Ep. 247: Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai - Protect Your Brain from Cognitive Decline
May 2, 2024
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Neurologists Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai discuss the latest Alzheimer's research, Netflix documentary 'You Are What You Eat,' menopause, vascular factors for brain health, and stress importance of evidence-based recommendations. Also touch on nutrients like B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, sleep disorders impact, mouth taping debunking, healthy habits, dietary choices, and future plans for neuroscience tips podcast.
Positive relationships and social interactions impact cognitive health by promoting habits and neurological connections.
Exercise enhances blood flow, promotes growth hormones, and supports neuroplasticity for improved cognitive functions.
Remaining intellectually engaged post-retirement stimulates brain connections, enhances brain reserves, and protects against cognitive decline.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during perimenopause and menopause can positively influence cognitive health by mitigating hormonal effects and seeking guidance from specialists.
Deep dives
Importance of Relationships for Cognitive Health
Having positive relationships and meaningful social interactions significantly impact cognitive health by promoting habits, culture, and neurological connections. Maintaining strong social connections helps with cognitive challenges, improves blood flow in the brain, and fosters complex brain activities that enhance memory, learning, and cognitive functions.
Significance of Exercise for Brain Health
Exercise plays a crucial role in brain health by enhancing blood flow, promoting growth hormones like BDNF, and supporting neuroplasticity. Engaging in regular aerobic and resistance exercises can boost cognitive functions, improve memory, and protect against age-related cognitive decline. Physical activity is essential for overall brain health and mental well-being.
Avoiding Mental Retirement for Cognitive Vitality
Remaining intellectually engaged after retirement is crucial for maintaining cognitive vitality. Participating in purpose-driven, complex, and challenging activities post-retirement helps stimulate brain connections, enhance brain reserves, and protect against cognitive decline. Learning new skills, hobbies, or engaging in mentally stimulating tasks can significantly impact long-term brain health.
Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause for Brain Health
Perimenopause and menopause represent significant physiological and neurological transitions for women due to hormonal changes impacting brain function. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a plant-based diet, regular exercise, stress management, and cognitive activities, can mitigate the effects of hormonal fluctuations during these life stages. Seeking guidance from women's health specialists, getting tested for hormone levels, and making lifestyle adjustments can positively influence cognitive health during perimenopause and menopause.
The Importance of Lifestyle Choices on Cognitive Health
Lifestyle choices play a significant role in cognitive health, with certain behaviors influencing cognitive capacity. Engaging in activities that promote brain health, such as proper diet and exercise, can help increase cognitive ability and reduce the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Impact of Micronutrients on Brain Health
Specific micronutrients like B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, are crucial for brain health. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to cognitive impairment and other health issues. Monitoring and ensuring adequate intake of these micronutrients, either through diet or supplementation, is essential for brain, spinal cord, and nerve health.
Caution Against Misleading Health Claims
Consumers should exercise caution regarding health claims related to nutraceuticals like Lion's Mane, Ginkgo Biloba, and Ashwagandha. Despite marketing hype, scientific evidence supporting the benefits of these products is lacking. Prioritizing evidence-based approaches and consulting with healthcare providers is key to making informed decisions about supplements.
Promoting Healthy Vascular Markers for Brain Health
Monitoring key vascular markers like blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1C is crucial for optimal brain health. Maintaining healthy levels of these markers, such as normal blood pressure, low LDL cholesterol, and balanced A1C, can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues and cognitive decline.
Our brain plays a role in everything that we do from our moods, behaviors, and personalities, to how we process and respond to the world around us. Naturally we want to know as much about it as possible.
Thank goodness for the Team Sherzai - Drs. Dean and Ayesha - Neurologists, researchers, and public health advocates. Together, they are a forcefield in the study of the brain with the unique ability to share their knowledge at a level that is both educational and approachable.
Today, we dive into the latest Alzheimer's research, discuss their role in the Netflix documentary "You Are What You Eat," explore menopause and hormone replacement therapy for women, highlight key vascular factors for brain health, and stress the importance of evidence-based recommendations.
It’s entertaining. It’s informative. It’s Team Sherzai - The Brain Docs.
