Your Brain On

Leigh Hochberg, a leader in neurotechnology at Massachusetts General Hospital, David Brandman, co-director of UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab, and neural engineer Sergey Stavisky explore groundbreaking advancements in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). They discuss how BCIs restore speech and movement for individuals with paralysis, the ethical implications of neural data privacy, and the emotional journeys of patients involved in clinical trials. The conversation emphasizes the technology's potential while advocating for ethical and inclusive practices in this rapidly evolving field.

Gluten has become one of the most misunderstood aspects of modern nutrition. Let’s set the record straight. In this episode, we untangle the medical, neurological, and cultural narratives surrounding gluten, from celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity to real (and rare) cases of gluten-induced brain dysfunction. We discuss: • The differences between celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy • How gluten affects the gut, and what ‘leaky gut’ really means • Whether gluten can trigger neurological symptoms like ataxia and brain fog • Why cutting out gluten without a diagnosis may do more harm than good • How wheat contributes to a healthy microbiome (and why fiber matters) • What role zonulin plays in gut permeability and immune activation • Why brain fog isn’t yet well understood (and the theories behind it) To help us decode the science (and bust the myths) of gluten, nutrition, and the brain, we’re joined by two world-renowned experts: DR. ALESSIO FASANO: pediatric gastroenterologist, research scientist, and chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Mass General for Children (MGfC), and director of the Center for Celiac Research. DR. FRANK CUSIMANO: gastroenterologist, physician-scientist, and gut-brain health communicator with a PhD in Nutritional and Metabolic Biology from Columbia University Institute of Human Nutrition. This is... Your Brain On Gluten. ‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Gluten’ • SEASON 5 • EPISODE 2 ——— Your Brain On... is supported by the FREE monthly Brain Box, available in our NEURO World community: http://thebraindocs.com/brainbox

Two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are women — but why? In this episode, we unpack the neurological, hormonal, and social drivers that uniquely affect women's brain health during the menopausal transition — from estrogen’s protective role in the brain to the misunderstood history of hormone replacement therapy. We discuss: • Why women face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s than men • How menopause accelerates brain aging (and how it starts earlier than is often expected) • The role of estrogen in brain metabolism and neuroprotection • The real story behind hormone replacement therapy (HRT) • The impact of genes like APOE4 on women’s brain health • How lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and cognitive activity can help reduce the impact of neurological changes onset by menopause ——— Get our free curation of women’s brain health resources in our Brain Box: http://thebraindocs.com/brainbox ——— To help us tell this story, we welcome three world-renowned women’s health experts to the podcast: DR. LISA MOSCONI: Director of the Women's Brain Initiative, author of ‘The Menopause Brain’, and pioneering researcher in brain imaging and hormonal neuroscience. MARIA SHRIVER: Founder of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, journalist, and relentless advocate for gender equity in brain health research. DR. LISA GENOVA: Neuroscientist and bestselling author of ‘Still Alice’, which was adapted into a film starring Julianne Moore, who won the  2015 Best Actress Oscar for her role as Alice Howland. This is... Your Brain On Menopause. ‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Menopause’ • SEASON 5 • EPISODE 1 ——— Our free Women’s Brain Health Brain Box includes: • Guides on how to speak with healthcare providers about menopause • Delicious brain-healthy Mother’s Day brunch recipes • Meaningful gift ideas for the women you love • Inspiring interviews with world-leading women’s health experts • And even a chance to check your cognitive health with an insightful, science-backed test Get the Brain Box for free! Here: http://thebraindocs.com/brainbox ——— References: Mosconi, L. (2017). Perimenopause and emergence of an Alzheimer's bioenergetic phenotype in brain and periphery. PloS One, 12(10), e0185926.  Belloy, M. E. & Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. (2019). A quarter century of APOE and Alzheimer's disease: Progress to date and the path forward. Neuron, 101(5), 820-838.  Rahman, A. (2019). Sex and gender driven modifiers of Alzheimer's: The role for estrogenic control across age, race, medical, and lifestyle risks. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 11, 315.  Rocca, W. A. (2012). Hysterectomy, oophorectomy, estrogen, and the risk of dementia. Neurodegenerative Diseases, 10(1-4), 175-178.  Scheyer, O. (2018). Female sex and Alzheimer's risk: The menopause connection. Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, 5(4), 225-230.  Women's Health Initiative Memory Study Investigators. (2003). Estrogen plus progestin and the incidence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women: The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study—a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 289(20), 2651–2662.  Women's Health Initiative Investigators. (2002). Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: Principal results from the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 288(3), 321-333.  Whitmer, R. A. (2005). Midlife cardiovascular risk factors and risk of dementia in late life. Neurology, 64(2), 277-281.  Livingston, G. (2024). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet, 404(10452), 572-628. Maki, P. M. (2016). Hormone therapy, dementia, and cognition: The Women's Health Initiative 10 years on. Climacteric, 19(3), 313-315. 

Music is one of the most powerful forces of all time for human connection, cognitive stimulation, and therapeutic introspection. We’ve seen music help Alzheimer’s patients find their voice, children with speech disorders unlock new ways to communicate with rhythm and melody, and communities express their identity through song. In this episode, we discuss: • The cognitive, psychological, and mental benefits of music • Why learning to play an instrument is one of the best things you can do for your brain • The power of music as a means of connecting with others • Therapeutic uses of music for patients living with neurodegenerative diseases • The neuroscience of how we process sounds and perceive music We’re absolutely thrilled to be speaking to THREE incredible experts on music and cognition today, discussing an element of the human experience that does so much for our brains without us even thinking about it. In this episode, we’re joined by: DR. ANI PATEL, PhD, a cognitive psychologist at Tufts University known for his research on music cognition and the neuroscience of music. DR. CHARLES LIMB, MD, a surgeon, professor of otolaryngology, and musician at University of California in San Francisco.  JONATHAN BISS, renowned pianist and author of the book ‘Unquiet’, which explores the intersection of music and mental health. This is... Your Brain On Music. ‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On...’ is supported by the NEURO World Retreat, taking place in San Diego, September 2–5 2025: https://neuroworldretreat.com/ ‘Your Brain On... Music’ • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 10 This is the Season 4 finale. We’ll be back in a few weeks with Season 5! ——— LINKS Dr. Ani Patel, PhD At Tufts University: https://as.tufts.edu/psychology/people/faculty/aniruddh-patel  The Sound Health Network: https://soundhealth.ucsf.edu/ Dr. Charles Limb, MD At UCSF: https://ohns.ucsf.edu/charles-limb  Dr. Limb’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/charles_limb_your_brain_on_improv Jonathan Biss Jonathan’s website: https://www.jonathanbiss.com/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan_biss_official/ Jonathan’s book, ‘Unquiet’: https://www.jonathanbiss.com/projects/unquiet  ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Supplements have become a hundred-billion dollar industry. But can they really boost your brain health in the ways they claim? They’re everywhere: shelves and shelves of pills and powders promising everything from  improved immunity, boosted energy, and faster weight loss to better sleep, happier moods, and enhanced sexual wellness. Social media influencers won’t stop talking about them, and they seem to appear in TV commercials every five minutes. And yet... the evidence supporting most of the claims these supplements make is next-to-nought. So what’s the truth? In ‘Your Brain On... Supplements’, we discuss: The differences between supplements and medication Why supplements are so loosely regulated The most popular supplements, and the lack of evidence supporting their purported benefits Identifying between the placebo effect and real effects Some supplements with actual evidence-based potential The psychology behind why we all feel compelled to try supplements Tips for navigating supplement claims we see on social media Joining us for this episode is Dr. Adrian Chavez a nutrition researcher, educator, and consultant. He has a PhD in Nutrition and Health Promotion where he conducted research developing and delivering lifestyle interventions in community settings for improving cardiovascular and metabolic health. After graduating he opened up a private practice and has worked with hundreds of clients helping people to lose weight and improve a variety of health problems with science-based nutrition strategies. He is the host of The Nutrition Science Podcast, a top-rated nutrition podcast that provides bite-sized episodes covering important topics in nutrition. This is... Your Brain On Supplements. ‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On...’ is supported by the NEURO World Retreat, taking place in San Diego, September 2–5 2025: https://neuroworldretreat.com/ ‘Your Brain On... Supplements’ • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 9 ——— LINKS Dr. Adrian Chavez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.adrian.chavez Dr. Adrian Chavez’s website: https://www.dradrianchavez.com/ Dr. Adrian Chavez’s Podcast: https://www.thenutritionsciencepodcast.com/ ——— SELECTED CITATIONS Dietary Supplement Studies  Supplements adulterated with drugs: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35285963/  Prohibited contaminants in dietary supplements: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5753965/  Dietary Supplement Fraud: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33412717/  Unapproved Ingredients: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30646238/  Ashwagandha  Ashwagandha on Physical Performance https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8006238/ Ashwagandha on sleep https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34559859/  Ashwagandha on stress https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017529/  Creatine  Creatine on Memory https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35984306/ ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Traumatic Brain Injury is a major cause of death, disability, and cognitive decline. Thankfully, evolving research is helping us protect our heads and lessen the long-term impacts of TBIs. In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’ we discuss: • The effects and symptoms of TBI, from mild concussions to more severe head injuries • What actually happens to your brain when you sustain a TBI • The links between TBI and neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment • The prevalence of TBI in military personnel and sportspeople, and how we’re improving protective technologies • Steps to take after experiencing concussions or head traumas • How brain-healthy preventative lifestyle habits can lessen the long-term impacts of TBI Our guest for this episode is Dr. David Brody, MD, PhD, Chief Science Officer/Chief Innovation Officer, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD. Dr. Brody is a pre-eminent researcher of traumatic brain injuries, particularly in military personnel who experience TBIs during combat.  This is... Your Brain On TBI. ‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists, and public health advocates Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On...’ is supported by the NEURO World Retreat, taking place in San Diego, September 2–5 2025: https://neuroworldretreat.com/ ‘Your Brain On... TBI’ • SEASON 4 • EPISODE 8  — LINKS David Brody, MD, PhD: https://www.usuhs.edu/profile/david-brody-md-phd  — FOLLOW US  Instagram: @thebraindocs  Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

