Baycrest

20 • BrainMatters • Fall/Winter 2023 INTRODUCING DEFY DEMENTIA – AN EMPOWERING NEW PODCAST BY BAYCREST Baycrest has launched a cutting-edge new podcast to help people everywhere reduce their dementia risk: Defy Dementia, the podcast for anyone with a brain. Hosts Jay Ingram, a renowned author and broadcaster, and Dr. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), take their audience on a captivating exploration of key dementia risk factors as they interview experts, hear inspiring stories from persons with lived experience and share practical advice to help everyone optimize their aging journey. "It's projected that worldwide, by the year 2050, there will be at least 150 million people living with dementia, including one million in Canada alone," says Dr. Sekuler. "But dementia is not just in our genes — in fact, the genetic variants that cause dementia have been identified in a relatively small number of people — so just because your grandma or grandpa had dementia, it doesn't mean you'll get it." Each episode will be available in both English and French and complemented by a short video, infographic and related resources to help Canadians and listeners around the world. "Defy Dementia is all about identifying the risk factors for dementia and understanding how you can take action to lower those risks," says Ingram. "Each episode will focus on a different risk factor like diet or fitness, and some of those risk factors might surprise you. Expect the unexpected. We'll be talking to experts studying each risk factor for dementia to share the science with you in a way that's easy to digest." The podcast will consist of eight episodes in total, to be released monthly. Topics include sensory loss, loneliness, nutrition and more. In addition, interactive events will be held across Canada, and virtually, through CABHI's Leap platform, cabhi.com/leap. All are invited to tune in and subscribe at defydementia.org or anywhere they get their podcasts, and unlock the power to age fearlessly and defy dementia. Defy Dementia is generously supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada's Dementia Strategic Fund. Co-hosts of the Defy Dementia podcast: Jay Ingram, author and broadcaster; and Dr. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, and CABHI

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