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22 Mar 2022
What's it going to take to cure Alzheimer's?
00:25:22
With the controversial approval of Alzheimer’s drug Aducanumab in the United States, we speak to neurologist and medicinal chemist Dr. Donald Weaver, to break down the science, sift through the hype, and help us understand why it’s so difficult to diagnose and treat a disease that affects more than 55 million people worldwide. As the co-Director of Krembil Brain Institute and with thirty years of experience as both a doctor and a scientist, Dr. Weaver is not convinced this new drug is the answer. But he says progress is being made and there’s plenty of reason for hope. Plus, we go on an inspiring journey with Patty Kim, who is caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s and there are tangible tips on how to reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Featuring: Dr. Weaver, Neurologist, Medicinal Chemist, and the co-Director of KBI Special thanks to Patty Kim for sharing her story.
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
Explore the myths, mysteries, and medical breakthroughs of the most complex and powerful organ in your body – your brain. Weaving together expert interviews with heartfelt, inspiring snapshots of the patients and family members in the middle of it all, Heather Sherman dives into the latest science on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, stroke, concussion, spinal cord injury, brain cancer, chronic pain and other brain diseases and disorders. Along the way she uncovers surprising insights, sheds light on the latest research, and shares heroic, real life stories from the people on the front lines. Brought to you by Krembil Brain Institute at UHN, one of the largest and most comprehensive neurological centres in North America. Learn more about our mission at: uhn.ca/krembil.
Episode 1 launches Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
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
The medical after-effects of a stroke can be mild or severe. But for young survivors, the consequences of returning to their lives after a stroke, can be just as devastating. In fact, only half of stroke patients under the age of 65 ever return to work – and far more cope with depression, anxiety, and extreme fatigue.
On today’s episode, Heather meets with Dr. Aleksandra Pikula, a pioneer in the field of stroke in young adults. They discuss the latest research, including a new study led by Dr. Pikula, looking at how lifestyle interventions post stroke may help to improve long-term outcomes. Plus, we hear from two of Dr. Pikula’s patients to gain a deeper perspective on how they are reclaiming their lives and a nurse practitioner in the stroke unit, about what it’s like when a Code Stroke is called.
Featuring: Dr. Aleksandra Pikula, Neurologist, Clinician Investigator and Director of Stroke Research with Krembil Brain Institute at UHN, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Special thanks to La Croix Calloo, Marianne Fedunkiw, and Tim Stewart for sharing their stories.
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
Can listening to Mozart help stop seizures in epilepsy patients?
00:30:58
Mozart was 25 years old when he composed his Sonata for Two Pianos in D major. Hundreds of years later, his enchanting melody is offering hope to those living with epilepsy, a brain disease often characterized by debilitating seizures. A new study is looking at the impact of this Mozart Sonata on reducing seizure frequency in people with epilepsy.
Heather speaks with Dr. Marjan Rafiee and Dr. Taufik Valiante to discuss the latest research around Mozart and the therapeutic role music appears to play in neurological disorders. Plus, we hear from a patient from the Mozart study.
Featuring: Dr. Marjan Rafiee, postdoctoral fellow in the Neuron To Brain Lab at Krembil Brain Institute and Leader of the Music in Epilepsy Research Project, and Dr. Taufik Valiante, neurosurgeon, scientist and Director of the Surgical Epilepsy Program at Krembil Brain Institute and Co-Director of the Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA). Special thanks to Scott Dainty for sharing his story.
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
Rowan Stringer was a 17 year-old rugby player who sustained several concussions over a series of matches, before passing away in 2013. Her family, and others like them, are fighting hard to make sure something like this never happens again, through education and advocacy. But there is currently no method for accurately diagnosing a concussion or predicting the length of recovery. And there are still no effective treatments.
Heather speaks with Dr. Carmela Tartaglia to discuss the latest research on the link between multiple concussions and neurodegeneration, or progressive loss of brain function – a symptom that’s consistent with diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. We also hear from Anna Vasileuskaya, a 5th year PhD student in Dr. Tartaglia’s lab at Krembil Brain Institute, about her research looking at new ways to diagnose CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), a progressive, and often fatal, brain disease.
Featuring: Dr. Carmela Tartaglia is a cognitive neurologist and Clinician Investigator at Krembil Brain Institute. She also co-leads the UHN Memory Clinic. Special thanks to Anna Vasileuskaya, for sharing her story.
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
Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive type of malignant brain tumour.
It strikes suddenly, often in the prime of life, and is a devastating diagnosis for patients and loved ones. But innovative new research, such as a blood test to detect and diagnose brain cancer, is showing promise and bringing hope to a field in desperate need of new treatment options.
To learn more, Heather meets with Dr. Gelareh Zadeh, a neurosurgeon and scientist on a mission to cure brain cancer. Together they discuss Dr. Zadeh’s efforts to improve quality of life and long-term outcomes, for patients. Dr. Zadeh explains how the science has evolved in the 20 years since she started her career and notes that she is optimistic that there could be a major breakthrough in brain cancer treatment in our lifetime.
