In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! Podcast, co-host Dr. Jonathan Artz, MD, an experienced neurologist, shares his extensive background and insights on cognitive health.

Dr. Artz discusses his journey from medical school through various specializations, ultimately focusing on cognitive disorders and dementia.

He emphasizes the importance of early conversations about brain health, lifestyle modifications, and the role of primary care providers in initial evaluations.

Dr. Artz also outlines key factors affecting brain health, the limitations of current medications, and common misconceptions about cognitive diseases.

Listeners are encouraged to engage in preventive measures actively and have detailed discussions with healthcare providers about any cognitive concerns.

**Recorded live on March 10, 2025, during our Brain Week 2025 events and adapted to this podcast episode.**

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Dr. Jonathan Artz

00:37 Dr. Arts' Educational and Professional Journey

02:01 Establishing a Cognitive Program at Kaiser Permanente

02:45 Transition to Renown Institute of Neurosciences

04:06 Common Questions About Brain Health

04:24 The Role of Primary Care in Cognitive Health

06:48 Key Information to Share with Healthcare Providers

13:53 Importance of Sleep and Other Factors

16:27 When to Start the Conversation About Cognitive Health

22:42 Red Flags and Immediate Actions for Brain Health

26:26 The Prevalence of Brain Health Supplements

27:01 Importance of Disclosing Supplements to Healthcare Providers

28:26 Common Cognitive Concerns and Symptoms

28:46 The Significance of Memory and Learning Issues

29:21 Understanding Speech and Language Problems

29:32 When to Seek Medical Attention for Cognitive Issues

32:43 The Role of Neurologists in Cognitive Health

33:14 The Importance of Patient History in Neurology

33:45 Encouraging Open Communication with Healthcare Providers

35:31 Practical Tips for Cognitive Wellbeing

35:53 The Impact of Lifestyle on Brain Health

41:50 The Role of Social Interaction in Cognitive Health

42:52 The Risks of Smoking and Other Substances

48:34 The Complexity of Diagnosing Dementia

51:31 Current Treatments and Their Limitations

56:52 The Importance of Lifestyle in Managing Cognitive Health

57:25 Conclusion and Encouragement to Start the Conversation

• "Twelve Questions to Ask Your Doctor For Better Brain Health" Conversation Starters from the American Academy of Neurology

• Explore additional podcast conversations in our library of 30-minute conversations with the experts on a wide variety of topics, from nutrition to oral health

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health! podcast from the Virtual Brain Health Center, we explore how spiritual health supports brain health with guest Christine Turo-Shields. Christine, a licensed clinical social worker and addictions counselor, shares how she integrates spirituality into trauma care and highlights the role of spiritual practices in healing and building resilience.

Discover the profound connection between spirituality and brain health as Christine shares her insights on the importance of integrating faith and spirituality into mental well-being, especially for trauma survivors.

Gain valuable strategies for nurturing spiritual health, including meditation, prayer, and mindfulness practices.

Explore how these practices can lead to emotional resilience and cognitive wellness.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation and practical tips to enhance your brain health journey.

00:45 Meet Christine Turo Shields

02:32 Blending Spirituality with Clinical Practice

04:18 Defining Spiritual Health

07:05 Research on Spiritual Health and Brain Health

15:01 Practical Strategies for Spiritual Health

21:28 The Power of Spiritual Health & Healing

24:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

34:53 Conclusion

Resources:

•  Learn more about Christine and her practice on their website.

• You can also connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

What if the key to better focus, less burnout, and sharper brain health was flow?

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Brain Health!, former professional athlete and ADHD advocate Jamie Toyne shares how discovering the science of flow transformed his life—and how it can do the same for you.

Jamie explores what it takes to enter a flow state, why it’s essential for cognitive performance, and how small shifts in your daily routine can help you get “in the zone” more often. He also shares practical tools to reduce distractions, improve focus, and build habits that support your brain’s natural rhythm.

Whether you're seeking more clarity, energy, or creativity, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you tap into your brain’s full potential through flow.

00:00 Introduction & Jamie's ADHD Journey

03:03 Discovering Flow Through Tennis

06:30 Burnout and the Quest for Flow

08:56 The Science and Practice of Flow

14:28 Creating Flow in Daily Life

18:50 Addressing Burnout and Self-Care

25:17 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

Resources

• Learn more about Jamie’s coaching and consulting services on his website

  Explore the factors that may be blocking you from flow with his free tool

In this enlightening episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health podcast, we are joined by Dr. Marie Marie Onakomaiya, PhD, MPH, a distinguished neuroscientist and CEO of Metric Health. Marie shares her journey from her academic pursuits to her groundbreaking work in AI-driven assessment platforms for brain health.

She discusses the importance of measurement-based care, how personalized data collection can revolutionize brain injury recovery, and the transformative potential of bringing advanced assessments to more people globally.

Gain valuable insights on the future of brain health, patient empowerment, and the role of technology in healthcare from an expert dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

Tune in to learn how technology can empower patients, provide better data to healthcare providers, and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals with brain injuries.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Marie Onakomaiya, PhD, MPH

01:23 Inspiration Behind Metric Health

03:14 Understanding Measurement-Based Care

04:38 Traditional vs. Modern Brain Health Assessment

07:55 The Role of Self-Advocacy in Brain Health

11:04 Challenges in Brain Injury Recovery

17:20 Personalized Medicine and Brain Health

19:58 Future of Brain Health Assessment

25:32 Practical Advice and Resources

28:46 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Resources:

• Learn more about Metric Health on their website.

• Interested in learning more about Virtual Reality and its use to improve brain health? Check out our podcast episode with Amir Bozorgzadeh, CEO and co-founder of VirtuLeap

Beta Testing Information

Express interest in joining the beta test group to help inform the future of brain care injury.

Have you ever had a concussion or brain injury? You can be part of an evolution in brain injury care by joining Metric Health's beta launch. Designed to make follow-up care less frustrating and more personalized, Metric Health's new app is an alternative to “go home and rest” when that is not enough.
With easy-to-use, scientifically valid assessments and personalized insights into your brain health, you can communicate more effectively with your healthcare providers.

Sign up for the waitlist today and get early access to a better way to manage your recovery.

**If you’re looking for supportive LGBTQI+ communities or want to connect further with today’s speaker, we’re here for you. Reach out anytime at ⁠podcast@virtualbrainhealthcenter.com⁠—we’d be happy to guide you in the right direction!**

In this podcast episode, we welcome Daìthì, a passionate advocate diagnosed with young-onset dementia in 2015, whose advocacy highlights the intersection of dementia care and LGBTQI+ rights, particularly for trans and non-binary individuals.

Daìthì shares their personal journey, emphasizing their unwavering identity and the importance of inclusive research and services across several countries.

They discuss the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals with dementia, their advocacy work, and their involvement in various projects and conferences aimed at greater visibility and inclusion.

The conversation also touches on misconceptions about dementia erasing identity and the necessity of identity-affirming care for brain health.

Daìthì highlights the importance of personal directives, community, and the ongoing fight against exclusion.

The episode concludes with a powerful call to action: listen, educate, and advocate for trans and non-binary individuals living with dementia.00:00 Introduction to Daìthì 02:40 Personal Journey and Identity04:19 Defining Moments and Challenges06:01 Misconceptions About Dementia and Identity08:30 Importance of Identity-Affirming Care16:50 Advice for Navigating Dementia Care22:19 Future of Inclusive Dementia Care29:44 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Learn more and take action with resources from some key organizations:

• SAGE (Services & Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders)

• Opening Doors London (focused on LGBTQ+ aging)

• Alzheimer’s Europe’s LGBTQ+ working group

• DEEP Network’s LGBTQ+ initiatives and support group

• Dementia Engagement & Empowerment Project (DEEP)

• Mens & Zorg, where Tommy Sierens is working on inclusive palliative care

These organizations are actively making a difference in how dementia care intersects with LGBTQ+ identities.

In this episode of the Let's Talk Brain Health Podcast from the Virtual Brain Health Center, expert host Dr. Krystal Culler engages with two distinguished guests, Dr. Patricia Izbicki and Eyleen Braaten, to explore the intersection of music and brain health.

Dr. Izbicki, a neuroscientist and musician, and Eyleen, the Executive Director of the Giving Voice Chorus, discuss the profound impact of music on cognitive health, emotional well-being, and social connectivity.

They share insights from scientific research and real-world applications, emphasizing how group singing can significantly benefit individuals, especially those living with dementia and their care partners.

The episode highlights the transformative power of music in fostering joy, community, and cognitive resilience, urging listeners to embrace music in their daily lives.

00:00 Introduction to Brain Health

00:45 Meet Our Special Guests

02:59 Patricia's Journey into Music and Neuroscience

03:58 Eileen's Passion for Music and Brain Health

04:53 The Science Behind Music and the Brain

08:23 Benefits of Singing and Choir Participation

10:25 The Giving Voice Initiative

14:45 Transformative Stories from Giving Voice

25:34 Long-term Benefits of Music on Cognitive Health

30:00 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Resources:

• Learn more about the Giving Voice Chorus on their website.

• Explore more of Dr. Patricia Izbicki’s science writing on her website.
  

Join us in an insightful conversation with Genein Letford, M.Ed., a national thought leader in brain health and creativity. As an award-winning businesswoman and educator, Genein delves into the concept of ‘prismatic leadership,’ intercultural creativity, and neurosomatic creativity.

She shares her journey from teaching to founding Cafe Strategies, a company that empowers organizations through the arts and neuroscience.

Learn how creativity impacts cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, and how integrating arts into everyday life—regardless of one's background or profession—can enrich brain function.

Genein also addresses the importance of accessible arts education for all, advocating that creativity is a vital skill in today’s fast-evolving world.

Dive deep into how music, movement, and the arts not only enhance brain health but also foster social connections, promote adaptability, and include different cultural perspectives.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore how to unleash your own creative potential and thrive in every aspect of life.

00:00 Introduction to Janine Letford and Her Work

01:38 Genein's Journey into Creativity and Brain Health

05:02 Defining Creativity and Its Importance

07:26 Neurosomatic Creativity Explained

10:10 The Role of Arts in Brain Health

14:06 Overcoming Creative Barriers and Healing Through Arts

17:53 Practical Steps to Engage in Creative Activities

21:31 Future of Creativity and Brain Health

25:31 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

Resources:

• Learn more about Genein’s work at CAFFE Strategies on her website
• Explore the Lyrics N’ Leadership offerings
• Connect with Genein on LinkedIn
• Check out Genein’s books on her website
• Watch “How Do Our Brains Handle Grief” a TedX talk by Dr. Mary Frances-O’Connor, Ph.D.