Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease Podcast

Alzheimer’s disease is a complicated condition, but researchers are continuing to make important breakthroughs in our understanding of it. In this episode of the "Rethinking Alzheimer's Disease" podcast, we explore the new era of hope in Alzheimer's research and treatment.  Scientists and doctors are excited about the advancements in early detection and promising advances that could slow down or even prevent the disease. Dr. Sharon Cohen shares that for the first time, we can detect Alzheimer's in its earliest stages through simple blood tests, known as blood-based biomarkers. This breakthrough makes diagnosis more accessible and affordable, revolutionizing how we approach Alzheimer's care.  Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to identify digital biomarkers, such as speech and movement patterns, further aiding in early detection. We also discuss the development of disease-slowing and prevention treatments, emphasizing the importance of clinical trials in bringing these innovations to the public. Moreover, the podcast highlights the critical need for equity and accessibility in healthcare to ensure that advancements in Alzheimer's research benefit all communities. Jason Resendez from the National Alliance for Caregiving discusses efforts to address disparities in healthcare and make new treatments more accessible.  As we conclude the Rethinking Alzheimer's Disease podcast, this episode brings messages of hope from various contributors. Thanks for your interest in Alzheimer’s and the Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease podcast.   For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease was made possible with support from Eisai Inc. [01:41] What’s the future of Alzheimer's care? [02:41] Developments in blood-based biomarkers [05:11] AI and digital biomarkers [06:01] What are the advances in Alzheimer's treatments? [07:36] The importance of clinical trials in Alzheimer’s research [09:23] Messages of hope Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk. ©2024 Mission Based Media Ltd • April 2024 • AD-M2059

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect the person who is diagnosed. It affects caregivers, too. So, if you care about someone with Alzheimer’s disease, this episode is for you.  In this episode of the "Rethinking Alzheimer's Disease" podcast, we hear from Laura, who shares the emotional journey of accepting her husband Andrew's early onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. This story opens up a discussion on the realities of Alzheimer's, not just for those diagnosed, but also for their caregivers, whether they are spouses, adult children, or even teenagers.  Dr. Joel Ebuh highlights the significant health and financial impacts on caregivers, underlining the disease's broader effects beyond the people with Alzheimer’s. Katie McDonough and Jason Resendez discuss the multifaceted role of caregivers, from providing emotional support to handling logistical challenges like treatment and medical appointments. They stress the importance of preparing for the future and the strain of uncertainty on caregivers. They also discuss the importance of caregiver self-care and why it is critical that care partners have support to manage this challenging journey effectively. We share some of the organizations and resources available. The episode also touches on the stigma around Alzheimer's, the difficulty in initiating tough conversations such as taking away car keys, and the importance of advocating for both the patient and the caregiver's needs. Through personal stories from caregivers like Brandon Burke, who cared for his father diagnosed at 59, and expert advice from professionals like Dr. Mary Mittelman, this episode offers insights into coping mechanisms, the power of counseling, and the importance of community and support groups in navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's caregiving. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease was made possible with support from Eisai Inc. [01:52] Confronting stigma and shame [02:28] How to navigate care and emotional support? [06:29] How to approach difficult conversations and adjustments? [07:48] The importance of self-care for caregivers [09:20] Utilizing community and online resources [11:59] Enjoying life and making memories Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk. ©2024 Mission Based Media Ltd • April 2024 • AD-M2059

Until recently, it was difficult for doctors to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with the limited tests available. Thankfully, there are now many different options to help doctors make an accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, even in its earliest stages.  In this episode of the "Rethinking Alzheimer's Disease" podcast, we learn about the tests that can help doctors tell whether someone is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.   Dr. Sharon Cohen, who knows about Alzheimer's both as a doctor and through her own family, shares how important it is to catch the signs early. She explains the steps of figuring out if someone has Alzheimer's, starting with noticing small changes in memory or mood, to more detailed checks by doctors, and even special scans that look at brain health. She also talks about the different reasons someone might start forgetting things or acting differently, and why it's crucial to get these symptoms checked out. It's not always Alzheimer's; sometimes, other health issues could be the cause.  Until just a few years ago, treatments could only help treat symptoms, not actually slow down the disease. Now, there's hope with advances that can change the course of the disease. Dr. Cohen stresses that knowing about Alzheimer's early gives people more choices, like planning ahead, deciding on treatments, or joining studies for new medicines.  The episode wraps up by encouraging people with Alzheimer's and their families to learn more and get support from organizations and doctors. This way, they don't have to face Alzheimer's alone and can find the best way to deal with it. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease was made possible with support from Eisai Inc. [01:49] Personal Insights from Dr. Sharon Cohen [02:31] What are the four steps to an Alzheimer's evaluation? [03:05] Step 1: Identifying early signs and symptoms [06:10] Step 2: Getting initial assessments - cognitive tests and medical history [08:19] Step 3: Referral to a neurologist and biomarker testing [11:01] Step 4: Diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease [12:33] Navigating diagnosis and treatment options Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk. ©2024 Mission Based Media Ltd • April 2024 • AD-M2059

With approximately 500,000 new cases in the U.S. each year, and a potential 1 in 5 being misdiagnosed, our guests explain the critical role of early diagnosis in managing Alzheimer's. But how do you know when you should talk to your doctor about Alzheimer’s disease?  In this episode of the "Rethinking Alzheimer's Disease" podcast, we dive into the importance of early detection of Alzheimer's disease. Early detection can provide individuals with more treatment options and offer valuable time to plan for the future. Bob Finch, who was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's, shares his personal journey. He highlights how the disease has affected his memory and daily functions, but also how he's adapting to this new chapter of his life with positivity and awareness. Experts discuss how memory problems can appear. In the context of Alzheimer's, it's essential to be vigilant, especially if there's a family history of the disease. We explain the simple cognitive tests for anyone with concerns about their memory, which can help identify issues early on.  We also talk about how hard it can be to get doctors to listen when someone is worried about their memory or thinking problems. We share ideas on how to stand up for yourself and ask to see memory experts if needed. Since Alzheimer's can cause changes in mood and behavior, not just memory, we highlight how important it is to notice these signs and talk to doctors for help and tests.  This episode really drives home how important it is to catch Alzheimer's early and what people can do if they're worried about the disease. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease was made possible with support from Eisai Inc. [01:46] Living with early-stage Alzheimer's: Bob Finch's story [03:46] Normal forgetfulness vs. Alzheimer's symptoms [04:36] What tests can be done to measure cognitive function? [06:24] Advocating for cognitive evaluation [08:20] Recognizing the subtle signs of Alzheimer's [12:21] The value of early detection and resources Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk. ©2024 Mission Based Media Ltd • April 2024 • AD-M2059

Did you know that making changes to the way you live your life can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 40%? In this episode, we look at how the things we do can affect our brain health. We also talk about the risks of getting Alzheimer's from the genes we inherit from our parents.  Our guests explain that Alzheimer's and dementia are partly modifiable, meaning that certain lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of developing these conditions. Our guest Kelly O'Brien, who has a family history of Alzheimer's, shares her relief after learning that genes are risk factors, but not absolute predictors of the disease.  We learn what factors put people at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and discuss strategies available to potentially reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. We highlight the importance of a "brain-healthy lifestyle," which includes managing risk factors such as heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol through diet, exercise, and social interaction. We also discuss the significance of genetic factors, like the APOE4 gene, but remind listeners that these do not guarantee the development of Alzheimer's. We highlight disparities in healthcare and how they affect Alzheimer's risk and treatment, particularly in Black and Latino communities. Efforts to address these disparities and include diverse populations in clinical trials are mentioned as critical steps toward providing equitable healthcare.  This episode underscores the importance of early detection and proactive health management. Despite the genetic risks and the inevitability of aging, individuals can take significant steps to protect their brain health and possibly reduce their risk of Alzheimer's. Tune in to learn how to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and seek medical advice to navigate the risks for Alzheimer's. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease was made possible with support from Eisai Inc. [02:07] The role of genes like APOE4 in Alzheimer's disease [03:56] How to detect APOE4 through a genetic test [04:57] What is the benefit of having a genetic test? [05:48] What role does age and gender have in developing Alzheimer’s disease?  [07:10] What are the modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's? [09:39] Healthcare disparities and Alzheimer's risk [11:34] What is the role of race and ethnicity in developing Alzheimer’s? Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk. ©2024 Mission Based Media Ltd • April 2024 • AD-M2059

Learn about the differences between Alzheimer's and dementia, and how Alzheimer's disease progresses. We talk about why catching the disease early can make a big difference. Dr. Sharon Cohen and Dr. Yaakov Stern walk us through the stages of Alzheimer's disease, from when there are no symptoms to when memory issues start to show. They explain the stages of Alzheimer’s and how it develops over time. We also hear from Kelly, who explains her personal experiences and concerns about developing Alzheimer’s, and what she does about it.  For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease was made possible with support from Eisai Inc. [00:03:10] What's the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia? [00:07:04] When does Alzheimer’s begin to develop? [00:09:08] What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)? [00:10:36] What is subjective cognitive decline? [00:11:59] What is preclinical Alzheimer's disease? [00:13:13] Why is it important to detect Alzheimer’s disease early? Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk. ©2024 Mission Based Media Ltd • April 2024 • AD-M2059

When you hear the words Alzheimer's disease, what do you think of? The truth is, the picture most of us have of the disease is incomplete. Alzheimer's disease doesn't start when someone starts to lose their memory. It actually starts years – sometimes decades – earlier.  The Rethinking Alzheimer's Disease Podcast is an engaging, narrative-style podcast miniseries for those curious or motivated to learn about Alzheimer’s disease. Perhaps you have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, or care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Perhaps you consider yourself or your loved ones at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and want to hear more about the journey and actions you can take.  Told by people with lived experience of Alzheimer's disease, as well as caregivers and health experts, the Rethinking Alzheimer's Disease Podcast answers common questions about Alzheimer's disease, including: what Alzheimer's disease is, how it starts, what signs to look out for, and most importantly, how you can take action to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease, or slow its progression. Download and listen to our series to learn more about Alzheimer's disease, gain confidence in dealing with it, and find hope in the insights and knowledge of others. Together, we can start Rethinking Alzheimer's disease and make a positive impact in the fight against this complex condition. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease was made possible with support from Eisai Inc. Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk. ©2024 Mission Based Media Ltd • April 2024 • AD-M2059