At the top of the show, we hear from Rick Arkell, who lost his beloved wife Ally to brain cancer when she was just 35 years old. Later, we meet Dr. Farshad Nassiri, a senior neurosurgery resident at Krembil Brain Institute. Dr. Nassiri, a student of Dr. Zadeh’s, was involved in the development of a blood test to detect and diagnose brain cancer.
Featuring: Dr. Gelareh Zadeh is Medical Director of Krembil Brain Institute. She is also the head of Neurosurgery at UHN, and the head of Surgical Oncology and a Senior Scientist at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Special thanks to Rick Arkell and Farshad Nassiri for sharing their stories.
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
That mysterious back or neck pain you’ve been experiencing might just be Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) – a progressive condition that is the most common cause of spinal cord injury. Left untreated, DCM can lead to permanent nerve damage, resulting in paralysis and a drastic increase in the chance of a more serious spinal cord injury, later in life.
To explore, Heather meets with Dr. Michael G. Fehlings, a neurosurgeon and senior scientist with Krembil Brain Institute at UHN. He’s on a mission to spread awareness about DCM and improve the quality of life for those living with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Fehlings is a pioneer in the treatment of spinal conditions, and one of the first clinician-researchers to identify the benefits of early spinal decompression surgery, for DCM and other spine-related conditions.
We also hear from Analynne Salas, a patient of Dr. Fehlings, who underwent spinal decompression surgery for DCM, after a fall. After months of in-patient rehab, Analynne is greatly improved and back at home with her family. Later, we also meet Rosalie Magtoto, an Advanced Practice Nurse who has been with the Spine team at Krembil Brain Institute for the past 18 years.
Featuring: Dr. Michael Fehlings, a neurosurgeon and a senior scientist with Krembil Brain Institute at UHN. Special thanks to Analynne Salas and Rosalie Magtoto for sharing their stories.
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
More than 50 years after emerging as a potential treatment for anxiety and depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder and other chronic illnesses, psychedelics appear to be making a comeback. But where does the research stand currently on psychedelics and what do we really know about how these compounds may affect the brain?
With the number of people living with mental health conditions on the rise and the re-emergence of psychedelics as a possible therapy, this topic is very timely. Some may call it a “perfect storm” – one the medical and scientific communities will need to carefully navigate, in order to tap the potential of psychedelics, safely and cautiously.
Featuring: Dr. Susan Abbey is Psychiatrist-in-Chief at the University Health Network (UHN), and a Clinician Investigator with the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute. She is also a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at The University of Toronto and the inaugural Director of the Nikean Psychedelic Psychotherapy Research Centre at UHN.
Dr. Lakshmi Kotra is a Medicinal Chemist and Senior Scientist with Krembil Brain Institute and a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at The University of Toronto. He is also an academic entrepreneur with three decades of expertise in drug discovery, development, and pharmaceuticals, and the co-founder and CEO of Lucid Psycheceuticals.
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
How patient advocacy is redefining Parkinson’s research
00:46:06
More than 100,000 Canadians are living with Parkinson's, a progressive brain disease that can impact mobility, cognitive function and speech. In this episode, Heather explores what it means to not just live with Parkinson’s, but to ‘live well,’ with meaning and purpose.
She meets with two patients currently living with Parkinson’s, who are on a mission to help others on the same journey, and a neurologist and scientist, who sees Parkinson’s patients and researches new approaches to treatment.
The guests are all members of the Patient Advisory Board (PAB) at Krembil Brain Institute's world-renowned Movement Disorders Clinic. The PAB’s mandate is to help improve the quality of research, communication, and the overall patient experience within the clinic, and to redefine how healthcare professionals and patients communicate with each other, in the hopes that this novel approach to patient partnership could help move the Parkinson's field forward and improve patient outcomes.
Featuring: Hugh Johnston is a retired professional accountant who spent many years as a strategic advisor to several of Canada’s top foodservice companies, helping to streamline operations and boost efficiency. Hugh’s business expertise came in very handy as the founding Chair of the Patient Advisory Board at Krembil Brain Institute’s Movement Disorders Clinic.
Dr. Soania Mathur is Chair of the Research Committee of the PAB, as well as Co-Chair of the Patient Council and a member of the Executive Science Advisory Board of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. She is also one of the founders of PD Avengers, a global alliance of people with Parkinson's who are advocating for change, and the Founder of UnshakeableMD, a virtual platform helping to educate and engage those with Parkinson's to live full and productive lives.
Dr. Alfonso Fasano is a neurologist and a Clinician Investigator at Krembil Brain Institute (KBI), working primarily with patients living with Parkinson’s. He also holds the Chair in Neuromodulation and is co-Director of the Surgical Program for Movement Disorders at KBI, as well as Medical Advisor to the PAB.
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
The most painful brain disease you’ve never heard of
00:48:01
Imagine not being able to brush your teeth, eat a sandwich or cuddle your children because of the intense pain. That’s the reality for many people living with trigeminal neuralgia, an unrelenting form of chronic facial pain. For many of these patients, a smile, a kiss, or even a gust of wind can unleash a throbbing so severe, some describe it as a ‘lightning bolt to the face.’
