Despite decades of study, much of the brain remains a mystery. But this incredible organ is responsible for the most important parts of what make us human, as w...
What's next in the fight against multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a highly complex condition to diagnose, treat and live with. Affecting 1 in 1000 people, and with symptoms usually presenting in people between the age of 20 and 40, the impact of MS can vary person to person. Any part of the central nervous system can be impacted - from vision, to sensory perception and sometimes cognition. In this episode, we dive into the complexities of this disease with perspectives from leading MS clinician and researcher Professor Trevor Kilpatrick, Florey scientist Michelle Binder, and Catherine, a doctor who has lived with MS for 20 years. The Brain Matters Podcast is brought to you by The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and hosted by Dr Shane Huntington. Send us a messageSupport the showWhat would you like our neuroscientists to talk about? Email us at [email protected]
--------
49:39
How does the brain become addicted?
An estimated 400 million people have an alcohol use disorder globally, with millions more experiencing problems with drugs and gambling. But, despite its magnitude, addiction is one of the most misunderstood health conditions. How does the human brain become addicted? Why are addictions so difficult to treat? And what does the future look like for people experiencing these neuropsychological problems?Together with The Florey’s Professor Andy Lawrence, Turning Point’s Professor Dan Lubman and Lisa Rebecca, who has been in recovery for 12 years, we explore different perspectives on these complex questions.Dan Lubman is a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist who is Executive Director of leading addiction treatment provider Turning Point. He talks us through the complexities of addiction in its many forms.Andrew Lawrence is The Florey’s Deputy Director, and leads the institute's Addiction Neuroscience Group. He shares his insights into what drives addiction at the biological and cellular level and how that might help us find new treatments.If this episode brings up any issues for you, contact:Turning Point for 24/7 advice and support on addiction via phone on 1800 250 015 or online at www.turningpoint.org.au (Australia)SMART Recovery, an evidence-based recovery method grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Go to smartrecoveryaustralia.com.auThe Brain Matters Podcast is brought to you by The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and hosted by Dr Shane Huntington. Find out more about The Florey’s work at www.florey.edu.au Send us a messageSupport the showWhat would you like our neuroscientists to talk about? Email us at [email protected]
--------
47:15
What will dementia look like for the next generation?
Globally, someone is diagnosed with dementia every 3 seconds. It’s a scary prospect for many of us as we age. But with blood tests for diagnosing dementia and promising medications on the horizon, does the future look brighter for this disease?Annemarie's husband John started showing signs of dementia at just 58. She talks us through their journey of receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis, and what it's like to live with this disease. Nawaf Yassi, a neurologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, talks us through the opportunities of new treatments and how the role of GPs will need to adapt in a new era for dementia. Rebecca Nisbet, a neuroscientist at The Florey working on innovative treatments for dementia, shares her excitement for new ways of getting medications into the brain to prevent the onset of dementia. Learn more about how you can support dementia research: www.florey.edu.au/more-timeSend us a messageSupport the showWhat would you like our neuroscientists to talk about? Email us at [email protected]
Despite decades of study, much of the brain remains a mystery. But this incredible organ is responsible for the most important parts of what make us human, as well as some of the most difficult-to-treat conditions and diseases. The Brain Matters Podcast brings together powerful conversations between researchers, doctors and people with first-hand experience of brain conditions to discuss the past, present and future of brain health.
Australia