In this discussion, Richard Bazinet, a University of Toronto professor researching brain lipid metabolism, and Bill Harris, an omega-3 expert behind the Omega-3 Index, share insights on the significance of omega-3 fatty acids for brain health. They unpack the differences between omega-3 and omega-6, revealing how dietary sources are crucial since our bodies can’t produce these essential fats. The conversation also explores the risks of low intake and the importance of DHA at every life stage, while advocating for more comprehensive research on omega-3 benefits and metabolism.

Larry Rosen, a research psychologist specializing in tech's psychological impact, and Jean Twenge, an author known for her insights into youth mental health, dive into the social media landscape. They discuss the alarming effects of social media on brain health, addiction, and mental wellbeing, particularly for teens. Their conversation highlights the neurological tricks used by apps that keep users scrolling and offers practical strategies to foster a healthier digital relationship. Plus, they explore issues like doom-scrolling and the pervasive impact of headlines on sleep and anxiety.

Sophia Sherzai, a biomedical engineer, and Alex Sherzai, an AI specialist, join their neuroscientist parents for a festive discussion. They delve into life as a family of brain experts, share their ambitions for 2025, and navigate the complexities of holiday dynamics. Topics like the importance of emotional health, personal growth, and overcoming misconceptions about dopamine addiction take center stage. With humor and insights, they also reflect on cherished memories and the power of connection over consumerism during the holidays.

Matthew Taylor, a registered dietitian specializing in ketogenic diets, and Russell Swerdlow, a neurology professor focused on Alzheimer's research, delve into the intriguing world of ketogenic diets and brain health. They discuss the historical origins of the diet and its modern-day implications for cognitive function. Key insights include how ketogenic diets can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain, their potential benefits for Alzheimer's patients, and the impact of diet versus supplements on cognitive performance.