Welcome to this episode of The Tonic, terrestrially broadcast on January 25 and 26, 2025 on AM740 and FM 96.7 in Toronto. Topics covered on the show track the lifestyle articles and themes published in The Tonic Newsletter and on the Tonic Website. This week we’ll discuss the treatment of rare diseases (that actually aren’t that rare) with physician Dr. Somto Ibezi MD, brain exercises that can help those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with Dr. Henry Mahncke, how families can better navigate those with Alzheimer’s with author Lisa Skinner, and how to communicate more effectively with author Christopher Hadnagy

We specifically discuss:

Rare Diseases Aren’t So Rare

  • What is a rare disease?
  • The challenges of having a rare disease in Canada
  • Diagnosis
  • Living with a rare disease
  • Limited treatment options in Canada
  • I Am Number 12 campaign

 

Brain Exercises For Those With MCI

  • What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
  • MCI and dementia
  • Is MCI always a precursor to dementia?
  • The challenges of diagnosing of MCI
  • Brain training programs
  • Everyday function
  • The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure
  • The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test

 

How Families Can Better Navigate Loved Ones With Alzheimer’s

  • What is the difference between normal aging and dementia?
  • How can families proactively prepare after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease?
  • The unpredictability of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Impact on the family
  • Are there lifestyle choices one can make to mitigate Alzheimer’s Disease?

 

How To Communicate More Effectively

  • Self awareness and communication
  • Understanding your audience and context
  • The role of empathy
  • Establishing rapport with someone you’ve just met
  • Non-verbal cues
  • Trusting your instincts
  • Verbal cues

 

TO SIGN UP FOR THE TONIC NEWSLETTER GO HERE

To learn more about I Am Number 12 go here

To learn more about Dr. Somto Ibezi go here

To learn more about Dr. Henry Mahncke go here

To learn more about Lisa Skinner go here

To learn more about Christopher Hadnagy go here