Defy Dementia – The podcast for anyone with a brain, by Baycrest Baycrest

This episode of Defy Dementia explores the role of genetics in dementia risk. First, caregiver advocate Marva Smart shares how she is taking steps to manage her genetic risk and protect her brain health in light of prior dementia diagnoses in her family. Then, Dr. Tricia Woo, a clinician expert on genetic dementia risk from Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University, discusses the research on the link between specific genes and dementia. She also shares science-backed ways to reduce your risk, no matter your DNA. Tune in to this empowering new episode for practical strategies to help you protect your brain, no matter your genes.


Note: Shortly after we recorded this episode, a scientific article was published in the journal Nature Medicine (Fortea et al., 2024) strengthening the potential link between individuals' genetics and Alzheimer's disease. However, these new results do not change the recommendations for healthy lifestyle changes presented in this episode on how to reduce your dementia risk.


Additional resources


 Your risk of dementia: Do lifestyle and genetics matter? – from Harvard Health Genes and dementia – from Alzheimer’s UKAlzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet – from the National Institute on Aging 

In this two-part special, Defy Dementia focuses on stress and caregiving. First, find out how stress can negatively affect brain health. Jay and Allison speak to “Zoe”, a 53-year-old who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder since being almost killed during a random attack, and Dr. William Malarkey (Ohio State University), an expert on stress and brain health. Then, the second episode focuses specifically on the stress of being a caregiver, and how this can increase dementia risk. Tune in to both episodes for practical advice to help you protect your brain today.

This is the second episode of our two-part special on stress and caregiving. With one in two Canadians expected to become caregivers in their lifetime, Defy Dementia unpacks the significant effects of caregiving on brain health. First, Dr. Ho Yu (University of Toronto) discusses the various factors that increase caregivers’ dementia risk. Then, Katie Brandt shares her journey as a caregiver for her husband and father, both diagnosed with dementia when she was just 29. Drawing from her experience, Katie offers invaluable advice for caregivers both new and seasoned. Whether you are currently a caregiver or may become one in the future, don’t miss this new episode for critical insights and guidance to help defy dementia.

This episode of Defy Dementia helps you sort through everything you’ve learned about dementia risk factors and identify those factors you can tackle in your life. First, meet Ravi Venkatesh, an active 62-year-old who recently started making multiple lifestyle changes to improve his brain health after discovering this very podcast. Then, you’ll meet Dr. Sylvie Belleville (University of Montreal) who provides simple and practical advice to reduce your dementia risk. Wherever you are in your brain health journey, don’t miss this empowering new episode to help you defy dementia.  


Visit defydementia.org for more episodes and resources.


Tell us what you think! Provide feedback about the Defy Dementia podcast, video and infographics by filling out a short survey.


Resources


Community programs:


Baycrest’s Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and WellnessCanadian Institute for Social Prescribing

Practical tools and tips:


15 Things You Can Do Now To Reduce Your Risk Of Dementia: #5 Stimulating Activities – video by BaycrestTrain Your Brain – by Harvard Health

 About the effects on lifestyle on dementia risk:


Lifestyle behaviors can lower your risk of dementia – from the CDCHealthy lifestyle behaviors reduced dementia risk despite family history of dementia – from the American Heart Association

Join podcast co-hosts Dr. Allison Sekuler and Jay Ingram for Defy Dementia Episode 8 as they unravel the intricate connection between sleep and dementia. Meet Mary Hynes, a retired special education teacher who leads an active, brain-healthy life but continues to struggle with her sleep. Then, hear from Dr. Andrew Lim, a brain health expert from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto, to learn how poor quality sleep may affect brain health and increase dementia risk. Don’t miss this fascinating new episode for practical strategies to help you keep your mind sharp. 


Visit defydementia.org for more episodes and resources.


Tell us what you think! Provide feedback about the Defy Dementia podcast, video and infographics by filling out a short survey.


Resources


Practical tips:


The Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep – from BaycrestCaregiver training: Sleep disturbances [video] – from the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program

More information about the link between sleep and dementia:


Good sleep for good health: Get the rest you need – from the National Institutes of HealthSleep and dementia risk – from the UK Alzheimer’s SocietyUnderstanding the connection between sleep and dementia – from Harvard Pilgrim Health CareSleep problems and dementia - from WebMD

Studies on sleep and dementia:


Deep sleep may mitigate Alzheimer's memory loss – from Berkeley News- Seven to eight hours: The goldilocks of sleep – from Cognitive Vitality

This episode of Defy Dementia focuses on outdoor and indoor air pollution and its impact on brain health. First, we speak to Dr. Mark Weisskopf (Harvard University) about outdoor pollution, such as wildfire smoke, and how it may increase your dementia risk. Then, we meet Shiven Taneja, a Mississauga teen who builds do-it-yourself (DIY) air purifiers at a low cost for vulnerable community members. Finally, Dr. Tara Kahan (University of Saskatchewan) discusses ways to reduce your exposure to indoor sources of pollution, such as cooking and candle fumes. Tune in today for practical tips on lowering your indoor and outdoor pollution exposure, and decrease your dementia risk! 


Visit defydementia.org for more episodes and resources.


Tell us what you think! Provide feedback about the Defy Dementia podcast, video and infographics by filling out a short survey


Resources


Studies on air pollution and dementia risk:


Western research shows traffic related air pollution linked to increased risk of dementia – from Western UniversityAir pollution linked to higher dementia risk: Study – from WebMDAir pollution may increase risk for dementia – from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health 

Check the air quality in your area:


Local Air Quality Health Index – from the Government of CanadaAir Now – Air Quality Index for the US – from the US GovernmentAir Pollution in World: Real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map

Tips to reduce your air pollution exposure:


Tips for reducing indoor pollutants in your home – from HealthLinkBCImprove indoor air quality in your home – from the Government of Canada10 tips to protect yourself from unhealthy air – from the American Lung Association

How to build your own air purifier:


Science in action: How to build a Corsi-Rosenthal box – from UC Davis College of Engineering