Human factors engineering is the study and design of interactive systems, tools and technologies to best assist individuals in need. We are joined by ...
Sex Differences in Alzheimer’s Disease
21 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women. In the Alzheimer’s disease research field, there is an interest in understandin...
Neighborhoods and Neurons: Study Finds Association between Neighborhood Disadvantage and Alzheimer’s Disease-related Brain Changes
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A recent study from researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that people who lived in the most disadvanta...
Exploring the Lessons Learned as a New Caregiver
16 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After serving as the primary caregiver for his wife for 11 years, Dr. Arthur Kleinman shares the unexpected experiences, difficulties and lessons tha...
Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative investigates genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Research data collected from participants around the world has grown our understanding of genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Guest Jessica Lan...
Zip Codes Are More than a Number: Study Finds Link between Neighborhoods and Memory-related Brain Structures
18 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A recent study showed that research participants in the most highly disadvantaged neighborhoods had smaller hippocampal areas compared to research pa...
Caregiver Coping Skills and Communication Strategies for a Pandemic
03 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
COVID-19 Special Series The pandemic has placed a significant strain on the mental, social, and physical wellbeing of many caregivers, as well as indi...
Mindfulness: What Is It, What Are the Benefits, Where to Begin
28 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
COVID-19 Special Series Stress, fear, and anxiety are common responses to the uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the regular pra...
Long Distance Caregiving and Connecting: How to Remain in Close Contact with Your Loved Ones while Following Physical Distancing Recommendations
20 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
COVID-19 Special Series As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic visiting and communicating with people living with memory loss, whether at home or in a ...
The Ins & Outs of Telemedicine: Quick Tips for Patients
13 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
COVID-19 Special Series The field of telemedicine offers a diverse range of medical support services through telecommunication. Under the global pand...
Care & Support Services Offered by the Alzheimer’s Association
06 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
COVID-19 Special Series This episode discusses the work done by The Alzheimer’s Association, an organization focused on providing community educati...
A Glimpse into the National Family Caregiver Support Program
29 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
COVID-19 Special Series The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) offers information, support, and resources to assist family caregivers...
Maintaining Mental Health During a Pandemic Part 2: Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management & Coping
22 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
COVID-19 Special Series This episode continues our conversation with Art Walaszek, MD, focusing on the psychological and behavioral effects of the CO...
Maintaining Mental Health During a Pandemic Part 1: Consequences of Isolation & Tips to Prevent Them
17 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
COVID-19 Special Series This episode begins our pivot to addressing the important issues facing individuals during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We ...
Predicting Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease Today and Tomorrow
06 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode offers an overview of the current tools doctors use to examine Alzheimer’s disease risk in their patients, as well as new techniques in...
DNA Is Not Your Destiny: Genetics and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
18 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores genetic risk factors for early- and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Host Nathaniel Chin and guest Corinne Engelman discuss the...
Exercise Your Mind: Cognitively Stimulating Activities and Social Engagement
04 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest, Dr. Kimberly Mueller, joins us to discuss cognitively stimulating activities and the impact of social engagement on brain health. Guest: K...
Bonus Episode: Current Research into Frontotemporal Dementia
28 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Howie Rosen on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). On last week’s episode, Dr. Rosen spoke o...
Understanding and Managing Frontotemporal Dementia
22 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a type of dementia caused by degeneration in the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. Our guest discusses the sym...
It Takes Two to Tango: The Importance of Amyloid and Tau in Cognitive Decline
07 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Our guests, Dr. Rebecca Koscik and Dr. Tobey Betthauser, are researchers investigating the trajectory of amyloid and tau proteins over time and the ...
What We Have Learned from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention Study
10 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest is Dr. Sterling Johnson, associate director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and principal investigator of the Wiscons...
Considerations for Caregivers in Indian Country
26 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. J. Neil Henderson is an expert on diabetes and dementia, as well as creating culturally specific caregiver training programs for people who care f...
Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease: What to Know and What to Expect
14 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease before the age of 65 are said to have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. While this diagnosis is rare, the...
Palliative Care and Hospice Conversations for Dementia Patients, Families and Caregivers
22 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A common concern for families and dementia caregivers is when to start talking about palliative care and hospice with and for their loved ones with de...
Building the Brain: Finding the Cognitive Benefits of Physical Activity
08 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
To many people, exercise can seem like an uncertain and intimidating new world. The confusing marketing around it can make it hard to find a healthy, ...
When Good Becomes Bad: Researching the Impact of Neuroinflammation
24 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Inflammation is a common response throughout the body that fights injury and infection and works to rebuild cells after damage. Inflammation works the...
The Power of Disclosure: How Explaining Risk of Alzheimer's Disease Impacts Life Afterward
11 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the advancing field of dementia research, the rise in genetic and biomarker testing for Alzheimer’s disease creates a need for conversations arou...
Simple Steps to Reduce Fall Risk among Older Adults
27 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Falls are the leading injury related cause of emergency room visits, and people with dementia experience falls at about twice the rate of other older ...
The Evolving Definition of Alzheimer’s Disease
13 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Alzheimer’s disease researchers are developing new techniques for identifying the disease much earlier than was possible in the past. This requires ...
