Memory Episodes

Send a text Dr. Mia explores the groundbreaking Finger Study, a global research project on brain health and Alzheimer's prevention. Discover how lifestyle changes like exercise, diet, and cognitive activities can significantly improve brain resilience and delay cognitive decline. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pointer Study 02:44 Understanding the US Pointer Recipe 05:28 The Role of Exercise in Brain Health 08:16 Dietary Impacts on Cognitive Function 10:57 Gut-Brain Connection and Its I...

Send a text Ever wonder why the news reports on Alzheimer's causes are so confusing and what's the fuss about these amyloid plaques? This conversation delves into the evolving understanding of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the shift from traditional diagnosis of exclusion to new definition by underlying pathology. Dr. Mia explains the differences between Alzheimer's disease and dementia, the role of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, and the complexities of diagnosing and treating Alz...

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mia talks about the common questions that come up in memory clinic such as: Chapters 00:00 Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's Basics 02:54 Differentiating Between Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Dementia 06:19 Exploring Types of Dementia 11:01 Stages of Dementia Explained Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia YouTube channel Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Transcripts are automatically generated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Email: ask@miaya...

Send us a text The "Mom, You're Grounded Podcast" hosts Allison and Jennifer discuss the GUIDE program with Dr. Mia, an innovative Medicare initiative designed to support caregivers and patients through comprehensive services and respite care. Mia Yang, a geriatrician, shares her expertise and insights on GUIDE (GUiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program. Self refer: GuideAHWFB@advocatehealth.org -NC Triad Guide@advocatehealth.org- NC greater Charlotte area www.MiaYangMD.com ...

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mia discusses the top misconceptions surrounding dementia and Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the importance of understanding the differences between the two, the complexities of diagnosing dementia, and the implications of early diagnosis. She also addresses the common belief that Medicare covers in-home care for dementia patients and clarifies the realities of dementia care funding. https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide Chapt...

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mia and Dr. Christina Hugenschmidt discuss their insights from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC 2025) this summer, and the importance of early diagnosis and lifestyle interventions. They explore the gut-brain connection, innovative drug research, and the impact of nutrition and environmental factors on cognitive health. The conversation emphasizes the need for social engagement and support for caregivers, highlighting the multiface...

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of the Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia sits down with Tamra Stokes, a transformational life coach, author, speaker, and founder of Reimagining Life Coaching. Known as The Authentic Caregiver Coach, Tamra empowers overwhelmed family caregivers to heal emotionally, rediscover themselves, and find fulfillment amid the demands of caregiving. Drawing from over 20 years as an educator and 4.5 years as the primary caregiver for her mother, Tamra brings wisdom, e...

Send us a text In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia, pharmacist Molly Hinely talk about medication management for those with memory issues. The conversation covers the impact of certain medications on memory, the use of technology in medication management, and the potential benefits and risks of various supplements. Molly encourages listeners to advocate for themselves and their loved ones in navigating the healthcare system. Sign up for Dr. Mia's email list to get a medication organization sheet. M...

Send us a Text Message. Bill Cohen, a certified senior advisor, shares his experience in helping families navigate the challenges of caregiving for a loved one with dementia. He emphasizes the importance of open communication and allowing each family member to express their opinions and concerns. Bill also discusses the training required to become a certified senior advisor and the holistic approach they take to caregiving. He highlights the role of financial considerations in caregiving decisio...

In the final episode of season three, Dr. Mia reflects on her love for working with people living with dementia and their caregivers. She shares the inspiring story of a couple, Bill and Pat, who exemplify the extraordinary daily acts of caregiving. Dr. Mia discusses the importance of acknowledging, validating, and redirecting communication strategies for dementia care. She also explores the complex emotions and grief that caregivers experience and emphasizes the need for self-compassion and men...

Dr. Mia talks with Caroline Prioleau, writer for the Global Brain Health Institute at University of California San Francisco's Memory & Aging Center and co-lead of the Hear/Say oral history project that collects stories from people's experiences with dementia, aging, creativity and caregiving. We talked about a new documentary called Keys Bags Names Words - about hope in dementia. Sign up for a virtual or in-person screening here. Music & disclaimer Support the show Video on Ask Dr. Mia Y...

In this episode of Ask Dr. Mia podcast, Dr. Mia talks to her colleague, neuropsychologist and memory researcher Dr. Bonnie Sachs. Dr. Bonnie Sachs is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in working with older adults with memory loss and other cognitive disorders. Her areas of focus, both clinically and in research, include mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and other forms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease, Frontotemporal deme...

