Afleveringen
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Omega-3 supplements have become a multi-billion-dollar industry, promising to enhance your memory, boost your mood, and protect your brain. But where does the science end, and the marketing hype begin?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a special category of âgood fatsâ that play vital roles in both brain and body health. Unlike some species, we canât produce our own Omega-3s, so we must rely on our diets to get these essential fats.
In this episode, we discuss how to get more brain-healthy quantities of Omega-3 into your diet, plus:
⢠The brain health benefits of Omega-3
⢠The differences between Omega-3 and Omega-6
⢠The neurochemical intricacies of ALA, EPA, and DHA
⢠Why Omega-3s are essential for development at a young age
⢠The current (and future) state of Omega-3 research
⢠Who needs Omega-3 supplements, and why
Enriching the discussion this week are two celebrated experts in the field:
DR. RICHARD BAZINET, a professor and researcher whose work focuses on the regulation and role of brain lipid metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases
DR. BILL HARRIS, an internationally-recognised expert on omega-3, and the pioneer behind the Omega-3 Index
This is... Your Brain On Omega-3.
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
âYour Brain On...â is supported by the NEURO World Retreat, taking place in San Diego, September 2â5 2025: https://neuroworldretreat.com/
âYour Brain On... Omega-3â ⢠SEASON 4 ⢠EPISODE 7
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LINKS
DR. RICHARD BAZINET
Dr. Bazinet at University of Toronto: https://nutrisci.med.utoronto.ca/faculty/richard-bazinet
DR. BILL HARRIS
Dr. Harris at OmegaQuant: https://omegaquant.com/dr-william-s-harris/
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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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Two decades on from the start of the smartphone revolution, we have the first humans who, for as long as theyâve been alive, have had the entire internet just a few taps away. What has this done to our brains?
Itâs been an unprecedented period of rapid change, and, with the largest social networking sites using every neurological trick in the book to keep us endlessly scrolling down our feeds, what can we do to make our relationship with social media healthier?
In this episode of âYour Brain On...â, we discuss:
⢠The brain health risks of social media overuse (and rewards of healthy use!)
⢠How social media apps are designed to keep us addicted
⢠Structural brain changes that have been sparked by the digital age
⢠The neuroscience of doom-scrolling, social comparison, social mediaâs impact on sleep
⢠Practical steps to balance our social media use
Weâre joined by two internationally-renowned experts on these topics:
DR. JEAN TWENGE, a researcher, author, and psychologist known for her work on how social media affects the mental health of different generations.
DR. LARRY ROSEN, co-author of âThe Distracted Mindâ and celebrated expert in the psychology of technology.
This is... Your Brain On Social Media.
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
âYour Brain On... Social Mediaâ ⢠SEASON 4 ⢠EPISODE 6
âYour Brain On...â is supported by the NEURO World Retreat, taking place in San Diego, September 2â5 2025: https://neuroworldretreat.com/
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LINKS
DR. JEAN TWENGE
Dr. Twengeâs website: https://www.jeantwenge.com/
at San Diego State University: https://psychology.sdsu.edu/people/jean-twenge/
DR. LARRY ROSEN
Dr. Rosenâs website: https://drlarryrosen.com/
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FOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Our incredible kids Sophia and Alex Sherzai join us for a special end-of-year episode of the âYour Brain On...â episode!
As a family of neuroscientists â Sophia in biomedical engineering, Alex in artificial intelligence, Ayesha in vascular neurology, and Dean in behavioral neurology â we have fascinating discussions (and debates) about all aspects of life and brain health almost every day.
To close out the first year of the âYour Brain On...â podcast, weâre bringing that energy to the show!
We discuss:
⢠Life as a family of neuroscientists
⢠What weâve been working on and researching in 2024
⢠How to navigate the challenges and complexities of the holidays
⢠Our hopes and goals for 2025
⢠The top ten most popular episodes of âYour Brain On...â in 2024!
⢠The importance of connection, community, and change
This is... the Sherzai Family Holiday Special of âYour Brain On...â!
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists, and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
SEASON 4 ⢠EPISODE 5
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High in fats and low in carbs, ketogenic diets were originally developed in the 1920s to treat children with epilepsy. Now, theyâve gained popularity for weight loss, and even improved cognitive function.
But how much truth is there in the purported brain health benefits we see on social media? In this episode of âYour Brain On...â, we separate the facts from the fads, and discuss:
⢠What one might eat on a typical ketogenic diet
⢠How ketogenic diets affect brain metabolism
⢠The different ways your brain uses sources of energy â glucose vs. ketones
⢠The latest data on ketogenic diet in Alzheimerâs disease patients
⢠What we know about how ketogenic diets and treatment of Alzheimerâs
⢠The outcome differences between ketogenic diets and ketone supplements in Alzheimerâs
⢠Other evidence-based nutritional approaches for brain health
For this episode, we welcome two world-renowned professionals in the field of nutrition and neuroscience:
DR. MATTHEW TAYLOR, PhD, RD, Assistant Professor, Dietetics and Nutrition, Kansas University Medical Center
DR. RUSSELL SWERDLOW, MD, Gene and Marge Sweeney Professor of Neurology; Director, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Kansas University Medical Center
This is... Your Brain On Ketogenic Diets.
