Long Live The Brains

This episode closes out our Art & Neurodegeneration series by interviewing Dr. Connie Frigo, who is a world-renowned saxophonist and Professor of Music at the University of Georgia. This interview focuses on Dr. Frigo's journey through 3 decades of discovering deeper musical meaning to break down barriers and enrich relationships. We discuss the intersection of music and the brain as well as its ability to unlock individuals battling issues like dementia or psychiatric illness. Video discussed was published by Alluri V, Toiviainen P, Jääskeläinen IP, et al. Large-scale brain networks emerge from dynamic processing of musical timbre, key and rhythm. Neuroimage 2012;59(4):3677–89. https://www.facebook.com/conniefrigo https://ugasaxophones.wixsite.com/thehugh  

This is the 4th episode of our 'Art & Neurodegeneration' series and features an interview with Don Wendorf, Psy.D. & Lynda Everman about using music as a tool for reaching individuals with cognitive impairment. Don & Lynda have co-authored several books pertaining to this and provide insights based on their experiences. Some focus points include learning to sing 'with' rather than 'for' and expecting the unexpected. https://www.amazon.com/Dr.-Don-Wendorf-Psy.D./e/B00EN5JPHW%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share  

This is part 3 of our series entitled 'Art & Neurodegeneration' and features an interview with Daphne Johnston, founder of the Respite for All Foundation. Daphne discusses the respite care, what it is, how it helps, who it helps and how her foundation has taken a unique spin to focus on 'the person' and developing the art of relationships. http://uxz.f0a.myftpupload.com/respite-ministry/ https://www.respiteforall.org/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B7BHWK5/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

This is the second episode in our Arts & Neurodegeneration Series and features Daniel C. Potts, MD, FAAN, who is a practicing neurologist and founder of the Cognitive Dynamics Foundation. Dr. Potts discusses his journey with dementia both as a neurologist and as a son. Dr. Potts discusses his personal experience with the transformative power of visual art and how this led to an amazing program Bringing Art to Life. https://www.cognitivedynamics.org/ https://www.thisisalabama.org/2020/07/30/this-alzheimers-patient-inspired-hundreds-with-his-stunning-art/ Cognitive Dynamics Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2AQWphQ3RtFKyj1xHdY2RA Cognitive Dynamics FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Cognitive-Dynamics-Foundation-162239647129910/ LestersLegacy, a website for Dad’s art: https://www.lesterslegacy.com/ https://danielcpotts.wordpress.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dcpottsmd/  https://twitter.com/DanielCPotts https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcpotts/  

This episode kicks off our series on Art & Neurodegeneration by interviewing Craig Price about improvisation. Craig is the Director of Community Education & Wellness for the Naples Players in Naples, FL. Craig not only demonstrates how fun improvisation can be, but also how it applies to people with cognitive impairment and their care partners! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuxkFW_u680&feature=youtu.be  https://naplesplayers.org/

This interview features Andrea Spencer & Lawrence Kosick who are representatives from ElderSource & GetSetUp, respectively. This discussion focuses on the new partnership between these two organizations to provide nearly 300 different virtual classes on topics ranging from technology to exercise. These are classes for and by individuals older than age 55. These classes are a tremendous opportunity for engagement that you don’t want to miss! www.myeldersource.org ElderSource Help Line: 1-888-242-4464 https://www.getsetup.io/ Call 1-888-559-1614 to learn how to get connected into a class. www.getsetup.io/partner/eldersource

This episode features an interview with Susan Ryan, author of the book Our Journey of Love: 5 Steps to Navigate Your Caregiving Journey. Susan discusses several of the major themes, such as massive acceptance & radical presence, in her book and how to practically apply them to one's caregiver experience. 

This episode features the second half of a round table discussion on caregiver challenges from the vantage point of a current caregiver (Kandice Jacobs Robinson), two prior caregivers (Lynda Everman & Don Wendorf) and a caregiver coach (Katie Newby). Through the sharing of firsthand experiences, we expect this episode to provide new insights for finding your flow, your balance and seeing beauty as a caregiver.

Most caregivers realize that finding balance can be an ongoing and dynamic challenge This episode features the first half of a round table discussion that provides a look at caregiver challenges from the vantage point of a current caregiver (Kandice Jacobs Robinson), two prior caregivers (Lynda Everman & Don Wendorf) and a caregiver coach (Katie Newby). We hope that this episode provides caregivers with strategies for facing common and major challenges as well as finding beauty even in the struggle.

As we kick off 2021, many people are pursuing New Years resolutions to better their lives. We encourage caregivers to take an honest appraisal of their current situation and determine if their current approach is sustainable, healthy and good. This episode features an interview with Katie Newby, a caregiver coach, who helps guide us through some key questions and strategies to determine if you are thriving, surviving, struggling or in crisis...and what to do about it.

Neurodegenerative disease IS the EPIDEMIC of our time. LLTB podcast is an interviewed-based podcast intended to entertain and educate listeners with the goal of providing a complete 360 degree look at neurodegenerative diseases. This episode features a discussion with the LLTB co-hosts, Dr. Philip Tipton and Kandice Jacobs Robinson, LFDE about the new and improved podcast format changes, upcoming themes and episode topics as well as new additions to the LLTB network!

This is the fifth & final episode of our preview series for the 2020 Lasting Legacies Virtual Life-Planning Conference featuring attorney Yasmin Adamy of Adamy Law, PLLC. Yaz provides a sneak peak of her upcoming talk on Elder Law, avoiding probate and navigating the legal system. We also wrap up season 1 of LLTB by reviewing the season and previewing upcoming topics of season 2. www.adamylaw.com

This is the fourth episode of our preview series for the 2020 Lasting Legacies Virtual Life-Planning Conference featuring Jim Kowalski, the President and CEO of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. We are also joined by Paul Cook on behalf of Baptist Health's Office of Social Responsibility. Our guests provide a brief overview of the services provided by their respective organizations and a sneak peak of their segments in the upcoming Virtual Life-Planning Conference. 

This is the third episode of our preview series for the 2020 Lasting Legacies Virtual Life-Planning Conference featuring Justine Conley, who is the AARP Florida Associate State Director. Ms. Conley will be speaking on the countless resources provided by the AARP. Don't miss her lecture, which will be on Thursday October 8, 2010.  Don't forget to register for the 2020 Lasting Legacies Virtual Life-Planning Conference www.Resourcefinger.org www.AARP.org/jacksonville  

This is the second episode of our preview series for the 2020 Lasting Legacies Virtual Life-Planning Conference. This interview features Attorney Gregory Redmon, who will be speaking on issues pertaining to Elder and Senior Care Law specifically medicaid-related topics. Long term care is an uncertain, expensive and scary prospect to face for yourself or loved ones. Mr. Redmon will provide invaluable information to help you navigate this complex system. Also don't miss Gregory's talk on October 10, 2020. www.seniorcounsellaw.com Phone: (904) 619-8890

This is the first episode of our preview series for the 2020 Lasting Legacies Virtual Life-Planning Conference. This interview features Jesika and Ahmahd Johnson. Don't miss a moment of this great sneak peak interview with this dynamic duo. Ahmahd has expertise in life insurance, longterm care insurance and financial coaching and will be speaking on 10/10 at 11:40 AM. Jesika works for Watson Realty Corp with expertise in downsizing process and will speak on 10/9 at 2:15pm. 

Dr. Tipton discusses the nuts and bolts of clinical trials, what they are and why they are important. He relates this to the current status of COVID-19 vaccination development. The episode ends with an update on the front running treatments for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease that are in various stages of clinical trials. www.clinicaltrials.gov  

This episode includes a conversation between Kandice Jacobs Robinson and Dr. Philip Tipton that focuses on the sandwich generation...what it is and the challenges its members face. One of those challenges is knowing when to seek additional support for an aging loved one. This leads into six considerations for caregivers when determining the best option for additional functional support for their aging loved one.

This episodes features an expert with Dr. Jay van Gerpen, who is a renowned movement disorders specialist. Dr. van Gerpen provides his expertise on potential causes of tremors and various treatment approaches. The interview concludes with a discussion about Parkinson's disease from the perspective of a movement disorders specialist. www.clinicaltrials.gov  

This is part 2 of an interview with Dr. Karla Evans & Dr. Veronica Tetterton of Anticipate Joy. This interview addresses telehealth, which has become a major topic in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth is a resource that has grown exponentially over the past decade and has an increasing role in both mental health and neurology clinic visits. We discuss the pros and cons of telehealth as well as how to prepare for and what to expect from a telehealth encounter. www.anticipatejoy.com Instagram: @ianticipatejoy

This episode features Part 1 of an interview with Dr. Karla Evans & Dr. Veronica Tetterton of Anticipate Joy. This interview addresses telehealth, which has become a major topic in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth is a resource that has grown exponentially over the past decade and has an increasing role in both mental health and neurology clinic visits. We discuss the pros and cons of telehealth as well as how to prepare for and what to expect from a telehealth encounter. www.anticipatejoy.com Instagram: @ianticipatejoy

This episode includes Part 2 of an interview with Dr. Maisha Robinson and, her father, Dr. Kenneth Robinson about the complex issue of health disparities among African Americans. From the so-called insulation of higher education to public policy, this interview touches on many important elements that must be considered for progress to be made in our pursuit of true equality. We also conclude our month-long focus racism's impact on African American brain health.

