Uncovering Huntington's Disease with Author and Advocate Lori Jones

In part one of this two-part episode of the Brain & Life podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by influencer and podcaster Allie Signorelli. She shares her experience living with young-onset Parkinson's disease, from noticing early symptoms to receiving a diagnosis at a time when she didn't see people her age represented in the Parkinson's conversation. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Rodolfo Savica, who explains the importance of early diagnosis, non-motor symptoms, and environmental and genetic factors. Come back for part two next week to hear about Allie's entrance into the world of advocacy and upcoming research.   Additional Resources Allie Signorelli: Living With Young Onset Parkinson's What is Parkinson's Disease? Factors That May Increase the Risk of Parkinson's Disease   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics A Walk in the "Parkinson's" with Author Annmarie O'Connor Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson's Disease How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson's We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected] Social Media Guests: Allie Signorelli @imstillallie; Dr. Rodolfo Savica @mayoclinic Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD  

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Emmy and Tony Award–winning actor Christine Ebersole. She shares a deeply personal side of her story: how caring for her husband during his recovery from an acoustic neuroma changed her life and her craft. Christine reflects on how that experience informed her approach to acting, deepening her empathy, emotional range, and understanding of vulnerability. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. David Kaylie, Professor of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences at Duke University. Dr. Kaylie explains what an acoustic neuroma is, how it differs from other similar conditions, treatment options, and the importance of hearing and vestibular rehabilitation.   Additional Resources What is a Brain Tumor? Acoustic Neuroma Association What is Neurofibromatosis?   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Strength in Unity: Advocating and Advancing Research for Brain Tumors Lawyer, Model Victoria Vesce Uses Her Platform for Brain Tumor Advocacy Neurofibromatosis Advocacy and Community Building with the Gilbert Family Foundation We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Christine Ebersole @christine.ebersole.official; Dr. David Kaylie @dukeschoolofmedicine Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by singer and songwriter James Durbin. James shares his powerful story of living with Tourette syndrome, navigating stigma, and finding strength through music. He also explains how performance became a transformative tool for self-acceptance and resilience. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Tamara Pringsheim, a neurologist and clinician-researcher at the University of Calgary who specializes in Tourette syndrome and tic disorders. Dr. Pringsheim explains how tic disorders manifest, evolve, and what misconceptions need to be dispelled.   Additional Resources What is Tourette Syndrome? Jerry Gidner Raises Awareness of Tourette Syndrome in Underrepresented Groups How this Nurse Practitioner Tames Tics in People with Tourette Syndrome James Durbin's Music   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics From Obstacle to Opportunity: David Begnaud on Living with Tourette Syndrome The Singing Surgeon: Dr. Elvis Francois on the Power of Music in Healing We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: James Durbin @jamesdurbinofficial; Dr. Tamara Pringsheim @ucalgarymed Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In part two of this two-part episode, Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Molly Burke. Molly shares how her journey of navigating life with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has led her to create online content and write a book. She shares more about her mental health journey and the importance of finding joy. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Brittni Scruggs, a vitreoretinal surgeon and physician-scientist at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Scruggs dives into the importance of advocacy and exciting research for people living with RP.   Additional Resources At a glance: Retinitis Pigmentosa Customers and Professionals Weigh in on How to Make the Beauty World More Accessible What Causes Color Blindness? Molly Burke - Official Website   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Exploring Accessibility and the Arts at the Lincoln Center Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Molly Burke @mollyburkeofficial; Dr. Scruggs @mayocliniceye Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In part one of this two-part episode, Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Molly Burke. Molly shares her journey of navigating life with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and how it led her to create online content and write a book. She shares the importance of representation, advocacy, and rethinking societal perceptions of disability to create a more inclusive world. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Brittni Scruggs, a vitreoretinal surgeon and physician-scientist at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Scruggs explains inherited retinal diseases and how they are diagnosed and treated. Come back next week for part two to learn about the importance of advocacy and upcoming research!   Additional Resources At a glance: Retinitis Pigmentosa Customers and Professionals Weigh in on How to Make the Beauty World More Accessible What Causes Color Blindness? Molly Burke - Official Website   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Exploring Accessibility and the Arts at the Lincoln Center Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Molly Burke @mollyburkeofficial; Dr. Scruggs @mayocliniceye Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this special Rare Disease Day episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters respond to your listener questions. They explore how rare diseases can affect relationships, offer guidance on planning for the future, and share tips for explaining complex medical conditions to others.   Resources Mentioned In the Mix with Rob Floyd: Lessons on Mixology and Moyamoya What is Pompe Disease? Surviving Stroke: A Story of Perseverance and Grace CADASIL Foundation Pompe Disease News   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters speaks with advocate and author Lori Jones about growing up in a family affected by Huntington's disease (HD), reflecting on stigma, isolation, caregiving, and the inspiration behind her memoir, Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Katie Moore, assistant professor of neurology at Duke University Medical Center, who explains what Huntington's disease is and how genetic testing can impact individuals and families living with HD.   Additional Resources Lori Jones What is Huntington's Disease? Promising Therapies May Help Huntington's Disease   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Author Tanita Allen on Existing with Huntington's Disease Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition   We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Lori Jones @lorijoneswrites; Dr. Katie Moore @DukeNeuroRes Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by musical legend Gloria Gaynor. Gloria talks about her journey in music and opens up about living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), undergoing surgery, and navigating the long road to recovery. She shares what the experience taught her about resilience and adapting when life doesn't go as planned. Next, Dr. Correa is once again joined by Dr. Shelly Hsieh, attending physician and Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Montefiore Einstein. Dr. Hsieh dives further into the multifaceted approach to rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries and the lifestyle factors that support healing.   Additional Resources How Spinal Surgery Helped Gloria Gaynor Beat Chronic Pain and Return to the Stage What is Spinal Cord Injury? HEP2go Rehabilitation   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Answering Your Spinal Cord Injury Questions with Dr. Shelly Hsieh "Roll with Cole & Charisma" On Building a Life Together as an Interabled Couple How Disability Advocate Wesley Hamilton Became Empowered by Adversity   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Gloria Gaynor @gloriagaynor ; Dr. Shelly Hsieh @MontefioreHealthSystem Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant, professor of neurology at UCSF and Director of the UCSF Regional Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center. Together, they explore how diet, microbiome, and environmental factors influence the progression of multiple sclerosis, with a special focus on pediatric cases. Dr. Waubant also discusses the role of dietary patterns and vitamin D and highlights how emotional well-being and physical activity can impact disease outcomes.   Additional Resources Expert Insights and Practical Tips for Managing Multiple Sclerosis How Ultra-processed Foods Can Have a Negative Effect on Brain Health Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard Embracing Each Day with Author and MS Advocate Lilibet Snellings Kyte Voices from the Multiple Sclerosis Community   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant @ucsfmedicine Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by award-winning actor and playwright Michael Patrick, who shares his journey from studying science at Cambridge to becoming a celebrated actor. Michael also discusses his diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease (MND), his participation in a clinical trial, and how he continues to find hope and support from his network. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Matthew Harms, an Associate Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Harms explains the complexities of diagnosing Motor Neuron Disease and ALS, the genetic factors involved, and the importance of early detection and treatment. He also discusses the importance of advocacy and what exciting research is happening now.   Additional Resources What are motor neuron diseases? Developments in ALS Research Michael Patrick: Actor and Writer   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Focusing on Hope: Answering your ALS Questions with Dr. Rick Bedlack Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS Finding Strength in ALS Advocacy with Podcaster Lorri Carey We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media:   Guests: Michael Patrick @michaelpatrick314; Dr. Harms @osdib_cuimc Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD