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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.
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Additional Resources
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
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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?
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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, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Christina Coates, president and founding member of an organization called Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration Association (HODA). Christina shares about her own journey with hypertrophic olivary degeneration and how she was inspired to found HODA and build an advocacy community. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Vikram Shakkottai, professor of neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas and Dedman Family Distinguished Chair in Neurologic Disease. Dr. Shakkottai discusses cerebellar ataxia, hypertrophic olivary degeneration, how these disorders are treated, and what upcoming research there is to look forward to.
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
HODA - Working to make HOD History
Forming a Foundation Bolsters Hope After a Rare Diagnosis
Advice for Caregivers of People with Rare Diseases
What is ataxia and cerebellar or spinocerebellar degeneration?
Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic
Neurofibromatosis Advocacy and Community Building with the Gilbert Family Foundation
Making a Lasting Impact with The Brain Donor Project's Tish Hevel
We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay
Strength in Unity: Advocating and Advancing Research for Brain Tumors
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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?
· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
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Social Media:
Guests: Christina Coates @hodassoc; Dr. Vikram Shakkottai @utswmedcenter
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, award-winning actor, singer, and advocate Aaron Lazar joins co-host Dr. Daniel Correa to discuss his journey with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and how it has affected his daily outlook on life. Aaron shares about his symptoms, diagnostic journey, and how he is continuing to find hope. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Richard Bedlack, Stewart, Hughes, and Wendt Distinguished Professor of ALS at Duke and director of the Duke ALS Clinic. Dr. Bedlack explains just how he is helping his patients find hope in their ALS journeys while also making realistic plans for the future.
Additional Resources
Aaron Lazar's "The Impossible Dream"
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
A Marathoner on a Quest to End ALS
Steve Gleason, ALS Advocate and NFL Veteran, Receives Courage Award
Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic
Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS
Finding Strength in ALS Advocacy with Podcaster Lorri Carey
Hop on a Cure for ALS with John Driskell Hopkins
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
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Social Media:
Guests: Aaron Lazar @aaronscottlazar; Dr. Richard Bedlack @stitchingstrength
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, veteran Lindsay Gutierrez joins co-host Dr. Daniel Correa. Lindsay shares about how she went from sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) on duty to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! She explains how her injury happened, what her recovery process was like, mental health symptoms she experienced, and how she came to climb the fourth-highest peak in the world. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Michael Jaffee, a board-certified neurologist, director of the University of Florida Brain Injury, Rehabilitation and Neuroresilience Center, and chair of the UF Department of Neurology. Dr. Jaffee breaks down the distinct types of TBIs, how patients are affected, and what preventative measures are being worked on.
Additional Resources
A Veteran Climbs Mount Kilimanjaro after a Traumatic Brain Injury
What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?
How Sports Neurologists Protect Football Players' Brains
After Traumatic Brain Injury, a Veteran Finds Purpose in Advocacy
Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic
Advocacy and Athleticism with the Pittsburgh Steeler's Cam Heyward
U.S. Soccer Legend Briana Scurry on Concussion and Mental Health
Healing the Traumatized Brain with Dr. Sandeep Vaishnavi
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
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Social Media:
Guests: Lindsay Gutierrez @linds_gutierrez; Dr. Michael Jaffee @UFmedicine
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Will Shortz, the crossword editor for the New York Times and puzzle master of Weekend Edition Sunday on National Public Radio. Will shares how he is recovering from two strokes that he suffered in February 2024 and which types of rehabilitation really worked for his mind and body. He also discusses how he found his love for puzzles and puts Dr. Peters on the spot with one to solve on her own! Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Argye Hillis, Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Neurology and the Director of the Cerebrovascular Division of Neurology at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Hillis explains how strokes are diagnosed and treated, and what exciting research is happening right now.