This episode is the first of a two-part interview with Dr. Maisha Robinson and her father, Dr. Kenneth Robinson. As African American physicians and leader in the fields of medicine, ministry, public health, and advocacy, they are uniquely equipped to discuss the the correlation between race and health. In this episode, we address this dynamic and its contributors including nature, i.e. genetics, and nurture, e.g. socioeconomic status, racism, etc.

This episode contains an interview with Megan Zeulsdorff PhD, who is an Assistant Professor and epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin. Megan discusses her recent publication entitled "Stressful Life Events and Racial Disparities in Cognition Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults." This important research demonstrates that greater lifetime stress predicted poorer later-life cognition in African Americans. This episode digs into the particulars of why this is and what we can do to address the problem.  Follow Megan on Twitter @mlzuelsdorff and her website at https://nursing.wisc.edu/staff/zuelsdorff-phd-megan/

With the current racial tensions, Long Live The Brains would like to address the very real problem of racism and possible connections with the brain health of African Americans. This episode provides a context for our upcoming series, which will feature interviews with various experts to review the current research into this connection while delving into the the particulars of systemic racism and health disparities among African Americans. Our goal is for healing and forward progress through a greater understanding of these issues.

This episode features an interview with Ansley Ward, founder of I'll Remember For You. Ansley's background includes a degree in theater that equipped her with special skills to interact with cognitively impaired individuals. From her time as a "side kick" for Mitzi, diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's disease, to her work with Teepa Snow, Ansley is touching lives and continually seeks to jump into the mind of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases and provide meaningful moments in the midst of dementia. Follow Ansley's project on FaceBook at "I'll Remember For You" www.Iwillrememberforyou.com

This episode includes the second segment of an interview with Amy Schenk, Program Manager of the Alzheimer's Association Gulf Coast Chapter. This interview tackles many of the challenges that caregivers face when attempting to communicate with their loved ones with cognitive impairment. Learn several general concepts and tips as well as concrete examples of successful communication on those most difficult topics, such as turning over the keys. www.alz.org 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900

This episode includes the first segment of an interview with Amy Schenk, Program Manager of the Alzheimer's Association Gulf Coast Chapter. This interview tackles many of the challenges that caregivers face when attempting to communicate with their loved ones with cognitive impairment. Learn several general concepts and tips as well as concrete examples of successful communication on those most difficult topics, such as turning over the keys. www.alz.org 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900

This episode contains an interview with Dr. Nilüfer Ertekin-Taner, who is a behavioral neurologist and world-renowned Alzheimer's disease geneticist. This interview dives into the motivators for why Dr. Taner chose this particular career path and provides the inside scoop into Alzheimer's disease genetics, past, present and future. Follow her lab to stay up to date on major advances in the field. http://www.mayo.edu/research/labs/genetics-alzheimers-disease-endophenotypes/overview https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilufer-ertekin-taner-30037b152/ https://twitter.com/DrNErtekinTaner https://www.instagram.com/dr.ertekin_taner/  

Heidi Levitt is a casting director with a remarkable resume including films, such as JFK, The Rock, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Heidi tells the story of her husband, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia, and her decision to make a documentary called Walk With Me. This documentary will follow people diagnosed with dementia with the goal of reducing stigma by providing a true view into the life of one living with dementia and the lives of their friends/family. www.walkwithmedoc.com

This episode includes the second half of an interview with Dr. Ross, Mayo Clinic geneticist, about the story of Parkinson's disease (PD) genetics. This episode also has intermixed debriefing segments with Dr. Tipton & Kandice to explain why genetics is important to patients, caregivers, clinicians and the general public. Genetic studies of PD may provide the key for improved treatments and a cure. Listen to hear about this and more!

This week's episode includes the first half of an interview with Dr. Owen Ross, Mayo Clinic geneticist. This segment discusses the story of how Parkinson's disease (PD) was initially thought to have no genetic basis. We've since come a long way to now knowing 90 different genetic locations linked with PD. The episode also includes intermixed segments with Dr. Tipton & Kandice to break down the scientific elements in an easy-to-understand bite-sized pieces.

