Helen Lavretsky

In this engaging conversation, Richard Sima, a Washington Post Brain Matters columnist, sheds light on how chronic stress affects brain resilience and contributes to cognitive decline. Helen Lavretsky, a neuroscientist and geriatric psychiatrist from UCLA, shares groundbreaking research on the power of breathwork and yoga for mental health. They discuss how breath exercises can combat stress and inflammation, improve mood, and even enhance brain connectivity. With practical tips and insights, they highlight the importance of mindful breathing for overall brain health.

Dr. Natali Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist and founder of Dementia Careblazers, and Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a Psychiatry Professor at UCLA, dive into the vital topic of caregiver well-being. They discuss the emotional toll caregiving takes, emphasizing the importance of self-care. Learn how lifestyle changes and meditation can offset stress, and hear about the need for community support and policy reforms. They also touch on emerging tech solutions, including robotics, that can ease the burden of caregivers.

Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a psychiatrist and UCLA professor specializing in geriatric psychiatry, sheds light on the mental health struggles faced by those over 60, revealing that loneliness and chronic pain are significant factors. She discusses the aging brain's shifts and the challenges of polypharmacy. Fascinatingly, Dr. Lavretsky emphasizes the uplifting power of music, chanting, and mind-body practices like yoga, highlighting their benefits for mental well-being and cognitive health in later life.