70. Alzheimer’s, the Menopausal Brain & Closing the Gender Gap in Science with Dr. Liisa Galea
Aging Powerfully with Melissa GreloShow Notes
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada, and this episode tackles a critical — and often overlooked — reality: nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are in women.
Melissa is joined by returning guest Dr. Liisa Galea (previous Episode #46), a world-renowned neuroscientist, inaugural womenmind Treliving Family Chair in Women’s Mental Health, Senior Scientist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, where she helps guide evidence-based research and innovation focused on brain health and aging.
Dr. Galea shares the latest science on women’s brain health, the menopausal brain, and why decades of male-focused research have left dangerous gaps in our understanding of Alzheimer’s risk in women. Together, they explore what we know, what we’re still learning, and where research must go next to close the gender gap in neuroscience.
In this episode, we discuss: Why women account for the majority of Alzheimer’s cases How menopause and hormonal changes affect the brain The role of inflammation, stress, and aging in cognitive health Emerging research in dementia prevention What women can do now to support brain health — without fear
This is an empowering, evidence-based conversation about awareness, advocacy, and protecting women’s brains across the lifespan.
Tech and Audio Producer: Drew Garner
Producer: Melissa Grelo
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