Can Sleep Predict Neurodegenerative Risk? Inside EEG Biomarkers & Brain Health

Can Sleep Predict Neurodegenerative Risk? Inside EEG Biomarkers & Brain Health

In this episode of Science from the Field, host Ben Greenaway, sits down with Dan Levendowski from Advanced Brain Monitoring to explore how sleep and EEG biomarkers are reshaping the way we understand neurodegenerative disease risk.  The conversation traces the evolution of the Sleep Profiler, from early sleep measurement and EEG analysis to its role in identifying subtle brain changes associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and REM sleep behaviour disorder. Dan explains how specific sleep characteristics including sleep architecture, non-REM hypertonia, autonomic activation, and time spent sleeping supine can act as early indicators of neurodegenerative risk, often years before cognitive symptoms appear. They also discuss the emerging science around glymphatic clearance during sleep, why sleeping position may matter, and how machine-learning models are being used to interpret complex biomarker data in a clinically meaningful way.  The episode also explores the ethical and practical questions that arise when identifying risk early: how clinicians communicate findings, how patients and families use this information for planning, and where this technology fits within both research and real-world clinical care.  This is a deep-dive episode for clinicians, researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of sleep, brain health, and the future of neurodegenerative disease detection.

Actigraphy Sleep Toolkit: Instant, Free, Clinician-Ready Reports

In this episode Ben Greenaway speaks with Rick Blatt from ActivInsights about the development and goals of the Actigraphy Sleep Toolkit. They cover why the toolkit was created, how clinician and researcher feedback shaped its design, and how it supports fast, reliable sleep reporting using high-resolution data from GENEActiv wearable devices.  The conversation highlights current features, new updates, and upcoming temperature and 24-hour analytics - plus the toolkit’s role in improving clinical workflows, research compatibility, and patient conversations about sleep.

Advancing Asthma Care: Insights from Anthony Flynn of Asthma Australia

Welcome back to the BMedical Science from Field podcast series, where we shine a light on some of the amazing work being done here in our own backyard of Australia to further the fields of sleep and respiratory medicine. In celebration of our new partnership with Asthma Australia, this week, we're chatting to Anthony Flynn, Director of Health Knowledge and Translation at Asthma Australia.  Anthony oversees Asthma Australia's research program, strategic evaluations plans, and supervises the quality development of consumer information and education resources. He has a master's degree in social sciences and is a registered nurse who specialised in critical care nursing. He's responsible for connecting the needs of people with asthma with strategic research and evaluation decisions and translating that into consumer benefit. In this episode, Anthony shares his journey from critical care nursing to working with Asthma Australia, his experiences with Médecins Sans Frontières, and the challenges and successes in asthma research and education. He also discusses the importance of health literacy, the role of peak flow meters in asthma management, and exciting developments in asthma research, including the quest for a cure. Tune in to learn about Asthma Australia's mission, their resources for clinicians and patients, and how innovative partnerships and research are making a real difference in the lives of people with asthma. Plus, join us for the Huff and Puff Challenge and how you can support Asthma Australia.

Breathing Life into Recovery: The Power of Respiratory Muscle Training with Bernie Bissett

Welcome to BMedical's Science from the Field podcast series, where we highlight groundbreaking work in sleep and respiratory medicine from Australia. In this episode, we chat with Professor Bernie Bissett, a leading expert in respiratory muscle training.  Bernie shares her journey from a clinician to an accidental researcher, driven by her desire to help ventilator-dependent patients regain their independence. She discusses the development and impact of inspiratory muscle training, including its application to long COVID recovery and its potential benefits for athletes. Bernie also explores the challenges of translating research into clinical practice and the exciting future of respiratory medicine, emphasising patient-centered care and technological advancements.  Join us for an inspiring conversation that delves into the evolution of respiratory therapies and their profound impact on patient wellbeing.

'Let's Yarn About Sleep' with Associate Professor Fatima Yaqoot & Roslyn Von Senden

In this episode of BMedical's Science from the Field podcast, we explore the exceptional work of Associate Professor Fatima Yaqoot and Roslyn Von Senden and their 'Let's Yarn About Sleep' Program. Their phenomenal efforts aim to enhance sleep health among First Nations youth and communities in Australia. The multi-talented Associate Professor Fatima Yaqoot, an expert in pharmacology, epidemiology, and sleep science, unveils her fascinating journey towards becoming a sleep health specialist and her realisation during her PhD about the essential role of sleep in maintaining physical health.  Roslyn Von Sinden, a proud Kalkadoon woman from Mount Isa, relates her impactful story of how her community's struggles with prevalent suicide and mental health issues turned her into a sleep health advocate. Serving as the Community Engagement Manager, Roslyn's efforts aim to enhance health equity and launch co-designed health education programmes that empower First Nations people to their complete health potential. The podcast also provides insight into the 'Let's Yarn About Sleep' initiative's core aims. These include increasing community awareness about sleep health, equipping local service providers with training, and curbing wait times for sleep health care access. To read the transcript and discover the books and studies referenced - visit our website.  https://bmedical.com.au/science-in-the-field-lets-yarn-about-sleep/ [https://bmedical.com.au/science-in-the-field-lets-yarn-about-sleep/]