🧠 Let's Talk Brain Health!

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

🎙"Let's Talk Brain Health!" is a podcast that delves into the fascinating world of the brain and how it affects our overall health and well-being. Join us as we explore the latest research, cutting-edge technology, and practical tips for enhancing brain function, preventing cognitive decline, and optimizing the health of your brain. 💡Whether you're a health enthusiast, a medical professional, or simply curious about the inner workings of the brain, "Let's Talk Brain Health!" offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you optimize your cognitive potential and live your best life. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/virtualbrainhealthcenter/support

  1. Examining Grief and Healing: Dr. Michael Foti's Journey Through Anxiety and Depression

    2 DAYS AGO

    Examining Grief and Healing: Dr. Michael Foti's Journey Through Anxiety and Depression

    In this episode of the 'Let's Talk Brain Health' podcast, Dr. Michael Foti, Vice President of NAMI and a clinical assistant professor, shares his personal and professional journey through anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a frontline healthcare worker, Dr. Foti experienced severe mental health challenges and learned important lessons about self-care and mental wellness. He discusses his memoir 'Grief' and the impact of unprocessed grief on mental health.  Dr. Foti also shares insights on destigmatizing mental illness, especially in the medical community, and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and personal well-being to better support others.  Tune in to uncover strategies for managing mental health and learn how fostering brain health can help navigate life's challenges. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Dr. Michael Foti 01:30 Dr. Foti's Personal Mental Health Journey 02:34 Challenges and Overcoming Mental Health Struggles 05:11 Effective Strategies for Managing Mental Health 08:44 The Impact of Grief on Mental Health 11:49 Addressing Mental Health Stigma 15:17 Supporting Loved Ones Through Mental Health Struggles 16:14 Insights from Dr. Foti's Book 'Grief' 17:20 Future Challenges and Opportunities in Mental Health 21:07 Final Thoughts and Advice on Mental Health Resources: Learn more about Dr. Foti’s new book “Grief: A Doctor’s Battle with Anxiety and Depression” Explore the many resources provided by the National Institute of Mental Illness (NAMI) Connect with Dr. Foti on LinkedIn and Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/virtualbrainhealthcenter/support

    25 min
  2. Virtual Reality In Brain Health: Exploring the Science Behind the Technology with Amir Bozorgzadeh

    OCT 9

    Virtual Reality In Brain Health: Exploring the Science Behind the Technology with Amir Bozorgzadeh

    In this episode, Amir Bozorgzadeh, CEO and co-founder of VirtuLeap, discusses his journey from founding tech startups to diving into the world of virtual reality (VR) and brain health science.  Amir shares how VR technology, notably enhanced by VirtuLeap’s flagship product 'Enhanced VR,' is being used for therapeutic purposes and cognitive assessment.  He highlights the significant potential of VR in treating conditions like ADHD and early-stage Alzheimer's, alongside the broader implications of integrative data from multiple human systems.  Amir also touches on the impact of social media on attention spans, introducing the concept of 'TikTok brain,' and emphasizing the need for personalized care through advanced data collection and analysis.  The conversation concludes with insights into the broader applications of VR in healthcare, research opportunities, and Amir's personal commitment to brain health. 00:00 Introduction to Amir Bozorgzadeh 00:35 Amir's Journey into Virtual Reality 02:30 Understanding Virtual Reality 04:04 VR and Brain Health 05:56 The Cognition Crisis and TikTok Brain 07:58 Virtuleap's Flagship Product: Enhanced VR 09:42 CogniClear VR: Screening for Cognitive Impairment 10:57 The Power of Data in VR 14:40 Applications and Future of VR in Healthcare 25:12 Personal Insights and Final Thoughts Resources Learn more about Virtuleap on their website Connect with Amir on LinkedIn, YouTube, or email amir@virtuleap.com  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/virtualbrainhealthcenter/support

    29 min
  3. Memory Health Matters: Practical Tips & Strategies with Rena Yudkowsky, MSW

    SEP 25

    Memory Health Matters: Practical Tips & Strategies with Rena Yudkowsky, MSW

    In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, host Krystal interviews Rena Yudkowsky, a professional memory coach and geriatric social worker. With over 20 years of experience, Rena offers valuable insights on how midlifers and seniors can maintain and improve their memory.  She discusses her journey into gerontology, the importance of memory health, and differentiates between normal age-related memory changes and signs of cognitive decline. The episode also provides practical tips—including the 'Forget Me Not Spot,' mental imagery, and sensory engagement—to enhance memory.  Rena highlights four key lifestyle factors—diet, exercise, social stimulation, and cognitive engagement—that play crucial roles in brain health.  The episode concludes with Rena emphasizing the importance of confidence in aging and some emerging trends in memory enhancement technologies. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:06 Rena's Background and Passion for Memory Coaching 02:38 Understanding Memory Health 05:12 Normal vs. Abnormal Memory Changes 09:35 Practical Tips to Boost Memory 18:45 Lifestyle Factors for Memory Health 22:16 Challenges and Overcoming Memory Issues 25:09 Future of Memory Enhancement and Brain Health 26:22 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts Resources: Learn more about Rena and her work on her website. Join Rena’s MPower “brain training Whatsapp group”  Read more about memory in Rena’s chapter on memory  in the “Caregivers Advocate” book by Debbie Compton --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/virtualbrainhealthcenter/support

    30 min
  4. Essential Oils for Brain Health: Insights From A Clinical Aromatherapist, Patricia Faust, MGS

