Brain Matters (Audio)

Alzheimer's Disease in Women: Why Sex Differences Matter

Sarah Banks, Ph.D. explores why Alzheimer's disease affects women differently than men, emphasizing distinct patterns in tau pathology, cognitive testing bias, and treatment response. She explains how women tend to show a rapid buildup of tau during early cognitive decline, which may contribute to their higher prevalence of Alzheimer's. Banks also highlights how common diagnostic tools may overlook symptoms in women and how approved treatments may offer less benefit for them. Her research at UC San Diego investigates key sex-based differences in risk factors, including sleep apnea, diabetes, and exercise. One study reveals that over 70% of participating women had undiagnosed sleep apnea. Another focuses on Black women, using blood biomarkers to identify overlooked risks and improve care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40768]

Uncovering Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases by CRISPR-Based Screens with Martin Kampmann

Martin Kampmann, Ph.D., explores how CRISPR screening and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology can uncover new insights into neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. His lab uses CRISPR to identify genes that influence protein aggregation and cellular vulnerability, focusing on neurons, astrocytes, and microglia derived from human stem cells. Kampmann highlights the roles of mitochondria, autophagy, and other cellular pathways in disease progression, emphasizing the importance of understanding both protective and damaging processes. He also discusses the potential contributions of glial cells—especially microglia and astrocytes—to neurodegeneration, sparking ideas for therapeutic targets. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39461]

Exercise Improves Brain Health?

What can you do today to improve or maintain your brain health? Join Sarah Banks, Ph.D., a leading expert in healthy aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, as she discusses the latest research on the effects of exercise on brain health. Stay informed and proactive about maintaining cognitive function as you age with insights from cutting-edge research. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40062]

Risk Factors for Alzheimer's What You Can Change

What can you do today to improve or maintain your brain health? Join Sarah Banks, Ph.D., a leading expert in healthy aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, and discover actionable steps you can take to protect your brain health. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40061]

Diet's Effect On Cognitive Decline Vascular Risk

What can you do today to improve or maintain your brain health? Join Sarah Banks, Ph.D., a leading expert in healthy aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, as she discusses the latest research on diet and cognitive decline. Learn how diet, vascular health and inflammation contributes to cognitive function and discover actionable steps you can take to protect your brain health. Stay informed and proactive about maintaining cognitive function as you age with insights from cutting-edge research. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40063]