Podcast appearances and mentions of dean sherzai

Creatine for Alzheimer's — let's separate the hype from the hope. A new study has caused a stir in June 2025, but lead researcher Matthew K. Taylor told us: “ I don't think I can recommend it to a patient that this is going to ultimately have some sort of cognitive influence.” We speak to Dr. Taylor and Dr. Russell Swerdlow in this episode, discussing: • Role of creatine in your brain, and why it matters for energy metabolism • What the 2025 study found (and why it wasn't designed to prove effectiveness) • How scientific nuance gets lost in supplement hype • Why even promising early data must be handled with care • The vital difference between hype and hope Dr. Russell Swerdlow, MD is Director of the University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Dr. Matthew Taylor, PhD, RD is Associate Professor of Dietetics & Nutrition at the University of Kansas Medical Center. This is... Your Brain On Creatine. SUPPORTED BY: NEURO World. Help your brain thrive, now and into the future: https://neuro.world/  ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists, and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.  ‘Your Brain On... Creatine' • SEASON 5 • EPISODE 8 LINKS  Dr. Taylor at the University of Kansas: https://www.kumc.edu/mtaylor3.html Dr. Swerdlow at the University of Kansas: https://www.kumc.edu/rswerdlow.html REFERENCES 1. Smith AN, Choi IY, Lee P, Sullivan DK, Burns JM, Swerdlow RH, Kelly E, Taylor MK. Creatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer's: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions. 2025 Apr;11(2):e70101. 2. Taylor MK, Burns JM, Choi IY, et al. Protocol for a single-arm, pilot trial of creatine monohydrate supplementation in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Pilot Feasibility Study. 2024;10(1):42.  3. Habeck C, Risacher S, Lee GJ, et al. Relationship between baseline brain metabolism measured using [18 F]FDG PET and memory and executive function in prodromal and early Alzheimer's disease. Brain Imaging Behav. 2012;6(4):568-83.  4. Kreider RB, Kalman DS, Antonio J, et al. International Society of Sports. Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:18.

Stress isn't just a threat to your brain. It's also one of its best tools for growth. We often hear that stress is bad for your brain. And it can be. Chronic, unpredictable, and uncontrollable stress can damage cognition, harm memory, and accelerate aging. But we don't talk enough about how the right kind of stress can actually improve brain function, grow your hippocampus, and help you feel happier and more purposeful. In this episode of Your Brain On..., we explore the science of stress with two brilliant guests: Dr. Sharon Bergquist, Yale- and Harvard-trained internal medicine physician and author of ‘The Stress Paradox' Dr. Mithu Storoni, neuroscientist and author of ‘Stress-Proof' and ‘Hyper Efficient' Together, we explore: • The biological difference between good and bad stress • Why ‘eustress' (good stress) can actually build your brain • Balancing stress: not too little, not too much • How to use stress as a tool to enhance resilience and protect against aging • What brain imaging reveals about stress hormones, attention, and burnout • Practical ways to reframe, recover from, and even seek out positive stress This is... Your Brain On Stress. SUPPORTED BY: NEURO World. Help your brain thrive, now and into the future: https://neuro.world/  ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists, and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Stress' • SEASON 5 • EPISODE 7 LINKS Dr. Sharon Bergquist's website: https://drsharonbergquist.com/  ‘The Stress Paradox': https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-stress-paradox-sharon-horesh-bergquist Dr. Mithu Storoni's website: https://www.mithustoroni.com/ Stress-Proof: https://www.mithustoroni.com/stress-proof CONNECT WITH US Join NEURO World: https://neuro.world/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebraindocs YouTube: https://youtube.com/thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com

We're not taught how to train for our cycle.We're not taught how to eat for our hormones.We're not taught how our brains change - through menopause, pregnancy, or even monthly shifts.But we should be.This week's episode is a powerful roundtable of experts who are rewriting the script on women's health - not with trends, but with evidence, nuance, and real-life wisdom. Because the truth is, we don't need more restriction or more hustle. We need education. Compassion. And space to evolve.In this masterclass conversation, I'm joined by some of the world's leading minds on women's performance, pelvic health, nutrition, and cognition - including:Dr. Stacy Sims – exercise physiologist, menopause educator, and voice behind “Women Are Not Small Men”Kate Tolo – strength and conditioning coach bridging mindset and movementDr. Rena Malik – urologist and pelvic health expert breaking taboos with clarityDrs. Ayesha & Dean Sherzai – neurologists on a mission to end Alzheimer's and promote brain resilienceWe explore:The biggest misconceptions about protein and training for womenWhy Zone 2 cardio and strength work are non-negotiablesThe overlooked power of the pelvic floor (and how to protect it)What women actually need in midlife - from mindset to muscle massAnd how sex, stress, and social roles shape our health more than we thinkThis isn't just a masterclass - it's a myth-busting, life-affirming download that every woman deserves to hear. Whether you're in your 20s or your 60s, these insights will change the way you think about your body.Love,Sarah Ann

What if the biggest threat to plant-based health isn't meat — but misinformation?   Dr. Dean Sherzai is calling for a revolution in how we advocate for vegan nutrition. Instead of relying on viral anecdotes or purity-based ideology, Sherzai makes a compelling case for data literacy, scientific integrity, and humility. He explains why dogma—even in the plant-based world—is hurting the movement and pushing people away.   Learn what it takes to rebuild trust and grow a movement that lasts. Whether you're plant-curious, evidence-minded, or just tired of online nutrition wars, this episode of The Exam Room podcast is a refreshing take on what it takes to push whole foods plant based nutrition forward.   — — SHOW LINKS — — Dean Sherzai https://www.instagram.com/thebraindocs — — — 'Your Brain On' Podcast Apple: https://apple.co/43lAWcE Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GVP4l6 — — — Neuro Academy https://neuro.world — — EVENTS — — NHA Conference Where: Cleveland, OH When: June 26-29, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://bit.ly/NHAtix2025 — — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — SEND US YOUR STORY — — Email: chuck@theweightlosschampion.com — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuckCarrollWLC X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 — — — Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don't forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!

Stroke is one of the biggest causes of death in the world — but also one of the most preventable. Up to 80–90% of strokes could be avoided with more awareness, resources, and a firmer focus on prevention over intervention. In this episode, we're joined by renowned stroke neurologist and public health pioneer Dr. Olajide Williams, MD, MS, whose ‘Hip-Hop Stroke' movement is a shining example of enacting culturally-sensitive community-wide healthcare change. In this episode, we discuss: • What actually causes a stroke (and how to spot one in seconds using the ‘act FAST' acronym) • Why blood pressure is the #1 modifiable risk factor (and how stress and sleep impact it) • How social determinants like ZIP code and health literacy shape stroke risk • How Dr. Williams' Hip Hop Stroke campaign helped kids teach their parents how to save lives • What every family should know about TIAs (‘mini-strokes') and silent strokes Whether stroke runs in your family, or you simply want to protect your brain, this episode could change (and save) lives. This is... Your Brain On Stroke. SUPPORTED BY: NEURO World. Help your brain thrive, now and into the future: https://neuro.world/  ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists, and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On… Stroke' • SEASON 5 • EPISODE 6 LINKS Dr. Olajide Williams at Columbia: https://doctors.columbia.edu/us/ny/new-york/olajide-a-williams-md-ms-710-west-168th-street The Hip-Hop Public Health project: https://www.hhph.org/

How can we eat better when we're constantly marketed to in a way that hijacks our attention and habits? To complement the incredible discussions we regularly have about brain-healthy nutrition, in this episode, we've having a very important conversation about how the food industry works against our best intentions, and how we can break through the psychological barriers they use to hold us back. We're joined by Marion Nestle, Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University, whose name is practically synonymous with food policy: a pioneering nutritionist, public health advocate, and author of some of the most important books in this space, including Food Politics, What to Eat, and Unsavory Truth. In this episode, we discuss: • The neuroscience of why food choices aren't “just willpower” • Why access, not just knowledge, is the biggest barrier to good nutrition • The importance of schools, policy, and local food programs in shaping food culture • The role of stress, fatigue, and decision overload in weakening dietary choices • Why social media is a double-edged sword for nutrition information  • How we can make a difference at the community level This is... Your Brain On The Food Industry. SUPPORTED BY: NEURO World. Help your brain thrive, now and into the future: https://neuro.world/  ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists, and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. Find out more about Marion Nestle's work: https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/people/marion-nestle ‘Your Brain On... The Food Industry' • SEASON 5 • EPISODE 5 ——— FOLLOW US Join NEURO World: https://neuro.world/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebraindocs YouTube: https://youtube.com/thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com

 A tiny bite from a tiny tick can trigger a complex disease which speaks to some huge problems with our healthcare system. In this episode, we explain the biology, controversy, and cultural blind spots around Lyme disease, a condition that reflects much more than just a bacterial infection. It's also a mirror for our most urgent public health issues: inequality, misinformation, climate change, and the growing mistrust of science. We speak with two world-class experts: • Dr. John Aucott: Director of the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Clinical Research Center and leading voice on post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) • Dr. Richard Marconi: Professor of microbiology and immunology at Virginia Commonwealth University, and a pioneering scientist behind next-generation Lyme vaccines Together, we explore: • Why Lyme disease symptoms can linger long after treatment • What makes Lyme so neurologically disruptive (and so hard to diagnose) • How climate change, suburban development, and racial disparities intersect with the rise of tick-borne illness • The dangers of alternative medicine grifters preying on desperate patients • The truth about the original Lyme vaccine, and what's coming next... We also share practical prevention tips and discuss how Lyme disease is shaping the future of infectious disease research, diagnostics, and brain health. This is... Your Brain On Lyme Disease. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists, and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. SUPPORTED BY: NEURO World. Help your brain thrive, now and into the future: https://neuro.world/  ‘Your Brain On... Lyme Disease' • SEASON 5 • EPISODE 4 ——— FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebraindocs YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebraindocs Website: https://thebraindocs.com/

Restoring a person's ability to speak, enabling individuals with paralysis to regain movement, and detecting neurodegenerative diseases earlier than ever — these are just some of the breakthroughs brain-computer interfaces are making possible. In this episode, we explore the astonishing world of BCIs: technologies that are giving autonomy and independence back to people with diseases like ALS. We discuss: • How BCIs are helping people with neurodegenerative diseases and spinal cord injuries communicate using decoded brain signals • How brain-computer interfaces actually work (and why they're NOT just reading your mind) • Why motor cortex implants may help decode speech, even when inserted in unexpected regions • The ethical challenges of privacy, data ownership, and access in the era of brain-connected devices • The future of the field, from restoring language after stroke to enabling communication in children with cerebral palsy We speak with three world-leading researchers and clinicians who are helping shape this rapidly-advancing area of neuroscience: • Dr. Leigh Hochberg, director of the Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery at Massachusetts General Hospital, and principal clinical investigator of the pilot clinical trials of the BrainGate Neural Interface System. • Dr. David Brandman, neurosurgeon and co-director of the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab. • Dr. Sergey Stavisky, neural engineer and co-director of the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab. For more information about the Braingate project, and to volunteer as a participant, visit: https://braingate.org/ This is... Your Brain On Brain-Computer Interfaces. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Brain-Computer Interfaces' • SEASON 5 • EPISODE 3 ——— FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebraindocs YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebraindocs Website: https://thebraindocs.com/

Gluten has become one of the most misunderstood aspects of modern nutrition. Let's set the record straight. In this episode, we untangle the medical, neurological, and cultural narratives surrounding gluten, from celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity to real (and rare) cases of gluten-induced brain dysfunction. We discuss: • The differences between celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy • How gluten affects the gut, and what ‘leaky gut' really means • Whether gluten can trigger neurological symptoms like ataxia and brain fog • Why cutting out gluten without a diagnosis may do more harm than good • How wheat contributes to a healthy microbiome (and why fiber matters) • What role zonulin plays in gut permeability and immune activation • Why brain fog isn't yet well understood (and the theories behind it) To help us decode the science (and bust the myths) of gluten, nutrition, and the brain, we're joined by two world-renowned experts: DR. ALESSIO FASANO: pediatric gastroenterologist, research scientist, and chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Mass General for Children (MGfC), and director of the Center for Celiac Research. DR. FRANK CUSIMANO: gastroenterologist, physician-scientist, and gut-brain health communicator with a PhD in Nutritional and Metabolic Biology from Columbia University Institute of Human Nutrition. This is... Your Brain On Gluten. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Gluten' • SEASON 5 • EPISODE 2 ——— Your Brain On... is supported by the FREE monthly Brain Box, available in our NEURO World community: http://thebraindocs.com/brainbox

Two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease are women — but why? In this episode, we unpack the neurological, hormonal, and social drivers that uniquely affect women's brain health during the menopausal transition — from estrogen's protective role in the brain to the misunderstood history of hormone replacement therapy. We discuss: • Why women face a higher risk of Alzheimer's than men • How menopause accelerates brain aging (and how it starts earlier than is often expected) • The role of estrogen in brain metabolism and neuroprotection • The real story behind hormone replacement therapy (HRT) • The impact of genes like APOE4 on women's brain health • How lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and cognitive activity can help reduce the impact of neurological changes onset by menopause ——— Get our free curation of women's brain health resources in our Brain Box: http://thebraindocs.com/brainbox ——— To help us tell this story, we welcome three world-renowned women's health experts to the podcast: DR. LISA MOSCONI: Director of the Women's Brain Initiative, author of ‘The Menopause Brain', and pioneering researcher in brain imaging and hormonal neuroscience. MARIA SHRIVER: Founder of the Women's Alzheimer's Movement, journalist, and relentless advocate for gender equity in brain health research. DR. LISA GENOVA: Neuroscientist and bestselling author of ‘Still Alice', which was adapted into a film starring Julianne Moore, who won the  2015 Best Actress Oscar for her role as Alice Howland. This is... Your Brain On Menopause. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Menopause' • SEASON 5 • EPISODE 1 ——— Our free Women's Brain Health Brain Box includes: • Guides on how to speak with healthcare providers about menopause • Delicious brain-healthy Mother's Day brunch recipes • Meaningful gift ideas for the women you love • Inspiring interviews with world-leading women's health experts • And even a chance to check your cognitive health with an insightful, science-backed test Get the Brain Box for free! Here: http://thebraindocs.com/brainbox ——— References: Mosconi, L. (2017). Perimenopause and emergence of an Alzheimer's bioenergetic phenotype in brain and periphery. PloS One, 12(10), e0185926.  Belloy, M. E. & Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. (2019). A quarter century of APOE and Alzheimer's disease: Progress to date and the path forward. Neuron, 101(5), 820-838.  Rahman, A. (2019). Sex and gender driven modifiers of Alzheimer's: The role for estrogenic control across age, race, medical, and lifestyle risks. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 11, 315.  Rocca, W. A. (2012). Hysterectomy, oophorectomy, estrogen, and the risk of dementia. Neurodegenerative Diseases, 10(1-4), 175-178.  Scheyer, O. (2018). Female sex and Alzheimer's risk: The menopause connection. Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, 5(4), 225-230.  Women's Health Initiative Memory Study Investigators. (2003). Estrogen plus progestin and the incidence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women: The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study—a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 289(20), 2651–2662.  Women's Health Initiative Investigators. (2002). Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: Principal results from the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 288(3), 321-333.  Whitmer, R. A. (2005). Midlife cardiovascular risk factors and risk of dementia in late life. Neurology, 64(2), 277-281.  Livingston, G. (2024). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet, 404(10452), 572-628. Maki, P. M. (2016). Hormone therapy, dementia, and cognition: The Women's Health Initiative 10 years on. Climacteric, 19(3), 313-315. 

