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

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Brain health and lifestyle interventions play an important role in longevity.  Dr. Rudy Tanzi, Director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Director of The McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Kennedy Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, spoke with host Meryl Comer about the latest brain health research. Dr. Tanzi explains the tools for presymptomatic detection and the importance of early diagnosis. Listen as they discuss the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise, and what he’s learned about super agers. You won’t want to miss this episode!

SHIELD - Sleep, Handle stress, Interact with others, Exercise,  Learn new things, Diet

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Breakthrough advances in research coupled with health-conscious strategies around brain health continue to bring us closer to the prevention of Alzheimer’s and related dementias In part 2 of a conversation with George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder of UsAgainstAlzheimers, discusses the shift in the Alzheimer’s treatment paradigm as well as prevention that comes along with people taking ownership of their brain health. Medicine, along with a healthy lifestyle, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other diseases. Listen as we discuss what the future holds when it comes to beating this disease globally. 

Co-produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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2023 has brought exciting advances in the prevention, detection, and treatment of Alzheimer’s.  George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer's, Chairman of the Global CEOi and Founding Chair with the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative, spoke with BrainStorm host Meryl Comer about the shared research commitment to get a vaccine, or immunotherapy intervention, on market by the end of the decade. Listen as George discusses the challenges to make a future free of Alzheimer’s a reality.  

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger. 

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Lewy Body Dementia, the second most progressive form of dementia impacting one million people in the US, is often confused with Alzheimer’s disease. In part 2 of BrainStorm’s interview with Mary Lou Falcone, author of “I Didn’t See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss and Lewy Body Dementia” she describes her very personal journey with her husband Nicky Zann, famed musician and painter. She reflects with host Meryl Comer what prepared her for her caregiving role, and both candidly offers advice to other caregivers on intimate issues that rarely get discussed. You won’t want to miss it!

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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Lewy Body Dementia is the second most progressive form of dementia after Alzheimer's and impacts an estimated one million individuals in the United States. Symptoms typically present at age 50 or older and are often confused with Alzheimer's disease. Like Alzheimer’s, there is no cure. In this episode of BrainStorm, host Meryl Comer talks with Mary Lou Falcone, author of “I Didn't See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss and Lewy Body Dementia.” Listen as they discuss her very personal journey with her husband Nicky Zann, an accomplished rock and roll musician who became a world-renowned cartoonist and painter, to get to an accurate diagnosis.

Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber Roniger

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