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In this episode, Dr. Mia and Dr. Christina Hugenschmidt discuss their insights from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC 2025) this summer, and the importance of early diagnosis and lifestyle interventions. They explore the gut-brain connection, innovative drug research, and the impact of nutrition and environmental factors on cognitive health. The conversation emphasizes the need for social engagement and support for caregivers, highlighting the multifaceted approach required in managing dementia and promoting brain health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dementia Caregiving and Research

02:01 Personal Journey in Caregiving

03:51 Understanding Dementia: A Personal Journey

15:57 Lifestyle Interventions for Brain Health

27:57 The Impact of Hormones on Caregiving

39:53 Research Innovations in Dementia Treatment

45:47 Environmental Factors and Brain Health

Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD, MS, LCMHC, is a Associate Professor, Director of Wake Forest Memory Counseling Program. She is a neuroscientist and a counselor. Her experiences in clinical practice led her to question how support groups can be used to improve brain health. She began working with the Memory Counseling Program (MCP) after joining Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine and the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention at Health/Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem North Carolina in 2012 and was recently appointed MCP director following Dr. Shaw’s retirement. Her experiences leading and developing a support group for people with dementia have profoundly shaped how she views dementia and her research into how positive experiences like this group can support the well-being of people living with dementia and their care partners. Her research uses brain imaging to explore how common aging-related changes in the body, such as mobility, obesity and diabetes affect brain health, and how these effects on the brain can be modified by everyday lifestyle, like engaging in exercise and arts practices. https://improvment.wfu.edu/about/improvment-team/

AXS-05 dextromethorphan and bupropion for AD agitation

US version of world wide FINGER- US POINTER study

MIND diet slows cognitive decline with aging

Other AAIC 2025 press conferences or highlights: https://aaic.alz.org/releases-2025/highlights-aaic-2025.asp

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Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

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In this episode, Dr. Mia provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare and Medicaid, explaining their differences, coverage options, and the implications of recent legislative changes. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these programs, especially for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and immigrants. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by those needing long-term care and the critical role of advocacy in shaping healthcare policy.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Medicare and Medicaid Basics
09:57 Medicare Coverage and Misconceptions
13:59 The Impact of Recent Legislation on Medicaid
18:31 Challenges for Immigrants and Healthcare Access
27:18 Advocacy and the Future of Healthcare Policy

Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare, insurance, legislation, advocacy, immigrants, dementia care, long-term care, eligibility

Support the show

Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

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In this heartfelt episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia sits down with Tamra Stokes, a transformational life coach, author, speaker, and founder of Reimagining Life Coaching. Known as The Authentic Caregiver Coach, Tamra empowers overwhelmed family caregivers to heal emotionally, rediscover themselves, and find fulfillment amid the demands of caregiving. Drawing from over 20 years as an educator and 4.5 years as the primary caregiver for her mother, Tamra brings wisdom, empathy, and lived experience to her work. Her coaching blends mindset shifts, emotional release, breathwork, nature-based grounding practices, and journaling to guide clients through emotional discord and into purposeful transformation. Together, they explore the dynamics of sibling relationships in caregiving, highlighting the importance of understanding personal strengths and maintaining open communication. Tamra also discusses valuable resources like the Caregiver College and Wake Forest Memory Counseling Program that provided her with essential tools and community support. Additionally, listeners can find support through the Alzheimer's Association support group search. Tune in to discover insights on family bonds, caregiving challenges, and the power of shared experiences.

To book a discovery call with Tamra, visit: link.coachgrowthsolutions.com/widget/bookings/talkwithtamra. Follow Tamra on social media: Facebook: The Authentic Caregiver Coach, Instagram: @tamistokes422, YouTube: @ReimaginingLifeCoaching, TikTok: @siasees. #SiblingSupport #CaregivingJourney #FamilyFirst

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Support the show

Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel
Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
Email: ask@miayangmd.com
Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.