Neuroscientist Ben Rein discusses brain health, debunking autism misinformation, and the impact of social media on empathy. They explore the value of social interaction, hip mobility, and the effects of cannabis on sleep patterns.
Engaging in diverse activities like socializing and exercise is crucial for brain health.
Social media content may diminish empathy levels and impact interactions online.
Deep dives
Concerns About Cognitive Decline
Many individuals, especially as they age, express concerns about cognitive decline more than physical issues like back pain or hormonal changes. Cognitive decline impacts memory, sharpness, and work performance, leading to challenges in social interactions and conversations.
Social Transfer of Pain Study
A study on the social transfer of pain in mice highlighted the phenomenon of empathy where a healthy mouse interacting with a mouse experiencing pain displayed heightened sensitivity. This study aimed to model empathy for pain, reflecting the human empathetic response observed in caregiving situations, such as in healthcare professions.
Implications of Social Media on Empathy
Social media's content, particularly negative and violent images, may desensitize users and impact empathy levels. Users tend to engage in hostile interactions online, diminishing empathy. The virtual disengagement hypothesis explains how online interactions may hinder empathy due to a lack of in-person social cues.
Neurological Health and Lifestyle Choices
Engaging in a variety of mental and physical activities, maintaining healthy habits, and prioritizing social interactions contribute to brain health. Incorporating diverse activities beyond brain games, such as socializing and physical exercise, plays a crucial role in preserving neurological health as individuals age.
One of the biggest challenges that comes with aging is cognitive decline. You lose your keys, you can’t remember the neighbor’s name, and your brain seems to putter along instead of humming like it used to. From conversations with listeners over the past year, concerns over brain health are top of the list, so I’ve invited a neuroscientist onto the podcast to share his insights.
Listen to learn:
About the challenges of social media
The connection between isolation and brain health
Whether crossword puzzles really do prevent cognitive decline