Why Some Forks Over Knives Recipes Now Include Optional Oil (Introducing Forks Flex Recipes). Plus, Some Insights on Oil from Drs Dean and Ayesha Sherzai Until now, Forks Over Knives recipes have always been oil free. But if you're not a heart disease patient, you may not need to avoid oil to reap the benefits of a WFPB diet. Listen to today's episode, written by Elizabeth Turner at ForksOverKnives.com, to learn why some Forks recipes now contain optional oil. #vegan #plantbased #plantbasedbriefing #wfpb #oil #seedoils #oliveoil #evoo    ====================== Top 15 Plant Based Food Podcasts I'm pleased to be listed in the top 15 Plant Based Food Podcasts! Check out the list here: https://podcast.feedspot.com/plant_based_food_podcasts/ ========================== Original post:  https://www.forksoverknives.com/wellness/the-great-oil-debate-experts-weigh-in-on-health-impact-of-plant-oils  Related Episodes: 46: Should We Cook With Oil? A Pragmatic Approach to Deciding What to Do.https://plantbasedbriefing.libsyn.com/46-should-we-cook-with-oil-a-pragmatic-approach-to-deciding-what-to-do-by-brigitte-gemme-at-veganfamilykitchencom  Insights from The Brain Docs, Drs Ayesha and Dean Sherzai https://www.instagram.com/thebraindocs/p/C68DKUrt911/?img_index=1 https://theproof.com/keeping-your-brain-healthy-drs-ayesha-dean-sherzai/ https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/team-sherzai-2024 ========================= Forks Over Knives Documentary: https://www.forksoverknives.com/the-film/  =========================== Forks Over Knives was founded following the release of the world-famous documentary Forks Over Knives in 2011, showing people how to regain control of their health and their lives with a plant-based diet. Since then Forks Over Knives released bestselling books, launched a mobile recipe app and maintains a website filled with the latest research, success stories, recipes, and tools to help people at every phase of their plant-based journeys. They also have a cooking course, a meal planner, a line of food products, and a magazine. Please visit www.ForksOverKnives.com for a wealth of resources.  FOLLOW THE SHOW ON: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@plantbasedbriefing     Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GONW0q2EDJMzqhuwuxdCF?si=2a20c247461d4ad7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-based-briefing/id1562925866 Your podcast app of choice: https://pod.link/1562925866 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlantBasedBriefing   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plant-based-briefing/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantbasedbriefing/     

Music is one of the most powerful forces of all time for human connection, cognitive stimulation, and therapeutic introspection. We've seen music help Alzheimer's patients find their voice, children with speech disorders unlock new ways to communicate with rhythm and melody, and communities express their identity through song. In this episode, we discuss: • The cognitive, psychological, and mental benefits of music • Why learning to play an instrument is one of the best things you can do for your brain • The power of music as a means of connecting with others • Therapeutic uses of music for patients living with neurodegenerative diseases • The neuroscience of how we process sounds and perceive music We're absolutely thrilled to be speaking to THREE incredible experts on music and cognition today, discussing an element of the human experience that does so much for our brains without us even thinking about it. In this episode, we're joined by: DR. ANI PATEL, PhD, a cognitive psychologist at Tufts University known for his research on music cognition and the neuroscience of music. DR. CHARLES LIMB, MD, a surgeon, professor of otolaryngology, and musician at University of California in San Francisco.  JONATHAN BISS, renowned pianist and author of the book ‘Unquiet', which explores the intersection of music and mental health. This is... Your Brain On Music. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On...' is supported by the NEURO World Retreat, taking place in San Diego, September 2–5 2025: https://neuroworldretreat.com/ ‘Your Brain On... Music' • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 10 This is the Season 4 finale. We'll be back in a few weeks with Season 5! ——— LINKS Dr. Ani Patel, PhD At Tufts University: https://as.tufts.edu/psychology/people/faculty/aniruddh-patel  The Sound Health Network: https://soundhealth.ucsf.edu/ Dr. Charles Limb, MD At UCSF: https://ohns.ucsf.edu/charles-limb  Dr. Limb's TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/charles_limb_your_brain_on_improv Jonathan Biss Jonathan's website: https://www.jonathanbiss.com/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan_biss_official/ Jonathan's book, ‘Unquiet': https://www.jonathanbiss.com/projects/unquiet  ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Supplements have become a hundred-billion dollar industry. But can they really boost your brain health in the ways they claim? They're everywhere: shelves and shelves of pills and powders promising everything from  improved immunity, boosted energy, and faster weight loss to better sleep, happier moods, and enhanced sexual wellness. Social media influencers won't stop talking about them, and they seem to appear in TV commercials every five minutes. And yet... the evidence supporting most of the claims these supplements make is next-to-nought. So what's the truth? In ‘Your Brain On... Supplements', we discuss: The differences between supplements and medication Why supplements are so loosely regulated The most popular supplements, and the lack of evidence supporting their purported benefits Identifying between the placebo effect and real effects Some supplements with actual evidence-based potential The psychology behind why we all feel compelled to try supplements Tips for navigating supplement claims we see on social media Joining us for this episode is Dr. Adrian Chavez a nutrition researcher, educator, and consultant. He has a PhD in Nutrition and Health Promotion where he conducted research developing and delivering lifestyle interventions in community settings for improving cardiovascular and metabolic health. After graduating he opened up a private practice and has worked with hundreds of clients helping people to lose weight and improve a variety of health problems with science-based nutrition strategies. He is the host of The Nutrition Science Podcast, a top-rated nutrition podcast that provides bite-sized episodes covering important topics in nutrition. This is... Your Brain On Supplements. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On...' is supported by the NEURO World Retreat, taking place in San Diego, September 2–5 2025: https://neuroworldretreat.com/ ‘Your Brain On... Supplements' • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 9 ——— LINKS Dr. Adrian Chavez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.adrian.chavez Dr. Adrian Chavez's website: https://www.dradrianchavez.com/ Dr. Adrian Chavez's Podcast: https://www.thenutritionsciencepodcast.com/ ——— SELECTED CITATIONS Dietary Supplement Studies  Supplements adulterated with drugs: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35285963/  Prohibited contaminants in dietary supplements: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5753965/  Dietary Supplement Fraud: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33412717/  Unapproved Ingredients: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30646238/  Ashwagandha  Ashwagandha on Physical Performance https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8006238/ Ashwagandha on sleep https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34559859/  Ashwagandha on stress https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017529/  Creatine  Creatine on Memory https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35984306/ ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Traumatic Brain Injury is a major cause of death, disability, and cognitive decline. Thankfully, evolving research is helping us protect our heads and lessen the long-term impacts of TBIs. In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...' we discuss: • The effects and symptoms of TBI, from mild concussions to more severe head injuries • What actually happens to your brain when you sustain a TBI • The links between TBI and neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment • The prevalence of TBI in military personnel and sportspeople, and how we're improving protective technologies • Steps to take after experiencing concussions or head traumas • How brain-healthy preventative lifestyle habits can lessen the long-term impacts of TBI Our guest for this episode is Dr. David Brody, MD, PhD, Chief Science Officer/Chief Innovation Officer, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD. Dr. Brody is a pre-eminent researcher of traumatic brain injuries, particularly in military personnel who experience TBIs during combat.  This is... Your Brain On TBI. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists, and public health advocates Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On...' is supported by the NEURO World Retreat, taking place in San Diego, September 2–5 2025: https://neuroworldretreat.com/ ‘Your Brain On... TBI' • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 8  — LINKS David Brody, MD, PhD: https://www.usuhs.edu/profile/david-brody-md-phd  — FOLLOW US  Instagram: @thebraindocs  Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Dementia is one of the fastest-growing health crises in the developed world, with cases expected to double in the coming decades. But despite common misconceptions, cognitive decline isn't inevitable. The latest research shows that lifestyle choices play a far greater role in brain health than genetics alone. In this episode, neurologists Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai share practical, science-backed strategies to help you protect your brain and reduce your risk of dementia. As co-directors of the Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University, they've spent their careers studying how habits like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management influence long-term cognitive health.

