• Ep 64: Dr. Suzanne LeBlang – Focused Ultrasound Technology and Alzheimer’s Treatment (part 2)
    Jun 4 2024

    Join us for part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Dr. Suzanne LeBlang, Director of Clinical Relations at Focused Ultrasound Foundation (www.fusfoundation.org). Host Meryl Comer and Dr. LeBlang discuss eligibility criteria and applications for the ground-breaking technology of focused ultrasound – a non-invasive procedure for treating tremors in Parkinson’s disease and those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This technological advancement can target and treat tissue deep within the brain, enhance drug delivery, and facilitate the removal of amyloid plaques. As featured on CBS 60 Minutes, patients are awake during this transformational procedure. You won’t want to miss part 2 of this interview!

    Support the Show.

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Ep 63: Dr. Suzanne LeBlang – Focused Ultrasound Technology and Alzheimer’s Treatment (part 1)
    May 21 2024

    A ground-breaking, but still experimental non-invasive procedure for treating those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, has attracted widespread media attention. Featured on CBS 60 Minutes, focused ultrasound can target and treat tissue deep within the brain, enhance drug delivery, and facilitate the removal of amyloid plaques without the need for surgery. Dr. Suzanne LeBlang, Director of Clinical Relations at Focused Ultrasound Foundation (www.fusfoundation.org), discusses this new non-invasive technology with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer that could transform care and quality of life for patients suffering Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s. You won’t want to miss this episode!

    Support the Show.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Ep 62: More Men Are Becoming Alzheimer’s Caregivers. Advice from Former Wisconsin Governor Schreiber, Author of My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver
    May 7 2024

    Traditionally two-thirds of unpaid family caregivers have been women, but that is changing. Men now account for more than 40% of those caring for a spouse or aging parent with dementia. Former Wisconsin Governor Martin Schreiber talks with host Meryl Comer about his caregiving journey. Schreiber recounts his wife by his side during 16 years in public service, but his nearly two decade journey as her caregiver provides insight that he shares in his book, My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver. Schreiber discusses how to handle the challenges faced by male caregivers when it comes to managing intimate tasks of daily living and shares personal anecdotes. When asked how he endured, he replied “I remember the good times.” You won’t want to miss this episode!

    Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

    Support the Show.

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Ep 61: Dr. Brent Forester – The Complexity of Dementia Care and the Importance of a Holistic Approach (part 2)
    Apr 16 2024

    Join us for part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Dr. Brent Forester, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, and Director of Behavioral Health at Tufts Medical Center. Host Meryl Comer and Dr. Forester discuss the need for a change of mindset by the medical community and the public in general when it comes to dementia.

    Dr. Forester, author of The Complete Family Guide to Dementia, Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself, explains how countless families grappling with the complexities of caring for a parent with dementia are frustrated by the scarcity of neurologists. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be done for people with dementia rather than dwelling on limitations. His advice to caregivers - adopt a "caring smarter, not harder" approach. Comer and Dr. Forester delve into strategies for observing and addressing behavioral symptoms in dementia patients, as well as as new FDA approved treatment for psychosis and agitation in AD.

    Whether you’re directly impacted by dementia or not, you’ll leave this episode with valuable insights. Tune in today!

    This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck.

    Support the Show.

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Ep 60: Dr. Brent Forester – The Complexity of Dementia Care and the Importance of a Holistic Approach (part 1)
    Apr 3 2024

    If you're facing the challenge of caring for a parent with dementia, you are not alone. In this episode of BrainStorm Brent Forester, MD, MSc, Psychiatrist in Chief, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, and Director of Behavioral Health at Tufts Medical Center, discussed the complexity of dementia care and the importance of a holistic approach with host Meryl Comer. Dr. Forester, author of The Complete Family Guide to Dementia, everything You Need to Know to Help Your Parent and Yourself, provided crucial insight for effective management of behaviors, and tips to facilitate communication with healthcare providers. The needs of both patients and caregivers must always be considered during the decision-making process. You won’t want to miss this episode!

    This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck.

    Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

    Support the Show.

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Ep 59: Pierre N. Tariot, PhD – Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
    Mar 19 2024

    Join us for part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Dr. Pierre Tariot, former Director for Banner Alzheimer's Institute and Co-Director of The International Alzheimer's Prevention Project. Host Meryl Comer and Dr. Tariot delve into the neuropsychiatric features of dementia and highlight advancements on how to manage these challenging symptoms and behaviors in order to keep a loved one at home. You won’t want to miss this episode.

    This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck.

    Support the Show.

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Ep 58: Pierre N. Tariot, PhD - The Neurology Crisis and What it Means for Alzheimer's
    Mar 5 2024

    By 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 years of age or older, equating to over 71 million people. As the aging population grows, a shortage of neurologists and geriatric doctors puts early diagnosis in jeopardy. In this episode of BrainStorm Dr. Pierre Tariot, former Director for Banner Alzheimer's Institute and Co-Director of The International Alzheimer's Prevention Project discussed the challenges of diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease with a shortage of neurologists. Host Meryl Comer and Dr. Tariot, who has devoted his career to the care and study of people with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease, talk about the importance of early detection for effective treatment. You won’t want to miss this episode!

    This episode is sponsored by Otsuka and Lundbeck.

    Support the Show.

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Ep 57: Dr. Rudy Tanzi - How to SHIELD the Brain (part 2)
    Feb 20 2024

    Join us for part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Dr. Rudy Tanzi, Director of Genetics and Aging Research Unit and The McCance Center for Brain Health. Host Meryl Comer delves into whether Dr. Tanzi practices what he preaches on brain health and the efficacy of different brain health supplements to increase cognitive longevity. Dr. Tanzi, the Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, also spoke about the role AI plays in accelerating clinical trials and how his musical talents improve his creativity as a scientist. You won’t want to miss it.

    Support the Show.

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins