Brain Matters (The ISLAND Project)

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About the show

Latest episodes

• Do shingles vaccines prevent dementia? Why scientists don't all agree

  September 21, 2026 · 30 min

  Recent research has sparked global headlines suggesting the shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of dementia. But when a new study examining the same question reached a different conclusion, how should we interpret the evidence? In this…

• Sleep Apnoea, Memory and Dementia Risk

  September 2, 2026 · 24 min

  Sleep apnoea affects millions of people and is often associated with loud snoring, disrupted sleep and daytime tiredness. But could it also influence memory and dementia risk? In this episode of Brain Matters, host Neil Broomfield speaks…

• Can Brain Training Really Reduce Dementia Risk?

  August 11, 2026 · 27 min

  Can a computer-based brain-training program really reduce the risk of dementia? In this episode of Brain Matters, host Neil Broomfield speaks with Dr Eddy Roccati about a recent headline claiming that specific cognitive training had an…

• Coffee, Tea, and Dementia Risk

  July 24, 2026 · 27 min

  Can your daily coffee or tea help protect your brain? In this episode, we unpack a large long‑term study linking caffeinated drinks with lower dementia risk. With help from a researcher, we explore what the findings really mean, how strong…

• About the ISLAND Project

  June 23, 2026 · 3 min

  In this short introduction, we take a closer look at the ISLAND Project — the research initiative behind Brain Matters. Learn what ISLAND stands for, why it exists, and how it’s working with the Tasmanian community to better understand…

• Social Connection, Social Frailty and Dementia Risk

  June 22, 2026 · 31 min

  Can staying socially connected help protect your brain? In this episode, we unpack research linking “social frailty” — including reduced social contact and participation — with dementia risk. With help from Dr Hannah Fair, Lecturer at…

• Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented by Targeting a Single Gene?

  May 7, 2026 · 30 min

  A recent headline claimed that most Alzheimer’s cases could be prevented by targeting a single gene. But what does the research behind this bold statement really show? In this episode, we unpack a large genetic study examining the role of…

• Introducing Brain Matters (The ISLAND Project)

  May 4, 2026 · 3 min

  Have you ever read a headline related to health and thought… Is this actually true? Or wondered whether that article in your news feed is genuinely helpful or just another case of hype, half‑truths, or misinformation?  That’s where Brain…