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 ‘good fats' that play vital roles in both brain and body health. Unlike some species, we can't 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. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On...' is supported by the NEURO World Retreat, taking place in San Diego, September 2–5 2025: https://neuroworldretreat.com/ ‘Your Brain On... Omega-3' • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 7 ——— 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/  ———  FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Dr. Dean Sherzai, co-director of Loma Linda University's Alzheimer's Prevention Program, reveals how lifestyle changes can prevent up to 90% of dementias.

Two decades on from the start of the smartphone revolution, we have the first humans who, for as long as they've been alive, have had the entire internet just a few taps away. What has this done to our brains? It's 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 ‘Your Brain On...', 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 media's impact on sleep • Practical steps to balance our social media use We're 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 ‘The Distracted Mind' and celebrated expert in the psychology of technology. This is... Your Brain On Social Media. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Social Media' • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 6 ‘Your Brain On...' is supported by the NEURO World Retreat, taking place in San Diego, September 2–5 2025: https://neuroworldretreat.com/ ——— LINKS DR. JEAN TWENGE Dr. Twenge's website: https://www.jeantwenge.com/ at San Diego State University: https://psychology.sdsu.edu/people/jean-twenge/ DR. LARRY ROSEN Dr. Rosen's website: https://drlarryrosen.com/ ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Our incredible kids Sophia and Alex Sherzai join us for a special end-of-year episode of the ‘Your Brain On...' episode! As a family of neuroscientists — Sophia in biomedical engineering, Alex in artificial intelligence, Ayesha in vascular neurology, and Dean in behavioral neurology — 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 ‘Your Brain On...' podcast, we're bringing that energy to the show! We discuss: • Life as a family of neuroscientists • What we've 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 ‘Your Brain On...' in 2024! • The importance of connection, community, and change This is... the Sherzai Family Holiday Special of ‘Your Brain On...'! ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists, and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. SEASON 4 • EPISODE 5

Women's Brain Health: A Dark Past, But A Bright Future. “For centuries, the narrative surrounding women's brain health has been overshadowed by pervasive biases and misconceptions... These biases highlight an urgent need for a reformed approach that acknowledges and addresses women's unique health challenges, both neurological and otherwise.” By Dr Dean Sherzai at @thebraindocs. ===================== Original post: https://thebraindocs.com/womens-brain-health-dark-past-bright-future/  Related Episodes: 854: [Part 1] Hormone Replacement Therapy: When Standard Therapies Become Dangerous https://plantbasedbriefing.libsyn.com/854-part-1-hormone-replacement-therapy-and-the-opioid-epidemic-when-standard-therapies-become-dangerous-by-nelson-huber-disla-at-nutritionstudiesorg  855: [Part 2] Hormone Replacement Therapy https://plantbasedbriefing.libsyn.com/855-part-2-hormone-replacement-therapy-and-the-opioid-epidemic-when-standard-therapies-become-dangerous-by-nelson-huber-disla-at-nutritionstudiesorg  309: Fighting Hot Flashes With Diet https://plantbasedbriefing.libsyn.com/309-fighting-hot-flashes-with-diet-by-the-physicians-committee-for-responsible-medicine-at-pcrmorg    401: Mythbusting Soy: Women's Health & Hormones https://plantbasedbriefing.libsyn.com/401-mythbusting-soy-womens-health-hormones-from-switch4goodorg    474: Dietary Approach to Naturally Treating Menopause Symptoms https://plantbasedbriefing.libsyn.com/474-dietary-approach-to-naturally-treating-menopause-symptoms-by-dr-michael-greger-at-nutritionfactsorg    620: Fitness Over 50: 7 Ways a Plant-Based Diet Can Help Women Stay Active https://plantbasedbriefing.libsyn.com/620-fitness-over-50-7-ways-a-plant-based-diet-can-help-women-stay-active-by-debbie-ingram-at-nutritionstudiesorg    687: Soy Foods for Menopause Hot Flash Symptoms https://plantbasedbriefing.libsyn.com/687-soy-foods-for-menopause-hot-flash-symptoms-by-dr-michael-greger-at-nutritionfactsorg    711: The Plant-Powered Path Through Perimenopause https://plantbasedbriefing.libsyn.com/711-the-plant-powered-path-through-perimenopause-by-anna-pelzer-at-mainstreetvegancom  935: Can Plant-Based Foods Help With Fibroids? https://plantbasedbriefing.libsyn.com/935-can-plant-based-foods-help-with-fibroids-by-charlotte-pointing-at-vegnewscom    Your Brain On… podcast: https://thebraindocs.com/podcast/ ===================== Ayesha and Dean Sherzai are co-directors of the Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University. They're both practicing neurologists, scientists, authors, parents, and a husband and wife duo that know the value of healthy lifestyle choices and they've  seen the impact that their NEURO Plan framework has in making the sick healthy and in taking healthy to the next level.  They met as young physicians and in their first conversation learned that both of their grandparents had spent their remaining days on this Earth suffering from dementia. They vowed to do whatever they could to help others avoid this fate and build healthy minds and bodies. They conduct research, treat patients, and serve as professors at Georgetown University, Columbia University, the National Institutes of Health, Mount Sinai, and Loma Linda University, where they serve as the co-directors of The Alzheimer's Prevention Program. They've worked with devastatingly disease-ridden populations and some of the healthiest people in the world – the Loma Linda 7th Day Adventist population (a Blue Zone community, defined by living measurably longer and healthier lives due to optimal nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social support.) ============================= FOLLOW THE SHOW ON: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@plantbasedbriefing     Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GONW0q2EDJMzqhuwuxdCF?si=2a20c247461d4ad7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-based-briefing/id1562925866 Your podcast app of choice: https://pod.link/1562925866 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlantBasedBriefing   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plant-based-briefing/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantbasedbriefing/    #vegan #plantbased #plantbasedbriefing #braindocs #womenshealth

High in fats and low in carbs, ketogenic diets were originally developed in the 1920s to treat children with epilepsy. Now, they've 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 ‘Your Brain On...', 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 — glucose vs. ketones • The latest data on ketogenic diet in Alzheimer's disease patients • What we know about how ketogenic diets and treatment of Alzheimer's • The outcome differences between ketogenic diets and ketone supplements in Alzheimer's • 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. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Ketogenic Diets' • 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 Alzheimer's 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 Alzheimer's 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.

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 ‘Lou Gehrig's disease' (named after the iconic baseball player), is a progressive neurological disorder which breaks down a person's motor neurons. The main symptoms are muscle weakness and impaired physical function — mild, at first, but in the latter stages of the disease's 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 ‘Your Brain On...' 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. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... ALS' • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 3 ——— LINKS PROFESSOR AMMAR AL-CHALABI at King's 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 ——— ANNOUNCING: NEURO WORLD RETREAT 2025 We're so excited to share something very close to our hearts, which we've been working on over the past few months: our first ever brain health retreat! You're warmly invited to join us in San Diego, California for the inaugural NEURO World Retreat 2025, taking place September 2–5, 2025 at the breathtaking Paradise Point Resort. For more information, and to book, visit: https://neuroworldretreat.com/ ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast ——— 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.

For decades, ketamine has mainly been used as an anaesthetic, but in more recent years, it's 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 ‘Friends', died from the acute effects of the ketamine he was using to treat anxiety. In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...', 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 Alzheimer's and Parkinson's • How technology and improvements in passive and active data collection are helping us better understand how ketamine affects cognition and neuroplasticity • The history of ketamine's use as an antidepressant • How ketamine is actually administered, through various dosages and courses of treatment We're 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. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Ketamine' • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 2 ——— 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/ ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

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 ‘Your Brain On...' — our Season 4 debut! — 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 — especially for women Joining 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. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Sex' • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 1 (SEASON 4 DEBUT) — 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 Malik's website: https://renamalikmd.com/ Dr. Rena Malik on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD Dr. Rena Malik on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renamalikmd/ — FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast  

Doctors Ayesha and Dean Sherzai founded the Healthy Minds Initiative (HMI) to scale their impact on the tragic epidemic of dementia plaguing the world today. The first thing that we have to understand is that the majority of dementias are preventable through diet and lifestyle. The Sherzai's acronym NEURO—nutrition, exercise, unwinding, restorative sleep, and optimization—encapsulates the pillars that can determine our cognitive trajectory as we age. Second, individual behavior change is hard. And it's especially hard when the community norms are unhealthy.Third, traditionally underserved and marginalized communities are bearing the brunt of the damage and ensuing tragic consequences.And fourth, circling around, those communities can actually become leaders in the public health crusade against toxic lifestyles, since their empowerment can become the solution. HMI exists to empower communities to spread both the message and practice of lifestyle medicine. But in order to do that, the Sherzai's and their partners can't come in as experts. Instead, they approach as curious partners, willing to learn, and willing to stick around and provide support for the long term, and not just until the latest research grant runs out. In our conversation, we talk about the need for systemic change in research models that prioritize community engagement and sustainability. And we talk about what sustainable progress looks like, and can look like—in other words, a blueprint for community engagement and empowerment that can create a grassroots, decentralized, democratic health movement.LinksThe Healthy Minds InitiativeThe Brain DocsNourishing Our Brains and Preventing Dementia with Ayesha Sherzai, MD: PYP 279The Role of Science in Public Discourse and Racial Justice: Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, MDs: PYP 414The Alzheimer's Solution, by Drs Ayesha and Dean SherzaiThe 30-Day Alzheimer's Solution: The Definitive Food and Lifestyle Guide to Preventing Cognitive Decline, by Drs Ayesha and Dean Sherzai

[Part 2] Fifty Brain Health Facts by Drs Ayesha and Dean Sherzai at TheBrainDocs.com Original post: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DAFSU3Wu0gOhXNnYalLEOpikzIz471EniCHVNonH0YA/edit?tab=t.0  Your Brain On… podcast: https://thebraindocs.com/podcast/ Ayesha and Dean Sherzai are co-directors of the Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University. They're both practicing neurologists, scientists, authors, parents, and a husband and wife duo that know the value of healthy lifestyle choices and they've  seen the impact that their NEURO Plan framework has in making the sick healthy and in taking healthy to the next level.  They met as young physicians and in their first conversation learned that both of their grandparents had spent their remaining days on this Earth suffering from dementia. They vowed to do whatever they could to help others avoid this fate and build healthy minds and bodies. They conduct research, treat patients, and serve as professors at Georgetown University, Columbia University, the National Institutes of Health, Mount Sinai, and Loma Linda University, where they serve as the co-directors of The Alzheimer's Prevention Program. They've worked with devastatingly disease-ridden populations and some of the healthiest people in the world – the Loma Linda 7th Day Adventist population (a Blue Zone community, defined by living measurably longer and healthier lives due to optimal nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social support.) Follow Plant Based Briefing on social media: YouTube: YouTube.com/PlantBasedBriefing  Facebook: Facebook.com/PlantBasedBriefing  LinkedIn: Plant Based Briefing Podcast Instagram: @PlantBasedBriefing #vegan #plantbased #plantbasedbriefing #braindocs #brainhealthfacts

[Part 1] Fifty Brain Health Facts by Drs Ayesha and Dean Sherzai at TheBrainDocs.com   Original post: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DAFSU3Wu0gOhXNnYalLEOpikzIz471EniCHVNonH0YA/edit?tab=t.0    Ayesha and Dean Sherzai are co-directors of the Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University. They're both practicing neurologists, scientists, authors, parents, and a husband and wife duo that know the value of healthy lifestyle choices and they've  seen the impact that their NEURO Plan framework has in making the sick healthy and in taking healthy to the next level.  They met as young physicians and in their first conversation learned that both of their grandparents had spent their remaining days on this Earth suffering from dementia. They vowed to do whatever they could to help others avoid this fate and build healthy minds and bodies. They conduct research, treat patients, and serve as professors at Georgetown University, Columbia University, the National Institutes of Health, Mount Sinai, and Loma Linda University, where they serve as the co-directors of The Alzheimer's Prevention Program. They've worked with devastatingly disease-ridden populations and some of the healthiest people in the world – the Loma Linda 7th Day Adventist population (a Blue Zone community, defined by living measurably longer and healthier lives due to optimal nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social support.)     How to support the podcast: Share with others. Recommend the podcast on your social media. Follow/subscribe to the show wherever you listen. Buy some vegan/plant based merch: https://www.plantbasedbriefing.com/shop    Follow Plant Based Briefing on social media: Twitter: @PlantBasedBrief YouTube: YouTube.com/PlantBasedBriefing  Facebook: Facebook.com/PlantBasedBriefing  LinkedIn: Plant Based Briefing Podcast Instagram: @PlantBasedBriefing   #vegan #plantbased #plantbasedbriefing #braindocs #brainhealthfacts  

Protein — how much do we need? What's the healthiest way to consume it? Can we get enough from plant-based diets? Until recent decades, protein hasn't 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 ‘Your Brain On… Protein', 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 ‘health' influencers are suddenly recommending unusually  high levels of protein consumption • How we measure the quality of proteins, including digestibility and absorption In this episode, we're joined by two fantastic nutrition experts: DR. MATTHEW NAGRA, nutritionist and science communicator. DR. ALAN FLANAGAN, esteemed nutrition scientist (previously featured in ‘Your Brain On… Sugar' and ‘Your Brain On… Fats' ‘Your Brain On' 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/ ‘Your Brain On... Protein' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 10 (SEASON 3 FINALE!) ——— 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/ ——— 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 Diets—A 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 People—A 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/

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 — 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 ‘Mind the Science'. (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_jonathan_stea/ / Website: https://www.jonathanstea.com/) Dr. Idrees Mughal, AKA ‘Dr. Idz', 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. • ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Misinformation' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 9

Send us a textFirst and foremost, a special thank you to Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai! Be sure to check out "Your Brain On..." podcast. We're excited to re-release their original work "Your Brain On: Hearing Loss". Unlock the secrets to preserving cognitive health with the insights from esteemed experts like Dr. Kristin Barry, Dr. Frank Lin, and Dr. Douglas Beck. Discover how hearing loss is not just a standalone issue but intricately linked with cognitive decline. This episode takes you through Dr. Lin's innovative Hearing Number Initiative, which aims to demystify hearing ability assessment, making it as straightforward as checking your blood pressure. Through compelling discussions, we explore why understanding the varying degrees of hearing loss is essential for maintaining cognitive vitality and how advancements in technology are enhancing life quality for those affected.Explore the fascinating biology behind hearing and listening, as we differentiate between these two crucial processes. Our conversation sheds light on how the inability of inner ear cells to regenerate contributes to gradual hearing loss and why high frequencies are often the first to fade. We dive into the intricacies of the cochlea and its organization, emphasizing how listening is a complex, whole-brain event beyond just perceiving sound. Through the exploration of auditory neuropathy and its impact on hearing tests, we underscore the importance of viewing listening as a holistic brain activity involving emotional and semantic processing.Learn about the profound connection between hearing loss and dementia, supported by recent groundbreaking studies like ACHIEVE and ENHANCE. These studies reveal how hearing interventions significantly reduce cognitive decline, underscoring the importance of prevention and professional hearing aid fittings. We also discuss the role of technology in mitigating the risks of hearing loss and the potential of advancements such as auditory brainstem implants. With insights from Dr. Kristen Berry on tinnitus, this episode provides a comprehensive understanding of the auditory world and its broader implications for cognitive health.While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Support the showConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

20 incredible conversations with leading scientists, in one hour. We're 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 you're listening to this episode, visit https://bhrsummit.com/ for more information about the summit — 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: Women's 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 ‘Dr. Idz' 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 ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

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 ‘Your Brain On...', we discuss what we've 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 ‘The Genius of Dogs' and ‘Survival of the Friendliest'. GREGORY BERNS: Professor of Psychology and Distinguished Professor of Neuroeconomics, researcher of dogs (and more recently, cows), and author of ‘How Dogs Love Us' and ‘Cowpuppy: An Unexpected Friendship and a Scientist's Journey into the Secret World of Cows'.  ‘Your Brain On' 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/ ‘Your Brain On... Having A Pet' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 8 ——— LINKS Brian Hare: Brian Hare's website: https://brianhare.net/ The Hare Lab at Duke University: https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/hare-lab Brian's book, ‘Survival of the Friendliest': https://a.co/d/2mNhSE1   Gregory Berns: Gregory Berns' website: http://gregoryberns.com/ Gregory's book, ‘Cowpuppy': https://a.co/d/0gpJYQx ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Testing for Vitamin B12 Deficiency by Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org Original post: https://nutritionfacts.org/blog/testing-for-vitamin-b12-deficiency/  Related Episodes: 766: What Supplements Support Brain Health And Memory? By Drs Ayesha and Dean Sherzai at TheBrainDocs.com 719: The 411 on Vitamin B12 by Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org 695: Is a Plant-Based Diet the Best for Senior Health? by Charlotte Pointing at VegNews.com 562: 7 Tips from a Plant-Based Nutrition Coach by Victoria Moran at MainStreetVegan.com 289: [Part 2] Should I Supplement B12? By Brigitte Gemme at VeganFamilyKitchen.com 288: [Part 1] Should I Supplement B12? By Brigitte Gemme at VeganFamilyKitchen.com     Dr. Michael Greger is a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Greger is licensed as a general practitioner specializing in clinical nutrition. He is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. He founded NUTRITIONFACTS.ORG is a non-profit, non-commercial, science-based public service provided by Dr. Michael Greger, providing free updates on the latest in nutrition research via bite-sized videos. There are more than a thousand videos on nearly every aspect of healthy eating, with new videos and articles uploaded every day.   His latest books —How Not to Die, the How Not to Die Cookbook, and How Not to Diet — became instant New York Times Best Sellers. His two latest books, How to Survive a Pandemic and the How Not to Diet Cookbook were released in 2020.  100% of all proceeds he has ever received from his books, DVDs, and speaking engagements have always and will always be donated to charity.   How to support the podcast: Share with others. Recommend the podcast on your social media. Follow/subscribe to the show wherever you listen. Buy some vegan/plant based merch: https://www.plantbasedbriefing.com/shop    Follow Plant Based Briefing on social media: Twitter: @PlantBasedBrief YouTube: YouTube.com/PlantBasedBriefing  Facebook: Facebook.com/PlantBasedBriefing  LinkedIn: Plant Based Briefing Podcast Instagram: @PlantBasedBriefing   #vegan #plantbased #plantbasedbriefing #b12 #vitaminb12 #b12deficiency #stroke #homocysteine  

What does the most-purchased beverage in the world — coffee — 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 ‘Your Brain On...', 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 ‘The Coffee Historian', author of ‘Coffee: A Global History' and co-creator of the History of Coffee Podcast. ‘Your Brain On' 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/ ‘Your Brain On... Coffee' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 7 — LINKS Dr. Astrid Nehlig's research: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Astrid-Nehlig Professor Jonathan Morris' website: https://thecoffeehistorian.com/ Professor Morris at the University of Hertfordshire: https://researchprofiles.herts.ac.uk/en/persons/jonathan-morris  — FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

What grief does to our brains, and how we can grow from one of life's most challenging experiences. The impact grief has on your mind can be so severe, some experts refer to it as an ‘emotional traumatic brain injury'. And, like many life-altering physical changes, the cognitive effects of grief aren't so much something to ‘get over' — rather, they're something we can learn to live with and thrive alongside. In ‘Your Brain On... Grief', 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 ‘five stages of grief' • What we can learn from different cultures about handling grief Joining us for this emotional journey are two insightful guests: DR. LISA SCHULMAN: grief neurologist and author of ‘Before and After Loss' AMBER JEFFREY: grief mentor and host of podcast The Grief Gang. ‘Your Brain On' 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/ ‘Your Brain On... Grief' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 6 — LINKS Dr. Lisa Schulman ‘Before and After Loss' on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Before-After-Loss-Neurologists-Perspective/dp/1421426951 Amber Jeffrey The ‘Grief Gang' podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-grief-gang/id1489821860 Grief mentoring: https://www.thegriefgang.com/grief-mentoring — FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

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 they're 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 ‘Your Brain On...', 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 caregivers' 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. ‘Your Brain On' 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/  ‘Your Brain On... Caregiving' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 5 — 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/ — FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Can small adjustments to lifestyle make a difference for healthy longevity? In this episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's, host Meryl Comer focuses on Alzheimer's prevention with Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, co-directors of the Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University. The couple's research, including their work featured in the Netflix documentary You Are What You Eat, shows that diet plays a crucial role in brain health. Their discussion underscores that every positive step can lead to substantial benefits in brain health and Alzheimer's prevention. Up to 90% of Alzheimer's cases can be prevented with optimal lifestyle changes, according to the Sherzais. You don't want to miss this episode. BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's is sponsored by Biogen and EisaiSupport the show

Meditation: an ancient practice with brain health benefits proven by modern science. Whether you're 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 ‘Your Brain On... Meditation', we explore: • How meditation alters your brain chemistry and ‘retrains' 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 ‘Peak Mind' 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 ‘Your Brain On' 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/ ‘Your Brain On... Meditation' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 4 — 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/

Is Eating Soy Good for Kids? New Study Says Yes—And It Can Help Them Pay Attention by Anna Starostinetskaya at VegNews.com   Original post: https://vegnews.com/soy-kids-study-attention     Related Episodes: Brain Health: 766: What Supplements Support Brain Health And Memory? By Drs Ayesha and Dean Sherzai at TheBrainDocs.com 753: [Part 2] Healthy Fats For The Brain: Myths, Science, And Diets by Dean Sherzai MD at TheBrainDocs.com 752: [Part 1] Healthy Fats For The Brain: Myths, Science, And Diets by Dean Sherzai MD at TheBrainDocs.com 425: Avoiding Fish for 5 Years Before Pregnancy by Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org   Soy: 818: Putting the Soy Anxiety to Rest by T. Colin Campbell at NutritionStudies.org 799: Plant-Based Pregnancy Outcomes and Breast Milk By Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org 711: The Plant-Powered Path Through Perimenopause by Anna Pelzer at MainStreetVegan.com 687: Soy Foods for Menopause Hot Flash Symptoms by Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org 604: Is Soy Milk the Most Nutritious Non-Dairy Milk? by Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org 530: Breast Cancer: How to Reduce Your Risk by Physicians Committee at PCRM.org 432: 3 Myths About Soy And Men Debunked from Switch4Good.org 401: Mythbusting Soy: Women's Health & Hormones from Switch4Good.org 388: Soy and Cancer: Should we Worry? Here's What the Recent Literature Says. By Brigitte Gemme at VeganFamilyKitchen.com 309: Fighting Hot Flashes With Diet by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine at PCRM.org 191: Is Soy Healthy for Breast Cancer Survivors? By Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org 190: 5 Facts About Soy Milk by Switch4Good.org 36: Soy and Health by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine at PCRM.org   Launched in 2000, VegNews is the largest vegan media brand in the world. They have a best-selling plant-based magazine, and they create amazing content from food and fashion to travel, celebrity interviews, beauty and health info, a meal planner, and vegan travel excursions. Their Guide section on their website is full of great information and they have an online shop where you can find cookbooks, foods, kitchen tools, vegan meal delivery services. They also have a website, VeganWeddings.com. Please visit www.VegNews.com for a wealth of resources.    How to support the podcast: Share with others. Recommend the podcast on your social media. Follow/subscribe to the show wherever you listen. Buy some vegan/plant based merch: https://www.plantbasedbriefing.com/shop    Follow Plant Based Briefing on social media: Twitter: @PlantBasedBrief YouTube: YouTube.com/PlantBasedBriefing  Facebook: Facebook.com/PlantBasedBriefing  LinkedIn: Plant Based Briefing Podcast Instagram: @PlantBasedBriefing #vegan #plantbased #plantbasedbriefing #soy #healthydiet #kidshealth #isoflavones  

Leg strength isn't 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 ‘Your Brain On...', 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). ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... LEG STRENGTH' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 3 ——— 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  ——— 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/ ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

How to Prevent a Stroke by Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org   Original post: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-to-prevent-a-stroke/    Stroke-Related Episodes: 837: A Guide To Understanding, Preventing, And Recovering From Stroke by Drs Ayesha and Dean Sherzai at TheBrainDocs.com 614: What Not To Eat For Stroke Prevention by Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org 608: Understanding Types of Strokes and How to Prevent Them by Dana Hudepohl at ForksOverKnives.com 517: A Game-Changing Solution to One of the Most Devastating Diseases of the Brain: Stroke by Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai at NutritionStudies.org 506: After a Stroke, This Doctor Reversed Her Lupus With a Plant-Based Diet by Brooke Goldner MD at ForksOverKnives.com 338: A Life-Threatening Stroke Spurred Me to Try a Plant-Based Diet, and I've Never Looked Back by Mike Lewis at ForksOverKnives.com   Fiber-Related Episodes:   793: [Part 2] The Importance of Fiber in Gut Health and Hormonal Balance by Ocean Robbins at FoodRevolution.org 792: [Part 1] The Importance of Fiber in Gut Health and Hormonal Balance by Ocean Robbins at FoodRevolution.org 788: ‘Diverticulosis: When Our Most Common Gut Disorder Hardly Existed' and 'Does Fiber Really Prevent Diverticulosis?' By Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org 634: [Part 2] Are Starches Good or Bad? By Ocean Robbins at FoodRevolution.org 633: [Part 1] Are Starches Good or Bad? By Ocean Robbins at FoodRevolution.org 542: Dr. Stephanie Peacock's Top Foods for Gut Health by Stephanie Peacock at NutritionStudies.org 499: [Part 2] 5 Simple Ways to Improve Kids' Gut Health Using Diet & Lifestyle by Ocean Robbins at FoodRevolution.org 498: [Part 1] 5 Simple Ways to Improve Kids' Gut Health Using Diet & Lifestyle by Ocean Robbins at FoodRevolution.org 436: Losing Weight on a Plant-Based, Vegan Diet: Tips for Success by Karen Asp at ForksOverKnives.com 420: The Potential Harm in Unnecessary Gluten-Free Diets by Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org 320: ‘How to Keep Your Microbiome Healthy with Prebiotic Foods' & ‘The Five-to-One Fiber Rule' by Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org 319: Lose Two Pounds in One Sitting: Taking the Mioscenic Route by Dr. Michael Greger at NutritionFacts.org 269: Fiber Fueled - The Key to a Strong Immune System. By Will Bulsiewicz, MD, MSCI at NutritionStudies.org 250: [Part 2] 5 Common Mistakes Plant-Based Eaters Make and How to Avoid Them by Ocean Robbins at FoodRevolution.org 249: [Part 1] 5 Common Mistakes Plant -Based Eaters Make and How to Avoid Them by Ocean Robbins at FoodRevolution.org 188: Where Do You Get Your Protein? By PlantPureCommunities.org 131: How to Support Your Immune System with a Plant Based Diet by Dana Hudepohl at ForksOverKnives.com 128: [Part 2] Gut-Health Promoting Foods and Recipes to Nourish Your Microbiome by Ocean Robbins at FoodRevolution.org 127: [Part 1] Gut-Health Promoting Foods and Recipes to Nourish Your Microbiome by Ocean Robbins at FoodRevolution.org Dr. Michael Greger is a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Greger is licensed as a general practitioner specializing in clinical nutrition. He is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. He founded NUTRITIONFACTS.ORG is a non-profit, non-commercial, science-based public service provided by Dr. Michael Greger, providing free updates on the latest in nutrition research via bite-sized videos. There are more than a thousand videos on nearly every aspect of healthy eating, with new videos and articles uploaded every day.   His latest books —How Not to Die, the How Not to Die Cookbook, and How Not to Diet — became instant New York Times Best Sellers. His two latest books, How to Survive a Pandemic and the How Not to Diet Cookbook were released in 2020.  100% of all proceeds he has ever received from his books, DVDs, and speaking engagements have always and will always be donated to charity.   How to support the podcast: Share with others. Recommend the podcast on your social media. Follow/subscribe to the show wherever you listen. Buy some vegan/plant based merch: https://www.plantbasedbriefing.com/shop    Follow Plant Based Briefing on social media: Twitter: @PlantBasedBrief YouTube: YouTube.com/PlantBasedBriefing  Facebook: Facebook.com/PlantBasedBriefing  LinkedIn: Plant Based Briefing Podcast Instagram: @PlantBasedBriefing   #vegan #plantbased #plantbasedbriefing #stroke #cholesterol #fiber  

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 — the good and the bad — 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 it's altered under the influence of marijuana • Why one woman with a genetic mutation that affected her endocannabinoid system couldn't 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 ago Our 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 Abuse ‘Your Brain On' 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/ ‘Your Brain On... Marijuana' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 2 — 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/ — FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

From 18th century London to the promise of a global cure: the 200-year history of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's, 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 Parkinson's • The differences and similarities between Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's • How Parkinson's manifests in our brains • Why one nurse was able to detect Parkinson's through smell • The neurogenetics of Parkinson's, and the ethical quandaries of evolving genetic technology • Why lifestyle — nutrition, exercise, etc. — is so key to preventing and managing Parkinson's 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 Parkinson's 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 ‘Your Brain On' 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/ ‘Your Brain On... Parkinson's' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 1 (SEASON 3 DEBUT) ————— LINKS   Dr. Rachel Dolhun: At the Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/bio/rachel-dolhun-md-dipablm  ‘Ask the MD' 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 ‘Ending Parkinson's Disease': 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/ ————— 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 Disease—The 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 Parkinson's disease. npj Parkinson's Disease, 9(1), 123. Reynoso, A., Torricelli, R., Jacobs, B. M., Shi, J., Aslibekyan, S., Norcliffe‐Kaufmann, L., ... & Heilbron, K. (2024). Gene–Environment 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 Parkinson's disease: a systematic review. Gerontology and geriatric medicine, 2, 2333721416644286. ————— FOLLOW US  Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com  Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Ozempic. Developed as diabetes medication. Adopted as a weight loss drug. Eyed for its potential neuroprotective effects. Hollywood's 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 — type-2 diabetics — 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 Ozempic's effects (good and bad) • Why we should quell the stigma borne from Ozempic's brushes with celebrity culture • Where studies on Ozempic and similar medications are going next • How to ask your healthcare provider about Ozempic ‘Your Brain On' 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/ ‘Your Brain On... Ozempic' • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 10 (SEASON 2 FINALE) Your Brain On… will be back with Season 3, in August 2024! — LINKS Dr. Spencer Nadolsky: His website: https://drspencer.com/ His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnadolsky/ His podcast, ‘Docs Who Lift': https://drspencer.com/podcast/ — FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