Telemedicine Reduces Emergency Room Visits for Dementia Patients
30 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A visit to the Emergency Department can be stressful and disorienting for a person with dementia, and oftentimes unnecessary. Dr. Manish Shah discusse...
Safety Tips for the Aging Driver
16 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Chin talks with our guest about safety tips for aging drivers, caregiver considerations, and information on classes offered through AARP's Driver ...
A Guide to Developing Mind-Body Skills for Improved Brain Health and Wellness
02 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to increase positivity, nurture mindfullness, and combat loneliness to improve overall health and wellness. Guest: Dr. Shilagh A. Mirgain, P...
Bank Supports Aging Customers with Dementia Friendly Training for Its Employees
18 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Missteps with money management is an early warning sign of dementia, and aging customers are often targets of financial scams and abuse. This week's ...
Medication Management Tips for Seniors
04 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest discusses a wide range of pharmacological topics of interest to the aging adult and caregivers, from medication reconciliation to sleep aids...
Dementia Caregiver Turns Advocate for People with Alzheimer’s Disease
23 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Former Badger Men’s Hockey announcer and “The Golf Affect Radio Show” host Paul Braun was a caregiver for his late wife, Karen, who had early-on...
Battling Health Disparities in Aging Research and Care
07 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Carl Hill joins the podcast to discuss research taking place around the country that works to improve health care and access for elders in diverse...
Improving Care for an Aging Population through Innovative Nursing and Caregiver Programs
23 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Barbara Bowers is an expert on improving care for older adults and people with dementia. Her work focuses on improving work life quality for forma...
How to Live a Joyful Life after a Dementia Diagnosis
09 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest is Dr. Tia Powell, author of the new book Dementia Reimagined: Building a Life of Joy and Dignity from Beginning to End. Dr. Powell wants mo...
Where’s the Connection? The Role of Synapses in Memory and Alzheimer’s Disease
26 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Synapses are points in the brain where two brain cells connect and communicate. Dr. Barbara Bendlin discusses her new research into synaptic change, i...
What Population Research Can Tell Us about Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
12 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Rachel Whitmer details how social determinants of health can lead to an elevated risk for dementia and shares what she has learned about modifiabl...
How Brain Autopsies Are Helping Further Dementia Research
26 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we speak with Dr. Shahriar Salamat and Mr. Jay Fruehling to discuss brain donation research and how it helps give the most accurate diagnos...
Understanding Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
12 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we continue our conversation with Dr. Art Walaszek discussing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In this episode...
Identifying and Managing Mental Health Issues in Older Adults
29 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Art Walaszek joins us for a two-part series discussing the mental health and behavioral changes family members and caregivers may see in people wi...
The Science of Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
08 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, but who and when it strikes is unpredictable. Recent research can help us understand how br...
How Language and Conversation Can Help Detect Dementia
18 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode, Dr. Kimberly Mueller helps explain connected language and how studying conversations can help detect early signs of cognitiv...
Holiday Tips for Dementia Caregivers
04 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The holidays are a joyous time for many, however it can be quite stressful to caregivers of a person with dementia. Geriatrician Dr. Alexis Eastman di...
SuperAgers: Who They Are and What They Can Tell Us about Alzheimer’s Disease
20 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
SuperAgers are people over age 80 who have the memory and thinking abilities of someone in their 50s. This week, Dr. Emily Rogalski discusses the scie...
The Triumphs and Challenges of Being a Dementia Caretaker
06 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we have a very special episode featuring former Governor of Wisconsin, Martin Schreiber. Governor Schreiber has been a widely outspoken...
Finding the Link Between High Blood Pressure and Dementia
23 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Preventive cardiologist Dr. Heather Johnson joins us this week to discuss how keeping a healthy cardiovascular system can reduce chances of developing...
Approaching Alzheimer’s Disease as a Preventable Condition
09 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Rarely are the steps to prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia discussed thoroughly. On this week's episode, Dr. William Shankle, a neurologist spe...
Finding Community Resources after a Dementia Diagnosis
25 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The quest for both patient and caregiver resources in your own community can be difficult. Bonnie Nuttkinson of the Alzheimer’s Association tells us...
New Approaches Yield Promise for Future of Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Trials
11 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Sanjay Asthana, MD, associate dean of gerontology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and director and founder, Wisc...
Key to Alzheimer’s Disease Cure May Lie in Early Detection
28 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Dr. James Lah, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology, Alzheimer's Disease Investigator, Emory University Research has shown Alzhei...
The Science of Sleep and Brain Health
14 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
A sleep scientist explains the importance of sleep to your brain, shares what the scientific community knows about the connections between sleep apnea...
Caregiver Strategies and the Importance of Changing the Way We Think about Alzheimer’s
31 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Suzanne Bottum-Jones, Registered Nurse, Children’s Author, Behavioral Consultant After more than 15 years of working with behavioral manageme...
The Link Between Neighborhood Disadvantage and Health Outcomes
17 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Dr. Amy Kind, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Geriatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Director, VA Dement...
Delirium and Its Pertinence to Dementia
03 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Chapman, geriatrician at UW Health specializing in acute care geriatric medicine and delirium in hospitalized patients Delirium c...