The Brain Podcast

Dr. Shabnam Das Kar MD and Andrea Spyros

In the Brain podcast, we blend medical insights with behavior design principles to empower you in creating brain healthy habits. We aim to demystify brain health, enhance focus, and reduce the risk of dementia. Join us as we unlock the secrets of the brain, all backed by science and fueled by behavior design. read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

Blue-Light Blocking Glasses: Trendy Accessory or Must Have?
Jul 28 2024
Blue-Light Blocking Glasses: Trendy Accessory or Must Have?
In this episode of the Brain Podcast, we delved into the topic of blue light-blocking glasses with guest Glen Lubbert, founder of Stamina Lab. The discussion revolved around the effectiveness of blue light glasses, the importance of blue light in our circadian rhythm, and the misconceptions surrounding blue light exposure. Glen emphasized the need for a balanced approach to using blue light glasses, highlighting the importance of personal preference and individual needs. Glen shared valuable insights, debunking myths about blue light glasses and shedding light on their real benefits. He emphasized the significance of finding what works best for each individual, whether it’s wearing blue light glasses, adjusting light exposure throughout the day, or implementing Tiny Habits like putting the phone to bed early as part of a wind-down routine. 00:00:00 – Introduction to Blue Light Blocking Glasses00:05:30 – Importance of Getting Enough Blue Light in the Morning00:11:14 – Research on Blue Light Blocking Glasses Effectiveness00:13:58 – Impact of Content on Sleep Quality00:16:39 – Discussion on Melatonin and Blue Light Glasses00:19:43 – Types of Blue Light Glasses and Their Benefits00:24:09 – Cognitive Chewing Gum for Sleep00:27:06 – Hype or Not: Blue Light Glasses Evaluation00:27:52 – Tiny Habit Recipe: Putting Phone to Bed at Night00:28:38 – Where to Find Glenn Lubert About our guest, Glen Lubbert The Stamina Lab Watch the audio-only version on YouTube References Bauducco, Serena, et al. “A bidirectional model of sleep and technology use: A theoretical review of How much, for whom, and which mechanisms.” Sleep Medicine Reviews (2024): 101933. Shechter, Ari, et al. “Blocking nocturnal blue light for insomnia: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of psychiatric research 96 (2018): 196-202.
What Can You Do If You Have The High-Risk Alzheimer’s Disease ApoE4 Gene?
Dec 30 2023
What Can You Do If You Have The High-Risk Alzheimer’s Disease ApoE4 Gene?
(00:00) – Intro: Nine ways to reduce Alzheimer’s risk (01:47) – Importance of ApoE4 in dementia (03:15) – Different ways to reduce dementia risk (04:12) – 9 Things You Can Do to Support Your Brain Health (07:00) – Pay attention to brain, body, and supplements for optimal health (07:51) – RDAs and benefits of supplements (08:34) – Omega3 testing and supplementation (10:08) – Omega3 supplements for atrial fibrillation (11:38) – Supplementing with a symphony of nutrients, not just one (12:32) – Vitacog Supplementing with Vitamin B and Omega3 (14:10) – Taking supplements for long-term benefits (17:07) – B vitamin testing for correcting genetic variations (17:32) – A positive aging mindset reduces dementia risk (19:15) – Tiny habits shift mindset for healthy aging (20:57) – A positive mindset helps with knee pain (21:36) – Longevity questions to ask yourself (22:06) – Inspiration for physical fitness in older age (22:46) – Hormones and Alzheimer’s disease in women (26:39) – Head trauma and dementia risk importance for people with ApoE4 (29:24) – Impact of Alcohol on women’s health (31:40) – What is the easiest place to quit alcohol? (32:36) – Loss of sense of smell increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease (33:13) – Using Essential Oil for Memory Training (35:03) – Home sniff tests for brain health (36:42) – Outro: Support yourself with these tips Chapters created by ChapterMe Audio-only version on YouTube References Woo, Cynthia C., et al. “Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older adults.” Frontiers in Neuroscience 17 (2023): 1200448.
Living With The High-Risk Alzheimer’s Disease ApoE4 Gene
Nov 6 2023
Living With The High-Risk Alzheimer’s Disease ApoE4 Gene
If you’ve been told you have the ApoE4 gene that puts you at risk for Alzheimer’s or think you may have it, most likely your doctor told you there’s nothing you can do. That’s not entirely true. We’ll share the nine things you can do to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s. Many people learn they have a genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and feel like victims. We’ll help you protect your brain now so the risk is mitigated. (00:00) – Have You Got the APOE4 Gene Associated with Alzheimer’s? (00:33) – Heads Up: Julie Bergfeld on Her Alzheimer’s (01:07) – Julie Bergfeld on Her Alzheimer’s Gene (01:35) – The APOE4 gene associated with Alzheimer’s (02:21) – APOE4 gene associated with Alzheimer’s disease (02:58) – Julie’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease (08:15) – Brain Games for APOE 4 (08:33) – Challenging Your Brain (09:44) – Dementia and behaviour change (11:11) – Starting small: How to Get Out of the Tiny Habits (11:44) – Mental health: Start small and build momentum (12:23) – How to Keep From Getting Down or Defeated Over a Diagn (15:25) – Does thinking about getting older affect your dementia risk? (19:33) – Genetic Testing (24:54) – Julie on the Genetic Testing (27:58) – APOE4 gene test (29:11) – Alzheimer’s risk for women, genetics and the treatment (31:31) – A message about hope for your brain in your 30s (33:34) – Outro Chapters created by ChapterMe Audio-only version on YouTube About Julie Bergfeld Audio-only version on YouTube References Levy, Becca R., et al. “Positive age beliefs protect against dementia even among elders with high-risk gene.” PloS one 13.2 (2018): e0191004.Alzheimer’s Disease genetic fact sheet.