In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the lived experience of Matthew Cote, a teacher and advocate for those living with learning disabilities, including reading disabilities. Matthew shares his personal journey, detailing how his reading disability impacted his early years, from struggling to decode words and feeling isolated to the turning point when he received assistive technology that transformed his learning experience. He also talks about the crucial role of support from his family, particularly his mother, and his teacher who helped him believe in himself.

Additional Resources
Dr. Cathy Barr's UHN Research website
UHN Foundation story featuring Dr. Cathy Barr – "Reading the Genome"
Sick Kids Empower Reading & Learning Group
Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

Neurofibromatosis, also known as NF, is one of the most common genetic disorders affecting about 1 in 3000 people globally. However, little is known about the condition causing it to often be misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed. Neurofibromatosis causes different types of tumors to form in various parts of the body.

In this bonus episode, Dr. Ryan Thomas, a family physician and Clinical Associate at UHN's Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic—the only adult NF clinic in Canada—shares his personal journey with NF. Diagnosed in his late twenties, Dr. Thomas underwent a life-changing surgery to remove a large tumor in his chest, just two months before his wedding. His experience provides a unique perspective on the condition, allowing him to connect deeply with his patients.

Additional Resources
Canadian First : UHN Opens Multidisciplinary Clinic on Genetic Disorder
Elisabeth Raab Accelerator of Science to End Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis Ontario
Dr. Gelareh Zadeh's lab – link to more info about the Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic
Children's Tumour Foundation

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

Parkinson's disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, affecting over 100,000 Canadians and 12,000 new cases diagnosed every year. In this bonus episode of Your Complex Brain, we explore the transformative power of exercise in managing Parkinson's symptoms and possibly slowing the disease’s progression.

Join us as we hear from Steven Iseman, who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at 48. Now 58, Steven shares his remarkably journey from hiding his diagnosis to becoming a passionate advocate for Parkinson’s awareness and the benefits of exercise. Learn how he co-founded the Rigid Riders cycling club and the Spinning Wheels Tour, cycling 8,000 km across Canada to connect with and support others living with Parkinson’s. Steven’s story is one of resilience, community and the relentless pursuit of a better life despite his diagnosis. Discover how exercise has not only helped Steven manage his symptoms but also given him a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Additional Resources
UHN Movement Disorders Clinic website
Kalia Labs website
Video: Dr. Lorraine Kalia on why she studies Parkinson's
Video: Dr. Lorraine Kalia Discusses the Latest in Parkinson's Research on TVO's The Agenda
Video: The Rigid Riders Story
Spinning Wheels Cycling Tour

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at krembil@uhn.ca or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!