🧠 Let's Talk Brain Health! – Details, episodes & analysis

In this special episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, host Dr. Krystal L. Culler takes the 'hot seat' as she's interviewed by LeAnne Stuver, her counterpart at the Virtual Brain Health Center. 

Krystal offers an in-depth look at her educational and career background, discusses her personal experiences that led her to focus on brain health and explains the genesis and growth of the Virtual Brain Health Center. 

The episode also touches on the wide-reaching impact of their programs and services, their inter-generational initiatives, and their global outreach. 

Krystal concludes by sharing her ambitious vision for the future of brain health education and support.

00:00 Introduction and Special Episode Announcement

00:36 Meet Leanne Stuver

01:23 Krystal's Journey into Brain Health

04:10 The Birth of the Virtual Brain Health Center

08:04 Services Offered by VBHC

12:07 Proud Achievements and Global Reach

23:46 Future Vision and Goals

27:50 How to Connect with VBHC

29:08 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Resources:

• Visit the Virtual Brain Health Center on their website
• Learn more about "A Kids Book About Brain Health"
• Explore blogs on a wide variety of brain health topics
• Download infographics and expert tips for a brain-healthy lifestyle

Meet Your Host, Dr. Jon Artz

In this episode of "Let's Talk Brain Health," co-host Dr. Krystal Culler and co-host Dr. Jonathan Artz  (a.k.a- Jon)  dive into the origins of the podcast and discuss their backgrounds and passion for brain health. Jon, an adult neurologist and neurophysiologist with a focus on cognitive health, shares his journey from growing up in West Virginia to become a neurologist and how his interest in brain health evolved over the years.

Jon and Krystal discuss the importance of brain health, emphasizing the need for early preventive measures to maintain cognitive function as we age. They highlight the concept of cognitive health as a vital sign and stress the significance of incorporating brain health into daily routines, just like physical activity.

The episode delves into Jon’s personal experiences, particularly his 20-year (and ongoing) dedication to running and exercise, which he believes contributes to his creative thinking, cognitive flexibility, mental clarity, and overall brain health. He encourages listeners to find a physical activity they enjoy and can sustain to promote brain health.

The co-hosts express their excitement about the podcast's focus on bringing expert insights, research, and personal stories related to brain health to a broader audience. Jon shares a book recommendation that influenced his approach to educating patients about brain health.

As the episode concludes, Jon leaves listeners with a key takeaway. There is always something individuals can do to enhance their brain health, and it starts with recognizing and acting upon that one thing that resonates with them.

Throughout the conversation, Krystal and Jon establish the podcast's mission to raise awareness about brain health, educate the public, and inspire proactive steps toward lifelong cognitive well-being. This episode sets the tone for future discussions on various dimensions of brain health and showcases the hosts' enthusiasm for sharing valuable insights and practical tips with their audience.

Learn more about the Let's Talk Brain Health! podcast on our website.

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   

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”

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
  
  

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. 

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

This episode of the 'Let's Talk Brain Health' podcast features Dr. Kyra Bobinet, a physician, public health leader, and behavioral science innovator, who discusses her extensive journey and insights into behavior change. Dr. Bobinet, with an MD from UCSF School of Medicine and a Master's in Public Health from Harvard University, shares her discoveries in the neuroscience of habit formation, particularly the role of the habenula in regulating motivation and behavior change.

She introduces the concept of the 'no do gap' that challenges individuals to execute their know-how into practice, emphasizing the significance of an iterative mindset to foster sustainable behavior change.

Dr. Bobinet also previews her book, 'The Unstoppable Brain' highlighting how understanding and navigating around the habenula can empower individuals to overcome behavioral barriers and reshape their lives.

00:00 Welcome to Let's Talk Brain Health with Dr. Kyra Bobinet

01:32 The Fascinating Journey into Behavioral Change

02:59 Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain: The Habenula's Role

06:43 Bridging the No-Do Gap: Understanding Behavioral Paradoxes

09:54 Introducing the Iterative Mindset Method14:44 The Power of Iteration: Personal Stories and Insights

18:44 Cultivating an Iterative Mindset for Optimal Brain Health

21:32 Practical Advice for Sustaining Behavioral Changes

23:06 Kyra Bobinette's New Book: The Unstoppable Brain

27:42 Final Thoughts on Behavior Change and Iteration

• Learn more about Dr. Kyra on her website at drkyrabobinet.com

• Get Healthy, Stay Healthy– Feel Better with the Fresh Tri app and offerings from their website freshtri.com

• Learn more about the habenula and behavior change in “The Unstoppable Brain” being released on April 30, 2024. 

• Join the Virtual Brain Health Center’s upcoming Neuro Nook (Book Club) event on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 12:00-12:45 PM EST for a chance to learn more from Dr. Kyra. Register now.

In this episode of 'Let's Talk Brain Health,' Robert 'Rob' Liebreich, President and CEO of Goodwin Living, discusses the Stronger Memory program, an initiative focused on enhancing brain health in senior living communities. Rob shares personal stories that fueled his passion for memory care, including his experience with his mother.

The Stronger Memory program consists of three key activities: reading aloud, handwriting, and tackling simple math problems, all designed to engage the prefrontal cortex and mitigate cognitive decline.

Initially inspired by methods used in Japan, the program has shown significant positive outcomes, including delayed onset and improvement in dementia-related symptoms. Rob highlights the program’s accessibility, its implementation in various settings, and the importance of movement and social interaction for brain health.

The program is available for free and has been successfully rolled out across the United States, showing promising results in improving cognitive function and quality of life for seniors.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:05 Rob's Background and Journey into Senior Living

01:39 Personal Connection to Brain Health and Memory Care

03:54 The Birth of the Stronger Memory Program

07:13 The Impact and Success of the Stronger Memory Program

09:15 Differentiating Stronger Memory from Traditional Memory Care

16:13 The Future of the Stronger Memory Program

16:19 Key Concepts of the Stronger Memory Program

19:24 Significant Milestones for the Stronger Memory Program

23:26 Innovations and Developments in Senior Living and Memory Care

28:00 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information

• Learn more about the Stronger Memory Program at Goodwin Senior Living here.
• Download a digital copy of the Stronger Memory workbook here.
• Email: [email protected]

This episode explores the important work of the Brain Exercise Initiative with Essene GumustekinIn this episode of 'Let's Talk Brain Health', Essene Gumustekin, an MDJD candidate at UCLA Medical School and Harvard Law School, founder of the Brain Exercise Initiative discusses her inspiration and commitment to improving brain health.

The Brain Exercise Initiative is a non-profit organization that conducts brain exercise sessions for seniors across the US and Canada.

The program, based on the work of Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ruta Kawashima, involves seniors performing simple math and reading aloud for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, to significantly improve cognitive function and memory.

Gumustekin further talks about the app they developed to make brain exercises accessible for everyone and her broader goals for the initiative, including potential international expansion and program digitization.

The initiative also emphasizes the benefits of intergenerational connections for both students and seniors.

00:00 Introduction to Essene Gumustekin and the Brain Exercise Initiative

01:37 Essene's Personal Connection to Alzheimer's

02:35 The Research Behind the Brain Exercise Initiative

04:15 Mission and Goals of the Brain Exercise Initiative

04:55 The Key Components of the Brain Exercise Initiative

06:54 The Multigenerational Approach of the Program

13:54 The Challenges and Opportunities in Promoting Brain Exercise

17:10 The Future Growth of the Brain Exercise Initiative

19:44 Essene's Personal Brain Care Routine and Advice

22:36 Conclusion and Contact Information

*Learn more about the Brain Exercise Initiative on their website or email [email protected]

**Explore the research behind this initiative here.