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 — the mental and physical challenges, socializing and strategizing with colleagues, etc. — 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 ‘Your Brain On…', 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 We're 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 ‘Your Brain On' 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/  ‘Your 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 ‘X'): https://twitter.com/assarish   Dr. Alan Gow at Heriot-Watt University: https://researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/persons/alan-j-gow on Twitter (AKA ‘X'): https://twitter.com/AlanJohnGow    FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Do introverts/extroverts have different brains? Are you born introverted? Is introversion neurologically harmful? The definition of introversion has been blurred in the social media age. We all know introverts are more likely to enjoy alone time, and may find social settings more challenging, but what's less clear is: why? And is introversion the same as social anxiety? In this episode, we discuss: • How common introverted traits can be observed in the brain • The nature vs. nurture debate of whether introversion is genetic, learned, or both • The multi-decade study which posed the question: can introversion/extroversion be predicted in infants? • Why personality types aren't as trivial as they may seem • How introverts can become more extroverted, and vice versa We're joined by two renowned writers whose books have explored the intricacies of introversion: • JENN GRANNEMAN, author of ‘The Secret Lives of Introverts' and ‘Sensitive', and founder of ‘Introvert, Dear', a website and community centered on introversion • SCOTT BARRY KAUFMAN, cognitive scientist, host of The Psychology Podcast, and author of ‘Wired to Create' ‘Your Brain On' 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/  ‘Your Brain On... Introversion' • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 8 ——— LINKS Jenn Granneman: on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenngranneman Introvert, Dear: https://introvertdear.com/  Scott Barry Kaufman: Scott's website: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/ on Twitter (AKA ‘X'): https://x.com/sbkaufman  on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottbarrykaufman  ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. The benefits for our brain are incredible. Restorative sleep is essential for good brain health. When you sleep, your brain washes away waste products from around your synapses, consolidates short-term memories into long-term knowledge, and processes thoughts and emotions. In this episode, we explain how, and discuss: • How much sleep your brain really needs • The different phases of sleep, and how each one strengthens your cognition • Why good sleep is key for minimising the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases • Insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders, and how to treat them • The environmental factors which can help improve sleep • Why paying too much attention to sleep trackers and smart wearables can do more harm than good This week, we're joined by Dr. Donn Posner, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. We also welcome Dr. Sujay Kansagra, the Director of Duke's Pediatric Neurology Sleep Medicine Program and an Assistant Professor in Duke's School of Medicine. ‘Your Brain On' 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/ ‘Your Brain On... Sleep' • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 7 ——— LINKS Dr. Donn Posner: Sleepwell Consultants: https://www.sleepwellconsultants.com/ Dr. Sujay Kansagra: at Duke Health: https://www.dukehealth.org/find-doctors-physicians/sujay-kansagra-md on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsleepdoc ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

VR headsets allow us to step into vast virtual worlds. What does that mean for our brains? Virtual reality technology is the most advanced and affordable it's ever been, and the tools to create immersive environments are just a few clicks away. Are we destined for a dystopian future, lost in computer-generated isolation? On the contrary, VR devices have been put to good use in clinical settings for research and therapy. Our brains react to their hyper-realistic simulations, but without any of the physical dangers. In this episode, we discuss: • How VR gadgets trick your brain into forgetting you're in a virtual reality • The clever ways VR game designers prevent us from feeling motion sickness • How VR has been used in treating conditions like PTSD and ADHD • The early uses of VR tech in neurological studies, back in the 90s • The ethical responsibility we all have to adopt these technologies with a healthy degree of caution We're joined by two experts at the intersection of VR and neuroscience: Albert ‘Skip' Rizzo, Research Director at USC Institute for Creative Technologies for Medical Virtual Reality, and Dr. Adam Gazzaley, co-founder and Chief Science Advisor of therapeutic video game development company Akili Interactive. ‘Your Brain On' 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/  ‘Your Brain On... Virtual Reality' • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 6   LINKS Albert ‘Skip' Rizzo: at USC Institute for Creative Technologies: https://ict.usc.edu/about-us/leadership/research-leadership/albert-skip-rizzo/  Dr. Adam Gazzaley: Adam's website: https://gazzaley.com/  at Neuroscape: https://neuroscape.ucsf.edu/profile/adam-gazzaley/    FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Sunlight has kept our brains on a 24-hour schedule for hundreds of thousands of years. Here's how. When sunlight touches your skin or hits your eyes, your brain ups the production of serotonin, to make you feel alert. And when night falls, your brain switches to releasing melatonin, so you know it's time to sleep. So when we don't get enough sunlight, our biological cycles can start to break. In this episode, we discuss: • How Vitamin D is made, and what benefits it has for your brain health • The evolutionary complexities of your circadian rhythm, and how it's been thrown into chaos by modern life • What happens to our mental health when winter shortens daylight hours • How light therapies can help people living in cloudier climates to protect their cognitive health • The association between not getting enough sunlight and developing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia We're joined by Population Health Science and Policy scientist and ‘lighting researcher' Dr. Mariana Figueiro to discuss how light-emulating technologies can help simulate sunlight in darker spaces during gloomier times of year. And Dr. Satchin Panda, leading expert in the field of circadian rhythm research and a founder of the Center for Circadian Biology at the University of California, to dive deep into the neurological intricacies of our 24-hour body clock. ‘Your Brain On' 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/ ‘Your Brain On... Sunlight' • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 5   LINKS: Dr. Mariana Figueiro: at The Center for Health Design: https://www.healthdesign.org/experts/mariana-figueiro-phd TED Talk: https://www.tedmed.com/talks/show?id=293012 Dr. Satchin Panda: at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies: https://www.salk.edu/scientist/satchidananda-panda/ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satchin.panda    FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Fat can have a bad reputation, but certain fats are essential for the healthy functioning of your brain. Between government guidelines, fad diets, and our endless social feeds, nutrition advice overload has left us all a bit lost with how to incorporate healthy fats into what we eat. In this episode, we discuss: • The different kinds of fats (saturated vs. unsaturated) and which ones we actually need to consume • The myth that “because your brain is primarily made of fat, it thrives on a high-fat diet” • How the cardiovascular damage caused by saturated fats can increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia • All the tasty ways you can get more healthy, unsaturated, essential fats into your meals We welcome esteemed nutrition scientist Dr. Alan Flanagan back to the show, to explore the history of research into the impact of fats and how it shaped one of the most robust bodies of evidence in all of science. We're also joined by Dr. Danielle Belardo, renowned cardiologist and science communicator, to talk about the interplay between heart health, brain health, and fats, the controversy around statins, the low-down on LDL cholesterol, and the future of cardiovascular interventions. ‘Your Brain On' is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... FATS' • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 4   LINKS Dr. Alan Flanagan: Alan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritionaladvocate Alinea Nutrition: https://www.alineanutrition.com/   Dr. Danielle Belardo: Dr. Belardo's website: https://www.daniellebelardomd.com/ Practical, Evidence-Based Approaches to Nutritional Modifications to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35284849/   FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast   REFERENCES Scientific articles discussed in this episode: Mensink, Ronald P., and World Health Organization. Effects of saturated fatty acids on serum lipids and lipoproteins: a systematic review and regression analysis. World Health Organization, 2016. Okereke, Olivia I., et al. “Dietary fat types and 4‐year cognitive change in community‐dwelling older women.” Annals of neurology 72.1 (2012): 124-134. Simian Diet paper: Kendall, Cyril WC, and David JA Jenkins. “A dietary portfolio: maximal reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with diet.” Current atherosclerosis reports 6.6 (2004): 492-498. Solomon, Alina, et al. “Midlife serum cholesterol and increased risk of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia three decades later.” Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders 28.1 (2009): 75-80. Morris, Martha Clare, et al. “Dietary fats and the risk of incident Alzheimer disease.” Archives of neurology 60.2 (2003): 194-200. Keys, Ancel, Joseph T. Anderson, and Francisco Grande. “Prediction of serum-cholesterol responses of man to changes in fats in the diet.” Lancet 273 (1957): 959-966 Anitschkow, N. N., and S. Chalatow. 1913. Ueber experimentelle Cholesterinsteatose und ihre Bedeutung fur die Entstehung eini- ger pathologischer Prozesse. Zentralbl. Allg. Pathol. 24: 1–9. Keys, Ancel, et al. “The seven countries study: 2,289 deaths in 15 years.” Preventive medicine 13.2 (1984): 141-154. Sherzai, Ayesha Z., Alexander N. Sherzai, and Dean Sherzai. "A systematic review of omega-3 consumption and neuroprotective cognitive outcomes." American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 17.4 (2023): 560-588. Rajan, Kumar B., et al. "Statin Initiation and Risk of Incident Alzheimer Disease and Cognitive Decline in Genetically Susceptible Older Adults." Neurology 102.7 (2024): e209168. Olmastroni, Elena, et al. "Statin use and risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies." European journal of preventive cardiology 29.5 (2022): 804-814.