Ep. 126: Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Listen, Rate & Subscribe*
Apple Podcasts // Spotify // Google Podcasts // Stitcher // Amazon Music // YouTube
Research into therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is progressing, and one day soon we may reach a point where those at high risk for cognitive impairment may be able to delay onset for so long that they never experience symptoms. How does Alzheimer’s really affect the brain, and how are doctors getting better at diagnosing it? Are there things we can do every day to reduce our risk? To learn about the latest in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, Medcan senior medical consultant Dr. Lorne Greenspan (above, right) and clinical director of genetics Jessica Gu (above, middle) check in with a global expert on the disease, Dr. Sharon Cohen of Toronto Memory Program (above, left), to hear about the state of the art in Alzheimer’s.
LINKS
Connect with Dr. Lorne Greenspan, Jessica Gu and the Toronto Memory Program on LinkedIn.
Read Dr. Sharon Cohen’s bio.
Follow the Toronto Memory Program on Twitter and visit its website to learn more about its clinics and ongoing studies.
Learn more about the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, an important screening tool to help detect cognitive decline and diagnose Alzheimer’s.
Stay up-to-date on the very latest in Alzheimer’s research.
Want to learn more about how CRISPR gene editing works? Watch this YouTube video.
To learn about how Medcan can help you learn about your genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, contact the Medcan genetics team by calling (416) 350-5684 or emailing Genetics@medcan.com.
INSIGHTS
How did Dr. Sharon Cohen become an expert in Alzheimer’s? [3:13]
Dementia is one of the top concerns Dr. Lorne Greenspan hears from his patients at Medcan. [6:03]
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and normal age-related cognitive changes? [11:37]
How do our genes play a role in our risk of developing Alzheimer’s? [15:02]
There are ongoing clinical trials that may be able to help those whose genes place them at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s. [20:19]
The disease affects the part of the brain that helps you remember what you can’t remember, so loved ones are often the first to notice differences in cognition. [23:39]
How and why are women overrepresented among those living with Alzheimer’s disease? [26:05]
What sort of developments are being made for better treatments? [27:42]
What is the potential of gene therapy as a mechanism to treat Alzheimer’s? [32:20]
What are certain lifestyle changes we can make that can minimize our risk of developing Alzheimer’s? [34:32]
How can puzzles or problem-solving help to minimize risk? [36:28]
Why and how is sleep important in Alzheimer’s prevention? [39:22]
What kind of resources are available for those who are at high-risk of Alzheimer’s and looking for support? [42:56]
*LEGAL
This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs.
The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments.
Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.