    SEP 18

    Essential Oils for Brain Health: Insights From A Clinical Aromatherapist, Patricia Faust, MGS

    In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, we are joined by Patricia Faust, a gerontologist specializing in brain health and dementia.  Patricia discusses the intersection of brain aging and aromatherapy, detailing her qualifications and extensive experience in the field.  We explore the different pathways through which essential oils impact brain health and the science behind their therapeutic benefits.  Patricia shares practical advice for those new to aromatherapy, emphasizing the importance of pure, natural oils and education.  Tune in to learn how aromatherapy can improve focus, attention, sleep, and overall cognitive function. 00:00 Introduction to Patricia Faust and Her Expertise 01:04 Patricia's Journey into Aromatherapy 02:41 Understanding Aromatherapy and Its Pathways 05:08 Scientific Evidence Behind Aromatherapy 10:47 Effective Essential Oils for Brain Health 13:48 Practical Applications and Personal Experiences 19:31 Getting Started with Aromatherapy 22:07 Recent Breakthroughs and Final Thoughts Resources: Learn more about Patricia on her My Boomer Brain website Explore her book “The Boomer Brain: For Baby Boomers Concerned about Dementia and Alzheimer's” on Amazon Explore multiple resources on aromatherapy and a wide variety of health conditions on Amrita’s website Learn more about aromatherapy on the ⁠National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy’s website --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/virtualbrainhealthcenter/support

    29 min
  5. Neurobiology of Addiction: Understanding Brain Changes with Dr. Henrietta Szutorisz, Ph.D.

    SEP 4

    Neurobiology of Addiction: Understanding Brain Changes with Dr. Henrietta Szutorisz, Ph.D.

    Join us in this insightful episode of the 'Let's Talk Brain Health' podcast as we welcome Dr. Henrietta Szutorisz, Ph.D., a renowned biomedical scientist and entrepreneur. With over 20 years of experience in fields like cancer research, stem cells, neuroscience, and behavior, Dr. Szutorisz delves into the role of neuroplasticity and epigenetics in mental health and addiction. She shares her personal journey from biologist to mental health expert, touching on the impact of 21st-century lifestyle, technology, and early-life experiences on addiction. We explore how current addiction treatments often fail to account for individual differences and the necessity for personalized medicine. She discusses her innovative startup, Objective Recovery, which leverages modern technology for personalized addiction treatment. Tune in for a deep dive into the neurobiology of addiction, the promise of digital therapeutics, and the future of personalized mental health care. 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Henrietta Szutorisz, Ph.D. 01:26 The Importance of Mental Health Conversations 01:50 Understanding the Rise in Mental Health Issues 04:19 Henrietta's Personal Journey into Mental Health 06:52 The Nature of Addiction  09:25 Neurobiology of Addiction 13:45 Challenges in Addiction Treatment 17:43 Future of Personalized Addiction Treatment 23:54 Holistic Approaches to Mental Health 27:19 Hopes for the Future of Addiction Treatment 31:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections Resources: Learn more about Henrietta's work at Objective Recovery on their ⁠LinkedIn Page.⁠ Reach out to Henrietta on LinkedIn. If you are interested in learning more about lifestyle medicine, check out our previous conversations with Dr. Dean Ornish (Season 4: Episode 1) and Dr. Melissa Sundermann (Season 2: Episode 7). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/virtualbrainhealthcenter/support

    38 min
  6. Discover the Brain Science Behind SuperAgers with Cassidy Doyle

    AUG 21

    Discover the Brain Science Behind SuperAgers with Cassidy Doyle

    Cassidy Doyle is a Doctoral Candidate in the Aging Studies at the University of South Florida.  Her work focuses on cognitive aging, particularly the factors that can be modified to prevent Alzheimer's disease.  We delve into her fascinating research on 'super-agers,' individuals aged 80 and above with memory capabilities comparable to much younger people. Cassidy also shares her personal journey, experiences as a teen caregiver, and the findings from her recent publication on the cognitive aging of Hispanic older adults.  Tune in to learn more about what contributes to successful aging, the modifiable factors that may help preserve memory and cognitive function, and insightful takeaways to apply to your own brain health. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Cassidy Doyle 01:04 Cassidy's Background and Personal Journey 02:07 Discovering Cognitive Aging and Dementia 05:05 Understanding Super Agers 05:52 Identifying and Researching Super Agers 08:49 Cognitive Reserve and Brain Health 13:48 Lifestyle Factors of Super Agers 16:48 Emotional and Psychological Traits of Super Agers 18:50 Cassidy's Recent Research on Hispanic Super Agers 25:55 Implications for Cognitive Aging and Brain Health 27:35 Rapid Fire Questions and Key Takeaways Resources Join the SuperAging Research Program https://www.brain.northwestern.edu/join/SuperAging.html Explore Cassidy Doyle’s research paper “Correlates of SuperAging in Two Population-Based Samples of Hispanic Older Adults” online https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/79/6/gbae058/7641658?login=false  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/virtualbrainhealthcenter/support

    32 min
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

🎙"Let's Talk Brain Health!" is a podcast that delves into the fascinating world of the brain and how it affects our overall health and well-being. Join us as we explore the latest research, cutting-edge technology, and practical tips for enhancing brain function, preventing cognitive decline, and optimizing the health of your brain. 💡Whether you're a health enthusiast, a medical professional, or simply curious about the inner workings of the brain, "Let's Talk Brain Health!" offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you optimize your cognitive potential and live your best life. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/virtualbrainhealthcenter/support

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