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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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Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
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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

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Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies.
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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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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 of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia invites her husband, Dr. Alex Fertman, to discuss the nuances of palliative care and hospice, particularly in the context of dementia. They explore the differences between these two forms of care, the challenges families face when dealing with dementia, and the difficult decisions surrounding feeding tubes and end-of-life care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding what constitutes a 'good death' and the dynamics within families as they navigate these tough discussions. Dr. Alex shares valuable insights on how families can prepare for serious illness and the significance of having open conversations about healthcare decisions.

As an Assistant Professor in Palliative Medicine, Dr. Alex Fertman provides care to patients during serious illness. He works with patients and their families to provide care for the whole person, with particular focus on alleviating symptom burden and coordination of complex care. Dr. Fertman address all aspects of a person’s health, and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team consisting of counselors, chaplains, social workers, and pharmacists to provide excellent and comprehensive care. He enjoys active clinical teaching on inpatient rounds with students, residents, and fellows about palliative care and the art of being a great palliative care consultant.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Palliative Care and Hospice
03:46 Understanding Dementia and Its Challenges
07:08 Navigating Feeding Decisions in Dementia
09:58 The Concept of a Good Death
12:47 Family Dynamics in End-of-Life Care
16:05 Advice for Families Facing Serious Illness

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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 of Ask Dr. Mia, Rohan Ramakrishna, co-founder of Roon, discusses the innovative healthcare technology platform designed to provide patients with reliable medical information.

Roon aims to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare experts, offering personalized guidance and 24/7 support. Rohan shares insights into the journey of building Roon, the importance of expert vetting, and the platform's commitment to keeping the service free for users. The conversation also touches on the global reach of Roon and its future aspirations to expand access to healthcare information worldwide.

Rohan Ramakrishna is a professor of neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian hospitals and the Co-Founder of Roon. He attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. He then completed training in neurosurgery at the University of Washington and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

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Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Roon and Its Purpose

02:57
The Journey of Building Roon

06:03
The Unique Features of Roon

09:14
Expert Vetting and Content Quality

11:51
User Engagement and Feedback

14:57
Global Reach and Future Aspirations

#Roon, #healthcare technology, #patient information, #expert guidance, #caregiver support, #medical information, #health app, #user experience, #global access, #mental health

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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 of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia interviews Amanda Gengler, a sociology professor and author, about her personal experiences as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer's and her young son. They discuss the complexities of navigating the healthcare system, the emotional labor involved in caregiving, and the challenges of family dynamics. Amanda shares insights on advocacy, the impact of her mother's recent fall, and the strategies she employs to manage stress and communication within her family. In this conversation, Amanda Gengler shares her experiences navigating the complexities of caring for a parent with dementia while also raising her child. The discussion delves into the emotional challenges of family dynamics, the importance of communication with children about illness, and the unique burdens faced by the sandwich generation. Amanda reflects on the surprises and difficulties encountered in her caregiving journey, emphasizing the need for open conversations about death and dying.

Disclaimer: There were audio issues with this episode and some of the interview was edited out. For the full unedited video check out the Ask Dr. Mia Channel on YouTube. Link below;

https://youtu.be/iBrJKKqWoJw?si=67JXHVSFq-v1YNjY

About Amanda Gengler, Ph.D

An associate professor of sociology at Wake Forest University who completed her PhD in Sociology at Brandeis University and a Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is the author of the book, "Save My Kid" How Families of Critically-Ill Children Cope, Hope, and Negotiate an Unequal Healthcare System, and her current research examines the emotional dynamics of routine pediatric care. She regularly teaches undergraduate courses on the Sociology of Health and Illness, the Sociology of Birth and Death, and the Sociology of Care Work.

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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 of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, host Dr. Mia speaks with Sam Simon, a lawyer and playwright diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Sam shares his journey, including the impact of his diagnosis on his family, the importance of communication, and the challenges of navigating legal and financial planning. He discusses the emotional and practical aspects of living with dementia, the role of family dynamics, and the significance of advocacy.

Sam Simon shares his personal journey with Alzheimer's disease, discussing the challenges and adaptations he and his wife, Susan, have made. He emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, and the power of love and connection in the face of adversity.

To learn more about Sam and his play Dementia Man visit his website at https://www.dementiaman.com/

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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 of Ask Dr. Mia, Jane Smith shares her experiences as a caregiver for her mother-in-law, who is facing dementia. The conversation explores the dynamics of caregiving, the challenges of setting boundaries, and the emotional complexities involved in caring for aging family members. Jane discusses her close relationship with her mother-in-law, the division of caregiving responsibilities among family members, and the impact of these responsibilities on her own family life. The episode also touches on how to communicate with children about dementia and the importance of maintaining family relationships amidst caregiving challenges.

Visit the Ask Dr. Mia channel or visit https://www.miayangmd.com/ for more info and episodes or follow @askdrmia on Instagram, BlueSky

Chapters

00:00

Intro

00:49

Intro and Navigating Caregiving Dynamics

10:29
The Good Cop, Bad Cop Dilemma

20:03
Balancing Family Relationships and Caregiving

29:59
Communicating with Children about Dementia

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.