Blog

Santa Monica, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2023) – A fascinating link between regular exercise and better brain health has been revealed, according to an  international study  that included a team of clinical researchers from Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Brain Health Center, located at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. 

For decades, people thought physical exercise benefited only the body. But every year we learn how incorrect that was, and Dr. David Merrill, director of PNI’s brain health center, is one of the people pushing our knowledge forward. It turns out that exercise builds the brain by prompting the production of brain derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. Listen to this episode to hear how you can boost BDNF through exercise and stay sharp into your golden years.

Join us for “Multiple Sclerosis Explained” where podcast host Kym Douglas talks with Pacific Neuroscience Institute physician Dr. Barbara Giesser about MS symptoms, the importance of early diagnosis, and the medication, symptom management, and lifestyle options now available for controlling the disease.

Has a loved one recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia? As a care partner, your role necessarily extends beyond providing physical assistance. Learn what to do next after a dementia diagnosis.

Whatever age you are, the best time to start prioritizing your health is now. However, certain health habits are especially beneficial as you reach your 50s, before the health consequences of not doing so set in. Adopting a few simple interventions could be the key to health and longevity, doctors say, helping to stave off disease, preserve cognitive function, improve your quality of life, and more. Read on to learn which 10 things your doctor wishes you'd start doing in your 50s, if you aren't doing them already.

In this episode of the Think Neuro podcast, you'll meet a dedicated trio - Dr. David Merrill, Dr. Karen Miller, and Molly Rapozo - who are working collaboratively to combat the debilitating effects of dementia in older individuals. Their approach is holistic, addressing key factors such as diet, exercise, and cognitive training. This collective effort holds significant importance, particularly in light of the limited progress in Alzheimer's drug development. There's no magic pill for maintaining optimal brain health as we age, so they focus on promoting well-established behaviors that have been proven to protect the brain from premature dysfunction. Tune in to this podcast to discover the insights and strategies of this all-star team.

Discover simple and practical tips to help you care for a loved one with dementia. Learn how to create a safe environment, encourage healthy eating, improve communication, manage their mental health, and more.

Dale Bredesen, MD, joins Pacific Neuroscience Institute to lead the Precision Brain Health program. He believes that Alzheimer's is becoming optional. Learn more.

Pacific Neuroscience Institute® experts discuss the signs and symptoms of anxiety. Discover the latest treatment and innovations at PNI's Pacific Treatment & Research In Psychedelics (TRIP) program.

An international study reveals a link between abdominal body fat and brain atrophy, potentially leading to dementia. Explore the groundbreaking findings from Pacific Neuroscience Institute's Brain Health Center, shedding light on how abdominal fat affects brain health and Alzheimer's risk. Learn how this research can influence early intervention and healthier lifestyles to mitigate dementia risks.