For the last episode of season 2, Dr. Mia talks about lecanemab, a monoclonal antibody against amyloid, results since the show's most popular episode on lecanemab released on 10/7/2022. Lecanemab or Clarity AD clinical trial results in New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Death related to lecanemab, reported in Science, related to Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Donanemab press release by Lilly Key points: 1) Aducanumab approval process eroded public's trust and careful screening for patients fo...

In this episode, Dr. Mia talks with Dr. Trey Bateman about Lewy Body dementia, unique challenges in diagnosis, different treatment options compared to Alzheimer's dementia, and his research on Mild Behavioral Impairment. Dr. James (Trey) Bateman is a behavioral neurologist at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the Salisbury Veterans Affairs Medical Center. His clinical care is spread across both Wake Forest and the Salisbury VA, where he focuses on the evaluation and care of people w...

With the recent news of Bruce Willis' diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, I talk with Dr. Halima Amjad about her own personal journey with her late father's FTD diagnosis as well as her professional role in dementia care and research. Dr. Halima Amjad is an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her career as a geriatrician and health services researcher centers around people living with dementia. She cares for patients at the Johns Hopkins Memory ...

Dr. Mia talks about common physical, cognitive, and emotional changes in older adults, that adult children and other family members who may have noticed over the recent holidays. More info on specific negotiating tips with your family members here: https://www.negotiage.com/resources/tactics Self-administered memory test: SAGE, available in multiple languages: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/brain-spine-neuro/memory-disorders/sage Music & disclaimer Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Email:...

Dr. Mia talks about the new FDA authorization for sale of hearing aids over the counter, our amazing hearing system, and how to distinguish hearing loss from memory loss with Dr. Jack Hitchens, audiologist. Jack Hitchens Au.D's bio FDA's new ruling about OTC hearing aids (NPR news) Music & disclaimer Transcripts on www.miayangmd.com. Email: ask@miayangmd.com Opinions expressed are exclusive of Dr. Mia Yang and not reflective of her or guest speaker's employers or funders.

Dr. Mia talks about the newly released preliminary results of anti-amyloid drug: lecanemab, the context of this newest drug development, and more questions than answers going forward. News release of clinical trial Clarity AD (lecanemab) trial results Biogen & Eisai's 50/50 relationship for lecanemab Other trials including lecanemab Biogen's recent $900 million lawsuit settlement due to improper physician payment ARIA (Amyloid-related Imaging Abnormality): key side effects in lecanemab Transcr...

Dr. Mia talks with Samantha Culler, LCSW at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist's Memory Counseling Program about her professional and personal journey of being a care partner. Neither of them speak on behalf of their employer and views expressed are theirs only. Memory Counseling Program: https://www.wakehealth.edu/locations/clinics/m/memory-counseling-program-sticht-center Dementia care partners' support group manuals and books: https://www.centerforloss.com/bookstore/a-support-group-for-peopl...

Dr. Mia talks about the difficult but common safety issues in Steve & Nina's story. 4 M's of safety problems in people with mild/early stage dementia: money, medications, meals, and mobility/driving. Driving safety: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/driving-safety-and-alzheimers-disease Older adults & driving: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/older-drivers Find an OT who does driving tests: https://www.aota.org/practice/practice-settings/driving-community-mobility/driving--community-mobilit...

Dr. Mia describes the domains of memory/cognition: short-term memory executive function visuospatial memory language attention speed of processing Memory mimickers that can confound memory evals: anticholinergic meds obstructive sleep apnea hearing loss: hearing amplifier PockeTalker on Amazon alcohol use: 2 or more drinks/day for men, 1 or more drinks/day for women head injury low thyroid, low B12 Transcripts & sign up for podcast alerts on www.miayangmd.com Music & disclaimer Tran...

Dr. Mia talks about two composite patients: Barbara and Steve who demonstrate two very different tales of Alzheimer's disease, what's sexy vs not in Alzheimer's research, and disease-modifying therapy that is NOT aducanumab. Dr. Mia's prior NPR Morning Edition interview about aducanumab: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/11/08/1052833252/cost-and-controversy-are-limiting-use-of-new-alzheimers-drug National Institute of Aging clinical trial search tool: https://www.alzheimers.gov/c...