In the first episode of Brain Bridges, host Victor Valcour speaks with Elisa Resende, a neurologist and neuroscientist in Brazil whose work explores how education, literacy, and opportunity shape brain health across the lifespan. Elisa reflects on her journey into medicine, the experiences that shaped her leadership, and the importance of equity in brain health research and care. She also discusses her work connecting literacy and cognitive health, the influence of her family and mentors, and her experiences as a woman leading in global brain health. This conversation explores the human stories behind research and the role of education, community, and leadership in shaping healthier futures. In this episode How Elisa's upbringing and family shaped her path into medicine The relationship between literacy, education, and brain health Challenges and opportunities for women in leadership Brain health equity in Brazil and globally The value of interdisciplinary collaboration in brain health About the guest Elisa Resende is a neurologist and neuroscientist based in Brazil. She is an Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, and serves as Coordinator of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging at the Brazilian Academy of Neurology. Elisa holds a PhD in Neuroscience from UFMG. Her research focuses on dementia, cognitive reserve, and the impact of education and literacy on brain health, including the PROAME study on literacy training and cognitive aging. She is also an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, and collaborates on international initiatives aimed at strengthening dementia research and care in low- and middle-income countries. About the host Victor Valcour, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. He directs the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program at the Global Brain Health Institute, UCSF, a global initiative that trains leaders across disciplines to address the challenges of dementia and promote equity in brain health. About the podcast Brain Bridges is a podcast featuring conversations with leaders working to improve brain health and reduce inequities around the world. The series is produced by the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco. Production support provided by Podfly. Joshua Suhy serves as technical director, sound designer, and producer. Concept development and editorial direction by Niall Kavanagh. Podcast artwork by Atlantic Fellow Kiggundu Rodney, with design by Caroline Prioleau. New episodes are released monthly.
