Brain Talk | Being Patient for Alzheimer's Patients and Caregivers

Dr. Michael Fossel, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and recognized expert in aging and telomere biology. He serves as chairman of the board of Telocyte, a biotech company developing telomerase therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, with FDA-sponsored human trials planned to target the underlying disease process. Fossel has authored more than 100 scientific publications and has lectured internationally, including at the National Institutes of Health. His work explores how processes like cell senescence — when aging cells stop working properly and can contribute to chronic inflammation — may help drive age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s.In the interview with Being Patient Founder Deborah Kan, Fossel argues that aging is not simply wear and tear, but a breakdown in the body’s ability to maintain and repair cells over time. He explains why lifestyle habits may help slow aging but are unlikely to reset it and outlines why his research is focused on whether telomerase therapy could restore cellular function in Alzheimer’s. He acknowledges that the science is still in its early stages, with major questions remaining about how much damage can be reversed, which patients might benefit most, and how soon these ideas can be tested in people.----If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter:   / being_patient_  Instagram:   / beingpatientvoices  Facebook:   / beingpatientalzheimers  LinkedIn:   / being-patient  Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

Conversations about cognitive impairment can feel confusing and hard to navigate. You may notice small changes and not know whether to bring it up, how to bring it up, or what the “right” approach is without causing fear, defensiveness, or shame. Dr. Dani Cabral is a neurologist and psychiatrist with more than 15 years of experience in Alzheimer’s care and clinical research. She founded BrainLove after seeing how the traditional health care system often fails to give patients and families the time, support, and individualized care they need. Through BrainLove, Cabral is working to transform the narrative on Alzheimer’s and related diseases by combining cutting-edge medical care, accessible education, and trusted resources to help families move forward with more clarity and a sense of possibility. Drawing on her background in both neurology and psychiatry, as well as early experience in hospice dementia care, Cabral brings a whole-person approach that addresses not only the biology of cognitive decline, but also the emotional, psychological, and practical realities families face.In this interview with Being Patient’s Mark Niu, Cabral emphasizes that conversations about cognitive changes should begin gently and without assumptions, focusing on curiosity rather than confrontation. She highlights the importance of involving family members early, addressing safety concerns before they become crises, and recognizing that cognitive decline is not always straightforward or caused by one condition alone. --- If you loved watching this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

This interview is brought to you in partnership with Eisai and is part of the Journey to Diagnosis series.Eisai: https://www.eisai.com/index.htmlJourney to Diagnosis: https://beingpatient.com/journey-to-diagnosis/Ben Draper was just 47 when he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. In the years leading up to that diagnosis, he and his wife, Robin, began noticing changes. Ben struggled with everyday tasks that used to come easily, such as sending text messages, using a phone or computer, managing time, and doing simple math. While running his construction business, he realized he could no longer read a tape measure. Even following GPS while driving became difficult.Early testing revealed significant cognitive impairment, followed by an extensive medical workup that included an MRI and a spinal tap. The results showed amyloid plaque, and, with a strong family history of Alzheimer’s, Ben later learned he also carries a genetic link to the disease.Today, Ben and Robin are focused on living each day to the fullest. They document their experiences on TikTok (@draperfamilylife) to help others feel less alone and to raise awareness about early-onset Alzheimer’s.In this conversation with Being Patient’s founder Deborah Kan, Ben and Robin describe the emotional whiplash of fearing a rapidly fatal diagnosis like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease before receiving clarity, and the unexpected relief that can come with finally having the early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis. They talk candidly about Ben's symptoms and how financial and care gaps can leave younger families scrambling for disability coverage, insurance, and support. Above all, they return to a guiding mindset, focus on what Ben can still do, lean on community, and make each day count.----Visit Being Patient for more Alzheimer’s and brain health coverage: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being PatientTwitter: https://twitter.com/Being_PatientInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet covering brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our Live Talk series features interviews with experts and people living with dementia.Watch more Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

