12 questions to help you assess your dementia risk with neuroscientist Dr Lila Landowski - aired on 24 September 2024 on ABC Radio National Drive with Andy Park

Take The New York Times quiz: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/09/03/well/mind/brain-health-quiz-dementia-depression-stroke.html

1. Has a health care provider ever told you that your blood pressure is high?
2. Has a health care provider ever told you that your blood sugar is high or your hemoglobin A1c is elevated?
3. Has a health care provider ever told you that your cholesterol is elevated and that you need to take a daily medication to treat it?
4. What is your B.M.I.?
5. What does your typical diet include? Select all that apply.
6. How many alcoholic drinks do you consume per week
7. Do you smoke cigarettes?
8. Do you engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of high intensity physical activity per week?
9. What are your typical sleep habits? Select the option that best fits.
10. How are your stress levels?
11. Do you have close connections, other than your spouse or children, with whom you could talk about private matters, or call upon for help?
12. Do you feel that your life has meaning or purpose?

Keywords

brain health, diet, alcohol, social connections, stress, neurological diseases, cognitive function, mental health, lifestyle choices, neuroscience

Summary

In this conversation, neuroscientist Dr. Lila Landowski, a neuroscientist, discusses the importance of brain health and how lifestyle choices can impact cognitive function. The discussion covers a quiz that assesses brain health, the effects of diet, alcohol consumption, social connections, and stress on neurological well-being. Dr. Landowski emphasizes that many factors influencing brain health are within our control, encouraging listeners to make informed lifestyle choices to enhance their cognitive health.

Takeaways

Looking after your physical health is straightforward, but brain health requires specific attention.

A quiz can help assess your brain health and risk for neurological diseases.

Diet plays a crucial role in brain health, particularly the consumption of whole foods and fiber.

High sugar intake can reduce the production of new brain cells.

Alcohol consumption, even in moderation, can negatively impact brain health.

Social connections are vital for maintaining mental health and reducing stress.

Chronic stress can lead to significant cognitive decline and emotional issues.

Making informed lifestyle choices can improve brain health and cognitive function.

Understanding your brain health score can empower you to make positive changes.

The conversation highlights that many aspects of brain health are changeable and within our control.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Brain Health

04:24 The Impact of Diet on Brain Function

09:00 The Role of Social Connections and Stress

12:33 Empowerment Through Knowledge