Brain Health: Dr Dan O’Brien On 5 Lifestyle Habits That Support Cognitive Well-Being
An Interview With Maria Angelova
Exercise: Regular exercise boosts blood flow to and brain and the size of your hippocampus which is part of the brain that is involved with learning and memory.
In a world inundated with distractions, constant connectivity, and a plethora of information, our cognitive well-being has never been more crucial. Amidst the clamor, how do we nurture our minds, keep our focus sharp, and cultivate habits that promote mental clarity? The right lifestyle habits can be the cornerstone to maintaining and even enhancing our cognitive abilities, ensuring not just longevity but also the quality of our mental faculties. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Dan O’Brien.
Dr. Dan O’Brien, MD, MBA, PhD is a popular public health medical expert who has a passion to make a difference in the brain health space. As an executive for multiple startups and author Dr. Dan has made apparences on national talk shows including Fox Television, Fox News, NBC, ABC, and CBS.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
I was a child who came from an Irish Catholic Midwestern family where learning and creativity were encouraged. I learned the value of hard work and resilience from my parents and siblings.
Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
Lou Holtz “Winning Everyday” and this book made an impact because not only did I have a chance to meet Coach Lou Holtz but I try to implement these winning ways he outlined especially his famous quote in the book, “No matter what obstacles confront you, you will find a way to win every day.”
Let’s now talk about lifestyle habits that support cognitive well-being. Are there specific foods or diets that have been scientifically shown to enhance cognitive functions?
The Mediterranean diet can boost brain health by improving memory and decreasing the risk of cognitive decline. This diet encourages people to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, fish, and heart-healthy foods.
What are your thoughts on the importance of movement and exercise in the context of cognitive decline? How do different forms of exercise, such as aerobic vs. strength training, influence cognitive well-being?
It is important to exercise daily as regular exercise can lower your risk of cognitive decline and enhance executive functions like working memory and attention. Both aerobic and strength training regardless of the intensity or duration allow individuals to have better mental agility, quicker thinking, and a greater ability to adapt their thinking.
Can mindfulness practices or meditation offer measurable benefits to cognitive health?
Yes, mindfulness practices and meditation can offer measurable benefits to cognitive health by making you more aware of the present and understanding thought patterns.
How does the quality and quantity of sleep correlate with cognitive performance and long-term brain health?
Studies have shown that people who sleep 8 hrs or less a night score lower on tests of mental function as learning and memories are formed during sleep so this helps with performance and long-term brain health.
How do social connections and interpersonal relationships influence our cognitive well-being?
Studies have shown that strong social connections are as important as exercise and diet. Social activities require you to engage in several important mental processes, including attention and memory can bolster cognition.
What role do lifelong learning and continuous mental stimulation play in maintaining optimal cognitive health?
It is important to stay mentally active as you age and this includes participating in activities such as reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, card games, and one of my favorites that I tell people is to play a musical instrument.
What are your five favorite lifestyle habits that proactively support cognitive well-being?
1. Exercise: Regular exercise boosts blood flow to and brain and the size of your hippocampus which is part of the brain that is involved with learning and memory.
2. Diet: Eating a balanced diet nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress, which is a waste produced when the body uses oxygen, which then can damage cells.
3. Social interaction: This can boost mental resilience and this can help individuals cope with hard times and offer both psychological and physical benefits.
4. Playing a musical instrument: This can increase cognitive ability through enhanced neuronal communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and it is important to note that students who learned piano, organ, or guitar performed better on cognitive tests.
5. Rest: This is important because rest can improve motivation, decision-making skills, and memory and learning.
Are there any proven techniques or habits that can help protect against age-related cognitive decline?
It’s important to maintain good cardiovascular health and remain physically and mentally active.
In your professional or personal experience, what can be done to delay cognitive decline if the genetic predisposition is there?
The emergence of molecular biomarkers in the neurology space is a golden opportunity because of the ability of biomarkers to help in early diagnosis, disease prevention, drug target identification, and drug response.
Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why?
Maybe we can tag them and see what happens! Travis Kelce because I admire his commitment to his health and his entrepreneurship vision in his podcast to be the best he can be off the field, and also I am a KC Chiefs fan, and well Taylor Swift is “ok” too.
How can our readers follow you online?
Bruce Merrin Celebrity website
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