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
âYour Brain On... Ketogenic Dietsâ ⢠SEASON 4 ⢠EPISODE 4
FOLLOW US
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
REFERENCES
1. Wheless, James W. "History of the ketogenic diet." Epilepsia 49 (2008): 3-5.
2. Krolak-Salmon, Pierre, Russell H. Swerdlow, Thibault Mastain, Catherine Dive-Pouletty, Nick Pooley, and Masoumeh Kisomi. "Efficacy and Safety of Exogenous Ketones in People with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder and Alzheimerâs Disease: A Systematic Literature Review." Nutrition Reviews (2024): nuae098.
3. Taylor, Matthew K., Debra K. Sullivan, Jonathan D. Mahnken, Jeffrey M. Burns, and Russell H. Swerdlow. "Feasibility and efficacy data from a ketogenic diet intervention in Alzheimer's disease." Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions 4 (2018): 28-36.
4. Taylor, Matthew K., Russell H. Swerdlow, and Debra K. Sullivan. "Dietary neuroketotherapeutics for Alzheimerâs disease: an evidence update and the potential role for diet quality." Nutrients 11, no. 8 (2019): 1910.
5. Koppel, Scott J., and Russell H. Swerdlow. "Neuroketotherapeutics: a modern review of a century-old therapy." Neurochemistry international 117 (2018): 114-125.
6. O'Neill, Blair, and Paolo Raggi. "The ketogenic diet: Pros and cons." Atherosclerosis 292 (2020): 119-126.
7. Crosby, Lee, Brenda Davis, Shivam Joshi, Meghan Jardine, Jennifer Paul, Maggie Neola, and Neal D. Barnard. "Ketogenic diets and chronic disease: weighing the benefits against the risks." Frontiers in nutrition 8 (2021): 702802.
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ALS, a nervous system disease, ruled the headlines in the summer of 2014 thanks to the viral Ice Bucket Challenge. How has our knowledge of the disorder evolved a decade later?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as âLou Gehrig's diseaseâ (named after the iconic baseball player), is a progressive neurological disorder which breaks down a personâs motor neurons. The main symptoms are muscle weakness and impaired physical function â mild, at first, but in the latter stages of the diseaseâs progression, essential processes like breathing begin to fail.
Most individuals face a life expectancy of two to five years. A small percentage live five to ten years. And an even tinier group survive beyond a decade. Most famously, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking survived more than 50 years past his diagnosis, in part due to the intensive care he was able to afford.
In this episode of the âYour Brain On...â podcast, we discuss:
⢠What ALS is, and how it affects the brain and the body
⢠The onset and progression of ALS, from the earliest symptoms to the end-stage impacts
⢠How ALS patients are diagnosed, treated, and cared for
⢠Likely causes of ALS, including genetic predispositions and potential environmental risk factors
⢠How new technologies are rapidly accelerating our understanding of ALS, especially in genetics
Joining us for this installment of the show are two world-class experts on the disease:
⢠Professor Ammar Al-Chalabi PhD, Professor of Neurology and Complex Disease Genetics at the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute at King's College.
⢠Merit Cudkowicz, Director of the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital.
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
âYour Brain On... ALSâ ⢠SEASON 4 ⢠EPISODE 3
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LINKS
PROFESSOR AMMAR AL-CHALABI
at Kingâs College: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/ammar-al-chalabi
at Motor Neurone Disease Disease Association: https://www.mndassociation.org/get-involved/cure-finders/professor-ammar-al-chalabi
Project MinE: https://projectmine.com/
MERIT CUDKOWICZ
at Massachusetts General Hospital: https://www.massgeneral.org/doctors/16904/merit-cudkowicz
at Harvard University: https://researchers.mgh.harvard.edu/profile/1520993/Merit-Cudkowicz
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ANNOUNCING: NEURO WORLD RETREAT 2025
Weâre so excited to share something very close to our hearts, which weâve been working on over the past few months: our first ever brain health retreat!
Youâre warmly invited to join us in San Diego, California for the inaugural NEURO World Retreat 2025, taking place September 2â5, 2025 at the breathtaking Paradise Point Resort.
For more information, and to book, visit: https://neuroworldretreat.com/
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FOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
âââ
References:
Brown, Robert H., and Ammar Al-Chalabi. "Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis." New England Journal of Medicine 377.2 (2017): 162-172.
Benatar, Michael, et al. "A roadmap to ALS prevention: strategies and priorities." Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 94.5 (2023): 399-402.
Voigtlaender, Sebastian, et al. "Artificial intelligence in neurology: opportunities, challenges, and policy implications." Journal of Neurology 271.5 (2024): 2258-2273.
