Ep 93: Beyond Treatment - Dr. Rosand's Mission to Prevent Brain Disease Before It Starts

BrainStorm wants to hear from you! Send us a text.In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Dr. Jonathan Rosand, co-founder of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Harvard discusses his revolutionary approach to preventing brain diseases before they start with host Meryl Comer. Dr. Rosand explains how his work originated from his experience treating severe brain injuries, where he witnessed patients and their families developing depression, anxiety, and PTSD after surviving critical care. This led him to ultimately developing the "Brain Care Score" - a tool that measures 12 daily lifestyle choices that can substantially reduce the risk of dementia, stroke, and depression. The Brain Care Score gives individuals agency over their brain health, emphasizing that prevention is about daily choices rather than complex medical interventions. Learn more about the Brain Care Score at the McCance Center for Brain Health. Produced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show

BrainStorm wants to hear from you! Send us a text.In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, Founder and Director of Emory's innovative Integrated Memory Care Clinic continues to explore the complex realities of Alzheimer's caregiving with host Meryl Comer. Dr. Clevenger shares her expertise on recognizing when families need additional support, managing behavioral symptoms without over-medication, and ensuring families remain central to care decisions even in residential settings. The conversation covers the often-overlooked medical causes of agitation and how to navigate the challenging transition to memory care facilities while maintaining control over your loved one's treatment. This episode offers both professional insights and compassionate guidance for families facing difficult decisions in their caregiving journey.Sponsored by Lundbeck USProduced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show

BrainStorm wants to hear from you! Send us a text.In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's, host Meryl Comer explores the critical issue of agitation in dementia care with Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, Founder and Director of Emory's Integrated Memory Care Clinic. Dr. Clevenger provides practical advice for caregivers, emphasizing that documentation of behaviors and triggers is crucial, and that caregivers must learn to adapt.  Her innovative approach to dementia care through integrated memory care which provides primary care, dementia specialist services, and family caregiver support all in one practice. This is a must listen for all caregivers! This episode of BrainStorm is sponsored by Lundbeck US. Support the show

BrainStorm wants to hear from you! Send us a text.What's the purpose of a long life if our brains can't enjoy it? Paul Irving, Senior Advisor at the Milken Institute on the Future of Longevity and Dean of Faculty at USC's Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, challenges conventional thinking about aging and longevity in a conversation with host, Meryl Comer. Together they address the critical distinction between longevity and brain health and explore why maintaining cognitive function matters more than simply extending lifespan. Paul shares insights into intergenerational collaboration and fighting ageism to create healthier, more productive later years.Join us for this enlightening conversation that will transform how you think about aging, purpose, and creating a life of meaning regardless of your current age. If you have a story about your caregiving experience, share it with us at [email protected] to help advocate for continued research funding.Support the show

BrainStorm wants to hear from you! Send us a text.Can small adjustments to lifestyle make a difference for healthy longevity? In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's, host Meryl Comer focuses on Alzheimer’s prevention with Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, co-directors of the Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University. The couple's research, including their work featured in the Netflix documentary You Are What You Eat, shows that diet plays a crucial role in brain health. Their discussion underscores that every positive step can lead to substantial benefits in brain health and Alzheimer's prevention. Up to 90% of Alzheimer's cases can be prevented with optimal lifestyle changes, according to the Sherzais. You don’t want to miss this episode. BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is sponsored by Biogen and EisaiProduced by Susan Quirk and Amber RonigerSupport the show