Additional Resources
Crossword Editor Will Shortz Shares How He's Recovering from Stroke
How Board Games Helped This Man Recover from a Stroke
Navigating the Complexities of Stroke
Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic
Matt and Kanlaya Cauli on Rebuilding Life After Stroke
Timothy Omundson on Stroke Recovery and His Return to Television
Peloton Instructor Bradley Rose on Returning to Life After Stroke
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
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Social Media:
Guests: Will Shortz @shortzwill; Dr. Argye Hillis @hopkinsneurons
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Jessica Patay, mother, caregiver, and founder of the nonprofit We Are Brave Together. Jessica discusser her son's diagnosis with a rare genetic neurologic condition called Prader-Willi Syndrome and how it led her to found an organization whose mission is to preserve and protect the mental health of caregiving moms of disabled and neurodiverse children. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Emily De Los Reyes, attending pediatric neurologist at Nationwide Children's and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Neurology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. They discuss exactly what Prader-Willi syndrome is, how it's diagnosed and treated, and what the future looks like for patients and their families.
Additional Resources
How Parents Advocate for Their Children with Rare Diseases
These Parents are Giving Their Teenager a Life of Adventure Despite Rett Syndrome
Sibling Caregivers Share Rewards and Challenges
Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic
Resiliency and Caregiving with Janet Fanaki
Journalist Richard Engel on Parenting a Child with Rett Syndrome
Gavin McHugh is Building an Acting Career and a Community with Cerebral Palsy
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
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Social Media:
Guests: Jessica Patay @wearebravetogether; Dr. De Los Reyes @nationwidekids
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, hairstylist, salon owner, and Bravo television personality Tabatha Coffey joins Dr. Katy Peters to discuss her experience as a caregiver for her partner as she battled glioblastoma. She also shares about coaching and inspiring others as they deal with similar situations. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Akanksha Sharma, who specializes in neurology, neuro-oncology and palliative medicine at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Sharma shares ways for both patients and caregivers maximize their time and quality of life while dealing with difficult diagnoses.
Additional Resources
The Creative Thrive Podcast with Tabatha Coffey
How Caregivers Can Avoid Burnout and Preserve Their Health
How to Reclaim Life After Years of Caregiving
Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic
Resiliency and Caregiving with Janet Fanaki
Christina Zorich on the Joys and Struggles of Caregiving
The 'Humor and Heartache' of Caregiving with Filmmaker Michelle Boyaner
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
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Social Media:
Guests: Tabatha Coffey @tabathacoffey; Dr. Akanksha Sharma @drsharmamd
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, retired NFL offensive lineman Josh Andrews discusses his experience being a professional athlete diagnosed with narcolepsy with co-host Dr. Daniel Correa. Josh shares the early symptoms he experienced and how he is treating his condition now. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Andrew Spector, neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with Duke Health. Dr. Spector explains how narcolepsy differs from different sleep disorders and how these types of conditions are diagnosed and treated.
Additional Resources
What Researchers Are Learning About Brain Health by Studying Sleep
Navigating Life with Restless Legs Syndrome
Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic
Sleep Smart: How Sleep Impacts Your Health
Advocacy and Athleticism with the Pittsburgh Steeler's Cam Heyward
U.S. Soccer Legend Briana Scurry on Concussion and Mental Health
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
Social Media:
Guests: Josh Andrews @j_andrews63; Dr. Andrew Spector @dukeneurology
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters highlight some of their favorite articles from the August/September issue of the Brain & Life Magazine! They discuss six Paralympic athletes and their impressive feats, how childhood trauma is linked to migraine, and methods of keeping loved ones safe in the hospital. If you would like to read these articles and more, be sure to subscribe to Brain & Life Magazine for free!
Articles Discussed
Meet Six Paralympians Preparing for the 2024 Paris Games
How Childhood Trauma Is Linked to Migraine
How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in the Hospital
Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics
Paralympic Athlete Helen Kearney on Living her Dreams with Friedreich's Ataxia
Exploring the Science of Everyday Wonder with Dacher Keltner
Healing the Traumatized Brain with Dr. Sandeep Vaishnavi
Broadcast Journalist Deborah Roberts on Living with Migraine
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
Social Media:
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
Social Media:
Guests: Drake White @drakewhitestomp; Dr. Ali Zomorodi @dukehealth
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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