Zinman, Lorne, and Merit Cudkowicz. "Emerging targets and treatments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis." The Lancet Neurology 10.5 (2011): 481-490.
Raghav, Yogindra, et al. "Identification of gene fusions associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis." Muscle & Nerve 69.4 (2024): 477-489.
Su, Feng-Chiao, et al. "Association of environmental toxins with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis." JAMA neurology 73.7 (2016): 803-811.
Talbott, Evelyn O., et al. "Case-control study of environmental toxins and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis involving the national ALS registry." Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration (2024): 1-10.
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For decades, ketamine has mainly been used as an anaesthetic, but in more recent years, itâs gained popularity in mental health treatment.
Conversations around the benefits and risks associated with its therapeutic usage ignited towards the end of 2023, when actor Matthew Perry, star of the sitcom âFriendsâ, died from the acute effects of the ketamine he was using to treat anxiety.
In this episode of âYour Brain On...â, we discuss:
⢠The neurochemical mechanisms of ketamine, and its interplay with depression
⢠What we know about the opportunities and pitfalls of using ketamine in mental health treatment
⢠The potential for ketamine use in reducing the impacts of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimerâs and Parkinsonâs
⢠How technology and improvements in passive and active data collection are helping us better understand how ketamine affects cognition and neuroplasticity
⢠The history of ketamineâs use as an antidepressant
⢠How ketamine is actually administered, through various dosages and courses of treatment
Weâre welcoming two of the leading figures in this space to the podcast: Dr. Gerard Sanacora, who is a Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University and the Director of the Yale Depression Research Program, and Dr. John Krystal, also from Yale: a Professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Psychology.
This is... Your Brain On Ketamine.
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
âYour Brain On... Ketamineâ ⢠SEASON 4 ⢠EPISODE 2
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LINKS
DR. GERARD SANACORA
Dr. Sanacora at Yale: https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/gerard-sanacora/
The Yale Depression Research Program: https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/depression/
DR. JOHN KRYSTAL
Dr. Krystal at Yale: https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/john-krystal/
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FOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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From the first spark of attraction, all the way to climax, sex sets off chemical fireworks in your brain.
And yet, this beautiful, powerful act has become mired in shame and stigma. But through open conversation and deeper scientific understanding, we can cast off those shackles, and even embrace sex as a marker for cognitive and overall health.
In this episode of âYour Brain On...â â our Season 4 debut! â we discuss:
⢠The neurological processes involved with sex, arousal, attraction, and desire
⢠Why studying the cognitive effects of sexual stimuli can be so complicated
⢠How our relationship with sex is altered as we age, and is affected by periods of change like menopause
⢠The neuroscientific differences between masturbation and sex with a partner
⢠The complex debate about pornography consumption, and the need for better sex education
⢠The links between brain health, heart health, mental health, and sexual health
⢠The benefits of good nutrition, exercise, and stress management for sexual health
⢠Motivations and methods for freeing conversations about sex from stigmas and taboos â especially for womenJoining us for this immensely important conversation are two fantastic guests: sexual behaviour expert and data scientist Dr. Nicole Prause, and sexual medicine expert and urogynecologist Rena Malik.
This is... Your Brain On Sex.
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
âYour Brain On... Sexâ ⢠SEASON 4 ⢠EPISODE 1 (SEASON 4 DEBUT)
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LINKS
Dr. Nicole Prause at UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/departments/medicine/gastro/research/labs-and-programs/patel-laboratory
Dr. Nicole Prause on Twitter: https://x.com/nicolerprause
Dr. Nicole Prause on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nicolerprause.bsky.social
Dr. Rena Malikâs website: https://renamalikmd.com/
Dr. Rena Malik on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD
Dr. Rena Malik on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renamalikmd/
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FOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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Protein â how much do we need? Whatâs the healthiest way to consume it? Can we get enough from plant-based diets?
Until recent decades, protein hasnât been quite as prominent in public health discussions as sugar and fats. However, with longer lifespans emphasizing the importance of protein for long-term health, and growing confusion around the quality and quantity of protein needed, it has become a highly debated macronutrient.
In âYour Brain On⌠Proteinâ, we explore:
⢠The brain health benefits (and general health benefits) of protein
⢠Plant-based protein vs. meat protein, and supplements like protein powders
⢠How much protein we really need to eat every day
⢠Ways we can all introduce more protein into our diets
⢠Why âhealthâ influencers are suddenly recommending unusually high levels of protein consumption
⢠How we measure the quality of proteins, including digestibility and absorption
In this episode, weâre joined by two fantastic nutrition experts:
DR. MATTHEW NAGRA, nutritionist and science communicator.
DR. ALAN FLANAGAN, esteemed nutrition scientist (previously featured in âYour Brain On⌠Sugarâ and âYour Brain On⌠Fatsâ
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/
âYour Brain On... Proteinâ ⢠SEASON 3 ⢠EPISODE 10 (SEASON 3 FINALE!)
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LINKS:
Dr. Matt Nagra
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.matthewnagra
Website: https://drmatthewnagra.com/
Dr. Alan Flanagan
Alan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritionaladvocate
Alinea Nutrition: https://www.alineanutrition.com/
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REFERENCES:
Dietary Patterns and Risk of Dementia: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-015-9516-4
Dietary fat composition and dementia risk. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.03.038
Dietary Protein and Amino Acids in Vegetarian DietsâA Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6893534/
Animal vs Plant-Based Meat: A Hearty Debate. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38934982/
High-Protein Plant-Based Diet Versus a Protein-Matched Omnivorous Diet to Support Resistance Training Adaptations: A Comparison Between Habitual Vegans and Omnivores. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33599941/
Vegan and Omnivorous High Protein Diets Support Comparable Daily Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis Rates and Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy in Young Adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36822394/
Digestibility issues of vegetable versus animal proteins: protein and amino acid requirements--functional aspects. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23964409/
Soy and Isoflavone Consumption and Multiple Health Outcomes: Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies and Randomized Trials in Humans. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201900751
No Difference Between the Effects of Supplementing With Soy Protein Versus Animal Protein on Gains in Muscle Mass and Strength in Response to Resistance Exercise. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29722584/
Neither soy nor isoflavone intake affects male reproductive hormones: An expanded and updated meta-analysis of clinical studies. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33383165/
The health effects of soy: A reference guide for health professionals. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9410752/
The Effect of Plant-Based Protein Ingestion on Athletic Ability in Healthy PeopleâA Bayesian Meta-Analysis with Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/16/2748
Effects of high-quality protein supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2024.06.013
Vegan and Omnivorous High Protein Diets Support Comparable Daily Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis Rates and Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy in Young Adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36822394/
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The digital age has made it easier than ever to access health information, but how can we know which sources to trust?
Social media is saturated with misinformation. Some of it is inadvertent â many bold pseudoscientific claims seem very convincing, and anyone could be forgiven for sharing it with the best intentions.
But, a more deliberate manipulation of scientific information has become commonplace, often used to push certain narratives or turn a profit.
Combating this misinformation machine can feel impossible. So, we assembled five experts from different corners of the science communication community to help equip you for the fight:
Dr. David L. Katz, MD, MPH, a renowned figure in the field of preventive medicine, public health, and nutrition. (Website: https://davidkatzmd.com/)
Steven Novella MD, clinical neurologist and associate professor at Yale University School of Medicine, a host of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast, and a founder of the New England Skeptical Society. (Website: https://theness.com/neurologicablog/)
Dr. Jessica Steier PhD, public health scientist and host of the wildly popular Unbiased Science podcast. (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipod)
Dr. Jonathan Stea PhD, clinical psychologist and author of the book âMind the Scienceâ. (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_jonathan_stea/ / Website: https://www.jonathanstea.com/)
Dr. Idrees Mughal, AKA âDr. Idzâ, one of the most popular online misinformation-debunking social media icons. (TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_idz / Website: https://www.schoolofdridz.com/)
Together, we discuss:
⢠The telltale signs of pseudoscientific messaging.
⢠Where misinformation comes from, and why it often spreads faster than evidence-based facts.
⢠Why we can be so susceptible to believing misinformation.
⢠Who profits by poisoning the science communication space.
⢠How we can improve our scientific literacy and avoid echo chambers.
⢠Ways academics can improve their public health communication.
⢠âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
âYour Brain On... Misinformationâ ⢠SEASON 3 ⢠EPISODE 9
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20 incredible conversations with leading scientists, in one hour.
Weâre excited to present this special installment of Your Brain On, featuring highlights from some of the speakers talking at our first ever Brain Health Revolution Summit.
Our first summit, running September 30 through October 6 2024, features seven days of hour-long discussions with the scientists who are actually conducting the studies, publishing the papers, and pushing public health policy reforms that are shaping our world.
No matter when youâre listening to this episode, visit https://bhrsummit.com/ for more information about the summit â be it our first 2024 edition, or a future installment!
Day 1: The Brain Health Landscape: From Insights to Action
Day 2: Mental Health Matters and Heart Health for a Stronger Brain
Day 3: Womenâs Brain Health: Hormones, Longevity, and Vitality
Day 4: Emerging Challenges in Brain Health
Day 5: Fuel for Thought: Nutrition, the Gut, and the Brain
Day 6: Move, Breathe, Thrive: Exercise and Stress Management
Day 7: Recharge and Optimize: Sleep and Cognitive Performance
This special episode includes excerpts of our conversations with:
Rachel Dolhun, MD
Michael Okun, MD
Charles DeCarli, MD
Ari Tuckman, PsyD
Amishi Jha, PhD
Danielle Belardo, MD
Margarett McCarthy, PhD
Lisa Mosconi, PhD
Lisa Genova
Idrees âDr. Idzâ Mughal, MBBS, MRes, DipIBLM
Daniele Piomelli, PhD
Frank Lin, MD, PhD
Alan Flanagan, PhD
Matthew Nagra, ND
Stuart Phillips, PhD
Natali Edmonds, PhD
Satchin Panda, PhD
Donn Posner, MD
Sujay Kansagra, MD
Yaakov Stern, PhD
For more information about the Brain Health Revolution Summit, visit: https://bhrsummit.com/
The Brain Health Revolution Summit 2024 is presented in partnership with Healthy Minds Initiative: thymindsinitiative.org
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
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What are our animal companions thinking? And how does our friendship with them change their brains, and our brains?
We all wish we could communicate with our pets. Though we may never share a language, modern neuroscience has enabled us to ethically understand the cognitive anatomy and emotional signals of other animals like never before.
In this episode of âYour Brain On...â, we discuss what weâve learned so far, including:
⢠The neurological phenomena that leads to domestication and, in turn, animal companionship
⢠How oxytocin studies have signified that, yes, our dogs do love us back
⢠The research that has shown how some companions might value social rewards from humans just as much as they value the food we provide for them
⢠The differences (and similarities) between canine brains and human brains
⢠How dogs do understand us to a degree, but not quite in the linguistic sense we might like to believe
⢠The incredible things dogs can do for dementia patients
⢠The importance of ethics in animal research
⢠Why understanding the emotional capacity of other animals is vital
Our guests for this episode are two of the foremost voices in animal cognition:
BRIAN HARE: Professor in Evolutionary Anthropology, Psychology, and Neuroscience at Duke University, and a core member of their Center of Cognitive Neuroscience. Plus: co-author of âThe Genius of Dogsâ and âSurvival of the Friendliestâ.
GREGORY BERNS: Professor of Psychology and Distinguished Professor of Neuroeconomics, researcher of dogs (and more recently, cows), and author of âHow Dogs Love Usâ and âCowpuppy: An Unexpected Friendship and a Scientistâs Journey into the Secret World of Cowsâ.
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/
âYour Brain On... Having A Petâ ⢠SEASON 3 ⢠EPISODE 8
âââLINKS
Brian Hare:
Brian Hareâs website: https://brianhare.net/
The Hare Lab at Duke University: https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/hare-lab
Brianâs book, âSurvival of the Friendliestâ: https://a.co/d/2mNhSE1
Gregory Berns:
Gregory Bernsâ website: http://gregoryberns.com/
Gregoryâs book, âCowpuppyâ: https://a.co/d/0gpJYQx
âââFOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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What does the most-purchased beverage in the world â coffee â do to your brain?
Five centuries after its discovery, coffee is deeply entrenched in our diets on a global scale. More than half the U.S. population drinks coffee daily. We wake up with coffee, and catch up with friends over coffee. Historically, coffee has been heralded as an inspiring muse.
But many headlines have warned us about the adverse effects of coffee. Is there truth in the supposed risks, or can we keep sipping away without a worry?
In this episode of âYour Brain On...â, we discuss:
⢠What caffeine does to your brain, and why it makes you feel awake
⢠How much coffee is too much, and how caffeine affects us all differently (depending on our metabolism)
⢠The antioxidant benefits of coffee
⢠How coffee can improve concentration, and even potentially protect against neurodegenerative diseases
⢠How different kinds of coffee affect our brains differently (black vs. cream and sugar, brewed vs. filter, caffeinated vs. decaf)
⢠The risks of caffeine addiction
⢠A brief history of how coffee became so ubiquitous in our lives
Bringing the buzz to this episode are two coffee geniuses:
DR. ASTRID NEHLIG, a neuroscientist out of the French Institute of Health and Medical Research who has studied the health impacts of coffee with impressive extensiveness.
PROFESSOR JONATHAN MORRIS, AKA âThe Coffee Historianâ, author of âCoffee: A Global Historyâ and co-creator of the History of Coffee Podcast.
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/
âYour Brain On... Coffeeâ ⢠SEASON 3 ⢠EPISODE 7
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LINKS
Dr. Astrid Nehligâs research: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Astrid-Nehlig
Professor Jonathan Morrisâ website: https://thecoffeehistorian.com/
Professor Morris at the University of Hertfordshire: https://researchprofiles.herts.ac.uk/en/persons/jonathan-morris
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FOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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What grief does to our brains, and how we can grow from one of lifeâs most challenging experiences.
The impact grief has on your mind can be so severe, some experts refer to it as an âemotional traumatic brain injuryâ. And, like many life-altering physical changes, the cognitive effects of grief arenât so much something to âget overâ â rather, theyâre something we can learn to live with and thrive alongside.
