Your Complex Brain – Details, episodes & analysis

In this bonus episode of Your Complex Brain, we hear from John Ruffolo, Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, who shares his personal journey of surviving a life-threatening cycling accident in 2020 that left him with a severe spinal cord injury. John recounts the harrowing moments following the accident, his extensive surgeries, and his remarkable recovery journey. Despite being diagnosed with the most severe grading of spinal cord injury, John’s relentless spirit and dedication to physical therapy have led to astonishing improvements in his mobility.

Featuring:
John Ruffolo is the Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, a private equity firm focused on technology-enabled growth and disruption investment strategies. Maverix invests in health and wellness, financial services, transportation and logistics, live, work, play and learn and retail. As an active board member in the profit and not-for-profit sectors, John works with many leading innovative organizations and has been recognized as Canada's #1 of 100 Most Powerful Business People by Canadian Business Magazine and was selected as one of Toronto's 50 Most Influential People by Toronto Life. He is currently living with a spinal cord injury.

Additional Resources
UHN's Spinal Cord Injury Clinic
Dr. Fehlings' Laboratory for Neural Repair and Regeneration website
Dr. Fehling's interview on Season 1 of Your Complex Brain, 'Revolutionary Advances in Spinal Cord Injury'
PSI Foundation feature story on Dr. Laureen Hachem
Toronto's Top Grad Dreams Big – Toronto.com feature story on Dr. Laureen Hachem as a high school student
The Globe and Mail feature story on John Ruffolo

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

In this bonus episode of Your Complex Brain, we delve into the world of dementia care with Maria Martinez, a dedicated social worker at UHN’s Memory Clinic, part of the Krembil Brain Institute. With nearly 25 years of experience, Maria shares her journey from studying anthropology and sociology to becoming a vital support for patients living with dementia and their families.

Maria highlights the unique challenges faced by those dealing with rare dementias and early-onset cases, emphasizing the importance of personalized support and the significant financial burdens these families often encounter.

Despite the challenges, Maria finds hope and fulfillment in her work, learning continuously from the resilient families she supports. This episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the daily efforts of a social worker dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.

Featuring:
Maria Martinez has been a social worker for nearly 25 years. Most recently, she has worked with the team at UHN’s Memory Clinic, helping patients living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their families, navigate their diagnosis and community support.

Additional resources:
Dr. Carmela Tartaglia’s interview on EP 1 of Your Complex Brain – ‘The Quest to Solve the Concussion Problem’
 Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s and Dementia (video)
UHN Memory Clinic
Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA)
Dr. Laura Middleton’s research project - DREAM (Dementia Resources for Eating, Activity, and Meaningful Inclusion
Dr. Laura Middleton’s research project - DICE (Dementia Inclusive Choices for Exercise)

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

In the time that it takes to say this sentence – three seconds – someone in the world will develop dementia, a group of symptoms impacting memory, thinking, mood, behaviour and the ability to complete everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.

With people living longer, even into their 90s and beyond, dementia is becoming the biggest and most consequential global health threat of our time. But, according to a landmark study in The Lancet medical journal, there are 12 modifiable risk factors that can reduce your chances of getting dementia at any age – by up to 40%.

In this episode of Your Complex Brain, we discuss which of those risk factors are most impactful to lower – or even reverse – your risk of dementia, with a focus on the latest science looking at the benefits of exercise.

Featuring:
Maria Martinez has been a social worker nearly 25 years. Most recently, she has worked with the team at UHN’s Memory Clinic, helping patients living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their families, navigate their diagnosis and community supports.

Dr. Carmela Tartaglia is a Neurologist and a Clinician Scientist with UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute, as well as co-Director of UHN’s Memory Clinic and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Laura Middleton is an associate professor and the Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia and Active Living, at the University of Waterloo. She is also an Affiliate Scientist at KITE, the research arm of UHN’s Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. 

Additional resources:
Dr. Carmela Tartaglia’s interview on EP 1 of Your Complex Brain – ‘The Quest to Solve the Concussion Problem’
Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s and Dementia (video)
UHN Memory Clinic
Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA)
Dr. Laura Middleton’s research project - DREAM (Dementia Resources for Eating, Activity, and Meaningful Inclusion
Dr. Laura Middleton’s research project - DICE (Dementia Inclusive Choices for Exercise)

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

In a sweeping 2023 report, the US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, declared loneliness an epidemic and a public health emergency.

According to the report, loneliness and isolation can lead to a significant increase in mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, as well as a nearly 30% increased risk of heart disease, stroke and among older adults, a 50% risk of dementia.

Around the world, there are efforts to help people cope with loneliness. In the Netherlands, one grocery store chain has introduced ‘chat check outs’ where customers can take their time and socialize – part of a government initiative to address the growing issue of isolation.

There are also a number of apps to help introduce you to your neighbours anywhere you live in the world.

And a recent story in The Globe and Mail profiled a woman who rents her time out to those needing a dinner companion, a study buddy, or a listening ear. She’s seen more than 60 clients so far.