This interview is brought to you in partnership with Eisai and is part of the Journey to Diagnosis series.Eisai: https://www.eisai.com/index.htmlJourney to Diagnosis: https://beingpatient.com/journey-to-diagnosis/ What are the early signs of primary progressive aphasia (PPA)?In this Being Patient Live Talk, Samuel Valverde and his wife, Heather, share their journey to a diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia, a form of cognitive impairment that affects language and communication.Samuel Valverde is a Desert Storm combat veteran and former police chief in Waelder, Texas, who built his life around discipline, service, and staying sharp under pressure. But over time, subtle changes began to appear — missed court dates, forgotten details, and increasing difficulty with focus, planning, and speech.In 2022, while being treated for PTSD, Samuel’s psychologist noticed changes that seemed to go beyond trauma. After months of testing — including cognitive evaluations, speech therapy, MRIs, and a PET scan — Samuel was diagnosed at age 53 with primary progressive aphasia (PPA).In this conversation with Being Patient’s Mark Niu, Samuel and Heather talk openly about:Recognizing the early warning signs of PPAThe road to diagnosisHow PPA affects speech and daily lifeThe emotional impact on the whole familyAdjusting roles as a couple after diagnosisFinding resilience, support, and hopeIf you or someone you love is living with PPA, young-onset Alzheimer’s, or another form of dementia, this conversation offers insight, support, and practical perspective.Visit Being Patient for more Alzheimer’s and brain health coverage: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being PatientTwitter:   / being_patient  Instagram:   / beingpatientvoices  Facebook:   / beingpatientalzheimers  LinkedIn:   / being-patient  Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet covering brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our Live Talk series features interviews with experts and people living with dementia.

Parkinson’s can affect speech and swallowing—often starting with subtle changes like a softer or raspy voice. Without treatment, these issues can progress, making communication harder and increasing the risk of swallowing complications, including aspiration.In this Live Talk, Samantha Elandary, MA, CCC-SLP—speech-language pathologist and President & CEO of the Parkinson Voice Project—shares why early evaluation matters and how targeted therapy can help people protect their voice and swallow. She explains how Parkinson’s can change how loud someone thinks they’re speaking, why everyday skills like talking and swallowing may need to shift from “automatic” to more intentional control, and how daily practice can make a difference.You’ll learn about:Early signs of Parkinson’s-related voice and speech changesWhy “speaking with intent” can support clearer communicationHow speech therapy may help protect swallowing and reduce aspiration riskWhy consistent at-home exercises are key (not just clinic visits)Programs like Parkinson Voice Project’s SPEAK OUT!® and ongoing supportExplore more brain health journalism from Being Patient + subscribe to our newsletter:https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being PatientTwitter:   / being_patient_  Instagram:   / beingpatientvoices  Facebook:   / beingpatientalzheimers  LinkedIn:   / being-patient  Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet covering brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series, founder and former Wall Street Journal editor Deborah Kan interviews experts and people with lived experience.Watch our latest Live Talks:https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

Exercise can ease Parkinson’s symptoms — but can it also slow the disease itself?In this Being Patient Live Talk, Northwestern University researcher Daniel Corcos, PhD breaks down the science behind high-intensity aerobic exercise and why his team is putting it to the test in a major Phase 3 clinical trial (SPARX3). SPARX3 is designed to examine whether exercise intensity can influence Parkinson’s progression, especially for people who are newly diagnosed and not yet taking Parkinson’s medication.Corcos, a professor in Northwestern’s Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, shares what research has already taught us about exercise and Parkinson’s — and what we still need to prove. He also lays out a practical, four-part “exercise prescription” you can use as a framework:✅ Aerobic training✅ Resistance/strength work✅ Flexibility✅ Balance + neuromotor trainingYou’ll also learn how SPARX3 will follow 370 participants over two years, comparing moderate- vs. high-intensity treadmill training and tracking changes in symptoms and brain imaging to explore whether higher intensity is linked to slower progression.Hosted by: Deborah Kan, Founder of Being Patient--- Subscribe for more Live Talks and brain health reporting:https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient:Twitter/X:   / being_patient  Instagram:   / beingpatientvoices  Facebook:   / beingpatientalzheimers  LinkedIn:   / being-patient  Watch more Live Talks:https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet covering brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series, founder and former Wall Street Journal editor Deborah Kan interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia.#parkinsonsdisease #Exercise #SPARX3 #BrainHealth #Neurology #ParkinsonsResearch #Fitness #MovementDisorder #BeingPatient

High blood pressure is one of the most common and treatable risk factors for cognitive decline, and researchers are still working to understand exactly how it affects the brain. A preclinical study from Weill Cornell Medicine, published in Neuron, suggests hypertension may trigger early gene expression changes in the brain, affecting neurons, blood vessels, and white matter before there’s any measurable rise in blood pressure.Dr. Costantino Iadecola, the study’s senior author, is a neurologist and the director of the Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute at Weill Cornell Medicine. His research examines how brain blood vessels support cognition and what happens when that system is disrupted by vascular risk factors like hypertension.In this interview with Being Patient’s Mark Niu, Iadecola explains that in a controlled mouse model, researchers saw changes in blood vessels within days of triggering hypertension. He notes that high blood pressure is part of a broader process that can quietly affect multiple organs, including the brain, before obvious symptoms appear. He also discusses why controlling blood pressure dramatically reduces stroke risk but may not lower dementia risk as much as hoped, suggesting prevention may need to start earlier and be more individualized. For now, he emphasizes improving diet, staying active, and taking medication when appropriate to manage blood pressure. If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter:   / being_patient_  Instagram:   / beingpatientvoices  Facebook:   / beingpatientalzheimers  LinkedIn:   / being-patient  Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

Older adults often turn to prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids — but what do we really know about their long-term effects on brain health? A large, long-running UCSF study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, examined the association between sleep medication use and risk of dementia in older adults. Researchers found that frequent use of sleep medications was linked to a higher likelihood of developing dementia among white participants, while the same pattern was not seen among Black participants. Dr. Yue Leng, PhD, an epidemiologist at UC San Francisco whose work explores how sleep, circadian rhythms, and napping relate to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in older adults, was one of the researchers on the study.If you loved listening this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

This interview was brought to you in partnership with Eisai and is part of the Journey to Diagnosis series.Eisai: https://www.eisai.com/index.htmlJourney to Diagnosis: https://beingpatient.com/journey-to-diagnosis/Luke Davis spent four decades as a Dallas attorney — and an active husband, father, youth sports coach and school board member — before subtle memory changes raised concerns. In this Being Patient Perspectives interview, Luke and his wife, Paula Davis, share the early signs of Alzheimer’s they noticed first, how they pursued answers, and what helped them move forward.After a primary care visit, Luke underwent cognitive testing, an MRI and an amyloid PET scan that confirmed plaque. In April 2023, just before his 69th birthday, he was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Luke later learned he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene, a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s.Luke and Paula also discuss treatment and support — including Luke’s experience with Leqembi (lecanemab) infusions — and how they’ve leaned on the Alzheimer’s Association, community, and practical day-to-day strategies. Their message for newly diagnosed individuals and couples: Alzheimer’s is a detour, not a dead end — and Luke is focused on “living with Alzheimer’s, not dying from it.”Topics covered: early Alzheimer’s symptoms, diagnosis journey, amyloid PET scan, APOE4, Leqembi/lecanemab, caregiving as a spouse, coping after diagnosis, living well with Alzheimer’s, advocacy and support.#Alzheimers #EarlyAlzheimers #Leqembi #Lecanemab #APOE4 #Dementia #BrainHealth #BeingPatient---- If you loved watching this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

Can your brain’s “anti-reward” system sabotage motivation — and can you train it to work for you instead of against you?In this Live Talk, Being Patient founder Deborah Kan sits down with Dr. Kyra Bobinet, physician, public health leader, and behavior expert, to explain the science of the habenula — a tiny brain structure with an outsized role in motivation, habits, cravings, stress, and setbacks.Dr. Bobinet describes the habenula as an “anti-reward” hub that can overpower dopamine pathways when it flips on in response to perceived failure, fueling frustration, shame, and negative self-talk. She shares a practical framework for regaining momentum by learning to neutralize failure through an iterative mindset — treating slip-ups as feedback, making small adjustments, and trying again.You’ll also learn behavior strategies to help break bad habits by “putting the brakes” between you and a craving — and why chronic stress can make the habenula more reactive for people stuck in a deeper addiction loop, sometimes requiring layered support.Featuring: Dr. Kyra BobinetAuthor of Unstoppable Brain: The New Neuroscience That Frees Us From Failure, Eases Our Stress, and Creates Lasting Change---If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

