Ep. 196: Cognition Cures: In Life & In the Lab
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left to right: Dr. Sandra Black and Dr. JoAnne McLaurin
Studying the brain has never been an easy feat. Researchers haven’t had steady access to growing human brain tissue—until now. The team at Sunnybrook’s Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program is making impressive progress with the help of their lab-grown organoids, which mimic living human neurons and allow scientists to more accurately study the way different conditions affect the brain.
Here, Dr. Peter Nord explores how this advancement could change the way we understand Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and how your lifestyle choices might affect whether or not you actually develop a cognitive disease. He’s joined by renowned neurologist Dr. Sandra Black, who leads the Dr. Sandra Black Centre For Brain Resilience and Recovery, as well as the Director of Sunnybrook’s Biological Sciences Platform. Dr. JoAnne McLaurin.
LINKS
To learn how Medcan’s world-class Genetics team can help you manage your risk of cognitive conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, email genetics@medcan.com or call 1-416-350-5900.
Check out the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program and the Biological Sciences Platform at Sunnybrook Research Institute.
Listen to more Eat Move Think content about cognitive conditions:
Episode 126: Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Episode 127: The MIND Diet for Improving Brain Health
Check out some of the research mentioned in this episode:
Does vitamin D deficiency increase the severity of COVID-19? In the July 2020 issue of Clinical Medicine
Steps per Day and All-Cause Mortality in Middle-aged Adults in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study led by the University of Massachusetts
INSIGHTS
03:02 Meet Dr. Sandra Black, world renowned neurologist
05:06 Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research program and brain organoids
06:50 Dr. JoAnne McLaurin is growing neurons in her lab.
09:51 Each case of dementia is different.
11:46 Brain-protective foods
13:23 The best exercise for your brain (and how much)
16:48 Why high blood pressure can lead to dementia or Alzheimer’s
18:55 How to make sure your sleep is protecting your brain
20:19 Social engagement can slow Alzheimer’s progression
24:50 An Alzheimer’s blood test is in development
27:44 Medcan is doing whole genome sequencing to catch dementia early
*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.