This episode contains an interview with Dr. Christine Cauffield, geriatric neuropsychologist and CEO of Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) Health Systems, on how to be kind to your mind. Topics include the nuts & bolts of neuropsychology and the importance of a "whole person" approach to health. How do you know if your level of stress is an indicator of something more, such as anxiety or depression? What are the warning signs of caregiver burnout and how to deal with it? We address all of these and practical recommendations for dealing with stress during stressful times. Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) Health Systems access to care line: 1-877-229-9098.  For more information on LSF Health Systems visit www.FSFnet.org or find them on Facebook at Lutheran Services.

This episode kicks off PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy) awareness month by interviewing Zoya and her father. Zoya is a high school Freshman, whose grandfather has PSP. Hear how Zoya has turned her experience into an opportunity to inform people about this disease and fill their stomachs by starting a business called Popcorn for Parkinsons. PSP and Parkinson's disease share many symptoms, but these two diseases are actually very different. This episode delves into the differences and shares how one girl is changing the world. Ways to find Popcorn for Parkinsons: https://www.instagram.com/popcornforparkinsons PopcornForParkinsons@gmail.com

In this episode, Dr. Tipton & Kandice interview Nancy Tufts & Andrea Spencer from ElderSource. This is an organization that specializes in getting resources to seniors, disabled individuals, and caregivers. From virtual support groups to food services and robotic companion pets, they are well-equipped to live up to their catch phrase: "Start here for help." Listen to learn about the organization, its resources, and special offerings during the COVID19 pandemic. Contact ElderSource on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, call 1-888-242-4464 or visit their website at www.eldersource.com 

In this episode, Dr. Tipton and Kandice interview the Geib family. Mr. Geib was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). He an his wife tell the story from symptom onset to diagnosis. This interview delves into many of the disease complexities, such as tremors, fatigue, depression, medications and sleep.  In keeping with this month's theme, "Keep Moving," we also discuss exercise and ways that those with PD can exercise even in this midst of the COVID19 quarantining. 

In this episode, Dr. Tipton interviews Alexander Johnson, who is a linebacker for the Denver Broncos. Alexander discusses his grandmother's battle with Alzheimer's disease and provides tips for staying active during the COVID pandemic. Dr. Tipton and Alexander also talk about the importance of exercise protective role against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Listen to understand the importance of Continue Believing and Keep Moving. Resources: www.chiefbeast.com www.rocksteadyboxing.org    

This episode features an interview with Katie Fahrenbruch, who is the Alzheimer's Association Program Director for Central and North Florida. The content of this interview addresses the current and major issue of adult daycare closure, which is forcing many people to work and care for their loved one simultaneously. This is one of several scenarios prompting this deep dive conversion, which provides listeners with RESOURCES. Alzheimer's Association: www.alz.org and 24/7 Caregiver hotline: 1-800-272-3900 Elder Source: www.myeldersource.org or 1-888-242-4464

In this episode, Dr. Tipton and Kandice kick off the April as Parkinson's disease (PD) awareness month. Dr. Tipton introduces the disease and then Kandice shares her recent firsthand experience with one of the most feared problems with dementia...wandering. This terrifying experience can have devastating consequences. It can be very difficult to maintain the balance between independence and supervision when caring for someone with dementia. This is a dynamic balance that can change quickly and caregivers must be ready to respond appropriately. This episode attempts to unravel many points related to maintaining that balance and what may be the new normal.

In this episode, Dr. Tipton answers listener questions on safety issues faced by people with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Topics include difficulties regulating ones blood pressure and urinary function, speech and swallowing difficulties, as well as a very serious issue of particular sleep disturbances. These issues are common in MSA and some can be life-threatening.

