Believe Your Brain Destined to Decline? Think Again

Most of us assume major brain decline and memory loss are inevitable as we age, but research shows that’s not the case. So what does it take to keep your brain healthy and even help it grow? Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks to neurologist and neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi about his new book, “The Invincible Brain.” It lays out a 12-week, science-backed program for preventing and even reversing cognitive decline by tapping into the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, rebuild and even improve at any age. Producer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda SealySenior Producer: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether it’s a cultural custom or hygiene preference, many households keep a strict no-shoes policy. But, how much healthier does it really keep us? Dr. Sanjay Gupta gets to the bottom of your shoes -- literally. Plus, tips on how to manage stress and anxiety when the news cycle is overwhelming.  This episode was produced by Andrea Kane and Sofia H. Sanchez Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all know caregiving takes time, energy, and emotional bandwidth — but it may also change us for the better. Sanjay sits down with writer Elissa Strauss, author of When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caregiving, to explore how caregiving affects the brain, why it could be good for your health, and practical ways to care without losing yourself.  Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai with assistance from Jesse Remedios.   Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US health officials have recently reduced the childhood vaccine schedule, taking cues from Denmark's leaner approach. Dr. Sanjay Gupta travels to Copenhagen to understand why some Americans think Denmark's model is worth copying. Producer & Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can modern science explain, or even define, the mystery of human consciousness? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with writer Michael Pollan to talk about his new book, A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness, and explore the unmapped territory of our inner lives. They discuss where (and if) consciousness lives in the brain, whether plants and artificial intelligence can be conscious, and why we must protect our inner lives in an increasingly technological world.  Our show was produced by Jesse Remedios with assistance from Jennifer Lai. Medical Writer: Andrea KaneShowrunner: Amanda SealySenior Producer: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Showerhead filters and LED face masks come with a lot of beauty claims...but do they deliver? Dr. Sanjay Gupta tackles two popular hair and skin trends, with insight from dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, breaking down what the science says and whether they’re worth trying at home.  Producer: Kyra Dahring   Medical Writer: Andrea Kane   Showrunner: Amanda Sealy   Senior Producer: Dan Bloom   Technical Director: Dan Dzula  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Animals can hibernate, slowing down most metabolic functions — heart rate, blood flow, brain activity, and body temperature — then waking as if nothing happened. Humans have never done this, but what if they could? Could hibernation extend life or even save it?  Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores global research into the molecular mechanics of hibernation and how these abilities might one day help fight cancer, prevent heart disease, treat depression, and even enable travel to Mars. This episode was produced by Amanda Sealy Medical writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy  Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Colorectal cancer is rising quickly among young adults – in fact, it’s the leading cause of cancer deaths for adults under 50 in the United States. And after actor James Van Der Beek’s diagnosis and death at 48, many are wondering how to tell when everyday symptoms might actually be something more serious. On this week's Paging Dr. Gupta, we break down the red flags and tell you what to know about screening. Plus, vibration plates are popping up in gyms and living rooms — but do they actually deliver the benefits they promise?  More on what’s behind the rise of colon cancer in young people with Dr. Kimmie Ng. This episode was produced by Andrea Kane, Jennifer Lai and Kyra Dahring.  Showrunner: Amanda Sealy  Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Love can be one of life’s greatest joys and heartbreak one of its deepest pains. Sanjay talks with psychiatrist and neuroscientist Yoram Yovell about how heartbreak affects the body, why emotional pain can feel physical, and what actually helps people heal. Producer: Kyra Dahring  Medical Writer: Andrea Kane  Showrunner: Amanda Sealy  Senior Producer: Dan Bloom  Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down what research says about long-distance training and neurodegenerative diseases. Plus, he reports on which type of field is safer for young athletes to play on: turf or grass.   This episode was produced by Jesse Remedios.  Showrunner: Amanda Sealy  Medical Writer: Andrea Kane  Senior Producer: Dan Bloom   Technical Director: Dan Dzula  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices