Related Episodes for Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

“Meditation, in its various forms, has powerful effects on the brain and body. In this second part of our two-part series on meditation, we'll discuss some of the different ways to engage in meditation as well as some of its parallel practices, such as running or communing with nature.”

“Migraine is a neurological disorder that typically manifests as an intense, debilitating headache and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Roughly 15 percent of people worldwide experience migraines, with women reporting them more often than men.”

“Vascular dysfunction, the loss of normal endothelial tone and permeability of blood vessels, is a common feature of most forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. People who carry the APOE4 gene are at greater risk for vascular dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease.”

“Preventing dementia requires a lifelong and multipronged approach that involves keeping inflammation (and its aging effects) at bay and making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising and consuming omega-3 fatty acids.”

“Genetic predisposition, altered glucose uptake in the brain, high blood pressure, and other factors can weaken the barrier's integrity, allowing endotoxins and inflammatory immune cells to infiltrate the brain and increasing a person's risk for dementia.”

“A four-week pilot study in people with type 2 diabetes reported improved insulin-stimulated glucose disposal after oral alpha-lipoic acid, while a three-week randomized trial found that intravenous 600 milligrams per day reduced diabetic neuropathy symptoms.”

“Approximately 25 percent of people in the United States – roughly 75 million people – carry a genetic variant of this lipoprotein called APOE4, which is associated with higher circulating levels of LDL cholesterol and an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.”

“- Arthur Brooks, Ph.D. The episode closes with a framework from Brooks's work on the second half of life: jump, serve, worship, and connect, a framework he outlines in one of his earlier books, From Strength to Strength: "Jump" means proactively building the next thing, especially during liminal periods or unwelcome change, which Brooks sees as fertile ground for creativity.”

“Practicing the skills they acquire with resources available in the community — a personal trainer or a group class will allow them to reap the benefits of exercise. People are encouraged to try a variety of activities, which can improve their enjoyment and compliance.”

“Another study suggests that intermittent fasting combined with exercise training increased serum ketone levels, increased the number of mitochondria in muscle cells, and improved endurance. In this clip, Dr. Mark Mattson describes how fasting and exercise work together to promote brain health.”