Brain & Life – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Deborah Vauclare, loving mother of Leo, who is living with a rare genetic neurodegenerative condition called Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD.) Deborah shares about Leo’s diagnosis and symptoms and how she and her family started an organization called Bisous for Léo with the goal to eradicate INAD and other related neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Darius Adams, clinical geneticist who works as the Medical Director of the Goryeb Children’s Hospital Genetics and Metabolism Division. Dr. Adams explains what INAD is and what types of research are being conducted to better the lives of patients and their families.

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources

Bisous for Léo

INADCure Foundation

How Parents Advocate for Their Children with Rare Diseases

Advice for Caregivers of People with Rare Diseases

Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic

Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition

Advocacy and Athleticism with the Pittsburgh Steeler’s Cam Heyward

Neurofibromatosis Advocacy and Community Building with the Gilbert Family Foundation

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

Email us at [email protected]

Social Media:  

Guests: Deborah Vauclare @bisousforleo; Dr. Darius Adams @AtlanticHealth

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, author Tanita Allen joins Dr. Katy Peters to discuss her experience with Huntington’s Disease and how it inspired her to write her book We Exist. Tanita shares about the rocky diagnosis process, how she manages day-to-day symptoms, and why she was called to share her story in a book. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Katie Moore, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Associate Director of the Neurology Residency Program at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Moore explains what Huntington’s Disease is, dispels some diagnostic myths, and what patients and caregivers can look forward to in the future.

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources

We Exist by Tanita Allen

What is Huntington’s Disease?

Promising Therapies May Help Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s Disease Society of America

Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic

Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition

We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay

Author, Speaker Jackie Stebbins on Rebuilding Her Life After Autoimmune Encephalitis

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

·       Email us at [email protected]

Social Media:  

Guests: Tanita Allen @tanitaallen234; Dr. Katie Moore @dukeneurores

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, American country music singer Drake White joins co-host Dr. Katy Peters. Drake shares about his singing career and how it has been affected by his journey with a diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation (AVM.) Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Ali Zomorodi, Professor of Neurosurgery at Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Zomorodi explains what an AVM is, what the risk factors and treatment options are, and what the future looks like for patients.

Additional Resources

What are arteriovenous malformations?

Navigating the Complexities of Stroke

Being Thankful for Recovery While Grieving a Former Life

Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic

Connecting Music and Mind with Singer Renée Fleming

Timothy Omundson on Stroke Recovery and His Return to Television

Resiliency and Caregiving with Janet Fanaki

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

·       Email us at [email protected]

Social Media:  

Guests: Drake White @drakewhitestomp; Dr. Ali Zomorodi @dukehealth

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

This week, Drs. Daniel Correa and Audrey Nath hear from three podcast listeners as part of a recurring 'Listener Questions’ series that delves into the questions that you, our listeners, want to learn more about. In this episode, Drs. Correa and Nath answer questions about neurologic conditions like restless legs syndrome and potential treatment options to relieve symptoms, the connection between traumatic brain injury and dementia, and more.  

Do you have a question you would like to be answered by the Brain & Life podcast hosts? Email [email protected] or call in and leave a question at 612-928-6206 for a chance to have it included in future episodes. 

 Additional Resources: 

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome  

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/traumatic-brain-injury/ 

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/disorders/dementia  

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/epilepsy/  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/how-sleep-protects-the-brain  

Social Media:   

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD 

In this episode Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with Dr. BJ Miller, a palliative care physician at Mettle Health in Mill Valley, Calif. Dr. Miller shares how an accident that resulted in the loss of three of his limbs challenged him to look at life and death in a new and positive perspective. Dr. Miller also talks about participating in the series Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, a series that explores overcoming the challenges of aging, featured in an article in Brain & Life.  

Additional Resources: 

https://www.mettlehealth.com/ 

https://www.abgtte.com/  

https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/show/limitless-with-chris-hemsworth  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/the-power-of-accepting-aging  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/chris-hemsworth-pushes-limits-learn-how-brain-body-age  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/when-is-palliative-care-appropriate https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/the-411-on-palliative-and-hospice-care  

Social Media:  

Guest: Dr. BJ Miller @bjmillermd (Twitter) Mettle Health @Mettle_Health (Twitter and Instagram) 

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD 

During this holiday week, Drs. Daniel Correa and Audrey Nath look back on 2022 and share clips from episodes that highlight the importance of elevating the voices of individuals whose lives have been impacted by neurologic conditions. Dr. Nath first shares a conversation she had with actor RJ Mitte who discusses his journey in finding confidence despite the bullying he endured in childhood as someone with cerebral palsy. Dr. Correa brings back a conversation with Greg O’Brien, a journalist diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, who shares how navigating the holidays can be especially trying while living with a neurologic condition. We hear more clips from past episodes including author/podcaster Nora McInerny, former NBA player Brian Grant, and more. Happy holidays (Felices fiestas) to you and yours!

