Dementia Untangled

What does it feel like to notice your thinking has changed — but not quite know what that means for your future? In this deeply personal and profoundly moving episode, we sit down with Mike Zuendel, who opens up about his lived experience with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) — the space that exists between normal age-related memory changes and a diagnosis. Mike's story is one of honesty, resilience, and remarkable self-awareness. He takes us inside the day-to-day reality of living with MCI — the moments of frustration, the adjustments he's made, the relationships that have shifted, and the outlook that continues to carry him forward. This is not a clinical conversation. This is a human one. Too often, we hear from caregivers and clinicians, and while those perspectives are invaluable, there is something irreplaceable about hearing directly from the person living the experience.

When most people hear the word dementia, they think of memory loss. But the truth is, dementia reaches far beyond forgetting names or misplacing keys. In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Anna Burke, Geriatric Psychiatrist and Director of the Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Division at Barrow Neurological Institute, to explore the full landscape of how dementia affects the way we think, reason, communicate, and experience the world. Dr. Burke brings a rare combination of clinical depth and compassionate clarity to one of the most misunderstood aspects of dementia, and by the end of this conversation, you'll have a much richer understanding of what your loved one may be experiencing, and why. Because when we understand what our loved ones are going through, we can show up for them in a whole new way. 

We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Jeremy Pruzin, Cognitive Behavioral Neurologist, for a conversation that could genuinely change the way you think about your brain health and your future. In this episode, we dive deep into the landmark U.S. POINTER Study (U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk), one of the most significant dementia prevention trials conducted on American soil. Dr. Pruzin breaks down what the results actually mean, cuts through the noise, and helps us understand how this research translates from the lab into real, everyday life. Whether you're navigating a loved one's dementia diagnosis, worried about your own cognitive future, or simply want to be proactive about brain health, this episode is packed with insight and actionable takeaways you can start today.

In this special season finale, we take a step back to reflect on the incredible journey of Season 13. Join us for an intimate behind-the-scenes conversation with Amber Ayers, the editor and producer who has been instrumental in bringing these powerful stories to life. Season 13 has taken us to unexpected places and challenged us to think differently about cognitive health. Now, Amber pulls back the curtain to share her unique perspective on the season's most impactful moments, the stories that stayed with her long after recording, and the technical and creative decisions that shaped each episode. This isn't just a recap—it's a deeper dive into the themes, connections, and revelations that emerged across the season. 

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into one of the most alarming environmental health discoveries of our time: microplastics are infiltrating our brains—and the implications for cognitive health may be profound. Our conversation with Dr. Matt Campen, a distinguished professor and toxicologist, and Dr. Eliane El Hayek, an assistant professor at the forefront of microplastic research helps us unravel the science behind how these tiny plastic particles enter our bodies, cross the blood-brain barrier, and potentially contribute to neurological decline. From the water we drink to the air we breathe, microplastics are everywhere—and emerging research suggests they may be accumulating in brain tissue at concerning levels. Our guests explain the latest findings, the potential mechanisms of harm, and what this means for dementia risk and brain health across the lifespan.