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Release the notion that you are stuck with the brain you have. With proper care and love, you can improve it. Maintaining or restoring optimal brain health requires addressing significant risk factors that can steal your mind.
But what are the precursors to cognitive decline? Sure, unhealthy lifestyles and undisciplined minds contribute, but there’s more to it.
This week, I am joined by Dr. Daniel Amen, a globally recognized adult and child psychiatrist who has treated some of the world’s most famous brains.
Dr. Amen, a nine-time New York Times bestselling author, has reached millions through his contributions to public television and the widely acclaimed series, Scan My Brain. As the founder of Amen Clinics and BrainMD, he pioneers a new approach to mental health using innovative brain-scanning technology, emphasizing addressing risk factors for mental well-being through prevention and treatment. Dr. Amen’s ambition to end mental illness is evident in his latest book, Raising Mentally Strong Kids, combining parenting strategies and neuropsychology.
“You are not stuck with the brain you have. You can improve it.”
– DR. DANIEL AMEN
Today, Dr. Amen explains the groundbreaking impact of SPECT imaging on conditions like ADHD, offering a clear pathway to understanding mental health. He discusses the influence of lifestyle on combating dementia and Alzheimer’s, presenting his “bright minds” approach and 11 actionable risk factors for preserving cognitive sharpness.
Inspired by the beauty of his mother’s brain scan, Dr. Amen examines lifestyle choices for optimal brain health, from exercise to supplements. He also explores the link between chronic inflammation and brain health, including the role of oral health and gum disease.
We explore how childhood traumas impact brain health. Dr. Amen offers invaluable tips for nurturing the prefrontal cortex and essential insights for digital-era parenting. He stresses setting boundaries and fostering respect to protect children from the addictive nature of technology. These insights provide a holistic view of brain health and self-care.
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
If you want to enhance your brain health, this conversation offers valuable insights that could transform your perspective on cognitive well-being.
I’m grateful for this conversation and proud to share it today. May you find it instructive, encouraging, and moving.
Peace + Plants,
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- Connect With Dr. Amen: Website | Instagram | TikTok | X | YouTube | Facebook
- Amen Clinics: Website
- Book: Change Your Brain, Change Your Life (Revised and Expanded)
- Amazon: Books by Dr. Amen
- Amen Clinics: Bright Minds: Proven Ways to Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
- CBS News: Psychiatrist, clinical neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Amen offers tips to improve brain health
- Business Insider: WOSU Presents ‘Raising Mentally Strong Kids’ with Dr. Daniel Amen
- New York Post: Here’s the secret to becoming ‘mentally strong’, according to a psychiatrist
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Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Blake Curtis & Dan Drake for video, & editing; graphics by Jessica Miranda & Daniel Solis; portraits by Davy Greenberg, Grayson Wilder & Gizelle Peters; copywriting by Ben Pryor; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.
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