ZOE Science & Nutrition

The truth behind memory loss - and how to stop it with exercise | Dr. Wendy Suzuki

Feb 20, 2025

Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a renowned neuroscientist and NYU professor, dives into the transformative effects of exercise on brain health. She explains how physical activity rewires the brain, boosting memory and focus while creating a protective barrier against dementia. Despite aging, it's never too late to enhance your mind's resilience through movement and mindful habits. Suzuki shares her own routines and emphasizes that even moderate exercise can lead to significant cognitive benefits, urging everyone to prioritize brain fitness.

01:08:46

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Episode guests

Wendy Suzuki

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Regular exercise significantly enhances brain health by promoting neuroplasticity, boosting memory, and reducing the risk of dementia.

Emotional experiences play a crucial role in memory retention, with the amygdala facilitating the recall of significant memories.

Mitigating cognitive decline with age is possible through mindfulness, stress reduction, and consistent engagement in enjoyable physical activities.

Deep dives

The Importance of Brain Health

Many people focus on physical changes from exercise, but brain health is equally vital. The podcast emphasizes that, unlike muscles, we cannot easily gauge the health of our brains, which can lead to discovering problems too late, such as after a dementia diagnosis. Research by Dr. Wendy Suzuki reveals that we can improve our brain's health through activities that enhance cognition and quality of life. This understanding encourages proactive approaches to brain health through regular mental and physical exercise.

Intro

2min

The Science of Memory Formation

6min

Mindfulness and Memory: Understanding Cognitive Health

5min

Navigating Memory: From Storage to Resilience

6min

Exploring the Brain: Function and Fitness

13min

Boosting Brain Health Through Exercise

20min

Exploring the Link Between Diet and Brain Health

4min

Inflammation and Brain Health Connection

5min

Unlocking Brain Health Through Accessible Exercise and Nutrition

5min

We spend so much time focusing on how exercise changes our bodies - burning calories, building muscle, shedding fat. What if the most important transformation is happening where you can’t see it? Hidden inside your skull, your brain is changing with every step, squat, and sprint.

Neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki has spent years uncovering how movement rewires the brain. As a professor at NYU and an expert in neuroplasticity, Wendy’s research reveals how aerobic exercise boosts memory, sharpens focus, and even builds a protective barrier against dementia.

In this episode, Wendy explains what happens inside your brain when you move, why it’s never too late to strengthen your mind, and the powerful ways exercise can slow brain aging. You’ll discover simple, science-backed habits - including her own brain-boosting routine - to help you stay mentally sharp for years to come.

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Timecodes

00:00 Introduction

02:35 Can you grow your brain?

05:05 Why we forget things

07:20 Emotions and memory

10:00 Does memory decline with age?

13:15 Early signs of Alzheimer’s

15:45 Can walking prevent dementia?

18:20 Does the brain shrink?