Because trigeminal neuralgia is so rare and so misunderstood, some physicians have never even heard of it. Luckily, many patients here in Canada and from around the world find their way to Dr Mojgan Hodaie, a Neurosurgeon and Senior Scientist with Krembil Brain Institute. Dr. Hodaie is an internationally renowned expert in trigeminal neuralgia.
In this episode, Dr. Hodaie talks about her quest to better understand where the pain originates from in trigeminal neuralgia, and where it travels within the brain, so that she can develop new and more personalized treatment options for patients. She also discusses her groundbreaking research and advanced imaging techniques that may also help those suffering with other types of chronic pain disorders.
Featuring: Dr. Mojgan Hodaie is a Neurosurgeon and Senior Scientist with Krembil Brain Institute, as well as the Greg Wilkins-Barrick Chair in International Surgery at UHN, Surgical co-Director of the Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Family Gamma Knife Centre, and the Education Lead at Krembil Brain Institute, traveling the world to teach and mentor the next generation of neurosurgeons. Dr. Hodaie is also a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. Dr. Hodaie’s clinical treatment is focused primarily on the management of facial pain. Her research team has a particular interest in advanced MR technology approaches for the study of facial neuropathic pain.
Special thanks to Josh Johnston and Asma Naheed for sharing their stories.
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
What scientists are learning about COVID-19 and the brain
00:45:21
It’s been more than two years since Susie Goulding contracted COVID-19. But, like many others experiencing long COVID, her ordeal is far from over.
On today’s episode of Your Complex Brain, Heather explores what the medical and science communities are learning about the long-term impacts of COVID-19 – and all the mysteries that remain.
After hearing a first-hand account from Susie, Heather meets with three researchers and clinicians at UHN, all of whom are investigating COVID’s enduring brain-related symptoms, such as headaches, brain fog and memory issues. They discuss what is currently being studied, the latest insights into what may be causing these symptoms, and how to provide effective treatments.
Featuring: Dr. Carmela Tartaglia, a Cognitive Neurologist and Clinician Investigator with Krembil Brain Institute. Dr. Tartaglia is also co-Director of UHN’s Memory Clinic. She is currently involved in a number of studies looking at the cognitive and neuropsychiatric impact of long COVID on patients, as well as sex and gender differences in long COVID.
Dr. Angela Cheung is an Internal Medicine Specialist and Senior Scientist at UHN. Dr. Cheung is the co-Lead Investigator of the Canadian COVID-19 Prospective Cohort Study, also known as CANCOV, which is designed to better understand the short and long-term outcomes for patients with long COVID and their caregivers.
Dr. Abdu Sharkawy is an Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases Specialist at UHN. Under the mentorship and support of Dr. Cheung, he has become an active and dedicated consultant to UHN’s Long Covid Clinic. Dr. Sharkawy is also a trusted public figure who is regularly called upon by media, to comment on the latest COVID-19-related news and information.
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
We’ll be launching Season 2 of the Your Complex Brain podcast next spring and we are so excited to bring you even more fascinating topics and inspiring stories about the most complex and fascinating organ in your body – your brain.
Until then, please check out our friends at Behind the Breakthrough, a podcast hosted by Christian Cote, showcasing the ground breaking research and the people behind it, at University Health Network, in Toronto.
Behind the Breakthrough is on all major streaming platforms and Season 4 is not to be missed!
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
Well, it’s no surprise. Since last season, our brains haven’t gotten any less complex! But that just means there are even more stories to share about the mysteries, myths and science behind how our brains work, and what keeps our brains healthy and fit.
On Season 2 of our podcast Your Complex Brain, we’ll highlight the latest research, technology and innovations in brain science by speaking with thought leaders & experts, as well as patients, their families and the dedicated care teams on the front lines of keeping our brains healthy - and fixing them when illnesses arise.
This season, we’ll be looking for answers to some pretty big questions – such as, ‘Is stress contagious?’ ‘Why are many women living with brain disease experiencing a delay in diagnosis?’ And, ‘How could advances in technology improve outcomes for patients who undergo deep brain stimulation?’
And those are just the first three episodes!
There are a million amazing things to know about your complex brain – and we couldn’t be more excited to explore them with you.
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
In a world that appears to be becoming more and more divisive, there's one thing we can all agree on. As a society, we are stressed out. Whether it's financial pressures, family or work obligations, or even just finding time for yourself in a never-ending tornado of to-do lists, stress is everywhere and it's not going away.
We often talk about the physiology of stress and how it affects us physically and mentally, but in this episode of Your Complex Brain, we delve much deeper to talk about the science of stress - what's actually happening in our brain and our body when the stress response is activated, and how these insights could lead to new approaches and therapies for treating disease.
We’ll speak with internationally renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Jaideep Bains, about his research looking at how the brain processes, activates, and adapts to stress, and whether stress is contagious. We’ll also hear from clinical psychologist, Dr. Kathryn Curtis, about the power of mindfulness and mindful breathing to help decrease stress, and we’ll have a first-hand account of dealing with stress and burnout from Farrah Schwartz.
Featuring: Dr. Jaideep Bains - Director of the Krembil Research Institute and a Senior Scientist with the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN. For the past two decades, Dr. Bains has led a successful research team at the University of Calgary, making many important discoveries that have provided insights into how the brain adapts to stress.
Dr. Kathryn Curtis – 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.
Farrah Schwartz - Manager of Patient Education and Engagement, at UHN. Farrah has worked in the patient education field for more than 15 years and regularly teaches and presents on the impact of health literacy on health outcomes and experience. After 15 years as a mother, Farrah still learns new things most days, and feels it is vitally important to talk about the challenges of parenting openly to build support and reduce the stigma of mother/parent burnout and stress.
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
A New Era in Women's Brain Health: Closing the Gap on Delayed Diagnosis
00:47:58
Women make up nearly half of the world's population and have higher rates of neurological disorders, yet there is still a gap when it comes to better understanding and treating women living with brain-related illnesses. Many women also face systemic barriers and biases when they seek help, often leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
Featuring: Dr. Esther Bui - Neurologist and clinician educator at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and assistant professor at the University of Toronto. Her research includes the creation of Canada’s first accredited Women’s Neurology Clinic and training program. Find her on Twitter: @womensneurology
Dr. Mary Angela O'Neal - Director of the Women's Neurology program at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard University. Dr. O’Neal also directs a Harvard Medical School course in Women’s Neurology and Psychiatry.
Nikki Ashworth – Experiencing seizures since she was a child, Nikki was only diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy in her 30s. Her seizures may come without warning, but she's been turning her experience into an art form with her dark and honest unintentional comedy. Find Nikki on IG: @strange_miss
Roshan Malhan - A second-year medical student at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, where he acts as a co-director for the Anesthesia Interest Group and Emergency Medicine Interest Group. He is currently exploring his interests in a number of medical specialties and looking forward to gaining additional insights during clerkship.
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
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is complex brain surgery in which electrodes are placed at strategic, predetermined targets within a patient's brain. The electrodes are then connected to a battery pack which is surgically inserted under the skin of the chest, like a pacemaker.
When DBS was first introduced as a treatment option for people living with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago, it was a game changer.
In this episode of Your Complex Brain, we’ll speak with Krembil Brain Institute neurosurgeon, Dr. Suneil Kalia, and neurologist, Dr. Alfonso Fasano, about the future of DBS – and how it could be used to help many more patients improve their quality of life, including those living with other neurological diseases.
We’ll also hear from CBC journalist Harry Forestell about his DBS journey.
Featuring: Dr. Suneil Kalia – Neurosurgeon & Senior Scientist at the Krembil Brain Institute & Associate Professor in the Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto. As a stereotactic and functional neurosurgeon, Dr. Kalia focuses on the surgical management of movement disorders, epilepsy and pain. He holds the R.R. Tasker Chair in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery.
Dr. Alfonso Fasano – Neurologist & Clinician Investigator with the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, at the Krembil Brain Institute (Toronto Western Hospital). Dr. Fasano is a Professor of Medicine, Department of Neurology, at the University of Toronto. He holds the Chair in Neuromodulation at UHN.
Harry Forestell – Long-time CBC journalist who has reported on some of the biggest stories of our time, and is the current host of CBC News New Brunswick at 6. At the age of 53, Harry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and subsequently had DBS surgery. Harry is first and foremost a family man; he is married to Jennifer and they have two beautiful daughters.
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
Whether as a patient, a caregiver, a neighbour or a friend, chances are, one day, we will all be touched by Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This disease steals our memories and cruelly robs us of our loved ones, often when we need them the most.
But, there is hope and momentum in the world of Alzheimer's research. In fact, a new theory suggests that Alzheimer’s could even be an autoimmune disease.
In this episode of Your Complex Brain, we speak with Dr. Donald Weaver and Dr. Saskia Sivananthan. We’ll also hear from Lindsay Bongard-Batori, who lost her mother Barbara to Alzheimer’s.
Featuring: Dr. Donald Weaver – Neurologist, medicinal chemist & Senior Scientist with the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN. Dr. Weaver is an internationally recognized research leader in university-based drug design and discovery for neurological disorders.
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
What happens when a vision researcher has a chance meeting with a pediatric oncologist and that collaboration leads to unexpected and promising results?
In Episode 5 of Your Complex Brain, we’re talking about a homegrown vision rehabilitation program helping young brain cancer survivors, whose sight has been impacted by their tumours, improve their vision.
The program, developed at University Health Network in Toronto, uses virtual reality to effectively retrain parts of the brain, allowing them to better perceive objects and obstacles.
Joining us on the podcast today is neurobiologist, Dr. Michael Reber, and pediatric oncologist, Dr. Eric Bouffet. We’ll also hear from 18 year-old Jack Conway, one of the research participants in the study.
Featuring: Dr. Michael Reber - Senior Scientist at the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, part of the Krembil Research Institute, at University Health Network, and Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Eric Bouffet - Past director of the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and the first Garron Family Chair in Childhood Cancer Research.
Jack Conway - High school student who is passionate about video games, theme parks, and politics. Jack was diagnosed with an optic pathway glioma brain tumour as an infant, and recently was a research participant in the Vision Rehab Study.
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
When you think about your favourite memories, what comes to mind?
Is it the championship win at your high school football game? Your child’s first words? Or the lyrics to a song you loved?
In this episode, our experts tackle the big & thought-provoking questions, such as: How does our brain log & store memories? Where do memories go as we age? And why do we remember some things, and not others?
Most importantly, are there any proven methods or tactics to help improve memory?
The episode features neuropsychologists Dr. Mary Pat McAndrews and Dr. David Gold, as well as Dr. Samantha Audrain, a Postdoctoral fellow & trainee graduate from Dr. McAndrews’ lab.
Featuring: Dr. Mary Pat McAndrews - Clinical neuropsychologist and senior scientist at the Krembil Brain Institute. She is also Division Head of Clinical and Computational Neuroscience at UHN. Dr. McAndrews’ work focuses on investigating memory and language in patients with memory disorders, including epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. David Gold - Neuropsychologist and clinician investigator with the Krembil Brain Institute. Dr. Gold primarily works with patients living with epilepsy and also regularly consults with UHN’s Memory and Neurosurgery clinics, as well as the Canadian Concussion Centre.
Dr. Samantha Audrain - Postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health, and a former graduate student of the University of Toronto and UHN. Her research focuses on understanding how long-term memories are formed and stored in the brain and how that process is disrupted in patients experiencing memory dysfunction.
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
Every year, 40 million people worldwide sustain a concussion – a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a hit or jolt to the head.
We often hear about concussions in the context of sports, but most occur as a result of everyday life, from running or biking, accidental falls and motor vehicle accidents.
While the vast majority of those who suffer a concussion recover in time, there are many who experience lasting symptoms. Researchers and clinicians want to know why - including Dr. Charles Tator, who's made it his life's mission to educate the public and the healthcare community about the impact of concussion, and to advocate for change in youth and professional sports.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tator, a neurosurgeon and researcher at the Krembil Brain Institute, and Fran Rider, an athlete and a leader in women's hockey.
Featuring: Dr. Charles Tator - Neurosurgeon and researcher with the Krembil Brain Institute, as well Director of the Canadian Concussion Centre, at UHN. Fran Rider – Co-founder, President and CEO of the Ontario Women's Hockey Association.
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
More than eight million Canadians are currently living with the effects of debilitating chronic pain.
In this episode, we discuss the connection between chronic pain and the brain, including the latest & most effective treatments, the stigma - how do you study and treat something that you often can’t see? And, is there a way to build ‘pain resilience’?
We’ll speak with Dr. Andrea Furlan, a senior scientist & physiatrist with the KITE Research Institute and Dr. Anuj Bhatia, an anesthesiologist and clinician investigator with the Krembil Brain Institute.
We’ll also hear from Lara Pingue, about her personal experience living with chronic pain.
Featuring: Dr. Anuj Bhatia - Anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician who is the Director of the Comprehensive Integrated Pain Program at UHN, a clinician investigator with the Krembil Brain Institute, and a Professor at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Andrea Furlan - Senior Scientist at The KITE Research Institute and a physiatrist with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, at UHN.
Lara Pingue - Editor for the Globe and Mail. She lives with her husband and children in Toronto.
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
When Brynn Ladley was born, she was a smiling, happy and healthy baby, hitting all of her developmental milestones. Then, at six weeks old, she began having seizures and eventually was diagnosed with CDKL5, a rare and debilitating genetic disorder that has no cure.
Upon Brynn’s diagnosis, her mother Natalie became an advocate and connected with Dr. James Eubanks, a Senior Scientist at the Krembil Brain Institute, who has made it his life’s mission to pioneer advanced research looking at how brain function is altered in specific rare, neurodevelopmental conditions, such as CDKL5 and Rett Syndrome
He is also developing new therapeutic strategies to better treat, or one day even cure, these diseases.
We’ll also hear from Brynn’s mother Natalie and from Richard Logan, Dr. Eubanks’ long-time lab manager, who are optimistic about advances in this research, in the years to come.
Featuring: Dr. James Eubanks – Senior Scientist and Research Division Head at the Krembil Brain Institute, part of UHN.
Natalie Ladly – President of CDKL5 Canada and mother to seven year-old Brynn Ladly, who is living with CDKL5.
Richard Logan - Lab manager and senior technologist for Dr. Eubanks’ lab at the Krembil Brain Institute.
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
How Nikki Ashworth's epilepsy diagnosis changed her life
00:18:42
As a child, Nikki experienced seizures that she did not realize were seizures. She would feel "other" and disconnected from the world. Her earliest seizure memory is from when she was six years old, triggered by looking out the window of her parent's house. She would sometimes go to the window to see if she would have a seizure.
Today, her seizures are still the same as when she was a child. They last about a minute and are triggered by being outside. They start with a warming sensation in her lower abdomen and a feeling of over-familiarity. Then, she gets a radiating heat and nausea, which makes her cough. She then feels like she is being taken up a roller coaster and dropped. She can calculate how many seconds she has left in the seizure based on where the heat is in her body. After the seizure, she is fatigued but not confused.
She accepts the differences in her body and does not let them affect her daily life. She is grateful to not have to deal with the struggles that other people with epilepsy face. Having focal aware seizures has allowed her to learn more about herself and her brain.
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
What Lara Pingue wants you to know about living with chronic pain
00:14:55
Lara Pingue shares her story about living with chronic back pain and the challenges of getting a diagnosis and finding effective treatment. She describes the initial onset of her pain and the various treatments she tried, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and prescription medications.
She also discusses the impact of the pain on her daily life and the frustration of not being able to find a lasting solution. Eventually, she decided to pursue surgery and was able to get a referral from her doctor. The surgery was not without complications, but it did provide some relief from her pain.
Since then, she has focused on managing her pain through a combination of movement and over-the-counter pain medication. She emphasizes the importance of believing people with chronic pain and destigmatizing treatment for it.
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
Lindsay Bongard-Batori on losing her mom Barbara to Alzheimer's
00:17:55
Lindsay's mother Barbara had Alzheimer's disease. Lindsay, her brothers, and her father noticed changes in her mid-sixties. They started noticing her repeating herself and she stopped coming to the pool with them when they went to visit her and their dad in Florida. She also forgot where she parked her car and had to ask for help. Her memory was not what it used to be and she started to withdraw from social events.
Lindsay and her brothers decided they needed to talk to her doctor about these memory issues. They decided as a family that it was time to look into homes for her. They did not want to wait until it was an emergency and they had to put her into a home. They found a home that was dedicated to people with dementia and they were able to get her a room there. It was a very hard decision for Lindsay and her family. They had to depend on each other to take care of her.
Lindsay visited her every day and she felt like she was doing this for herself as well. It was very hard for Lindsay to see her mother like this. She missed being able to call her and tell her about her life. She wished her mother could see her kids grow up and experience life without her.
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
Why Jack Conway is participating in a VR research trial to improve his vision after a brain tumour
00:10:11
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
Natalie Ladly on parenting a child with special needs & the importance of supporting research
00:14:06
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
Why Fran Rider has donated her brain post-mortem to the Canadian Concussion Centre
00:11:32
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
Harry Forestell on his Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for Parkinson's
00:13:45
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
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
Top 5 Science-Based Tips to Keep Your Brain Fit & Healthy
00:59:07
From new Alzheimer’s drugs, to novel treatments for brain cancer, to chronic pain, many of us feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of health news in the media and confused about what to believe - and how it applies to our own health.
In this special episode of Your Complex Brain - our last of the season - we bring back five of our featured UHN brain experts to weigh in on the top, science-based, evidence-backed tips for keeping your brain fit and healthy as you age (and some of their answers may surprise you!)
Host Heather Sherman also introduces the Your Complex Brain production team and asks what they each do to keep their brains happy and healthy.
Featuring: Drs. Andrea Furlan, Jaideep Bains, Mary Pat McAndrews, Donald Weaver and Aleksandra Pikula.
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
Farrah Schwartz's take on stress and the importance of prioritizing your mental health
00:15:08
Farrah Schwartz is the manager of Patient Education and Engagement at UHN. Her work entails assisting patients in actively participating in their care and improving organizational processes. The Patient Education and Engagement program provides resources, training, and coaching to help Team UHN engage patients in their care. They are also working on patient engagement within organizational improvement and partnering with equity-seeking groups to ensure that health information is inclusive and non-stigmatizing.
Farrah has experienced stress throughout her life, including during the pandemic. She had a laser focus on her work and was able to channel her stress into something productive. Stress comes in many forms, and it is important to recognize and manage it.
Farrah recommends tuning into your mood, practicing self-compassion, and finding gratitude in small things. She has learned that it is not possible to do everything and that it is important to set realistic expectations.
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
In the second season of Your Complex Brain, join us on a thrilling journey as we delve into the boundless realm of neuroscience, brain health, and ground-breaking research and its impact on our lives. Through thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and captivating patient stories, we unravel the mysteries of our brain.
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
Season 3 of the award-winning 'Your Complex Brain' podcast is back!
00:01:00
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
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).
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
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.
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
25 Years of Momentum in Spinal Cord Injury Research
00:40:18
In 1995, actor Christopher Reeve was injured in a horseback riding accident, leaving him quadriplegic - paralyzed from the shoulders down. He became a tireless advocate and a passionate supporter of research.
Christopher’s dream was for those living with spinal cord injuries to have a better quality of life, and one day to walk again.
More than 25 years later, thanks to advances in surgical approaches, neuroprotective drugs, and gene therapy using stem cells, that dream is becoming closer to reality.
Featuring: Dr. Laureen Hachem is a Senior Neurosurgery Resident and PhD Candidate at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and the University of Toronto.
Dr. Michael Fehlings is a Neurosurgeon and Senior Scientist at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and a Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto. Dr. Fehlings also holds the Campeau-Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research at UHN.
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
Parkinson’s disease is the fast-growing neurological condition in the world. In Canada, more than 100,000 people are currently living with Parkinson's and 12,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.
In this episode of Your Complex Brain, we discuss the latest science surrounding the benefits of exercise for Parkinson’s, including whether exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s or slow the progression of the disease.
Featuring: Dr. Lorraine Kalia is a Neurologist & Senior Scientist at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and the Wolfond-Krembil Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research at UHN. She is also an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto.
Steve Iseman is currently living with Parkinson’s. He is co-founder of the ‘Rigid Riders,’ a Toronto-based cycling group for people living with Parkinson’s, and an avid cyclist & skier.
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
Have you ever heard of a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis, also known as NF?
It’s one of the most common genetic disorders, affecting about 1 in 3000 people globally. NF causes different types of tumours to form in various parts of the body. Because so little is known about the condition, it’s often misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all.
UHN is home to the Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic, the only adult NF clinic in Canada. We discuss the clinic and the exciting research happening in the field of NF. But, for many people living with the condition, the stigma is often as challenging as the illness.
Featuring: Dr. Suganth Suppiah – Surgeon-scientist at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Suppiah also leads the nerve surgery program at the Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic, Canada’s only adult NF clinic, based at UHN.
Dr. Ryan Thomas – Family physician and Clinical Associate who works with patients at the Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic. Dr. Thomas lives with neurofibromatosis himself.
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
Do you know a child who has difficulty spelling or sounding out words? Maybe they feel stressed or anxious when it comes to reading, or they try to avoid it altogether?
These symptoms could be a sign of a reading disorder, which is the most common form of a learning disability.
In this episode, we discuss the prevalence and impact of reading disorders, what scientists are learning about the genetic links, and what that could mean for new approaches and treatments in the future.
Featuring: Dr. Cathy Barr – Senior Scientist with UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and the Hospital for Sick Children. Her research focuses on genetic links to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as childhood depression, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD and reading disabilities. Dr. Barr’s team has identified genes that may contribute to these disorders. They’re now focusing on understanding how those changes in DNA could influence genes, and contribute to risk.
Dr. Maureen Lovett – Senior Scientist Emeritus in Neurosciences and Mental Health at The Hospital for Sick Children, where she founded and directed the hospital’s Learning Disabilities Research Program for more than 35 years. Since 2020, Dr. Lovett has served as Associate Director of the Haskins Global Literacy Hub at Yale University and the University of Connecticut.
Matthew Cote – Teacher and advocate for those living with learning disabilities, including reading disabilities. Matthew has lived experience with learning disabilities.
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
What Women Need to Know About Stroke Prevention & Recovery
00:46:51
A stroke happens when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to the brain or bleeding in the brain, which can result in symptoms such as numbness or weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, or dizziness. The type of symptoms one might experience depends largely on the type of stroke, and the area of the brain affected. But one thing is clear – despite the many advances in stroke care over the past 30 years, it's women who often suffer the most.
In today’s episode, we discuss why women are more susceptible to stroke, what the unique risk factors are, and what women need more of to help them recover, not only from the medical condition, but the impacts to their careers, their mental health and their families.
Featuring: Dr. Aleksandra Pikula, MD, PhD, is a neurologist and clinician-investigator at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and the newly appointed Jay and Sari Sonshine Chair in Stroke Prevention and Cerebrovascular Brain Health at UHN. Dr. Pikula advocates for a holistic approach to brain care, specifically targeting stroke and dementia prevention during midlife through evidence-based lifestyle medicine pillars.
Patrice Lindsay, PhD, is currently the Lead for the People With Lived Experience (PWLE) Engagement and Stroke Strategy at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Dr. Lindsay leads strategic directions for health systems design and change for people with stroke and heart conditions across Canada and internationally.
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
The Lullaby Project brings together expectant mothers with professional songwriters to write, record, and perform an original lullaby for their baby. In 2017, Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall brought this heartwarming initiative to Toronto, and invited partners to participate, including Dr. Esther Bui, a neurologist who specializes in treating women with epilepsy. Today, we’re exploring whether participating in a project like The Lullaby Project can improve overall mental health for pregnant women who are living with epilepsy.
Featuring: Dr. Esther Bui - Neurologist and epilepsy specialist focusing on women's neurological health; Assistant professor and clinician educator within the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Bui founded Canada's first and only accredited Women's Neurology Fellowship at the University of Toronto. She is currently the co-Director of the Women's Neurology Fellowship Program and the Director of the Epilepsy Fellowship program.
Sharon Ng - Graduate student in neuroepidemiology at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. She was previously a research assistant for Dr. Esther Bui at UHN, and worked with Dr. Bui to conceptualize the Lullaby Project Study. Sharon is now a collaborator on this study.
Julianne Hazlewood – CBC journalist for more than a dozen years, at newsrooms across Canada. Her true love is longform audio storytelling. Becoming a mother is the latest and most joyous chapter in her 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
How AI is Helping Scientists Understand Chronic Pain
00:39:31
At UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute, we have cared for many patients living with an extreme and heartbreaking facial pain disorder called trigeminal neuralgia. Patients often describe the pain as a lightning bolt to the face, or an electric shock. Some talk about the impact the disease has had on their family & relationships, including not being able to hug their loved ones, or kiss their children goodnight.