Before his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Greg Nelson spent his career as a leadership developer helping others grow. About a year and a half ago, his wife Shasta began to notice changes in his memory and urged him to get evaluated. They went to UC Davis’s  Healthy Aging Clinic, where cognitive testing suggested mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A neurologist later ordered a PET scan and by mid-February, Greg had an official Alzheimer’s diagnosis.For Greg, who didn’t want to retire and loved his work, this set off a shift in identity. Part of adjusting has meant finding a new voice. He now writes candidly about his experience living with Alzheimer’s — keeping a blog and sharing posts for his kids, his community, and for others going through similar challenges. Greg says that writing about his experience and connecting with others online has been a game changer, helping him find community and purpose after his diagnosis.In this conversation with Being Patient’s Mark Niu, the couple breaks down early signs, from trouble with tracking TV plots to feeling overwhelmed by multi-step instructions. They also share what the diagnostic process can really look like: months-long waits, hours of neuropsychological testing and the importance of establishing a clear baseline. They explain why they chose to be public about Greg’s diagnosis — writing blog posts and having candid public conversations to reduce shame, invite support, and help others feel less alone as they navigate Alzheimer’s in real time.If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter:   / being_patient_  Instagram:   / beingpatientvoices  Facebook:   / beingpatientalzheimers  LinkedIn:   / being-patient  Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category...

Dr. Anna Chodos, MPH, is the executive director of Dementia Care Aware, an initiative that helps primary care providers across the country improve dementia detection and care. A professor of medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and the University of California, San Francisco, her clinical work focuses on outpatient geriatrics and dementia care, and her research centers on the unmet needs of older adults, especially those living with dementia.In conversation with Being Patient’s Mark Niu, Chodos breaks down what “cognitive decline” really means, how to tell the difference between normal aging and concerning changes, and which early symptoms should prompt a closer look. She walks through what a basic cognitive assessment in primary care typically involves, offers concrete questions families can bring to appointments, and shares strategies for advocating when concerns are brushed off as “just getting older.”---If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category/video/

Dr. Anna Chodos, MPH, is the executive director of Dementia Care Aware, an initiative that helps primary care providers across the country improve dementia detection and care. A professor of medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and the University of California, San Francisco, her clinical work focuses on outpatient geriatrics and dementia care, and her research centers on the unmet needs of older adults, especially those living with dementia.In conversation with Being Patient’s Mark Niu, Chodos breaks down what “cognitive decline” really means, how to tell the difference between normal aging and concerning changes, and which early symptoms should prompt a closer look. She walks through what a basic cognitive assessment in primary care typically involves, offers concrete questions families can bring to appointments, and shares strategies for advocating when concerns are brushed off as “just getting older.”If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter:   / being_patient_  Instagram:   / beingpatientvoices  Facebook:   / beingpatientalzheimers  LinkedIn:   / being-patient  Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

Before his symptoms began, Anthony and Karen Sanone were always on the move, traveling, working and staying active. A former college athlete who played football and baseball, Anthony spent more than 35 years as a chemical sales manager. Karen, a director of human resources at an education agency, now balances her professional role with caregiving. The couple documents their experiences on Anthony’s Instagram account, @anthony_vs_alzheimers, and through their younger-onset caregiver community, Surviving the Now.In this conversation with Being Patient’s Mark Niu, Anthony and Karen talk about the early warning signs and the long, often confusing road to a younger-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis. They discuss navigating work, pursuing treatment with Leqembi, managing seizures, and reshaping daily life around routines, travel strategies, and safety. Karen also shares candid advice on planning for the future, building a support system and finding ways to “live in the moment” and make meaningful memories, even as the disease progresses.-- If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category/video/

Neuroscience has long focused on neurons, but researchers are turning their attention to another kind of brain cell: glial cells. These non-neuronal cells help shape information processing, support brain circuits and influence vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases — and there are roughly as many glial cells in the human brain as neurons.Terrence Sejnowski, PhD, is a professor and laboratory head of the Computational Neurobiology Laboratory and Francis Crick Chair at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. In a recent Salk study, he and his team compared glial cell organization across different brain regions and mammal species, finding striking patterns in how these cells are arranged. His work looks at how glial cells differ across brain regions and species, and what those patterns might mean for brain function and disease risk.In this interview, Sejnowski explains the three main types of glial cells and their roles: astrocytes that help feed neurons and support learning and memory, microglia that act like janitors clearing waste and damage, and oligodendrocytes that insulate nerve fibers so signals travel faster. He discusses how glial cells help clean the brain during sleep, how they may be involved early in conditions like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, and why some research suggests glia could be a better marker of brain health than neurons alone. His insights point to a future in which understanding and protecting glial cells could open new paths for prevention and treatment.—-If you loved watching this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category/video/

Can improving hearing help preserve memory and thinking as we age? Hearing loss isn’t just an inconvenience of aging — it’s now considered one of the top modifiable risk factors for dementia.Kimberly Mueller, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a researcher with the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Her work focuses on how speech and language change in preclinical Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. She also leads a clinical trial testing whether over-the-counter hearing aids can benefit people who have mild cognitive impairment and are found to have age-related hearing loss.In this conversation with Being Patient’s Mark Niu, Mueller explains why hearing loss is both common and treatable — affecting about one in three adults over 65 — and why it is now considered one of the top modifiable risk factors for dementia. She breaks down how untreated hearing loss can strain the brain, contribute to social isolation and potentially accelerate cognitive decline, and she discusses how new hearing technologies and over-the-counter devices might expand access to care. Mueller also shares early insights from her hearing aid trial, communication strategies for families, and emerging research using everyday speech patterns as a sensitive tool to detect brain changes earlier than standard memory testing.—-If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category/video/

Could AI-driven retinal imaging flag Alzheimer’s decades before symptoms start? That question is central to RetiSpec’s mission. The health technology company is developing AI-powered retinal imaging to detect Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers, like amyloid — by looking at the back of the eye. Catherine Bornbaum, PhD, RetiSpec’s chief business officer, says the aim is to make biomarker testing simpler, more scalable, and easier for people to access.In this conversation with Being Patient’s founder Deborah Kan, Bornbaum explains how decades of research show that changes in the back of the eye can mirror the structural, functional and molecular changes of Alzheimer’s in the brain, making the retina a powerful, noninvasive window for early detection.Bornbaum also describes how AI-driven, real-time analysis of eye images using cameras already in optometrists’ offices could make eye exams a practical access point for noninvasive Alzheimer’s biomarker testing.—-If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category/video/

Parkinson’s cases are rising. Dr. Ray Dorsey says our environment is a big reason why. In “The Parkinson’s Plan,” Dorsey and co-author Dr. Michael Okun argue that modifiable environmental exposures are fueling the disease, and they outline practical steps to reduce risk and improve treatment.Dorsey is a professor of neurology at the University of Rochester and a public health advocate focused on eliminating toxic exposures linked to neurodegenerative disease. A co-author of “Ending Parkinson’s Disease,” he has testified before Congress, advised the World Health Organization and was recognized by the White House as a Champion for Change. He also serves as the founding director of the Center for the Brain & Environment at Atria Health and Research Institute.In this conversation with Being Patient founder Deborah Kan, Dorsey explains why most Parkinson’s cases appear to be driven more by environmental chemicals than by genes, and what that means for prevention. He outlines practical steps — from reducing pesticide and solvent exposure to filtering water and air — alongside evidence-backed habits like vigorous exercise and getting specialist care. —-If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category/video/

In our latest “Ask Teepa Anything” Live Talk, dementia care expert Teepa Snow answers caregivers’ real-world questions — from safe ways to help a person up after a fall to medication trade-offs, late-stage planning, and day-to-day communication.Snow is an occupational therapist with more than 40 years of clinical and academic experience. She developed the GEMS States of Brain Change and the Positive Approach training strategies, founded Positive Approach to Care, and co-founded the Snow Approach Foundation in Hillsborough, North Carolina. —-If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category/video/

Dr. Laura Baker, PhD, is a professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the principal investigator of the U.S. POINTER study, a large, Alzheimer’s Association–backed trial inspired by Finland’s landmark FINGER study. Designed to test whether lifestyle can protect brain health in a diverse U.S. population, POINTER enrolled 2,111 adults ages 60 to 79 across five regions. Participants who were not already exercising or eating a Mediterranean-style diet engaged in lifestyle changes across four pillars: physical activity, nutrition, cognitive and social engagement, and tracking health numbers like blood pressure and blood sugar.In this interview with Being Patient’s Mark Niu, Baker traces how POINTER was designed, what a coach-supported lifestyle program looks like in practice, and why community partners matter. She also previews what’s ahead — from brain imaging to sleep and vascular findings — and offers practical guidance for caregivers and older adults.—-If you loved listening this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category/video/