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Dementia Matters is a podcast about Alzheimer‘s disease and other causes of dementia. Creator and host Dr. Nathaniel Chin interviews leading scientists and caregiving experts to bring listeners the latest in Alzheimer’s disease news, research and caregiver resources. Brought to you by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, find show notes and more resources at adrc.wisc.edu/dementia-matters.
Episodes

51 minutes ago
51 minutes ago
The Research Education Component (REC) focuses on educating, mentoring and training the next generation of researchers at the over 30 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) across the United States, offering a range of fellowships, educational activities and events like the annual Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Research Day. In honor of this year’s ADRD Research Day, early career researchers Isa Hayde and Dr. Yang Yeh join the podcast to discuss how REC has impacted their research journeys, as well as share a preview of their lightning presentations.
Guests: Isa Hayde, undergraduate student, Clark Lab, and Yang Yeh, PhD, postdoctoral fellow, Lamming Lab
Show Notes
Learn more about REC and the Wisconsin ADRC’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Research Day on our website.
Listen to the podcast with Drs. Barb Bendlin and Tyler Ulland, “Gut Feelings: The Links Between Gut Health and Alzheimer’s Disease,” mentioned by Dr. Chin at 5:30, on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all other major podcast platforms.
Learn more about Dr. Yang Yeh and the Lamming Lab on the Lamming Lab website.
Learn more about Dr. Lindsay Clark’s lab on their website.
Connect with us
Find transcripts and more at our website.
Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.
Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Talking about Tau: The Role of Tau PET Scans in Alzheimer’s Research and Care
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Early detection is a top priority in the field of Alzheimer’s research, and one indicator of Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of tau in the brain. What is tau, though? How can we detect this protein, and what can it tell us about a person’s symptoms or disease progression? Dr. Gil Rabinovici, a leader in the field of brain imaging, joins Dementia Matters this week for an in-depth discussion on the role of tau PET scans in Alzheimer’s disease detection, research and clinical care.
Guest: Gil Rabinovici, MD, professor, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), director, UCSF Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, study chair, Imaging Dementia-Evidence for Amyloid Scanning (IDEAS) and New IDEAS studies, co-principal investigator, Alzheimer’s Network for Treatment and Diagnostics (ALZ-NET), Longitudinal Evaluation of Alzheimer’s Disease Study (LEADS)
Show Notes
Are you a clinician interested in receiving continuing education (CE) credits for listening to this episode? Find credit designation information, disclosures and evaluation information on our website and on the UW–Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP) website. The accreditation for this course expires 4/7/2026. After this date, you will no longer be able to access the course or claim credit.
Read “Criteria for Diagnosis and Staging of Alzheimer's Disease,” mentioned by Dr. Rabinovici at 18:43, on the Alzheimer’s Association’s website.
Listen to our past episode with Dr. David Wolk, “LATE, Explained,” mentioned by Dr. Rabinovici at 26:31 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and on our website.
Connect with us
Find transcripts and more at our website.
Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.
Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Changing the Narrative: One Man’s Journey to Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Treatment
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
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
Show Notes
Learn more about Mike Zuendel on his profile on the Initiative to Change the D-Word’s website.
Learn more about MCI by listening to other MCI-related episodes of Dementia Matters.
Connect with us
Find transcripts and more at our website.
Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.
Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
A Pathway to Wellness: The Benefits of Integrative Medicine on Brain Health
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Holistic medicine, alternative medicine, complementary medicine – you may have heard these terms or seen them used online and wondered what they mean. Each term refers to the concept of integrative medicine, a comprehensive approach to healthcare that focuses on treating a person’s mind, body and spirit rather than addressing symptoms or a specific disease through a combination of medical treatments and other evidence-based therapies. By integrating practices like nutrition, mindfulness, supplements and other alternative therapies with traditional care, integrative medicine aims to promote overall wellness, enhance healing and improve quality of life, especially for individuals managing chronic conditions like dementia. Dr. David Rakel, a leader in integrative medicine, joins the podcast to share about how this holistic approach can help people experiencing memory change and how diet, mindset and lifestyle can play a crucial role in supporting brain health.
Guest: David Rakel, MD, professor, chair, University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, founder, University of Wisconsin Osher Center for Integrative Health
Show Notes
Learn more information about the Healthy Living With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) program and register for upcoming events by visiting our website.
Learn more about Dr. Rakel from his profile on the UW Madison Department of Family Medicine and Community Health website.
Connect with us
Find transcripts and more at our website.
Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.
Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Putting a ‘Spotlight on Care’: Caregivers Help Other Caregivers Through Podcast Series
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can be challenging, with no two journeys being the same. Who better to turn to for caregiving support, tips and advice, then, than other caregivers who have been on similar paths? Steve O’Leary and Virginia Naeve join Dementia Matters to share their different experiences caring for their partner and parent respectively, their goal to help other caregivers on their journeys through their podcast Spotlight on Care and more.
Guests: Steve O’Leary, co-host, Spotlight on Care, member, leadership council, University of California, Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), and Virginia Naeve, co-host, Spotlight on Care, volunteer, UCI MIND
Show Notes
Listen to the Spotlight on Care podcast on the UCI MIND website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Read Virginia’s blog, A New Path for Mom, online.
Connect with us
Find transcripts and more at our website.
Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.
Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Shining Light on Younger-Onset Dementia with Lorenzo’s House
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Dementia diagnoses affect families in many different ways. One of the most challenging to navigate is that of younger-onset dementia (YOD), a form of dementia that affects someone below the age of 65. This diagnosis can be particularly jarring for young families, as resources, support and research for this form of dementia are limited. When Diana Cose’s husband Lorenzo received this diagnosis, she decided to change that by founding Lorenzo’s House, a nonprofit that supports families grappling with younger-onset dementia and works toward lessening the stigma surrounding it. Diana Cose joins the podcast with programs lead Patti LeFleur to share their experiences with younger-onset dementia and how Lorenzo’s House brings light in the darkness.
Guests: Diana Cose, founding executive director, Lorenzo’s House, Patti LeFleur, youth and lighthouse outreach lead, Lorenzo’s House
Show Notes
Learn more about Lorenzo’s House and their free programs on their website.
Follow Lorenzo’s House on their Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for updates and more information.
Learn about early-onset dementia, mentioned by Dr. Chin at 27:30, listen to our episode with Dr. Susanne Seeger, “Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease: What to Know and What to Expect” on our website.
Learn more about the documentary on autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease, mentioned by Dr. Chin at 28:05, on CBS News’ website and watch the documentary on Paramount+.
Connect with us
Find transcripts and more at our website.
Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.
Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
What Now? Next Steps After Receiving an MCI Diagnosis
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
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
Show Notes
Find Jen’s “Next Steps After Diagnosis” flowchart, mentioned at 41:22, on our website and as a PDF.
View and download a PDF of the decision-making tool, mentioned at 28:57, online.
Learn more about the Wisconsin ADRC’s Healthy Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) series on our website.
Watch the Healthy Living with MCI series on YouTube.
Learn more about MCI by listening to our past podcast episode, “Our Evolving Understanding of Mild Cognitive Impairment” on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms.
Connect with us
Find transcripts and more at our website.
Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.
Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
LATE, Explained
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
While there are many kinds of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, there’s one that researchers have only recently identified. LATE, or Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy, is a newly-characterized type of dementia associated with abnormal clumps of a protein called TDP-43. So, what exactly do we know about LATE? Dr. David Wolk joins the podcast to share what key features of LATE are, how it compares to Alzheimer’s disease and impacts treatment, and what next steps are needed to better understand this neurodegenerative disease.
Guest: David Wolk, MD, director, Penn Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, co-director, Penn Memory Center, co-director, Penn Institute on Aging, chief, Division of Cognitive Neurology, professor of neurology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Show Notes
Learn more about LATE on the National Institute on Aging’s website and on Penn Memory Center’s website.
Read Dr. Wolk's article, "Clinical criteria for limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy," on the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia's website.
Learn more about Dr. Wolk in his profile on the Penn Memory Center website.
Connect with us
Find transcripts and more at our website.
Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.
Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
‘Tis the Season: Navigating the Holidays as a Dementia Caregiver
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, especially those with dementia and their care partners. In preparation for this season, Dr. Alexis Eastman joins Dementia Matters for our last episode of 2024. Drs. Chin and Eastman discuss strategies for managing the potential stress of holiday traveling and gatherings, important safety considerations and more.
Guest: Alexis Eastman, MD, geriatrician, Senior Medical Director of Ambulatory Medical Specialties, UW Health, associate clinical professor, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Show Notes
Listen to our past episode with Dr. Eastman, “Holiday Tips for Dementia Caregivers,” on our website.
Find more resources and tips for the holidays in “Resources for navigating the holidays with Alzheimer’s” on our website.
Want to support Dementia Matters? Make an end-of-year gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s.
Connect with us
Find transcripts and more at our website.
Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.
Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Could AI Identify Alzheimer’s Risk Factors from Electronic Health Records?
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
With the recent surge in artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, one of the most exciting fields it could revolutionize is health care and, more specifically, the field of cognitive care and research. Dr. Marina Sirota and Alice Tang join the podcast to share their research on how AI could be used to predict one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease based on their electronic health records. They also discuss what needs to be done to improve these algorithms and other ways this technology could be used in Alzheimer's disease research.
Guests: Marina Sirota, PhD, associate professor, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), principal investigator, Sirota Lab, and Alice Tang, MD/PhD student, University of California San Francisco, postdoctoral fellow, Sirota Lab
Show Notes
Read Alice Tang and Dr. Sirota’s study, “Leveraging electronic health records and knowledge networks for Alzheimer’s disease prediction and sex-specific biological insights,” online through the journal Nature..
Learn more about Sirota Lab on their website.
Learn more about Dr. Sirota on her UCSF profile.
Connect with us
Find transcripts and more at our website.
Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.
Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. All donations go toward outreach and production.