Dr. Bradley Hyman is a leading figure in Alzheimer’s disease research, serving as the Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital and holding the John P. Pinney Jr. Professorship of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. With decades of experience, Dr. Hyman has witnessed significant paradigm shifts in the field and continues…

Dr. Maria Nagel is a distinguished neurovirologist specializing in the study of how viruses impact the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. With a particular focus on VZV, Dr. Nagel’s work explores the virus’s ability to remain latent and later reactivate, leading to various neurological diseases. Her research has significant implications for understanding and potentially…

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Alon Avidan, a distinguished Professor of Neurology at UCLA and the Director of the UCLA Sleep Disorders Center. Dr. Avidan, also a 2020 Toffler Scholar, is an expert in sleep medicine and its intricate relationship with neurological diseases.Dr. Avidan shares his insights on how sleep impacts brain…

In this episode of Research Renaissance, Dr. Vijaya Kolachalama, associate professor at Boston University and a Toffler Scholar, discusses his pioneering work in developing software frameworks that assist neurologists in dementia screening. This engaging discussion delves into how Dr. Kolachalama’s team is integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the diagnostic process in neurology.Key…

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Marci Nielsen, a prominent figure in healthcare policy and executive management. Dr. Nielsen shares her unique career journey from hard sciences to public health and health policy, highlighting her roles in academia, government, and advocacy. The discussion covers the differences between global and public health policy, the challenges within…

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal delves into the crucial topic of Alzheimer’s disease and the transformative efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.  In recognition of June being Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, Deborah’s guests are Sheila Griffith, Vice President of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter and…

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Andrew Holbrook, an Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at UCLA and a 2023 Toffler Scholar. Dr. Holbrook shares his fascinating journey from studying ancient languages and teaching in China to pioneering research in biostatistics and Alzheimer’s disease. Together, they delve into the intersection of artificial…

In this insightful episode of Research Renaissance, Dr. Alexandra Touroutoglou shares her extensive work on brain imaging and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to treat Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Discover the cutting-edge technologies and methods being employed to understand and combat neurodegenerative diseases.Key Points Discussed:• Academic Journey:◦ Dr. Touroutoglou’s transition from studying in Greece to…

In this intriguing episode, Dr. Joseph Mazzulli, a 2022 Toffler Scholar, dives deep into the mechanisms of protein misfolding and amyloid formation, and their links to cell death in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.  Utilizing cutting-edge induced pluripotent stem cell models, Dr. Mazzulli explores how these proteins transition from a soluble to an…

In this episode of Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust, host Deborah Westphal explores the intricate world of genetic research with Dr. Valerie Arboleda.  Dr. Arboleda, an associate professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a 2023 Toffler Scholar, shares her insights into the genetic architecture of rare,…