Your Brain On

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)

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LINKS

Dr. Nicole Prause at UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/departments/medicine/gastro/research/labs-and-programs/patel-laboratory

Dr. Nicole Prause on Twitter: https://x.com/nicolerprause

Dr. Nicole Prause on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nicolerprause.bsky.social

Dr. Rena 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/

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

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!)

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LINKS:

Dr. Matt Nagra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.matthewnagra

Website: https://drmatthewnagra.com/ 

Dr. Alan Flanagan

Alan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritionaladvocate

Alinea Nutrition: https://www.alineanutrition.com/

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REFERENCES:

Dietary Patterns and Risk of Dementia: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-015-9516-4

Dietary fat composition and dementia risk. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.03.038

Dietary Protein and Amino Acids in Vegetarian 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

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

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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

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

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

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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 

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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 SHULMAN: 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

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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

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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

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LINKS

Dr. Natali Edmonds:

Dementia Careblazers: https://careblazers.com/

The Dementia Careblazers podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/dementia-careblazers/id1634661439

Dementia Caregivers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DementiaCareblazers

Dr. Helen Lavretsky:

At UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/helen-lavretsky

Study on yogic meditation for dementia caregivers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423469/

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FOLLOW US

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

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

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LINKS

Dr. Amishi Jha:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0062992155/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amishipjha/ 

On Twitter: https://x.com/amishijha 

Dr. Clifford Saron:

Center for Mind and Brain: https://mindbrain.ucdavis.edu/people/clifford-saron 

Dr. Helen Lavretsky:

At UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/helen-lavretsky

Study on yogic meditation for dementia caregivers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423469/

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

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LINKS

Dr. Stuart Phillips at McMaster University: https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/

Dr. Stuart Phillips on Twitter: https://x.com/mackinprof

Dr. Kirk Erickson at the University of Pittsburgh: https://www.psychology.pitt.edu/people/kirk-erickson-phd 

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REFERENCES (Studies Dr. Erickson referred to in the show):

1. 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/ 

2. Colcombe, S. J., Erickson, K. I., Scalf, et al. (2006). Aerobic exercise training increases brain volume in aging humans. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 61(11), 1166-1170. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17167157/

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FOLLOW US

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

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

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LINKS

Dr. Daniele Piomelli

At University of California Irvine: https://cnlm.uci.edu/piomelli/ UCI Center for the Study of Cannabis: https://cannabis.uci.edu/

Dr. Susan Weiss

National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://nida.nih.gov/ The ABCD Study: https://abcdstudy.org/

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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)

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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/

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References:

1. Bloem, B. R., Okun, M. S., & Klein, C. (2021). Parkinson's disease. The Lancet, 397(10291), 2284-2303.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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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!

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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/

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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

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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

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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.

How does hearing loss change the brain and contribute to cognitive decline?

The human capacity to hear is incredible. In milliseconds, sound vibrations are transformed into mechanical energy, then sensorineural signals, and then, in our brains, a universe of meaning and memory.

When that sense begins to fade, either due to aging or because of causative damage, our brains can become understimulated, potentially leading to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

But, with accessibility research, technology, and policy continuing to strengthen and converge, the future promises to be brighter for everyone experiencing hearing loss.

In this episode of ‘YOUR BRAIN ON...’, we discuss:

• The different kinds and causes of hearing loss

• The relationship between aging and hearing loss

• The neurological distinction between ‘hearing’ and ‘listening’

• The recent groundbreaking studies which have made the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline clearer than ever

• How associated conditions like tinnitus impact the brain

• What’s coming next in hearing aid technology

This episode, we’re joined by:

DR. FRANK LIN, Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at Johns Hopkins, who headed major research into how hearing loss contributes to increased risk of neurodegenerative disease.

DR. DOUGLAS BECK, renowned audiologist and co-host of the Hearing Matters podcast, who talks about the past and future of hearing aid devices, how to protect your hearing, and why listening — not hearing — is a whole-brain event.

DR. KRISTIN BARRY, researcher and tinnitus expert, who breaks down the various types of tinnitus and explains how the effects of tinnitus can be observed in the brain.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... HEARING LOSS’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 3

LINKS

Dr. Frank Lin

Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health: https://jhucochlearcenter.org/

The Hearing Number: https://hearingnumber.org/

Dr. Douglas Beck

Dr. Beck’s website: http://www.douglaslbeck.com/

The Hearing Matters podcast: https://hearingmatterspodcast.com/

Dr. Kristin Barry

Dr. Barry at the University of Western Australia: https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/kristin-barry

Dr. Barry’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKY-hohg8wM 

FOLLOW US

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast