Your Brain On - Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai

Latest Episodes:

Your Brain On... Coffee Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

What does the most-purchased beverage in the world — coffee — do to your brain?

Five centuries after its discovery, coffee is deeply entrenched in our diets on a global scale. More than half the U.S. population drinks coffee daily. We wake up with coffee, and catch up with friends over coffee. Historically, coffee has been heralded as an inspiring muse.

But many headlines have warned us about the adverse effects of coffee. Is there truth in the supposed risks, or can we keep sipping away without a worry?

In this episode of 'Your Brain On...', we discuss:

• What caffeine does to your brain, and why it makes you feel awake

• How much coffee is too much, and how caffeine affects us all differently (depending on our metabolism)

• The antioxidant benefits of coffee

• How coffee can improve concentration, and even potentially protect against neurodegenerative diseases

• How different kinds of coffee affect our brains differently (black vs. cream and sugar, brewed vs. filter, caffeinated vs. decaf)

• The risks of caffeine addiction

• A brief history of how coffee became so ubiquitous in our lives

Bringing the buzz to this episode are two coffee geniuses:

DR. ASTRID NEHLIG, a neuroscientist out of the French Institute of Health and Medical Research who has studied the health impacts of coffee with impressive extensiveness.

PROFESSOR JONATHAN MORRIS, AKA 'The Coffee Historian', author of 'Coffee: A Global History' and co-creator of the History of Coffee Podcast.

'Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists 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... Coffee' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 7

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LINKS

Dr. Astrid Nehlig's research: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Astrid-Nehlig

Professor Jonathan Morris' website: https://thecoffeehistorian.com/

Professor Morris at the University of Hertfordshire: https://researchprofiles.herts.ac.uk/en/persons/jonathan-morris

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Grief Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

What grief does to our brains, and how we can grow from one of life's most challenging experiences.

The impact grief has on your mind can be so severe, some experts refer to it as an 'emotional traumatic brain injury'. And, like many life-altering physical changes, the cognitive effects of grief aren't so much something to 'get over' — rather, they're something we can learn to live with and thrive alongside.

In 'Your Brain On... Grief', we discuss:

• How the emotional trauma of losing those you love can physically change your brain

• The association between grief and chronic stress

• Journalling, creativity, and lifestyle factors as methods for healing from grief

• The importance of community in managing loss

• The risks of oversimplified models of dealing with grief, e.g. the 'five stages of grief'

• What we can learn from different cultures about handling grief

Joining us for this emotional journey are two insightful guests:

DR. LISA SHULMAN: grief neurologist and author of 'Before and After Loss'

AMBER JEFFREY: grief mentor and host of podcast The Grief Gang.

'Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists 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... Grief' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 6

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LINKS

Dr. Lisa Schulman

'Before and After Loss' on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Before-After-Loss-Neurologists-Perspective/dp/1421426951

Amber Jeffrey

The 'Grief Gang' podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-grief-gang/id1489821860

Grief mentoring: https://www.thegriefgang.com/grief-mentoring

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Caregiving Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

As populations have aged, our need for caregivers has risen fast. The stresses of caregiving present brain health concerns that we must address urgently.

Caregivers are heroes. But they're often so focused on looking after someone else, they neglect themselves. And self-care is so vital for caregivers, because the role is one of the most physically-, emotionally-, and psychologically-demanding responsibilities anyone can take on. Here, we discuss what that self-care can look like.

In this episode of 'Your Brain On...', we discuss:

• How the chronic stress of caring for a loved one with a neurodegenerative disease like dementia can affect your brain

• The ways we can mitigate these stresses, at the individual, family, and community levels

• How self-care can help caregivers be more effective and attentive in their roles

• Lifestyle interventions and meditative practices that can help alleviate the risks associated with caregiver burden

• The need for better caregiver support at the socioeconomic and policy level

• How emerging technologies are starting to help make caregivers' workloads more manageable

Joining us for this poignant conversation are two wonderful guests:

DR. NATALI EDMONDS, a board-certified geropsychologist and founder of Dementia Careblazers, a platform providing support and guidance for dementia caregivers.

DR. HELEN LAVRETSKY, a Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and a leading researcher in geriatric psychiatry, who has researched the neurological benefits of lifestyle changes and de-stressing meditation for the cognitive and mental wellbeing of caregivers.

'Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists 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... Caregiving' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 5

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LINKS

Dr. Natali Edmonds:

Dementia Careblazers: https://careblazers.com/

The Dementia Careblazers podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/dementia-careblazers/id1634661439

Dementia Caregivers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DementiaCareblazers

Dr. Helen Lavretsky:

At UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/helen-lavretsky

Study on yogic meditation for dementia caregivers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423469/

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Meditation Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

Meditation: an ancient practice with brain health benefits proven by modern science.

Whether you're focusing on your breathing to quieten peripheral distractions or using mindfulness to rebalance your emotional reactivity to everyday stresses, practicing meditation can spark long-term neuroplastic changes that will help you feel more attentive and calm in everything you do.

In 'Your Brain On... Meditation', we explore:

• How meditation alters your brain chemistry and 'retrains' your broader nervous system

• The neuroscience of attention and focus, including your default mode and salience networks

• Using mindfulness to break phone addiction, reduce stress, improve relationships, and practice self-care

• The studies which highlight the long-term cognitive benefits of meditation

• How we can all make time for meditation, no matter how busy our schedules

• The limitations and risks of meditation apps

Joining us for this important conversation are three fantastic guests:

DR. AMISHI JHA, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami, a pioneer in the study of mindfulness and attention, and the author of the acclaimed book 'Peak Mind'

DR. CLIFFORD SARON, a neuroscientist and Associate Research Scientist at the Center for Mind and Brain at the University of California, Davis, renowned for his work on the neurobiological effects of meditation

DR. HELEN LAVRETSKY, a Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and a leading researcher in geriatric psychiatry, who has extensively studied the effects of meditation and yoga on mental health and aging

'Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists 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... Meditation' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 4

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LINKS

Dr. Amishi Jha:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0062992155/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amishipjha/

On Twitter: https://x.com/amishijha

Dr. Clifford Saron:

Center for Mind and Brain: https://mindbrain.ucdavis.edu/people/clifford-saron

Dr. Helen Lavretsky:

At UCLA: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/helen-lavretsky

Study on yogic meditation for dementia caregivers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423469/

Your Brain On... Leg Strength Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

Leg strength isn't just about physical health. There are enormous benefits for brain health, too.

From the more obvious benefits for balance and mobility to the deeper neurochemical machinery that powers the production and transportation of brain-boosting proteins, leg strength has a far greater influence on brain health than we might expect.

In this episode of 'Your Brain On...', we discuss:

• The prevalence of injuries caused by falls in elderly populations (and how leg strength can help counter this problem)

• How brain-boosting chemicals like BDNF are produced by resistance exercise

• What actually happens to our muscles when we grow them with regular exercise

• How we can all work on our leg strength, regardless of age and ability

• The importance of rest, recovery, and nutrition in an effective exercise regime

Joining us for this discussion are the immensely knowledgeable Dr. Stuart Phillips, a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, and Dr. Kirk Erickson, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh (and an expert in the area of exercise and cognitive health).

'Your Brain On' is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

'Your Brain On... LEG STRENGTH' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 3

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LINKS

Dr. Stuart Phillips at McMaster University: https://mira.mcmaster.ca/our-faculty/stuart-phillips/

Dr. Stuart Phillips on Twitter: https://x.com/mackinprof

Dr. Kirk Erickson at the University of Pittsburgh: https://www.psychology.pitt.edu/people/kirk-erickson-phd

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REFERENCES (Studies Dr. Erickson referred to in the show):

Colcombe, S. J., Erickson, K. I., Raz, N., et al. (2003). Aerobic fitness reduces brain tissue loss in aging humans. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 58(2), M176-M180. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12586857/
Colcombe, S. J., Erickson, K. I., Scalf, et al. (2006). Aerobic exercise training increases brain volume in aging humans. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 61(11), 1166-1170. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17167157/

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Marijuana Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

The neuroscience behind the benefits and risks of marijuana, explained.

Splintered legislature, evolving taboos, and new forms of consumption have created a fragmented market for cannabis, and made it challenging for scientists to research its effects on our brains and bodies.

In this episode, we unpack what we know about the cognitive impacts of marijuana use — the good and the bad — and explore new studies which are filling in the gaps.

We discuss:

• The difference between the THC and CBD cannabinoids, and their unique effects on our brains • How your endocannabinoid system works, and how it's altered under the influence of marijuana • Why one woman with a genetic mutation that affected her endocannabinoid system couldn't feel pain • The benefits of marijuana: nausea relief, pain management, and possible uses for reducing seizure frequency and helping with mental health • The risks of marijuana: memory disorders, addiction, developmental issues, and the dangers of high-potency products that are increasingly difficult to regulate • Why we first consumed cannabis, about 12,000 years ago

Our incredible guests this week are:

• Dr. Daniele Piomelli, Director of the Institute for the Study of Cannabis at the University of California Irvine • Dr. Susan Weiss, Director of the Division of Extramural Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse

'Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists 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... Marijuana' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 2

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LINKS

Dr. Daniele Piomelli

At University of California Irvine: https://cnlm.uci.edu/piomelli/ UCI Center for the Study of Cannabis: https://cannabis.uci.edu/

Dr. Susan Weiss

National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://nida.nih.gov/ The ABCD Study: https://abcdstudy.org/

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Parkinson's Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

From 18th century London to the promise of a global cure: the 200-year history of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's, a neurodegenerative disorder most commonly characterized by tremors and other motor symptoms, is so complex, many medical professionals are starting to classify it as a group of diseases, rather than a single disease.

In this episode, we explain those complexities, including:

• The motor symptoms (e.g. cogwheel rigidity, bradykinesia) and non-motor symptoms (e.g. depression, sleep disorders)

• How the industrial revolution may have brought about environmental factors which contribute to Parkinson's

• The differences and similarities between Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's

• How Parkinson's manifests in our brains

• Why one nurse was able to detect Parkinson's through smell

• The neurogenetics of Parkinson's, and the ethical quandaries of evolving genetic technology

• Why lifestyle — nutrition, exercise, etc. — is so key to preventing and managing Parkinson's

Joining us for this extensive conversation are three incredible guests:

• Dr. Rachel Dolhun, Senior Vice President of Medical Communications at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

• Dr. Michael Okun, evolutionary biologist, movement disorders specialist, and Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases

• Dr. Matthew Farrer, neurogenetics expert and Professor Of Neurology at the University of Florida

'Your Brain On' is hosted by neurologists, scientists 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... Parkinson's' • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 1 (SEASON 3 DEBUT)

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LINKS

Dr. Rachel Dolhun:

At the Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/bio/rachel-dolhun-md-dipablm

'Ask the MD' series: https://www.michaeljfox.org/ask-md

The Michael J. Fox Foundation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeljfoxfoundation/videos

Dr. Michael Okun:

At the University of Florida: https://neurology.ufl.edu/profile/okun-michael/

The book 'Ending Parkinson's Disease': https://endingpd.org/

The Norman Fixel Institute: https://fixel.ufhealth.org/

Dr. Matthew Farrer:

At the University of Florida: https://neurology.ufl.edu/profile/farrer-matthew/

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References:

Bloem, B. R., Okun, M. S., & Klein, C. (2021). Parkinson's disease. The Lancet, 397(10291), 2284-2303.
Morris, H. R., Spillantini, M. G., Sue, C. M., & Williams-Gray, C. H. (2024). The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. The Lancet, 403(10423), 293-304.
Dorsey, E., Sherer, T., Okun, M. S., & Bloem, B. R. (2018). The emerging evidence of the Parkinson pandemic. Journal of Parkinson's disease, 8(s1), S3-S8.
Dorsey, E. R., Okun, M. S., & Tanner, C. M. (2021). Bad Air and Parkinson Disease—The Fog May Be Lifting. JAMA neurology, 78(7), 793-795.
Tsalenchuk, M., Gentleman, S. M., & Marzi, S. J. (2023). Linking environmental risk factors with epigenetic mechanisms in Parkinson's disease. npj Parkinson's Disease, 9(1), 123.
Reynoso, A., Torricelli, R., Jacobs, B. M., Shi, J., Aslibekyan, S., Norcliffe‐Kaufmann, L., ... & Heilbron, K. (2024). Gene–Environment Interactions for Parkinson's Disease. Annals of Neurology, 95(4), 677-687.
Golsorkhi, M., Sherzai, A., & Dashtipour, K. The Influence of Lifestyle on Parkinson's Disease Management. In Lifestyle Medicine, Fourth Edition (pp. 919-924). CRC Press.
Sherzai, A. Z., Tagliati, M., Park, K., Pezeshkian, S., & Sherzai, D. (2016). Micronutrients and risk of Parkinson's disease: a systematic review. Gerontology and geriatric medicine, 2, 2333721416644286.

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Ozempic Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Ozempic. Developed as diabetes medication. Adopted as a weight loss drug. Eyed for its potential neuroprotective effects.

Hollywood's popularization of Ozempic as a way to lose weight has made it one of the most widely-discussed drugs of our time, and has put immense stress on supply chains, sometimes preventing its intended users — type-2 diabetics — from accessing the medication.

In this episode, we wade through the history, benefits, side-effects, neuroscience, and future of Ozempic, with the help of our guest: obesity and lipid physician Dr. Spencer Nadolsky.

We discuss:

• The origins of Ozempic and its predecessors

• How GLP-1 receptor drugs like Ozempic regulate appetite

• What the latest research and trials say about Ozempic's effects (good and bad)

• Why we should quell the stigma borne from Ozempic's brushes with celebrity culture

• Where studies on Ozempic and similar medications are going next

• How to ask your healthcare provider about Ozempic

'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... Ozempic' • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 10 (SEASON 2 FINALE)

Your Brain On… will be back with Season 3, in August 2024!

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LINKS

Dr. Spencer Nadolsky:

His website: https://drspencer.com/

His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnadolsky/

His podcast, 'Docs Who Lift': https://drspencer.com/podcast/

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Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Retirement Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

Retirement, often considered a period of late-life decline, can actually be a time of cognitive growth and prosperity.

When we retire, all the neurologically stimulating aspects of our working life — the mental and physical challenges, socializing and strategizing with colleagues, etc. — can disappear overnight.

An abrupt lifestyle change of this magnitude can be taxing for our brains, but with the right preparation, our twilight years can truly be the best of our lives.

In this episode of 'Your Brain On…', we discuss:

• The neurological impacts of retirement

• What we can learn from how different cultures approach retirement

• How building our cognitive reserve can protect our brains as we age

• The future of research into the neuroscience of retirement

• Why minority populations often disproportionately struggle with retirement

We're joined by FOUR experts in the field of cognitive aging:

DR. YAAKOV STERN: professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University, and a pioneer of the concept of cognitive reserve

DR. AMANDA SONNEGA: Research Scientist at the University of Michigan

DR. SHERVIN ASSARI: Director of Research, Public Health at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science

DR. ALAN GOW: head of The Ageing Lab at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland

'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... Retirement • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 9

LINKS

Dr. Yaakov Stern

at Columbia University: https://www.neurology.columbia.edu/profile/yaakov-stern-phd

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaakov_Stern

Dr. Amanda Sonnega

at University of Michigan: https://micda.isr.umich.edu/people/amanda-sonnega/

Dr. Shervin Assari

at Charles R. Drew University: https://www.cdrewu.edu/directory/assari-md-mph-shervin/

on Twitter (AKA 'X'): https://twitter.com/assarish

Dr. Alan Gow

at Heriot-Watt University: https://researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/persons/alan-j-gow

on Twitter (AKA 'X'): https://twitter.com/AlanJohnGow

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast

Your Brain On... Introversion Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

Do introverts/extroverts have different brains? Are you born introverted? Is introversion neurologically harmful?

The definition of introversion has been blurred in the social media age. We all know introverts are more likely to enjoy alone time, and may find social settings more challenging, but what's less clear is: why? And is introversion the same as social anxiety?

In this episode, we discuss:

• How common introverted traits can be observed in the brain

• The nature vs. nurture debate of whether introversion is genetic, learned, or both

• The multi-decade study which posed the question: can introversion/extroversion be predicted in infants?

• Why personality types aren't as trivial as they may seem

• How introverts can become more extroverted, and vice versa

We're joined by two renowned writers whose books have explored the intricacies of introversion:

• JENN GRANNEMAN, author of 'The Secret Lives of Introverts' and 'Sensitive', and founder of 'Introvert, Dear', a website and community centered on introversion

• SCOTT BARRY KAUFMAN, cognitive scientist, host of The Psychology Podcast, and author of 'Wired to Create'

'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... Introversion' • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 8

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LINKS

Jenn Granneman:

on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenngranneman

Introvert, Dear: https://introvertdear.com/

Scott Barry Kaufman:

Scott's website: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/

on Twitter (AKA 'X'): https://x.com/sbkaufman