Your Brain On

With big changes happening in the Sherzai family household, we sat down for a roundtable discussion about the concept that will shape what we’re all doing next: our purpose. In this ‘unplugged’ mid-season chat, we’re joined by our kids — Sophia and Alex! — for a wide-ranging conversation about our values and goals. How they form, how they falter, and how they evolve, in an increasingly noisy world. Together, we discuss: • The neurological and evolutionary importance of purpose • How a firm sense of purpose can help us develop better habits • The difference between ‘internal’ and ‘external’ purpose • How we can stay focused on our values in the face of modern life’s distractions • The promises and pitfalls of AI in shaping (and potentially hijacking) our sense of purpose Sophia — now heading off to Boston! — works in biomedical engineering and brain-computer interfaces. And Alex (self-proclaimed Tetris champion) is focused on the intersection of brain health and artificial intelligence. This is Your Brain On... Purpose, a Sherzai Family Special!

Matthew K. Taylor, a lead researcher on creatine's role in Alzheimer's, and Russell Swerdlow, an expert in brain energy metabolism, discuss the promising but nuanced findings of recent studies on creatine supplementation. They highlight the critical distinction between hype and hope, examining how scientific nuances can easily be lost in the health discourse. The duo emphasizes the need for rigorous research on creatine's effects, particularly regarding dosage and cognitive health, while promoting holistic lifestyle changes for optimal brain function.

Join Dr. Sharon Bergquist, a Yale- and Harvard-trained physician, and Dr. Mithu Storoni, a neuroscientist and author, as they explore the surprising perks of stress. They discuss the difference between 'good' stress that can enhance brain function and 'bad' stress that harms it. Practical strategies for harnessing stress as a tool for resilience are shared, along with insights on how moderate stress may even slow aging. Discover how to reframe stress for personal growth and cognitive health!

Dr. Olajide Williams, a neurologist and vice dean at Columbia University, shares his expertise on stroke prevention. He emphasizes that up to 90% of strokes could be prevented with awareness and education. The discussion includes how to quickly recognize a stroke using the ‘act FAST’ acronym, and the importance of blood pressure management. Dr. Williams highlights his Hip Hop Public Health initiative, which teaches kids to save lives, and addresses healthcare disparities, stressing that lifestyle changes are key in stroke prevention.

Marion Nestle, a renowned authority on food policy and Emerita Professor at NYU, sheds light on the challenges posed by the food industry in making healthier choices. She discusses how food marketing exploits our psychology and why willpower alone isn't enough. Marion emphasizes the significance of community initiatives, schools, and policy in shaping nutritional habits. She also highlights the detrimental effects of stress and decision fatigue on our diets, and the double-edged role of social media in spreading nutrition information.

John Aucott, Director of the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Clinical Research Center, and Richard Marconi, a microbiology professor at VCU, shed light on the complex landscape of Lyme disease. They discuss lingering symptoms post-treatment and Lyme's neurological challenges. The conversation reveals how climate change and social disparities amplify tick-borne illnesses. They also explore the pitfalls of alternative medicine targeting vulnerable patients and the future of Lyme vaccines, making the case for improved trust in healthcare through empathy and transparency.

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.

Dr. Alessio Fasano, a leading pediatric gastroenterologist, and Dr. Frank Cusimano, a respected gut-brain health communicator, unravel the mysteries of gluten in this insightful discussion. They explain the differences between celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies. The duo delves into how gluten impacts gut health and neurological issues like brain fog. They caution against unnecessary gluten elimination diets and emphasize the significance of fiber for a healthy microbiome. A fascinating look at the connections between gluten and overall brain function!

In this conversation, Lisa Mosconi, Director of the Women's Brain Initiative and author of 'The Menopause Brain', teams up with Maria Shriver, founder of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement. They delve into the higher Alzheimer’s risks faced by women and how menopause accelerates brain aging. The duo discusses estrogen’s protective role, the truth about hormone replacement therapy, and the impact of genetics like APOE4. They emphasize lifestyle changes—including stress management and cognitive engagement—to mitigate neurological changes during menopause.

Dr. Ani Patel, a cognitive psychologist, Dr. Charles Limb, a surgeon and musician, and Jonathan Biss, a renowned pianist and author, dive into the captivating connection between music and the brain. They discuss how music enhances cognitive functions and emotional well-being. From therapeutic uses in Alzheimer's patients to the impact of rhythm on language recovery, their insights reveal music's powerful role in fostering communication and learning. The trio also explores music's cultural significance and how creativity intertwines with neurological processes.