In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, author Tanita Allen joins Dr. Katy Peters to discuss her experience with Huntington’s Disease and how it inspired her to write her book We Exist. Tanita shares about the rocky diagnosis process, how she manages day-to-day symptoms, and why she was called to share her story in a book. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Katie Moore, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Associate Director of the Neurology Residency Program at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Moore explains what Huntington’s Disease is, dispels some diagnostic myths, and what patients and caregivers can look forward to in the future.

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Additional Resources

We Exist by Tanita Allen

What is Huntington’s Disease?

Promising Therapies May Help Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s Disease Society of America

Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic

Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition

We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay

Author, Speaker Jackie Stebbins on Rebuilding Her Life After Autoimmune Encephalitis

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

· Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

Social Media:

Guests: Tanita Allen @tanitaallen234; Dr. Katie Moore @dukeneurores

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Christina Coates, president and founding member of an organization called Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration Association (HODA). Christina shares about her own journey with hypertrophic olivary degeneration and how she was inspired to found HODA and build an advocacy community. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Vikram Shakkottai, professor of neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas and Dedman Family Distinguished Chair in Neurologic Disease. Dr. Shakkottai discusses cerebellar ataxia, hypertrophic olivary degeneration, how these disorders are treated, and what upcoming research there is to look forward to.

We invite you to participate in our listener survey! By participating in the brief survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your name and email address for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.

Additional Resources

HODA - Working to make HOD History

Forming a Foundation Bolsters Hope After a Rare Diagnosis

Advice for Caregivers of People with Rare Diseases

What is ataxia and cerebellar or spinocerebellar degeneration?

Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic

Neurofibromatosis Advocacy and Community Building with the Gilbert Family Foundation

Making a Lasting Impact with The Brain Donor Project’s Tish Hevel

We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay

Strength in Unity: Advocating and Advancing Research for Brain Tumors

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

· Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

Social Media:

Guests: Christina Coates @hodassoc; Dr. Vikram Shakkottai @utswmedcenter

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, award-winning actor, singer, and advocate Aaron Lazar joins co-host Dr. Daniel Correa to discuss his journey with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and how it has affected his daily outlook on life. Aaron shares about his symptoms, diagnostic journey, and how he is continuing to find hope. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Richard Bedlack, Stewart, Hughes, and Wendt Distinguished Professor of ALS at Duke and director of the Duke ALS Clinic. Dr. Bedlack explains just how he is helping his patients find hope in their ALS journeys while also making realistic plans for the future.

Additional Resources

Aaron Lazar’s “The Impossible Dream”

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

A Marathoner on a Quest to End ALS

Steve Gleason, ALS Advocate and NFL Veteran, Receives Courage Award

Other Brain & Life Episodes on this Topic

Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS

Finding Strength in ALS Advocacy with Podcaster Lorri Carey

Hop on a Cure for ALS with John Driskell Hopkins

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

· Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

Social Media:

Guests: Aaron Lazar @aaronscottlazar; Dr. Richard Bedlack @stitchingstrength

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD