Brain & Life American Academy of Neurology

In this week’s episode, actor Oscar Nuñez joins Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Daniel Correa to discuss his family’s experiences with dementia and Alzheimer’s. He shares how he helps keep his loved ones safe then his wife, actress Ursula Whittaker, shares the resources and supports she has found throughout this journey. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Joel Salinas, a neurologist, clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and chief medical officer of Isaac Health in New York. Dr. Salinas shares information about all stages of memory loss and demonstrates ways to have conversations with your loved ones at all stages of their life to make plans that keep everyone safe and happy.
 
Additional Resources
How to Keep Loved Ones with Dementia Safe from Firearms
How to Talk to Loved Ones Who Have Dementia
Actor Hector Elizondo Encourages Caregivers to Ask For Help
Learn more about Dr. Joel Salinas
What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics
Finding Hope and Creating Change: Discussing Alzheimer’s Advocacy with Cynthia Stone and Walt Dawson
Lauren Miller Rogen on Facing a Parent’s Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Journalist Greg O’Brien on Chronicling His Life with Alzheimer’s
 
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
·       Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media: 
Guests: Oscar Nuñez @oscarnunezla; Ursula Whittaker @ursulacwhittaker; Dr. Joel Salinas @JoelSalinasMD
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with Khari “Needlz” Cain, music producer and father to Makayla, a 16-year-old on the autism spectrum. Khari and his family recently created a film titled Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World that shares her experience finding a way to communicate using letter board therapy. As Makayla’s voice has gradually emerged, she has shown her intelligence, interests, and sense of humor to her loved ones. Khari discusses that journey, the accessibility of treatment, and his hopes for the future. Then Dr. Deepa Menon, a child neurologist and specialist in neurodevelopmental medicine, explains autism, genetic testing, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and different types of therapies that may help families like Makayla’s.
Additional Resources
Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Lego Therapy Builds Confidence in Patients with MS and Autism
A Theater Group That Features Neurodiversity on the Stage
 
Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics
From Adolescence to Adulthood: Exploring Autism with Abbey and Christine Romeo
 
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
·       Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media:  
Guests: Khari Cain @prodbyneedlz; Dr. Deepa Menon @ kennedykriegerinstitute
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters introduce their pets and answer a listener question about ALS. Then, Dr. Peters discusses neurologic disorders in pets with Dr. Ann Tilton. With more than 30 years of experience as a pediatric neurologist, Dr. Ann Tilton is a Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at LSU Health New Orleans. She has also loaned her expertise to other species! She tells stories from her time diagnosing pangolins and monkeys at the zoo and shares her insights and experiences with neurologic disorders in pets.
 
Additional Resources
Can Pets Have Neurologic Disorders?
Pets May Be Good for Brain Health
Phineas the Cat Spreads Awareness of a Rare Neurologic Disorder
I am ALS
 
Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics
Finding Strength in ALS Advocacy with Podcaster Lorri Carey
Hop on a Cure for ALS with John Driskell Hopkins
The Campaign to Cure ALS with Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya
 
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
·       Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media:  
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Cole & Charisma Sydnor of “Roll with Cole & Charisma" join Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters to discuss their interabled relationship, building an online community, and Cole’s C5-C6 spinal cord injury. They share what keeps them motivated, tips for an accessible household, and what their online audience has taught them. Then, Dr. Alberto Martinez-Arizala joins Dr. Peters to discuss spinal cord injury treatment journeys and what exciting advancements may be coming soon.
 
Additional Resources
Roll with Cole & Charisma
What is Spinal Cord Injury?
Interabled Couples Share How They Make Their Relationships Work
A Spinal Cord Injury Survivor Opens an Affordable Rehab Center
Singer Gloria Estefan Supports Research to Cure Paralysis
Promising Advances in Robotics-assisted Rehabilitation Therapies
 
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
·       Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media:  
Guests: Cole Sydnor @roll.with.cole; Charisma Sydnor @happilycharisma
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode, hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer your questions. They discuss the relationship between dementia and heart disease, stroke recovery, and the transition to being a caregiver for a loved one with multiple sclerosis. They also touch on the effects of cerebellum damage and why it feels so good to find people to relate to you in your health journey. Thank you for submitting your questions and sharing your comments about the Brain & Life Podcast.
 
Dementia & Heart Disease
A Dementia Handbook for Patients and Families
Eating Ultra-Processed Foods May Increase Risk of Dementia
Cardiovascular disease, associated risk factors, and risk of dementia: An umbrella review of meta-analyses
 
Stroke Recovery
Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson’s Disease
Timothy Omundson on Stroke Recovery and His Return to Television
Critical Period After Stroke Study (CPASS): A phase II clinical trial testing an optimal time for motor recovery after stroke in humans
 
Multiple Sclerosis and Caregiving
Voices from the Multiple Sclerosis Community
Author Samantha Irby's Journey as a Young Caregiver
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
 
Finding Community
Creating a Community to Keep Our Brains Healthy
How Mental Health and Brain Health Are Connected
Pilot Study to Describe the Trajectory of Symptoms and Adaptive Strategies of Adults Living with Low-grade Glioma
Social Network Structure Is Related to Functional Improvement From Home-Based Telerehabilitation After Stroke
 
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
·       Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media: 
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters discusses the Gilbert Family Foundation’s work on neurofibromatosis (NF) with their executive director, Laura Grannemann. She shares about ways they connect with the NF community, ongoing research the foundation is leading, and how anyone can get involved in advocacy work. Dr. Peters then speaks with neurologist and Director of The Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Center, Dr. Jaishri Blakeley, about what exactly neurofibromatosis is, how it affects patients, and treatment options for all ages.
 
Additional Resources
The Gilbert Family Foundation
What is Neurofibromatosis?
New Research Offers More Options to People with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
 
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
·       Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media:  
Guests: Laura Grannemann @gilbertfamilyfoundation; Dr. Jaishri Blakeley @hopkinsmedicine
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD