No Brain Behind

In this episode, Dr. Monica Diaz joins to discuss key global developments in multiple sclerosis presented at the 2025 ECTRIMS Congress. The conversation explores updated diagnostic criteria for MS and NMOSD, advances in disease-modifying therapies, emerging safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the growing evidence on how social determinants of health shape MS outcomes worldwide. Together, the hosts highlight both the scientific progress and the equity challenges that must be addressed to improve brain health for people living with MS globally.

In this episode, Drs. Jonathan Rosand and Helena Lavretsky share insights on innovative approaches to brain health that unite prevention, lifestyle, and integrative medicine. They discuss the Brain Care Score, mind-body interventions, and strategies for empowering patients and caregivers, emphasizing how evidence-based, personalized care can strengthen cognitive resilience and promote health equity worldwide.

In this episode of No Brain Behind, hosts Drs. Gitanjali Das, Angel Cadena Tejada, and Chris Orlando examine the crucial transition from hospital to home in stroke recovery. Stroke neurologist Dr. Carter Denny and survivor and advocate Angie Cauthorn discuss insights from the 2025 Stroke Transitions of Care and Post-Stroke Care Conference, highlighting how recovery is influenced not only by clinical interventions but also by social, geographic, and systemic factors.They explore emerging strategies for improving outcomes, including early outpatient follow-up, care coordination, telehealth, and survivor-centered approaches. This episode offers clinicians, researchers, and health professionals practical insights for creating more equitable and effective post-stroke care systems.

In this episode of No Brain Behind, Dr. Gitanjali Das and Dr. Sonya Gleicher talk with Dr. Harris Eyre, a pioneering physician-neuroscientist and global thought leader behind the Brain Capital movements. Dr. Eyre introduces the concept of Brain Capital—a framework that views brain health and brain skills as fundamental assets for individuals, societies, and economies. Together, they explore how investing in our collective cognitive and emotional well-being can strengthen economies, advance innovation, and promote global health equity. The conversation spans from Dr. Eyre’s early experiences in rural and indigenous health in Australia to his current work influencing international policy, including his initiatives at the UN General Assembly, World Economic Forum, and the African Brain Health Task Force.

In this episode of No Brain Behind, Dr. Gitanjali Das speaks with epidemiologists Dr. Virginia Howard (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and Dr. Matt Reeves (Michigan State University) about the disparities in stroke care and research for women. The conversation explores several key areas, including how current stroke prevention and treatment guidelines address women-specific risk factors, the challenges and progress in developing stroke risk scores, barriers to women's enrollment in clinical trials and potential solutions, and the groundbreaking work of PROWESS (Prevention and Outcomes in Women Enhancing Stroke Support), an international interest group dedicated to advancing research on women's stroke care. They also share valuable advice for junior researchers entering the field and discuss the current landscape and future directions for stroke research and women's health.

In this inspiring episode, hosts Dr. Cadena-Tejada and Dr. Forman sit down with Dr. Mitchell Elkind, renowned neurologist, past President of the American Heart Association (AHA), and a passionate advocate for brain health and health equity. Dr. Elkind shares insights from his unique career journey, detailing how his early interests in neurology and epidemiology led him to a distinguished career in neurology and vascular research. He discusses how these interdisciplinary roots continue to shape his perspective on patient care and scientific inquiry. We explore the AHA’s expanding role in promoting brain health—from stroke prevention to cognitive aging—and how the organization is addressing health inequities through community-focused initiatives and inclusive research funding. For trainees and early-career neurologists, Dr. Elkind offers thoughtful career advice, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, focus, and resilience. The episode also highlights exciting funding opportunities through the AHA. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or clinician, this episode offers valuable takeaways on career development, advocacy, and the future of neuro-cardiovascular research.

In this special World Brain Day episode of No Brain Behind, Drs. Rachel Forman and Christopher Orlando sit down with Dr. Steven Lewis, Secretary General of the World Federation of Neurology, to discuss global brain health and equity. Dr. Lewis shares insights on the growing burden of neurological disorders worldwide, the challenges of stigma and access, and the WFN’s initiatives to address these disparities. The conversation highlights the importance of global collaboration, technological innovations like tele-neurology, and the critical role of education and advocacy. We hope you will walk away inspired by practical steps and hopeful strategies for advancing brain health across borders!Dr. Steven Lewis (Steven.Lewis3@jefferson.edu)World Neurology Newsletter: https://worldneurologyonline.com/Global Burden of Disease Study - 2021ATLAS Country Resources for Neurological Disorders (WHO)Association of MS Prevalence With Sociodemographic, Health Systems, and Lifestyle Factors on a National and Regional Level

In this episode of No Brain Behind, hosts Dr. Orlando and Dr. Das sit down with the editors of Equity Neuroscience, Drs. Karen Orjuela and Carlos Ortiz Garcia, to discuss the Equity Neuroscience journal. They share the role of the journal and how it is a place to share and document the work being done in brain health equity. They discuss some highlights to look for in the first issue of the journal, and how each contribution advances the mission of the journal. Drs. Orjuela and Ortiz Garcia also share their vision for the future of Equity Neuroscience, a journal that aims to advance brain health equity.

In this special episode of No Brain Behind, guest hosts, Dr. Parneet Grewal, and Dr. Karen Orjuela, speak with the SEQUINS 2025 Hall of Fame honorees, Dr. Robert J. Adams, Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, Dr. Moira Kapral, Dr. Lewis Morgenstern, and Dr. Barbara Vickrey. These brilliant and highly accomplished scientists chatted with our hosts during the SEQUINS 2025 annual meeting in Charleston, South Carolina. They discussed their stellar contributions, career journeys, the importance of doing equity neuroscience research, and thoughts about the future directions of the field.

In this episode of No Brain Behind, hosts Drs. Gitanjali Das and Sonya Gleicher speak with Drs. Anjail Sharrief and Monica Diaz about their journeys into equity-focused neuroscience and the global impact of their work. Dr. Diaz shares her efforts to improve dementia care and access in underserved communities in Peru and Uganda, while Dr. Sharif discusses her initiatives in stroke prevention and systems-level reform for equitable neurological care. Both guests highlight the pivotal moments and challenges that shaped their careers, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, mentorship, and working across disciplines. They express optimism about the field’s future, driven by the passion of trainees and a growing, connected community committed to advancing brain health equity worldwide.

In this inaugural episode, we sit down with Drs. Bruce Ovbiagele and Lilyana Amezcua, president and vice president of the Society for Equity Neuroscience (SEQUINS), to explore the origin story of the organization. They share the driving forces behind its creation, the urgent need to address inequities in neurological health, and how SEQUINS is building a global community around equity neuroscience. From grassroots initiatives to international collaboration, we’ll dive into the programs shaping the society’s mission. Our guests also reflect on the challenges posed by recent shifts in the health equity research funding landscape, and what it means for the future of the field. Tune in to learn how SEQUINS is striving to make brain health truly equitable, one connection at a time.