Today’s episode focuses on the health impact of loneliness on the brain, why social media seems to be making us lonelier even as it’s meant to connect us, and how each of us can learn to exercise our social muscle, and improve our overall health.

Featuring:
Dr. Jaideep Bains – Director of the Krembil Research Institute at UHN and co-Director and Senior Scientist with UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute.

Dr. Hayley Hamilton – Associate Director and Senior Scientist with the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Additional resources:
UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute
Dr. Jaideep Bains’ public talk – ‘Is My Stress Your Stress?’
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

We are once again bringing you inside UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute, one of North America's largest and most innovative neurological centres, to meet the scientists & physicians advancing discovery, the patients who inspire us, and the care teams who support them. 

This season, we’re exploring some big new research in brain health, including: What young women need to know about preventing a stroke, Can loneliness re-wire your brain? And how YOU can reduce YOUR chances of Alzheimer’s. 

We’ll also take you to the forefront of AI powered brain science, dive into the link between genetics and reading disabilities  and find out why getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for brain health.

There are a million amazing things to know about your complex brain – and we couldn't be more excited to explore them with you. Season 3 launches March 19, with episodes every other Tuesday. Subscribe to Your Complex Brain so you don’t miss a thing.

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

Breathing exercises are simple techniques can help improve your overall well-being by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and increasing mindfulness. Listen to this original 5-minute 'Breathing Space' practice created by Dr. Kathryn Curtis for listeners of Your Complex Brain.

Dr. Kathryn Curtis is a clinical psychologist at the Comprehensive Integrated Pain Program at UHN, where she provides psychological services to individuals living with chronic pain. Dr. Curtis' research evaluates mind-body interventions, such as yoga and mindfulness, for populations experiencing chronic pain and mobility restrictions. She is a long-term student of eastern philosophy, meditation, and Vedic studies at Vidya Institute and integrating these eastern teachings into her clinical and research work is a passion of hers. In her spare time, Dr. Curtis enjoys spending time in nature with her family.

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

Harry Forestell is a journalist with CBC Television. In 2013, he noticed a tremor in his right hand and was unsure what it was. It was later determined to be Parkinson's disease. He was referred to Dr. Tony Lang and the team at Toronto Western Hospital, a movement disorder clinic. They confirmed the diagnosis and began treatment. The symptoms of the disease began to worsen, and he was frustrated by the amount of focus and attention it took to walk normally. 

His doctor suggested deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a potential treatment option. He was hesitant at first, but as the symptoms worsened, he decided to explore the option further. He spent a weekend in November going through a series of tasks to see if he would be a good candidate for DBS. He was delighted to pass and was excited about the prospect of another treatment option. He spent a month in Toronto having the procedure done and was impressed by how quickly and with little fuss the surgery was completed. 

He was back at work and was able to return to his regular social life and work obligations. The impact of the DBS was immediate and very pleasing. His tremors and shakes abated, and he didn't have to experience dyskinesia anymore. He was able to return to work and even appear on camera, which was a huge bonus for him.

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

Fran Ryder is the president of the Ontario Women's Hockey Association and has been involved in women's hockey for many years. She has played and volunteered in various capacities in the sport. She has also been involved in research and initiatives related to spinal injuries and concussions in hockey, working closely with Dr. Charles Tator, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and researcher, on these initiatives. 

Dr. Tator has been a mentor and inspiration to her. She has also been a champion of the importance of brain donations for research and has donated her brain to Dr. Tator's research. She is passionate about the sport and the importance of safety and prevention of injuries in addition to advocating for the recognition and treatment of concussions and other brain injuries in sports.

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

Natalie Ladly is the president and fundraising chair for CDKL5 Canada. She lives in Heathcoate, a town outside of Collingwood, Ontario, with her husband Eric and their three children: Brynn, Reece, and Cullen. Brynn has CDD, a rare disease that prevents the brain from developing normally. She was diagnosed with the disease at nine months old, and since then, Natalie has been dedicated to raising awareness and funds for research. 

Natalie is also a member of the CDKL5 Canada board, which gives her a sense of purpose and the ability to make a difference. Natalie is grateful for the support of Dr. Eubanks, a scientist who is dedicated to researching CDD and making a real impact in the lives of those affected by the disease. She believes that collaboration between the scientific community and patient advocacy groups is crucial for rare diseases, as it allows for a more holistic approach to treatment and care. Overall, Brynn's journey with CDD has taught Natalie to take things one day at a time and to cherish the silver linings in life.

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

Jack Conway, a 19-year-old from Toronto, Canada, is a huge fan of video games and roller coasters. His family includes his mom, Kim, his dad, Steve, and his older brother, Brian. Jack plays a variety of video games, from Call of Duty to Minecraft, and he loves roller coasters. 

He also has a vision impairment due to a brain tumor he had when he was a baby. He was one of the first children in the world to receive a certain treatment for the tumor, and he spent a lot of time at SickKids hospital. School can be challenging for him because of his vision, but he tries not to let it get the better of him.

He has done a vision study using virtual reality goggles, and it has improved his vision and quality of life. He is excited about the potential for technology to restore vision and is happy to have been accepted into all six college programs he applied for.

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!