Brain & Life American Academy of Neurology

In this episode Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with Richard Engel, Chief Foreign Correspondent for NBC News, whose son Henry passed away from Rett syndrome, a rare childhood genetic developmental disorder. Richard shares Henry’s legacy and his family’s experience with the condition. Next Dr. Nath speaks with Dr. Huda Zoghbi professor at Baylor College of Medicine and the director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Zoghbi explains how she discovered the gene that causes Rett syndrome and discusses possibilities for future treatment of the condition.
 
Additional Resources:
https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/disorders/rett-syndrome
https://www.rettsyndrome.org/
Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206, or email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org.

This week Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with accomplished powerlifter and personal trainer Javeno McLean about how he became motivated to open a gym where he provides free personal training for people with disabilities. Javeno talks about his passion for improving both the physical and mental health of his clients. Next Dr. Nath sits down with Dr. Gottfried Schlaug, a vascular neurologist and professor of neurology at Baystate Medical Center - UMass Chan Medical School. Dr. Schlaug explains neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and recover after a brain injury. He also discusses the importance of learning new skills and participating in activities to improve neuroplasticity and overall health of your brain. 

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, or email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org. 

Additional Resources: 

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/14-ways-to-get-motivated-to-exercise 

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/studying-brains-of-polyglots-for-insights-about-language  

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/stroke/  

Social Media:   

Guest: Javeno McLean @J7healthJaveno (Twitter & Instagram) 

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD 

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa sits down with Dr. Craig Stark, professor at the University of California, Irvine’s Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, to learn more about memory. Dr. Stark shares the basics of how memory works and tips to maximize your brain’s memory capability. Dr. Stark also discusses memory habits everyone can incorporate into their own lives. 

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, or email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org. 

Additional Resources: 

https://www.brainandlife.org/podcast/marilu-henner-and-the-mysteries-of-memory  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/how-gaming-may-boost-memory  

Social Media:   

Guest: Dr. Craig Stark @Craig__Stark (twitter) 

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD 

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with legendary U.S. soccer goalkeeper, Briana Scurry. Briana reflects on her journey as a professional athlete who experienced multiple concussions and how they impacted her physical and mental health. Briana also talks about the treatments and therapies that helped her overcome her brain injury. Next Dr. Correa speaks with Dr. Michael Jaffee, neurologist and professor of neurology at the University of Florida and co-author of the newest addition to the Brain & Life Books Series Navigating the Challenges of Concussion. Dr. Jaffee discusses the different types of concussions and traumatic brain injuries along with the typical progression of symptoms and various treatment protocols. 

Additional Resources: 

https://www.briscurry.com/  

https://www.briscurry.com/my-greatest-save  

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/concussion/  

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/traumatic-brain-injury/  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/new-brain-life-book-explores-concussion  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/how-sports-neurologists-protect-football-players-brains  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/concussion-symptoms-checklist  

Social Media:   

Guest: Briana Scurry @BriScurry (Twitter and Instagram); Dr. Michael Jaffee @Michael_Jaffee (Twitter) 

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD 

In this episode Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with lawyer, model, and brain tumor advocate Victoria Vesce. Victoria talks about symptoms she experienced that eventually led to her being diagnosed with two non-malignant brain tumors. Victoria shares what her recovery was like after surgery and why it was important for her to get involved with the National Brain Tumor Society. Next Dr. Nath talks with Dr. Justin Jordan, a neurologist and clinical director at Massachusetts General Hospital Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology and assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Jordan discusses nerve cell tumors like Victoria’s along with information about clinical trials and the importance of advocacy to support people with neurologic conditions and research funding.
Additional Resources:
https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/lawyer-model-survived-brain-tumors-and-gives-back  
https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/brain-tumor/
https://braintumor.org/
https://www.abta.org/
https://www.victoriavesce.com/about-me
Social Media:  
Guest: Victoria Vesce @victoriavesce (Instagram) @victoriavesce_ (Twitter); Dr. Justin Jordan @jtjordan (Twitter)
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD

This week Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with Dr. Reeta Achari, a neurologist in private practice and clinical associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at McGovern Medical School in Houston. Dr. Achari shares her passion for nutritional neurology and discusses how foundational vitamins, minerals, and whole foods affect the brain.
Additional Resources:
https://tasting-health.com/
https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/online-exclusives/guard-against-stroke-with-these-four-recipes/
https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/eating-ultra-processed-foods-may-increase-risk-of-dementia
Social Media: Tasting Health @tastinghealth (Twitter)
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD