Brain health snapshot: Social connection, blood pressure, AI, and creatine

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters highlight some of their favorite recent brainhealth.com articles, covering the importance of social connection, creatine's connection to brain health, and more. Additional Resources How a strong social network can help protect your brain health Top 5 tips for better blood pressure from a vascular neurologist How AI chatbots can affect teen mental health Can creatine improve brain health?   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain Health Podcast? Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Emma Heming Willis, co-founder of Make Time Wellness and New York Times bestselling author. As a continuation of their conversation last week, Emma discusses why caregiver self-care is so important and shares practical ways caregivers can care for themselves while supporting loved ones. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Chiadi Onyike, a psychiatrist, dementia specialist, and professor at Johns Hopkins University who specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal degeneration. Dr. Onyike explains FTD and importance of mental health support for both people living with FTD and their care partners.   Additional Resources Emma Heming Willis Why taking care of yourself is one of the most important things caregivers can do Frontotemporal dementia can unlock creativity in some people Wendy Williams' diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia explained   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Emma Heming Willis @emmahemingwillis

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Emma Heming Willis, co-founder of Make Time Wellness and New York Times bestselling author. Following her husband Bruce Willis's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Emma has become a leading advocate for caregivers worldwide. She shares her family's journey and her passion for helping caregivers find support while prioritizing their own well-being. Dr. Correa is also joined by Dr. Chiadi Onyike, a psychiatrist, dementia specialist, and professor at Johns Hopkins University who specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal degeneration. Dr. Onyike explains FTD and the impact it has on individuals and families living with the condition. Tune in next week for part two, when Emma discusses why caregiver self-care is so important and shares practical ways caregivers can care for themselves while supporting loved ones.   Additional Resources Emma Heming Willis Why taking care of yourself is one of the most important things caregivers can do Frontotemporal dementia can unlock creativity in some people Wendy Williams' diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia explained   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Emma Heming Willis @emmahemingwillis Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by CJ Daniels, professional football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams and epilepsy advocate. CJ shares his experience growing up with his mother's epilepsy diagnosis and his work with Angels of Epilepsy, a nonprofit dedicated to seizure education, reducing stigma, and supporting people living with epilepsy and their families.   Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. David Spencer, professor of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University, deputy editor of BrainHealth.com, and editor of the newly renamed Brain Health Books series. Dr. Spencer explains drug-resistant epilepsy and discusses why advocacy efforts like CJ's are so important to the epilepsy community.   Additional Resources Seizure First Aid Resources Epilepsy Foundation Team Cure Epilepsy Navigating epilepsy: Driving safety and independence with Dr. Proleta Datta   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer your questions about brain health from adolescence to adulthood. They're joined by Dr. Benham Sabayan, a vascular and preventive neurologist, neuroepidemiologist, and associate professor of neurology at the University of Minnesota.   Additional Resources 12 ways to build a healthy brain Try these habits for a healthy brain on World Brain Day—and every day People living in their nineties share tips for longevity and living well Answering your questions for World Brain Day   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain Health Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by CNN's award-winning chief national correspondent, John King. John shares what it's been like to build a demanding career while living with multiple sclerosis (MS), and why community, support, and self-care have been essential to his journey. Later, Dr. Peters speaks with Dr. Robert Shin, professor of neurology and director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Clinical Neuroimmunology Division at UVA Health. Dr. Shin discusses the latest advances in MS treatment and research, addresses persistent health disparities, and explains how MS can affect men differently.   Brain Health Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Continuing the Race to Erase MS with Nancy Davis Exploring Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant Voices from the Multiple Sclerosis Community   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain Health Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: John King @johnkingcnn; Dr. Shin @uvahealth Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by author Mark Haddon. Mark shares about the cognitive changes he experienced after bypass surgery and long COVID. He shares how brain fog affected his daily life and creative work, and reflects on resilience, recovery, and adapting to a new normal. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Jacqueline Becker, a clinical neuropsychologist and health services researcher at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Together, they discuss why cognitive changes can occur after surgery and long COVID, and explore strategies that may help people manage these challenges.   Additional Resources What Is Brain Fog? How to Know If You Have Long COVID Leaving Home: A Memoir in Full Color   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Movement and Healing with Adventure Athlete, Author, and Activist Rebecca RuschA Walk in the "Parkinson's" with Author Annmarie O'Connor   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Mark Haddon @mark__haddon Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by actress, comedian, playwright, and storyteller Lauren Weedman. Lauren discusses her diagnosis of Bell's palsy after developing a sudden facial paralysis while filming in 2024 and how it changed her outlooks on work, motherhood, and mental health. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Gary Gronseth, Professor and Chair of Neurology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Dr. Gronseth explains what Bell's palsy is, why it happens, what recovery typically looks like, and why some people—like Lauren Weedman—continue to experience lasting symptoms long after the initial diagnosis.   Additional Resources "This Is a Good Face": Lauren Weedman on Life After Bell's Palsy Bouncing Back from Bell's Palsy What Doctors Know About Bell's Palsy   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Playwright Sarah Ruhl Finds Inspiration in her Bell's Palsy Journey   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Lauren Weedman @lauren_weedman Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by the one and only Bill Nye, an American science educator, mechanical engineer, television presenter, and author best known for hosting the Emmy Award–winning series Bill Nye the Science Guy. Bill discusses his family's experience with a rare inherited ataxia and dives into his work with the National Ataxia Foundation to advocate for research on another form of the disease, Friedreich ataxia. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Stephan Züchner, a neurologist and geneticist who identified the genetic mutation responsible for the ataxia in Bill Nye's family.   Additional Resources Bill Nye: The Ataxia Advocate Guy What is Friedreich ataxia? Theater Is Therapy for Patients with Ataxia   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Paralympic Athlete Helen Kearney on Living Her Dreams with Friedreich's Ataxia   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Bill Nye @billnye

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by the one and only Bill Nye, an American science educator, mechanical engineer, television presenter, and author best known for hosting the Emmy Award–winning series Bill Nye the Science Guy. Bill discusses his family's experience with a rare inherited ataxia and explains why he is partnering with the National Ataxia Foundation to advocate for research on another form of the disease, Friedreich ataxia. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Stephan Züchner, a neurologist and geneticist who identified the genetic mutation responsible for the ataxia in Bill Nye's family. Stay tuned for part two of this conversation next week.   Additional Resources Bill Nye: The Ataxia Advocate Guy What is Friedreich ataxia? Theater Is Therapy for Patients with Ataxia   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Paralympic Athlete Helen Kearney on Living Her Dreams with Friedreich's Ataxia   We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? ·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 ·       Email us at [email protected]   Social Media Guests: Bill Nye @billnye Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD