Think Neuro Mini: Precision Brain Health Factors for Successful Brain Aging with Dr. David Merrill

02/05/25 • 2 min

Precision Brain Health at Pacific Neuroscience Institute is a program that utilizes a formalized system to comprehensively address neurodegenerative disease. It addresses at both clinical and lifestyle components impacting brain heath. Dr. David Merrill, director of the brain health center at PNI details the ReCODE Protocol (pioneered by Dr. Dale Bredesen) which has emerged as a viable attempt to prevent, arrest, and reverse symptoms of cognitive decline associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, and mild cognitive impairment. More than six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease—the most common type of dementia—suffering progressing symptoms of memory loss, confusion, behavioral change, and the loss of body control. Unfortunately, hundreds of clinical trials to develop drugs to help combat cognitive decline have resulted in disappointment. A reason is that cognitive decline is a complex and chronic process that develops silently over many years and often decades. Treatment requires a multimodal approach. At Precision Brain Health, expert providers can ‘prescribe’ lifestyle interventions such as exercise and nutrition recommendations, as well as other precision health interventions. So far, results from clinical trials, and evidence-based lifestyle practices suggest that with this multipronged approach, we may begin to see substantial numbers of dementia patients achieve a slowing and, in some cases, even a sustained reversal of cognitive and memory decline. Is Alzheimer’s disease is becoming optional? Dr. Merrill and his colleagues are optimistic outcomes will continue to improve.

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62: Fixing Facial Paralysis with Facial Reanimation and Reconstructive Surgery | Dr. Amit Kochhar & Dr. Tessa Hadlock

This week on the Think Neuro podcast, we welcome Dr. Tessa Hadlock, a leading facial nerve surgeon, educator, and innovator. A Professor of Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hadlock shares her inspiring journey into facial nerve surgery and her commitment to helping patients regain facial control. Joining her is Dr. Amit Kochhar, Director of the Facial Nerve Disorders Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Together, they explore groundbreaking advancements in facial reanimation surgery for patients with facial paralysis. Dr. Hadlock is a strong advocate for "open-source" surgical techniques, emphasizing knowledge-sharing among surgeons to accelerate progress in the field—an ethos that resonates deeply with Dr. Kochhar at PNI. Tune in to discover how these two experts are transforming lives through innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for restoring function and confidence in their patients.

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Think Neuro Mini: Treating Cushing's Disesase with Patient-Focused Care with Garni Barkhoudarian, MD

As one of the most comprehensive pituitary disorder programs in the United States, the Pacific Pituitary Disorders Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) offers world-class expert care. Among the top ranked neurology and neurosurgery programs in the nation, our center’s compassionate multidisciplinary specialists provide advanced, personalized treatment while focusing on our patients’ quality of life.

Affiliated with award-winning Providence hospitals Saint John’s Health Center and Little Company of Mary, PNI neurosurgeons lead the way in advancing safer, more effective keyhole and minimally invasive endoscopic pituitary tumor removal approaches.

If you, a family member, or friend have a new diagnosis, require a second opinion, or have a pituitary tumor or related hormonal disorders recurrence, our expert physicians can help you understand your condition and determine an optimal treatment plan.