River to River

Develop healthy habits to protect the brain against dementia

By Ben Kieffer,

Dani Gehr, Caitlin Troutman, Samantha McIntosh, Neve Kelley

Published September 22, 2026 at 7:00 AM CDT

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Dementia can feel like something every family faces alone — but it doesn't have to be that way.

On this episode, we talk with Shelby Roberts of the Alzheimer's Association, Dr. Yogesh Shah of Broadlawns Memory Clinic and Iowa's state medical director, Dr. Robert Kruse. They discuss brain health and innovative approaches to early identification, prevention and care for Iowans living with dementia. Roberts and other health experts will speak at the second annual Heartland Cognitive Care Collective on Friday, Oct. 2 at the State Historical Building in Des Moines.

Then, a conversation with Democratic 3rd Congressional District candidate, state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott. Trone Garriott has served in the Iowa Senate since 2020 and is running against incumbent Republican Rep. Zach Nunn for a seat in Congress.

Guests:

Shelby Roberts, senior director of public health, Alzheimer's Association
Dr. Yogesh Shah, dementia care specialist and medical director, Broadlawns Memory Clinic
Dr. Robert Kruse, state medical director, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Sarah Trone Garriott, Iowa state senator, candidate in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District race

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Ben Kieffer

Ben Kieffer is the host of "River to River." Since 2007, Kieffer has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Kieffer has a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa.

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Dani Gehr

Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.

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Caitlin Troutman

Caitlin Troutman is an award-winning talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.

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Samantha McIntosh

Samantha McIntosh is an award-winning talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.

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Neve Kelley

Neve Kelley is IPR's talk show production assistant. She recently graduated from Oberlin College, where she studied English, environmental studies, writing and communication. She is originally from Peoria, Illinois. She uses her passion for community-centered storytelling to showcase the people, culture and arts that shape Iowa. Some of her favorite things to do in Iowa include going to shows at Codfish Hollow and the Englert, visiting different coffee shops and taking yoga classes.

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