The world is in the midst of a pandemic of epic proportion. The coronavirus has now spread to the United States and the number of infections is rising rapidly. This has resulted in heightened anxiety and economic decline. In this episode, Dr. Tipton is joined by Megan Tipton, who asks some questions about the coronavirus. Dr. Tipton discusses why COVID-19 is a big deal and what we can do to prevent it's spread. He also discusses strategies for protecting those with dementia from infection. Resources: www.cdc.gov

In this episode, we continue the interview with Philip Fortier, who is the executive director of Defeat MSA Alliance. This episode provides details on many of the great efforts of this organization. All donations to Defeat MSA Alliance go toward the organization's 4 pillars of clinical research, patient support, public awareness, and education. Toll Free # for Defeat MSA Alliance: 1-855-KICKMSA Defeat MSA Alliance: www.defeatmsa.org Global Online Support Hub: www.brainpatient.org Defeat MSA Awareness shoe: www.msashoe.org

In this episode of LLTB, Dr. Tipton and Kandice introduce another neurodegenerative disease called multiple system atrophy (MSA). We also have a great interview with Mr. Philip Fortier, the direct of Defeat MSA Alliance. Mr. Fortier's brother developed MSA. Mr. Fortier discusses many of the struggles that his brother faced and what it was like to watch as this disease took his independence and, eventually, his life.  Check out this links mentioned in the episode: Defeat MSA Alliance: www.defeatmsa.org Global Online Support Hub: www.brainpatient.org Defeat MSA Awareness shoe: www.msashoe.org  

In this episode, Dr. Tipton and Kandice discuss the stigma & social isolation associated with the diagnosis of dementia through an interview with Cari Eyre. Cari is passionate about this topic and currently works in the social responsibility office of Baptist Health. Some of her work focuses on making Jacksonville a dementia-friendly community and issues facing seniors. Social isolation is a big issue that she tackles on a daily basis.

In this episode, Dr. Tipton formally introduces Alzheimer's disease...what it is, what causes it, the role of genetics etc. He then interviews Linda, who has had several family members with Alzheimer's disease. Linda watched as this disease slowly took her mother's memory and reverted her to child-like behavior and eventually seizures. Hear how Linda coped with these struggles as well as those that came when some of her siblings also developed dementia.

In this episode, Dr. Tipton introduces his new co-host, Kandice Jacobs Robinson. Kandice is a licensed funeral director & embalmer in Florida and is CEO of Kandice Jacobs Creations, Inc, which has the mission to equip individuals & families to live life abundantly & leave a lasting legacy." This episode also provides a sneak peak and some of the upcoming show topics and special formats that are just around the corner on Long Live The Brains!

In this episode, Dr. Tipton interviews Bill Wilson, who has Parkinson's disease (PD), and his wife Marilyn. Bill graciously shares his story from the first signs that something was going on with his health to eventually receiving a diagnosis of PD. Bill and Marilyn also touch on many important points such as the importance of support groups and other great activities like Rock Steady Boxing (www.rocksteadyboxing.org). Check out their newsletter at http://www.firstcoastpdinfo.org/newsletter.html. 

In this episode, Dr. Tipton interviews Lynda Everman and her husband, Don Wendorff. Lynda is no stranger to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Listen as she tells the story of seeing the first signs of disease in her husband. Lynda walks us through receiving the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and eventually AD. During this time she learned many lifestyle habits that can help delay the progression of symptoms. For more information about Lynda, visit https://www.usagainstalzheimers.org/author/lynda-everman-0

In this episode of Long Live The Brains, Dr. Tipton interviews Anne Martin about her encounter with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Anne is recently retired from the Mayo Clinic where she worked as a clinical research coordinator and the facilitator of the Mayo Clinic Florida Parkinson's Disease support group. Anne has seen how PD and related disorders effects the lives of countless individuals including her sister and father. Hear Anne's perspective of the issues that her sister dealt with as she pursued an accurate diagnosis, which didn't come easily. In the episode, Anne made some recommendations for resources that might be useful for those with and caring for those with PD.  https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/ https://www.apdaparkinson.org/  https://www.parkinson.org/ https://www.michaeljfox.org/   

In this episode of LLTB, Dr. Tipton interviews Kandice Robinson. Kandice is a Florida licensed funeral director & embalmer, social entrepreneur & CEO of Kandice Jacobs Creations, Incorporated (KJC). Kandice has been on the front lines of neurodegenerative disease with her father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Listen to this interview to hear about the road to reaching a diagnosis and how Kandice faced difficult realities and handled some very touch conversations to help her father.

In the second episode of Long Live The Brains, Dr. Tipton interviews Wade Tipton (Dr. Tipton's father) about his encounter with Parkinson's disease (PD). Wade's father was diagnosed with PD when Wade was a child. During this interview, Wade discusses what it was like growing up with a dad who was battling Parkinson's at a time when we understood much less about it. In the discussion, we talk about genetic misconceptions of the time as well as a new blockbuster drug that was released in the 1960s called "L-dopa." Tune in to hear about these things and more on Long Live The Brains.