All Episodes
Newest Episode
Managing the Medicine Cabinet: How Prescriptions Impact Cognition and Brain Health as We Age
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
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
Previous Episodes
-
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…
-
Taking a Deep Dive into Subjective Cognitive Decline
Dr. Jessen returns to the podcast to take a deeper dive into subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Aiming to cover everything relating to SCD, Dr. Jessen shares insights in prognosis, risk factors and how SCD should be addressed in research and clinical practice. Guest: Frank Jessen,…
-
Defining Subjective Cognitive Decline
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) can be one of the earliest noticeable signs of Alzheimer’s disease, yet SCD is not yet fully understood. To help us understand more, Dr. Frank Jessen, an expert in the field, joins the podcast to discuss how SCD is defined, classified,…
-
SPRINT to a Healthy Mind: How Blood Pressure Control Affects Brain Health and Dementia Risk
Geriatrician Dr. Mark Supiano joins the podcast to discuss the connection between heart and brain health. Citing multiple clinical trials, he breaks down what these studies and their findings mean for blood pressure management’s effect on cognitive decline and how they directly impact both patients…
-
Addressing Cochrane’s Review on Amyloid-Targeting Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
Amyloid-targeting monoclonal antibody treatments have ushered in a new era of Alzheimer’s disease therapies after decades of research and clinical trials. A recent review published by Cochrane, a global, independent, non-profit network of researchers, professionals, patients and carers regarded as a gold standard for producing…
-
What to Expect from ‘When Memory Fades’ with Drs. Art Walaszek and Nathaniel Chin
Guest host Dr. Art Walaszek takes over the podcast to interview Dr. Chin about his upcoming book, When Memory Fades. In addition to discussing the importance of dementia research and other clinical topics covered in the book, Dr. Chin shares what drew him to write…
-
New Study Examines the Effects of Food Insecurity on Dementia Risk
The latest Household Food Security report estimated that 13.7% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024. This lack of access to a nutritious diet can significantly affect health, so how does it then impact older adults’ health and their risk for cognitive impairment? Dr. Heejin Lee…
-
The Importance of Early Dementia Detection and Diagnosis
Many adults are diagnosed with dementia at later stages or not diagnosed at all, despite how critical early detection is. Why is this the case? Dr. Chin discusses a recent article that highlights some key reasons for this trend and shares an exciting announcement.
-
Unpacking the U.S. POINTER Study
The U.S. POINTER study is one of the first large-scale, randomized controlled clinical trials to focus on how lifestyle interventions impact dementia risk and cognitive decline. On a special bonus episode of Dementia Matters, Dr. Laura Baker joins the podcast to explain how the clinical…
-
Navigating Difficult Conversations about Driving and Dementia
Driving can be a sensitive topic as a person gets older, and especially so when someone begins experiencing cognitive decline or is diagnosed with dementia. How can family members and care partners discuss their concerns about a loved one’s ability to drive while still respecting…
-
The Role of Social Work in Dementia Care
People with dementia and their families see many different doctors and health care providers following a diagnosis. Some may be surprised to know that social workers play a role in dementia care as well. Jeni Synnes, a social worker at UW Health, joins the podcast…
-
Training for Clinical Trials with the IMPACT-AD Program
Are you a researcher interested in getting involved in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) clinical trials? The Institute on Methods and Protocols for Advancement of Clinical Trials in ADRD, or IMPACT-AD, program brings investigators from around the world together for a week of professional…
-
How Ultra‑Processed Foods Impact Your Overall Health
Ultra-processed foods are a hot topic in the fields of health and nutrition, but what exactly are they and how do they impact our overall well-being? Dr. Beth Olson joins the podcast to explain what this term means, describe strategies for developing a balanced diet…
-
On the Pulse: How Resting Heart Rate Improves a Dementia Risk Score’s Accuracy
What if your heartbeat could help determine your dementia risk? The CAIDE dementia risk score has long helped clinicians estimate midlife risk for dementia using cardiovascular health factors, but its accuracy hasn’t been equal across populations. New research suggests that integrating resting heart rate meaningfully…
-
Could Managing Four Common Health Conditions Slow Cognitive Decline from Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease isn’t always the only health condition a person faces, so how does treating other diseases impact the progression of Alzheimer’s? Researchers at the University of Arizona focused on four common health conditions – type two diabetes, hypertension, inflammation and dyslipidemia – which are…
-
Taking Steps to Slow Decline: New Study Examines the Role of Physical Activity on Alzheimer’s Progression
10,000 – that’s the magic number of steps often recommended for a healthy lifestyle. With recent research looking into whether that number is an accurate benchmark for health, could the number of steps taken per day have an impact on brain health and, specifically, cognitive…
-
Reflecting on 2025: The Impact of Gratitude on Brain Health
As 2025 comes to an end, host Dr. Nathaniel Chin discusses the importance of gratitude for brain health and shares what he’s grateful for from this past year.
-
Talking TBI: The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries on Cognitive Decline
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) like concussions are not uncommon, especially in children and older adults. These injuries can have both short-term and lasting effects on the brain, but what about their impact on cognitive function? Dr. Deling He of UW–Madison’s Cognitive-Communication in Aging and Neurogenic…
-
How Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists Support Cognitive Health
When memory, thinking or communication changes begin, knowing where to turn for support can make all the difference. In this episode, we explore how two key health care specialties can help individuals and families meet those challenges with confidence. Sarah Gunderson, an occupational therapist, and…
-
Study Finds COVID-19 Can Cause Build-up of Alzheimer’s-Related Proteins in Eyes and Brain
What do COVID-19 brain fog and ophthalmology have to do with Alzheimer’s disease? There may be more connections than one might think. Dr. Sean Miller is one of the scientists behind a recent study that used retinal tissue to investigate the links between COVID-19 infections…