In âYour Brain On... Griefâ, we discuss:
⢠How the emotional trauma of losing those you love can physically change your brain
⢠The association between grief and chronic stress
⢠Journalling, creativity, and lifestyle factors as methods for healing from grief
⢠The importance of community in managing loss
⢠The risks of oversimplified models of dealing with grief, e.g. the âfive stages of griefâ
⢠What we can learn from different cultures about handling grief
Joining us for this emotional journey are two insightful guests:
DR. LISA SHULMAN: grief neurologist and author of âBefore and After Lossâ
AMBER JEFFREY: grief mentor and host of podcast The Grief Gang.
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/
âYour Brain On... Griefâ ⢠SEASON 3 ⢠EPISODE 6
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LINKS
Dr. Lisa Schulman
âBefore and After Lossâ on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Before-After-Loss-Neurologists-Perspective/dp/1421426951
Amber Jeffrey
The âGrief Gangâ podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-grief-gang/id1489821860
Grief mentoring: https://www.thegriefgang.com/grief-mentoring
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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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As populations have aged, our need for caregivers has risen fast. The stresses of caregiving present brain health concerns that we must address urgently.
Caregivers are heroes. But theyâre often so focused on looking after someone else, they neglect themselves. And self-care is so vital for caregivers, because the role is one of the most physically-, emotionally-, and psychologically-demanding responsibilities anyone can take on. Here, we discuss what that self-care can look like.
In this episode of âYour Brain On...â, we discuss:
⢠How the chronic stress of caring for a loved one with a neurodegenerative disease like dementia can affect your brain
⢠The ways we can mitigate these stresses, at the individual, family, and community levels
⢠How self-care can help caregivers be more effective and attentive in their roles
⢠Lifestyle interventions and meditative practices that can help alleviate the risks associated with caregiver burden
⢠The need for better caregiver support at the socioeconomic and policy level
⢠How emerging technologies are starting to help make caregiversâ workloads more manageable
Joining us for this poignant conversation are two wonderful guests:
DR. NATALI EDMONDS, a board-certified geropsychologist and founder of Dementia Careblazers, a platform providing support and guidance for dementia caregivers.
DR. HELEN LAVRETSKY, a Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and a leading researcher in geriatric psychiatry, who has researched the neurological benefits of lifestyle changes and de-stressing meditation for the cognitive and mental wellbeing of caregivers.
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/
âYour Brain On... Caregivingâ ⢠SEASON 3 ⢠EPISODE 5
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LINKS
Dr. Natali Edmonds:
Dementia Careblazers: https://careblazers.com/
The Dementia Careblazers podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/dementia-careblazers/id1634661439
Dementia Caregivers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DementiaCareblazers
Dr. Helen Lavretsky:
At UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/helen-lavretsky
Study on yogic meditation for dementia caregivers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423469/
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FOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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Meditation: an ancient practice with brain health benefits proven by modern science.
Whether youâre focusing on your breathing to quieten peripheral distractions or using mindfulness to rebalance your emotional reactivity to everyday stresses, practicing meditation can spark long-term neuroplastic changes that will help you feel more attentive and calm in everything you do.
In âYour Brain On... Meditationâ, we explore:
⢠How meditation alters your brain chemistry and âretrainsâ your broader nervous system
⢠The neuroscience of attention and focus, including your default mode and salience networks
⢠Using mindfulness to break phone addiction, reduce stress, improve relationships, and practice self-care
⢠The studies which highlight the long-term cognitive benefits of meditation
⢠How we can all make time for meditation, no matter how busy our schedules
⢠The limitations and risks of meditation apps
Joining us for this important conversation are three fantastic guests:
DR. AMISHI JHA, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami, a pioneer in the study of mindfulness and attention, and the author of the acclaimed book âPeak Mindâ
DR. CLIFFORD SARON, a neuroscientist and Associate Research Scientist at the Center for Mind and Brain at the University of California, Davis, renowned for his work on the neurobiological effects of meditation
DR. HELEN LAVRETSKY, a Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and a leading researcher in geriatric psychiatry, who has extensively studied the effects of meditation and yoga on mental health and aging
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/
âYour Brain On... Meditationâ ⢠SEASON 3 ⢠EPISODE 4
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LINKS
Dr. Amishi Jha:
Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0062992155/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amishipjha/
On Twitter: https://x.com/amishijha
Dr. Clifford Saron:
Center for Mind and Brain: https://mindbrain.ucdavis.edu/people/clifford-saron
Dr. Helen Lavretsky:
At UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/helen-lavretsky
Study on yogic meditation for dementia caregivers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423469/
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Leg strength isnât just about physical health. There are enormous benefits for brain health, too.
From the more obvious benefits for balance and mobility to the deeper neurochemical machinery that powers the production and transportation of brain-boosting proteins, leg strength has a far greater influence on brain health than we might expect.
In this episode of âYour Brain On...â, we discuss:
⢠The prevalence of injuries caused by falls in elderly populations (and how leg strength can help counter this problem)
⢠How brain-boosting chemicals like BDNF are produced by resistance exercise
⢠What actually happens to our muscles when we grow them with regular exercise
⢠How we can all work on our leg strength, regardless of age and ability
⢠The importance of rest, recovery, and nutrition in an effective exercise regime
Joining us for this discussion are the immensely knowledgeable Dr. Stuart Phillips, a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, and Dr. Kirk Erickson, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh (and an expert in the area of exercise and cognitive health).
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
âYour Brain On... LEG STRENGTHâ ⢠SEASON 3 ⢠EPISODE 3
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LINKS
Dr. Stuart Phillips at McMaster University: https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/
Dr. Stuart Phillips on Twitter: https://x.com/mackinprof
Dr. Kirk Erickson at the University of Pittsburgh: https://www.psychology.pitt.edu/people/kirk-erickson-phd
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REFERENCES (Studies Dr. Erickson referred to in the show):
Colcombe, S. J., Erickson, K. I., Raz, N., et al. (2003). Aerobic fitness reduces brain tissue loss in aging humans. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 58(2), M176-M180. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12586857/
Colcombe, S. J., Erickson, K. I., Scalf, et al. (2006). Aerobic exercise training increases brain volume in aging humans. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 61(11), 1166-1170. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17167157/
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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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The neuroscience behind the benefits and risks of marijuana, explained.
Splintered legislature, evolving taboos, and new forms of consumption have created a fragmented market for cannabis, and made it challenging for scientists to research its effects on our brains and bodies.
In this episode, we unpack what we know about the cognitive impacts of marijuana use â the good and the bad â and explore new studies which are filling in the gaps.
We discuss:
⢠The difference between the THC and CBD cannabinoids, and their unique effects on our brains
⢠How your endocannabinoid system works, and how itâs altered under the influence of marijuana
⢠Why one woman with a genetic mutation that affected her endocannabinoid system couldnât feel pain
⢠The benefits of marijuana: nausea relief, pain management, and possible uses for reducing seizure frequency and helping with mental health
⢠The risks of marijuana: memory disorders, addiction, developmental issues, and the dangers of high-potency products that are increasingly difficult to regulate
⢠Why we first consumed cannabis, about 12,000 years agoOur incredible guests this week are:
⢠Dr. Daniele Piomelli, Director of the Institute for the Study of Cannabis at the University of California Irvine
⢠Dr. Susan Weiss, Director of the Division of Extramural Research at the National Institute on Drug AbuseâYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/
âYour Brain On... Marijuanaâ ⢠SEASON 3 ⢠EPISODE 2
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LINKS
Dr. Daniele Piomelli
At University of California Irvine: https://cnlm.uci.edu/piomelli/
UCI Center for the Study of Cannabis: https://cannabis.uci.edu/Dr. Susan Weiss
National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://nida.nih.gov/
The ABCD Study: https://abcdstudy.org/â
FOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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From 18th century London to the promise of a global cure: the 200-year history of Parkinsonâs disease.
Parkinsonâs, a neurodegenerative disorder most commonly characterized by tremors and other motor symptoms, is so complex, many medical professionals are starting to classify it as a group of diseases, rather than a single disease.
In this episode, we explain those complexities, including:
⢠The motor symptoms (e.g. cogwheel rigidity, bradykinesia) and non-motor symptoms (e.g. depression, sleep disorders)
⢠How the industrial revolution may have brought about environmental factors which contribute to Parkinsonâs
⢠The differences and similarities between Parkinsonâs and other neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimerâs
⢠How Parkinsonâs manifests in our brains
⢠Why one nurse was able to detect Parkinsonâs through smell
⢠The neurogenetics of Parkinsonâs, and the ethical quandaries of evolving genetic technology
⢠Why lifestyle â nutrition, exercise, etc. â is so key to preventing and managing Parkinsonâs
Joining us for this extensive conversation are three incredible guests:
⢠Dr. Rachel Dolhun, Senior Vice President of Medical Communications at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsonâs Research
⢠Dr. Michael Okun, evolutionary biologist, movement disorders specialist, and Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases
⢠Dr. Matthew Farrer, neurogenetics expert and Professor Of Neurology at the University of Florida
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/
âYour Brain On... Parkinsonâsâ ⢠SEASON 3 ⢠EPISODE 1 (SEASON 3 DEBUT)
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LINKS
Dr. Rachel Dolhun:
At the Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/bio/rachel-dolhun-md-dipablm
âAsk the MDâ series: https://www.michaeljfox.org/ask-md
The Michael J. Fox Foundation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeljfoxfoundation/videos
Dr. Michael Okun:
At the University of Florida: https://neurology.ufl.edu/profile/okun-michael/
The book âEnding Parkinsonâs Diseaseâ: https://endingpd.org/
The Norman Fixel Institute: https://fixel.ufhealth.org/
Dr. Matthew Farrer:
At the University of Florida: https://neurology.ufl.edu/profile/farrer-matthew/
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References:
Bloem, B. R., Okun, M. S., & Klein, C. (2021). Parkinson's disease. The Lancet, 397(10291), 2284-2303.
