The new semi-autobiographical play “The Reservoir” spins a comedic <a href="https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/preventing-dementia-cognitive-decline/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">narrative around cognitive reserve</a>, the idea that doing brain-stimulating activities can prevent or delay the onset of dementia symptoms. It’s currently running at the Atlantic Theater Company and co-produced by The Ensemble Studio Theater in New York.* 
Host Ira Flatow talks with playwright Jake Brasch about his inspiration for the play and how to mesh science into the theater. 
Then, neurologist Marilyn Albert discusses some of the latest science of mental stimulation and dementia. After following a diverse group of older adults for 20 years, <a href="https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/trc2.70197" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">her research</a> found that a modest amount of specialized cognitive training reduced dementia risk by 25%. You can try a <a href="https://www.brainhq.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">very similar brain training exercise</a> at home. 
*“The Reservoir” received funding from the Sloan Foundation, which also helps support Science Friday.
 Guests:
 Jake Brasch is a writer, performer, composer, clown, and writer of the new play “The Reservoir.” 
 Dr. Marilyn Albert is a professor of neurology and director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at <a href="https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/preventing-dementia-cognitive-decline/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sciencefriday.com</a>.
<a href="https://pod.link/73329284" target="_blank">Subscribe to this podcast.</a> Plus, to stay updated on all things science,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencefriday.com/newsletters/?utm_source=wnyc&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=scifri" target="_blank">sign up for Science Friday's newsletters</a>.

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