Love, Dementia + The Social Brain

Dive into the intricate world of the social brain and its profound connection to the aging process. Explore surprising insights into how neurodegenerative conditions can reshape our understanding of empathy, creativity, and human connection. Discover the crucial role of social engagement for both individuals experiencing cognitive decline and their dedicated caregivers. Uncover the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and the unexpected ways dementia can alter fundamental aspects of identity and relationships. This episode delves into the science behind these transformations and offers a hopeful perspective on resilience and the enduring power of our social nature. Grab Mysteries of The Social Brain Here Our Guests: Bruce Miller + Virginia Strum Bruce L. Miller, MD, is the A.W. and Mary Margaret Clausen Distinguished Professor of Neurology. Additionally he works in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he is the founding director of the UCSF Memory and Aging Center and Global Brain Health Institute. Dr. Miller studies social behavior and creativity in neurodegenerative disorders. Virginia Sturm, PhD is the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation Endowed Professor in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. Sturm, an affective neuroscientist and neuropsychologist at the UCSF Memory and Aging Center, studies emotions, empathy, and social behavior in neurodegenerative disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episode: The Language of Loss: A Guide to Alzheimer's and Coping ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist. Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice. Sign up for a year of support and get: Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation Actionable strategies to cope and move forward Support for those who care about you (optional) HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ List of the Top 20 Alzheimer’s Podcasts via FeedSpot! See where we rank. Join Fading Memories On Social Media! If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links. Instagram LinkedIn  Facebook Contact Jen at [e-mail] Or learn more at Our Website