Your Fantastic Mind

In this one-hour season finale, we delve into the science of memory - how it works, how we can retain it and why we lose it. On a trip to Chicago, a group of fascinating research participants are highlighted – elderly nuns who are helping scientists discover the ingredients to a long, healthy dementia-free life. The episode also features the first study in the world that uses flickering lights built into sunglasses to remove amyloid plaque from the brain and also gives a close-up look at the unique, state-funded Georgia Memory Net program, newly available to all Georgians who need memory assessment and care. Five Georgia Memory Net centers have opened across the state and are providing critical care to help diagnose dementia in its early stages. The episode also profiles a renowned neurologist in Tennessee with the brain disease, Lewy Body Dementia. We look at the similarities between Lewy Body, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease and show how these disease processes overlap. And we share a touching love story of another neurologist who is caring for his wife with Alzheimer’s, finding joy and peace through their shared love of music.

Jackie Spierman was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, often a pre cursor to Alzheimer’s Disease. She qualified to be one of ten people in the world in the Flicker Study. Participants in the study are exposed to 40 Hz of light and sound on a daily basis for one hour.

A neurologist for 42 years Dr. Richard Franco recognized the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in his wife Phyllis more than a dozen years ago. He left his practice and takes care of Phyllis full time and they show us that in spite of a disease marked by endless losses -- there is still beauty -- and love.