Eating to improve memory, and a new play about mental health services
Feb 20, 2024
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Dr. Ellen Smith, a researcher from Northumbria University, explores the fascinating connection between diet and brain health, spotlighting Lion's Mane mushrooms and their purported cognitive benefits. She examines how social media is shaping perceptions about food's impact on memory and mood. Additionally, Claudia Hammond discusses the powerful new play, 'This Might Not Be It,' which vividly portrays the struggles of NHS mental health services, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in fostering empathy and bringing attention to mental health challenges.
Lion's Mane mushroom shows potential cognitive benefits but requires more extensive research to validate health claims and efficacy.
The use of drama and storytelling effectively fosters empathy and understanding around mental health issues, enhancing societal perception.
Deep dives
The Effects of Lion's Mane on Brain Health
Lion's Mane mushroom is gaining popularity for its purported cognitive benefits. Claims suggest it can enhance memory, improve focus, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, primarily promoted through social media. However, scientific research into its efficacy remains limited, with early studies indicating that while some cognitive improvements are possible in older adults with impairments, there is inadequate evidence to substantiate the health claims. Preliminary trials, including small studies at Northumbria University, suggest potential acute effects on reaction time, but larger studies are needed to confirm these findings comprehensively.
Challenges of Researching Cognitive Enhancers
Investigating the cognitive enhancement potential of Lion's Mane presents several challenges, particularly with the demographic of study participants. Research indicates that demonstrating significant cognitive improvements in young, healthy adults is difficult because their brains are already functioning optimally. A researcher highlighted the need for extensive longitudinal studies involving large populations to better understand Lion's Mane's effects over time, especially regarding cognitive decline associated with aging. Such exhaustive studies can be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming, complicating the research landscape for this and similar supplements.
Drama's Role in Enhancing Empathy
The power of drama in fostering empathy and understanding is noteworthy, particularly in the context of mental health. Through narratives, audiences can connect with characters' experiences, leading to emotional responses that activate similar brain regions as direct personal experiences of pain. This phenomenon can significantly impact societal perceptions, as illustrated by an exploration of how individual stories on screen elicit greater empathy than broader societal issues without personal connections. The effectiveness of storytelling in stimulating empathy can enhance discussions around mental health, illustrating the importance of humanizing complex issues through relatable narratives.
Does what we eat have an impact on our mood and memory? And should we be thinking about brain health when we make diet choices? Claudia Hammond speaks to Dr Ellen Smith from Northumbria University about the latest food supplement taking TikTok by storm; Lion's Mane mushrooms. We are used to foods being promoted for their physical health benefits, but this one is being claimed to reduce brain fog, improve memory and fend off Alzheimer's disease. Claudia asks what the science says and discusses with studio guest Dr Sarah King from the University of Sussex whether and what we should be eating to boost our cognition.
And Claudia's off to see a new play; This Might Not Be It is currently on at the Bush Theatre, London. It tells the story of two administrators in an NHS mental health clinic and addresses the challenge of staying optimistic in a system that is struggling. Claudia is accompanied by mental health campaigner James Downs, and speaks to the writer of the play, Sophia Chetin-Leuner. Studio guest Sarah King discusses why drama is so powerful in helping us connect with people's stories.
Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Lorna Stewart
Production Coordinator: Siobhan Maguire
Studio Manager: Tim Heffer
Editor: Holly Squire
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