Exploring Life & Business with Dani Cabral, MD of BrainLove

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Cabral, MD

Hi Dani, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My mother’s death to ovarian cancer when I was 17 changed my life and led to my career path as an Alzheimer’s/dementia specialist neurologist/psychiatrist and clinical researcher. After her death, I experienced several simultaneous life changes which severed me from my youth. Since then I have been a relentless self-starter and my own best cheerleader, putting myself through school with scholarships, loans, and jobs. I became a first-generation college grad and, several years later, a physician graduating in the first class of the UA College of Medicine-Phoenix (2011 alum!).

It has taken me years to understand why I am so uniquely drawn to helping those affected by dementia. In recent years, I realized that my grief, loss, and post-traumatic growth had equipped me with an ability to connect with the experience of dementia, which is full of micro- and macro-losses and grief for everyone involved. The changes in one’s identity, roles, and relationships often go unacknowledged for years. Processing deep grief is humbling, levelling, and humanizing and can open us to profound meaning, connection, and sense of purpose. I have always tried to help crack open the grief window for anyone who is ready.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Since my mother was a single parent, when she died, I grew up quickly and made decisions for myself that I thought were best. My young adult mindset loved exploration. I held many jobs prior to becoming a physician, including in telemarketing, retail, landscaping, environmental advocacy, and product promotions. I also traveled extensively and lived abroad. Things usually went well but not always. Now I understand that my brain areas controlling good judgment were not yet fully formed then.

Interestingly, my biggest regrets have been challenges in grasping and adapting to the social and cultural expectations of higher academia and the medical field. Having grown up in a working-class family and town, I was not accustomed to certain ways of relating, and I made errors in communication and presentation, some of which stuck with me, especially during brief clinical hospital rotations. Looking back, I wish someone had told me so that I could have adjusted my behavior. These experiences have helped me see the importance of identifying like-minded academic and professional mentors.

Ultimately, this journey has led me to value growth, connection, adventure, and fun, and I infuse these values into my life and work.

As you know, we’re big fans of BrainLove. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business, BrainLove, launches in mid-September 2024. The program provides virtual expert coaching and consulting for anyone with questions or concerns about cognitive decline in aging, dementia, Alzheimer’s and related for themselves or loved ones. I work with clients to co-create a personalized roadmap based on their values and goals and provide suggestions for resources and support. BrainLove offers three options which vary in intensity: Exploration Session, the Wayfinding Program, or Intensive Collaboration.

Any big plans?
My dream is that BrainLove will grow and evolve based on the needs of individuals and communities while integrating care, support services, and the many exciting medical advances in the Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative disease space. I will partner with like-minded organizations and businesses to grow a community and collectively provide a simple and accessible mechanism for anyone to find the help they need.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mybrainlove.com