Dementia Matters

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A brain shape made from healthy foods from the MIND diet, like avocado, salmon, nuts, fruits and vegetables

August 25, 2026

New Alzheimer’s Association Special Report Breaks Down How Americans Understand and Support their Brain Health

In recent years, public interest in brain health has increased. So how are Americans understanding brain health information and incorporating it into their own lives? This year, the Alzheimer’s Association released a special report focused on how people understand and support brain health throughout their lives, covering topics like how they perceive cognitive health, the importance of lifestyle behaviors and more. Dr. Heather Snyder from the Alzheimer’s Association joins us on the podcast to analyze this report and share her insights, as well as share updates from the 2026 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).

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August 12, 2026

Reflecting on 25 Years of the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention

Twenty-five years ago, a single participant enrolled in what would become the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP), now one of the largest and longest-running studies of Alzheimer’s risk in the world. To celebrate this milestone, we’re joined by Dr. Mark Sager, who co-founded WRAP, along with current multi-principal investigators Dr. Sterling Johnson and Dr. Jessica Caldwell, to discuss how the study has evolved, the discoveries that have reshaped our understanding of Alzheimer’s prevention, and what the next 25 years may hold for the field.

July 28, 2026

How Dementia Caregiving Affects the Spousal Caregiver

Caring for those with dementia represents a major public health challenge, with caregivers, especially spouses, providing long-term, largely unpaid care. With caregiving stress linked to a decline in mental and physical health, it is crucial to understand the complex burden these care partners face in order to support them. Dr. Donna de Levante Raphael joins the podcast to shed light on the effects of caregiving on the spousal caregiver and share possible interventions and programs to support their needs.

Guest: Donna de Levante Raphael, PhD, gerontologist, director of research, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

July 14, 2026

Managing the Medicine Cabinet: How Prescriptions Impact Cognition and Brain Health as We Age

Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and supplements are incredibly common among older adults, yet many of these routine treatments can unexpectedly impact cognitive function and brain health. To help us safely navigate medication management, Dr. Lauren Welch, a clinical geriatric pharmacy practitioner, joins the podcast to discuss how common drugs affect cognition, the risks of drug-drug interactions, and how families can effectively partner with their health care team to review and de-prescribe medications.

Guest: Lauren Welch, PharmD, BCGP, clinical geriatric pharmacy practitioner, Veterans Affair Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center

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