In today’s episode, we discuss how AI is helping researchers look for patterns and clues to treat patients living with trigeminal neuralgia and other chronic pain disorders.
Featuring: Dr. Mojgan Hodaie – Neurosurgeon and senior scientist with UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and the Greg Wilkins-Barrick Chair in International Surgery at UHN. Dr. Hodaie is also a Professor and the Postgraduate Medical Education Director for the Department of Surgery, at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Her surgical practice and research laboratory are dedicated to unraveling the underpinnings of the severe pain condition of trigeminal neuralgia, using advanced brain imaging technology. Her interest and dedication to education spans local, national and international activities.
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
Loud, disruptive snoring could be (but isn’t always) a sign of sleep apnea, a common condition in which breathing may stop and start many times throughout the night.
You may be aware that sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep and cause fatigue, but did you know that it can also impact your heart, your brain – even your sex drive?
In today’s episode, we discuss the health risks of undiagnosed sleep apnea and why, if you’re having trouble sleeping or staying awake during the day, if you’re experiencing morning headaches, mood changes or difficulty focusing, you should consider getting a sleep test.
Featuring: Dr. Douglas Bradley - Director of UHN’s Centre for Sleep Health and Research, at Toronto General Hospital. Dr. Frances Chung - Anesthesiologist and Clinician Investigator with UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute; Inventor of the STOP-Bang Questionnaire, a new screening tool for sleep apnea that’s being used around the world. Carmen Chu – Fundraising professional and cancer survivor, who was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea.
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
The Heart of Dementia Care: A Social Worker's Perspective
00:13:24
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.
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
Unbroken: John Ruffolo’s Inspiring Path to Recovery From a Spinal Cord Injury
00:16:40
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.
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
Pedalling with Purpose: Fighting Parkinson’s with Exercise
00:14:14
Parkinson's disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, affecting over 100,000 Canadians and 12,000 new cases diagnosed every year. In this bonus episode of Your Complex Brain, we explore the transformative power of exercise in managing Parkinson's symptoms and possibly slowing the disease’s progression.
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
Beyond the Page: One Teacher's Journey with a Reading Disability
00:14:16
In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the lived experience of Matthew Cote, a teacher and advocate for those living with learning disabilities, including reading disabilities. Matthew shares his personal journey, detailing how his reading disability impacted his early years, from struggling to decode words and feeling isolated to the turning point when he received assistive technology that transformed his learning experience. He also talks about the crucial role of support from his family, particularly his mother, and his teacher who helped him believe in himself.
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
From Patient to Physician: One UHN Doctor’s Neurofibromatosis Story
00:09:36
Neurofibromatosis, also known as NF, is one of the most common genetic disorders affecting about 1 in 3000 people globally. However, little is known about the condition causing it to often be misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed. Neurofibromatosis causes different types of tumors to form in various parts of the body.
In this bonus episode, Dr. Ryan Thomas, a family physician and Clinical Associate at UHN's Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic—the only adult NF clinic in Canada—shares his personal journey with NF. Diagnosed in his late twenties, Dr. Thomas underwent a life-changing surgery to remove a large tumor in his chest, just two months before his wedding. His experience provides a unique perspective on the condition, allowing him to connect deeply with his patients.
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
In this powerful and inspiring bonus episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Shruti Kothari, a 34-year-old actress and stroke survivor.
On March 7, 2020, just before the pandemic shook the world, Shruti experienced a stroke while hosting friends at her apartment. Her left side went numb, and thanks to a quick-thinking friend trained in recognizing stroke symptoms, paramedics were called immediately.
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
Today, we’re diving into the deeply personal journey of Julianne Hazelwood, a journalist and new mother, who has lived with epilepsy since her early teenage years. Julianne shares her transformational experience of motherhood, the challenges of managing epilepsy, and how The Lullaby Project—a group that brings together expectant mothers with songwriters to create a song for their baby—became a therapeutic outlet during her pregnancy.
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
"I felt...a very electric shock": One Woman's Story of Extreme Facial Pain
00:16:07
In this bonus episode, we share Adriana Salazar's powerful and emotional journey. Adriana, a 40-year-old mother and wife, first experienced the pain on her honeymoon in Portugal. The pain disappeared but returned during her pregnancy, escalating to a point where she couldn't smile or eat. Despite seeing multiple specialists, she received her diagnosis only after her daughter's birth.
After undergoing microvascular decompression surgery, Adriana finally found relief. Her journey from debilitating pain and struggles with misdiagnoses to reclaiming her life highlights the resilience and strength of those battling trigeminal neuralgia.
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
From Fatigued to Focussed: A Cancer Survivor's Journey with Sleep Apnea
00:12:47
In this bonus episode, we delve into the life-changing journey of Carmen Chu, a cancer survivor and mother who was diagnosed with sleep apnea. Carmen shares her struggles with interrupted sleep, fatigue, and the impact on her daily life. She discusses her experience with sleep tests and the transformative benefits of using a CPAP machine.
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
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