Brain & Life American Academy of Neurology

In this week's episode, a guest host joins Brain & Life podcast! Dr. Bhooma Aravamuthan, Assistant Professor of Neurology, pediatric movement disorders specialist, and neuroscientist studying dystonia in cerebral palsy (CP), speaks with child actor Gavin McHugh about how CP affects his acting career, the connections he has built with his fans on social media, and what terms like "disabled" and "special needs" mean to him. His mother, Lisa McHugh, also shares about Gavin's many talents and what she wishes people knew about CP. Then, Dr. Aravamuthan speaks with Brain & Life co-host Dr. Daniel Correa about what cerebral palsy is, what patients can expect in their lifetime, and the power of finding a community.
 
Additional Resources
What is Cerebral Palsy?
How Parents Advocate for Their Children with Rare Diseases
Biking Gives Freedom to a Teen with Cerebral Palsy
Becky Dilworth Skied and Raised a Family Despite Cerebral Palsy
The ABCs of Advocacy
 
Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics
RJ Mitte on Living Confidently with Cerebral Palsy
Josh Blue Uses Humor to Ease the Stigma Around Cerebral Palsy
 
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: Gavin McHugh @iamgavinmchugh; Dr. Bhooma Aravamuthan @drbhooma
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, runner Cheryl Hile joins Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Daniel Correa to discuss her experience running over 60 marathons across all seven continents after her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She shares why running speaks to her, how an orthotic helps her stay on track, and what’s next in her journey. Then Dr. Correa is joined by Dr. Lauren Gluck, Director of the Montefiore Multiple Sclerosis Center and Assistant Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She explains what MS is, outlines treatment options, and delves in to how vital and adaptable exercise can be for patients.
 
Additional Resources
Run A Myelin My Shoes
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
How Couples Navigate Multiple Sclerosis
Hiking the Appalachian Trail for Multiple Sclerosis
Online Exercise Classes Can Help People with Neurologic Disorders Improve Symptoms
 
Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics
Voices from the Multiple Sclerosis Community
Nancy Davis’ Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis
Author Samantha Irby's Journey as a Young Caregiver
Chef Mariana Orozco on Multiple Sclerosis and the Healing Power of Food
 
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: Dr. Lauren Gluck @montefiorehealthsystem
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

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