Morris, H. R., Spillantini, M. G., Sue, C. M., & Williams-Gray, C. H. (2024). The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. The Lancet, 403(10423), 293-304.
Dorsey, E., Sherer, T., Okun, M. S., & Bloem, B. R. (2018). The emerging evidence of the Parkinson pandemic. Journal of Parkinson's disease, 8(s1), S3-S8.
Dorsey, E. R., Okun, M. S., & Tanner, C. M. (2021). Bad Air and Parkinson DiseaseâThe Fog May Be Lifting. JAMA neurology, 78(7), 793-795.
Tsalenchuk, M., Gentleman, S. M., & Marzi, S. J. (2023). Linking environmental risk factors with epigenetic mechanisms in Parkinsonâs disease. npj Parkinson's Disease, 9(1), 123.
Reynoso, A., Torricelli, R., Jacobs, B. M., Shi, J., Aslibekyan, S., NorcliffeâKaufmann, L., ... & Heilbron, K. (2024). GeneâEnvironment Interactions for Parkinson's Disease. Annals of Neurology, 95(4), 677-687.
Golsorkhi, M., Sherzai, A., & Dashtipour, K. The Influence of Lifestyle on Parkinson's Disease Management. In Lifestyle Medicine, Fourth Edition (pp. 919-924). CRC Press.
Sherzai, A. Z., Tagliati, M., Park, K., Pezeshkian, S., & Sherzai, D. (2016). Micronutrients and risk of Parkinsonâs disease: a systematic review. Gerontology and geriatric medicine, 2, 2333721416644286.
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FOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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Ozempic. Developed as diabetes medication. Adopted as a weight loss drug. Eyed for its potential neuroprotective effects.
Hollywoodâs popularization of Ozempic as a way to lose weight has made it one of the most widely-discussed drugs of our time, and has put immense stress on supply chains, sometimes preventing its intended users â type-2 diabetics â from accessing the medication.
In this episode, we wade through the history, benefits, side-effects, neuroscience, and future of Ozempic, with the help of our guest: obesity and lipid physician Dr. Spencer Nadolsky.
We discuss:
⢠The origins of Ozempic and its predecessors
⢠How GLP-1 receptor drugs like Ozempic regulate appetite
⢠What the latest research and trials say about Ozempicâs effects (good and bad)
⢠Why we should quell the stigma borne from Ozempicâs brushes with celebrity culture
⢠Where studies on Ozempic and similar medications are going next
⢠How to ask your healthcare provider about Ozempic
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/
âYour Brain On... Ozempicâ ⢠SEASON 2 ⢠EPISODE 10 (SEASON 2 FINALE)
Your Brain On⌠will be back with Season 3, in August 2024!
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LINKS
Dr. Spencer Nadolsky:
His website: https://drspencer.com/
His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnadolsky/
His podcast, âDocs Who Liftâ: https://drspencer.com/podcast/
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FOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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Retirement, often considered a period of late-life decline, can actually be a time of cognitive growth and prosperity.
When we retire, all the neurologically stimulating aspects of our working life â the mental and physical challenges, socializing and strategizing with colleagues, etc. â can disappear overnight.
An abrupt lifestyle change of this magnitude can be taxing for our brains, but with the right preparation, our twilight years can truly be the best of our lives.
In this episode of âYour Brain OnâŚâ, we discuss:
⢠The neurological impacts of retirement
⢠What we can learn from how different cultures approach retirement
⢠How building our cognitive reserve can protect our brains as we age
⢠The future of research into the neuroscience of retirement
⢠Why minority populations often disproportionately struggle with retirement
Weâre joined by FOUR experts in the field of cognitive aging:
DR. YAAKOV STERN: professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University, and a pioneer of the concept of cognitive reserve
DR. AMANDA SONNEGA: Research Scientist at the University of Michigan
DR. SHERVIN ASSARI: Director of Research, Public Health at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
DR. ALAN GOW: head of The Ageing Lab at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland
âYour Brain Onâ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/
âYour Brain On... Retirement ⢠SEASON 2 ⢠EPISODE 9
LINKS
Dr. Yaakov Stern
at Columbia University: https://www.neurology.columbia.edu/profile/yaakov-stern-phd
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaakov_Stern
Dr. Amanda Sonnega
at University of Michigan: https://micda.isr.umich.edu/people/amanda-sonnega/
Dr. Shervin Assari
at Charles R. Drew University: https://www.cdrewu.edu/directory/assari-md-mph-shervin/
on Twitter (AKA âXâ): https://twitter.com/assarish
Dr. Alan Gow
at Heriot-Watt University: https://researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/persons/alan-j-gow
on Twitter (AKA âXâ): https://twitter.com/AlanJohnGow
FOLLOW US
Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com
Instagram: @thebraindocs
Website: TheBrainDocs.com
More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast
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