The Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) educational program is drawing strong participation and positive feedback, connecting people across Wisconsin and beyond with science-backed education on brain health, Alzheimer’s disease prevention strategies and practical tools and resources to support living well with MCI.
Receiving a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia can be an emotional and challenging experience. How can meditative practices support those living with MCI? Buddhist chaplain Sharon Lukert wrote her book, Until My Memory Fails Me, with the goal of sharing mindfulness and spiritual practices that have helped her since being diagnosed with MCI in 2021. She joins the podcast to share how her spirituality has impacted her journey to a diagnosis as well as strategies on navigating emotional struggles and building community for those living with MCI.
Guest: Sharon Lukert, author, Buddhist chaplain
Everyone has habits. Some are beneficial for brain health while others are less so, but it turns out that habits as simple as brushing your teeth at the same time each morning can help your brain adapt to changes from cognitive impairment. Dr. Gordon Giles joins the podcast to dive into the fascinating world of neurological rehabilitation and how building small, consistent habits can rewire the brain and support healthy lifestyle choices. He also gives a sneak peek into his upcoming talk for the Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) program titled “Unlocking the Power of Habits, Routines and Strategies.”
Guest: Gordon Giles, PhD, OTR/L FAOTA, professor emeritus, Samuel Merritt University
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can be a complicated experience. While some experience relief at being able to put a name to their concerns, many worry about telling loved ones or being treated differently due to the stigma surrounding the word “dementia.” Mike Zuendel joins the podcast to share his experience of being diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease and how he’s pushing back against the stigma surrounding dementia. He also talks about how early detection and treatment have allowed him to lead a normal life with cognitive impairment.
Guest: Mike Zuendel, member, board of directors, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Foundation, member, Alzheimer’s Patient Advisory Board, Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation, founder, Initiative to Change the D-Word, founder, CEO, Legacy Bridge Private Family Offices
What exactly does a mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosis mean, and what should you do after receiving one? Hearing this diagnosis from a doctor can bring up a lot of emotions and questions for individuals and family members. Jennifer McAlister joins Dementia Matters to offer advice for next steps after receiving an MCI diagnosis and share strategies and resources that have been successful for individuals she’s worked with over the course of her career.
Guest: Jennifer McAlister, outreach and partnerships manager, Outreach, Recruitment & Engagement Core, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an emerging term in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, characterized as the stage between the expected decline in memory and thinking that happens with age and the more severe decline of dementia. In this episode, Dr. Ronald Petersen joins the podcast to talk about how MCI compares to dementia, its many causes, and the impact of new lifestyle and drug interventions on its progression, as well as how his career led him to study Alzheimer’s disease and MCI. This episode is part of a special three-part series highlighting speakers from the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute’s 20th Annual Update in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.
Guest: Ronald C. Petersen, MD, PhD, director, Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, director, Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, Cora Kanow Professor of Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
AAIC Special Series Part 3:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of memory loss and cognitive impairment that can develop into dementia. While physicians have medications they can prescribe to manage the condition, many researchers and doctors are focusing on lifestyle interventions that could support a person’s cognition and address behavioral changes. Dr. Linda Lam joins the podcast to discuss her work studying mild cognitive impairment and preview her upcoming AAIC plenary talk on non-pharmacological treatments for MCI and dementia.
Guest: Linda Lam, MBChB, MD, professor, Chinese University of Hong Kong
On October 27th, the NBC drama series This Is Us will return for a fifth season. An integral storyline in the show is the diagnosis of one of the main characters, Rebecca Pearson, with Mild Cognitive impairment (MCI). In this bonus episode, our host Dr. Chin helps define MCI and its potential causes and misconceptions.