🧠 Let's Talk Brain Health‪!‬ Virtual Brain Health Center

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, Dr. Michael Rucker, Ph.D. discusses the science of fun and its impact on health and wellness. 

Mike shares his journey from overemphasizing happiness to exploring fun as a means to live a joyful life despite adversities, emphasizing the concept of 'positive valence' or finding pleasure in the moment. 

Delving into how fun can redefine one's approach to life and work, Dr. Rucker highlights research on the hedonic flexibility principle and emotional flexibility, suggesting that engaging in enjoyable activities can lead to resilience and better mental health outcomes. 

He offers practical advice on integrating fun into daily routines and addresses common misconceptions, such as the guilt associated with prioritizing personal enjoyment. 

Final Takeaway- Aim to incorporate fun into your daily life for better brain health. 



00:00 Introducing Michael Rucker: A Deep Dive into Fun and Brain Health

00:55 The Science of Fun: Unpacking Positive Psychology

04:25 Defining Fun and Its Impact on Well-being

07:45 Fun and the Brain: Exploring Neural Mechanisms

11:56 Practical Strategies for Integrating Fun into Daily Life

18:54 Overcoming Misconceptions and Barriers to Fun

25:12 Personal Insights and the Future of Fun in Society

31:38 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways on Fun and Brain Health



Resources: 


Learn more in Dr. Rucker’s "The Science of Fun" blog for Psychology Today 


Explore Dr. Rucker’s website



Connect with Mike on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram   


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In this episode of the 'Let's Talk Brain Health' podcast, Dr. Jennifer Fraser discusses her book 'The Bullied Brain', exploring the neurological effects of bullying and how it physically alters the brain. 

She details her interdisciplinary approach, blending neuroscience with social and psychological perspectives to address bullying. She shares case studies and research findings on the brain areas affected by abusive behaviors, emphasizing the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, corpus callosum, and amygdala. 

Jennifer explains that bullying, even verbal or online, causes visible damage to brain architecture, challenging the misconception that it toughens individuals. She discusses her work on creating safe environments in schools and sports, the disturbing trend of gaslighting, and the crucial role of empathy in societal well-being. 

This episode aims to shift the narrative around bullying from a dismissive attitude to one informed by neuroscience, advocating for a culture of brain safety.

00:00 Welcome to Let's Talk Brain Health with Dr. Jennifer Fraser

00:15 Unveiling the Bullied Brain: Insights from Dr. Fraser's Journey

01:57 A Deep Dive into the Neuroscience of Bullying

04:59 Exploring the Brain's Vulnerability and Resilience to Bullying

12:46 The Power of Brain Health in Overcoming Bullying

21:24 Case Studies and Future Directions in Bullying Research

33:36 Rapid Fire Questions: Empowering Insights for Brain Health

Resources


Learn more in Dr. Frazer’s “The Bullied Brain” blog featured in Psychology Today 

Explore Dr. Frazer’s website
 Connect with Jennifer on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram   



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This episode of 'Let's Talk Brain Health' features an inspiring conversation with Johnny Crowder, a certified recovery peer specialist, mental health advocate, and the founder of Cope Notes.

Crowder shares his personal journey from struggling with severe mental health conditions and surviving abuse to becoming a mental health advocate.

He explains how art, music, and peer support played significant roles in his recovery, and how studying psychology and neuroscience helped him realize the potential for change in brain health.

Crowder discusses the inception of Cope Notes, a text-based platform offering daily mental health support, and delves into the science behind its effectiveness in improving mental wellness.

He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and maintaining patience throughout the recovery process, sharing powerful personal stories and the impact of Cope Notes on its users.

The episode concludes with Crowder's advice for anyone struggling with their mental health and where to find more information about his work and Cope Notes.

00:00 Meet Johnny Crowder: A Journey from Survivor to Mental Health Advocate

01:10 The Power of Art and Music in Coping with Mental Illness

02:13 Sharing the Brain Story: From Enemy to Best Friend

04:34 The Long Road to Mental Wellness: Challenges and Triumphs

07:19 Innovative Therapies and Turning Points in Recovery

10:50 From Hiding Struggles to Embracing Advocacy

14:27 Introducing Cope Notes: A Digital Lifeline for Mental Health

16:49 The Science and Success Behind Cope Notes

23:57 Advice for Navigating Mental Health Challenges

29:22 Final Thoughts and Resources for Brain Wellness




Explore the offer from Cope Notes   
Learn more about Johnny and his offerings on his website.       
Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn and Instagram.


Explore our Season 1: Episode 10 conversation “Navigating Brain Health & Healing: Debbie Hampton’s Story of Brain Recovery and Resilience”


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In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, we welcome Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, DNP, a distinguished gerontology nurse practitioner and professor at Emory University, to discuss the groundbreaking Integrated Memory Care (IMC) program. 

Carolyn outlines the IMC's unique, nurse-led approach to dementia care, offering comprehensive services for both people living with dementia and their caregivers under one roof. 

She details the challenges traditional care models present, the formation of the Integrated Memory Care Clinic based on caregiver feedback, and the multidisciplinary team involved in patient care. 

Carolyn also highlights the importance of caregiver support, provides advice on resources for caregivers, and shares the positive outcomes of the Integrated Memory Care Clinicmodel, such as reduced hospitalizations and improved care. 

Moreover, she discusses future initiatives, including the adaption of the Integrated Memory Care Clinic model for wider application and studies aimed at further supporting caregivers and patients. 

The episode concludes with insights for listeners on finding quality dementia care and the potential for expanding this model of care nationally.

00:00 Welcome Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, DNP

05:51 The Unique Team Composition of the Integrated Memory Care Clinic

09:27 Supporting Families and Caregivers in Dementia Care

15:09 Resources and Recommendations for Caregivers

18:33 Challenges and Successes in Dementia Care

21:24 Research, Outcomes, and Future Directions

30:41 Final Thoughts and Advice for Listeners










GSA Podcast  
Best Practices in Caregiving Portal


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Dr. Kaveh Vejdani, Co-founder and Chief Medical and Technology Officer at Darmiyan, discusses BrainSee, the first FDA-approved AI medical software designed to evaluate cognitive prognosis in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). 

With a background in nuclear medicine and expertise in medical image processing and machine learning, Dr. Vejdani's work reflects his commitment to innovation in healthcare. BrainSee aims to solve the global crisis of dementia through early detection and accurate prognosis of MCI, potentially improving patients' brain health journeys and treatment outcomes. 

The BrainSee technology combines MRI data with cognitive assessments to predict the likelihood of progression to Alzheimer's disease, providing valuable support to both patients and healthcare providers in managing MCI.

00:00 Meet Dr. Kaveh Vejdani: An Innovator at the Intersection of AI and Healthcare

01:25 The Genesis of a Medical Visionary: From Passion to Innovation

02:30 Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) with Dr. Vejdani

07:10 The Revolutionary Brain See: A Leap Forward in Cognitive Health

11:22 Navigating the Complexities of MCI Diagnosis and Management

22:00 The Future of MCI Detection: Brain See's Impact and Potential

27:44 Final Thoughts: Empowering MCI Understanding and Management



Resources:


Learn more about Darmyian on their website.


Explore Brain See and its recent FDA approval! 


Read the 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures report. 




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In this episode of the 'Let's Talk Brain Health' podcast, guest Brenda Davis RD, a distinguished expert in plant-based nutrition, discusses the profound benefits of adopting a plant-based diet for brain health.

Brenda, recognized for her extensive work and publications on vegan and vegetarian nutrition, shares her personal journey to plant-based eating and insights from her research and clinical trials in the Marshall Islands and Lithuania.

She emphasizes the connection between diet and cognitive well-being, highlighting studies that support the positive impact of plant-based diets on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and improving overall brain function.

This conversation covers practical advice for incorporating more plant-based foods into one's diet, the significance of protein sources in plant-based diets, and addresses common misconceptions about plant-based nutrition.

Brenda's comprehensive approach combines scientific evidence with accessible dietary practices, aiming to inspire listeners to optimize their brain health through plant-based nutrition.

00:00 Meet Brenda Davis: The Godmother of Vegan Nutrition

01:59 Brenda's Personal Journey to Plant-Based Nutrition

07:18 The Science Behind Plant-Based Diets and Brain Health

09:14 Unpacking the Research: How Plant-Based Diets Benefit the Brain

20:59 Practical Tips for Embracing a Plant-Based Diet

29:19 Demystifying Plant-Based Protein Sources

36:55 Closing Thoughts: Small Steps Towards Better Brain Health


Check out Brenda’s website brendadavisrd.com


Explore the latest books that Brenda has authored 


References:Impact of Nutritional Interventions on Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis available here   

Interested in other nutrition and brain health topics?

Check out Season 2: Episode 6 conversation on

💬 The MIND Diet: A Revolutionary Approach to Brain Health with Maggie Moon


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