

Your Brain On
Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai
A podcast about the neuroscience of everything. From neurologists, researchers, and public health advocates Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai, explore every aspect of our world through a neuroscientific lens, with science-based stories, interviews, anecdotes, and brain health facts. Equip yourself with neurologically sound answers to life’s everyday health questions and learn the essentials of brain health and optimization, one topic at a time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 46min
Your Brain On... Marijuana
Dive into the fascinating world of marijuana's impact on the brain and body. Discover the distinct effects of THC and CBD, and learn how the endocannabinoid system influences mood and pain perception. Hear a compelling case of a woman who couldn't feel pain due to a genetic mutation. Uncover the potential benefits of marijuana, such as pain management and mental health support, while also addressing significant risks like addiction and memory disorders. It's a deep exploration of cannabis's evolving role in our lives.

14 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 1h 13min
Your Brain On... Parkinson’s
Discover the 200-year journey of Parkinson’s disease, from 18th-century discoveries to modern genetic insights. Explore the surprising role of the industrial revolution in environmental triggers. Understand the complex interplay of motor and non-motor symptoms, such as tremors and depression. Learn how unique detection methods, like olfactory recognition, can aid diagnosis. Delve into lifestyle strategies for prevention and management, and explore exciting advancements in research, including the potential of AI to transform treatment.

Jul 3, 2024 • 34min
Your Brain On... Ozempic
Discover the history, benefits, and future of Ozempic, a diabetes drug turned weight loss aid. Explore GLP-1 agonists' impact on appetite, weight loss, and cardiovascular health. Unpack the challenges of supply chains and medication misinformation. Delve into how weight loss drugs affect brain receptors and behaviors. Learn about using GLP-1 agonists for addiction treatment. Reflect on Season Two and get excited for Season Three's brain health-focused content.

8 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 48min
Your Brain On... Retirement
Discover how retirement can impact cognitive function and brain health, with insights on building cognitive reserve. Explore international variations in retirement transitions, the role of education in shaping cognitive health, and the influence of Artificial Intelligence on job sectors. Hear from experts on the future of neuroscience research in retirement.

Jun 19, 2024 • 36min
Your Brain On... Introversion
Exploring introversion in the brain, genetic vs learned traits, predicting introversion in infants, debunking myths, dopamine's role, self-identification for introverts, and improving energy management.

Jun 12, 2024 • 50min
Your Brain On... Sleep
We spend a third of our lives sleeping. The benefits for our brain are incredible. Restorative sleep is essential for good brain health. When you sleep, your brain washes away waste products from around your synapses, consolidates short-term memories into long-term knowledge, and processes thoughts and emotions. In this episode, we explain how, and discuss: • How much sleep your brain really needs • The different phases of sleep, and how each one strengthens your cognition • Why good sleep is key for minimising the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases • Insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders, and how to treat them • The environmental factors which can help improve sleep • Why paying too much attention to sleep trackers and smart wearables can do more harm than good This week, we’re joined by Dr. Donn Posner, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. We also welcome Dr. Sujay Kansagra, the Director of Duke's Pediatric Neurology Sleep Medicine Program and an Assistant Professor in Duke's School of Medicine. ‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/ ‘Your Brain On... Sleep’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 7 ——— LINKS Dr. Donn Posner: Sleepwell Consultants: https://www.sleepwellconsultants.com/ Dr. Sujay Kansagra: at Duke Health: https://www.dukehealth.org/find-doctors-physicians/sujay-kansagra-md on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsleepdoc ——— FOLLOW US Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

5 snips
Jun 5, 2024 • 34min
Your Brain On... Virtual Reality
Virtual reality gadgets trick our brains by creating hyper-realistic simulations. VR game designers prevent motion sickness cleverly. VR is used for treating conditions like PTSD. VR was used in neurological studies back in the 90s. We must adopt VR tech responsibly with caution.

4 snips
May 29, 2024 • 36min
Your Brain On... Sunlight
Unraveling the impact of sunlight on our brains: from serotonin production for alertness to melatonin release for sleep. Explore the benefits of Vitamin D, disruptions in our circadian rhythm, and how light therapies can combat cognitive decline. Join experts as they discuss the evolutionary link between sunlight exposure and our health.

20 snips
May 22, 2024 • 1h 1min
Your Brain On... Fats
Explore the different types of fats essential for brain health, debunking myths about high-fat diets. Understand the link between saturated fats, cognitive decline, and dementia. Learn about incorporating healthy fats into meals and the impact on heart and brain health. Hear from nutrition scientist Dr. Alan Flanagan and cardiologist Dr. Danielle Belardo on fats, cholesterol, and cardiovascular interventions.

9 snips
May 15, 2024 • 40min
Your Brain On... Hearing Loss
The podcast discusses the impact of hearing loss on cognitive decline, the distinction between 'hearing' and 'listening', recent studies linking hearing loss with neurodegenerative diseases, advancements in hearing aid technology, and the relationship between tinnitus and brain responses.