Additional Resources: 

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/cerebral-palsy/

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/brain-tumor/  

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/alzheimers-disease/  

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/parkinsons-disease/  

https://www.brainandlife.org/editorials/a-season-for-giving  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/healthy-holiday-side-dish-recipes  

Social Media:   

Guest:  RJ Mitte @RJMitte (Twitter); Nora McInerny @noraborealis (Instagram); Brian Grant @bwgrant (Twitter) @briangrant44 (Instagram) 

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD 

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks to the winner of Season 3 MasterChef and James Beard Award semi-finalist, Christine Ha, about her neuromyelitis optica (NMO) diagnosis that caused her to lose her vision. Christine shares how she has adapted and excelled as a chef despite the challenges that accompany an NMO diagnosis. Next, Dr. Correa talks with Dr. Fiona Costello, neurologist and professor of neurology at the University of Calgary and clinician scientist with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. Dr. Costello discusses NMO, a rare inflammatory autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, and how it is treated and managed for people who are diagnosed with this rare condition. 

 Additional Resources: 

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/when-cookbook-author-and-masterchef-winner-christine-ha-lost-her 

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/disorders/neuromyelitis-optica  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/neuromyelitis-optica-whats-in-a-name  

https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/online-exclusives/what-is-neuromyelitis-optica/  

https://www.theblindgoat.com/  

https://www.theblindcook.com/  

Social Media:   

Guest: Christine Ha @theblindcook (Twitter); Dr. Fiona Costello @FionaCostello5 (Twitter) 

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD 

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with John Driskell Hopkins, musician and founding member of the Zac Brown Band. John shares his story of being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2021 and what he is doing to spread awareness about this rare disease. Next, Dr. Correa talks with Dr. Stephen Goutman, a neurologist and associate professor in the Department of Neurology and Director of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic and ALS Center of Excellence at the University of Michigan Medicine. Dr. Goutman discusses the complexities of an ALS diagnosis, future treatment, and research initiatives. 

 A special thank you to John Driskell Hopkins for permission to feature the title track “Daylight” from his album in this week’s episode. Available on Spotify and Soundcloud. 

Additional Resources: 

https://www.hoponacure.org/  

https://johndriskellhopkins.com/  

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als/  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/ady-barkan-bradley-whitford-health-care-reform  

Social Media:   

Guest: @JohnDriskellHopkins (Twitter) @JohnDriskellHopkins (Instagram) @UMNeurosciences (Twitter) 

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD  

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with musician and composer Julia Easterlin. Julia shares how her migraine condition has impacted her life and music career and highlights the difficulty she has had both accessing and affording necessary treatment. Next, Dr. Correa talks with Dr. Cynthia Armand, a neurologist from the Montefiore Headache Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Armand discusses the various types of migraine and the symptoms that are associated with them.

A special thank you to Julia Easterlin for permission to feature her song “Little Things” from her album Touristes in this week’s episode. Available on Bandcamp and Spotify.

Additional Resources: 

http://www.juliaeasterlin.net/

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/migraine/

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/7-ways-reduce-migraine-attacks

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/busting-myths-about-migraine

https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/

Social Media:  

Guest: Julia Easterlin @juliaeasterlin (Instagram) Dr. Armand @cynarmandmd (Twitter)

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD 

In this episode, Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with writer, producer, and dystonia advocate Rogers Hartmann. Rogers describes her struggles with generalized dystonia that caused her head to tilt below her waist and the treatments she received to allow her to stand straight again. Next, Dr. Nath is joined by Dr. Marta San Luciano, associate professor of Neurology at University of California, San Francisco. Dr. San Luciano discusses dystonia and the various treatments and therapies that are available for someone who is diagnosed with a movement disorder.  

 Additional Resources:   

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/dystonias/  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/how-accepting-my-dystonia-improved-my-health  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/5-lessons-nature-has-taught-me-about-living-with-dystonia  

Social Media:   

Guests:  Beat Dystonia @beatdystonia (Twitter) and Beat Dystonia (Facebook); Rogers Hartmann @auntrogers (Twitter); Dr. Marta San Luciano @MartaSanLucian1 (Twitter) 

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD