‘Curious Conversations’ podcast: Ben Katz talks about lifestyle choices and brain health
Ben Katz joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the impact of lifestyle choices on brain health and cognition. He shared insights about how cardiovascular exercise, spending time in nature, and maintaining a healthy diet can enhance cognitive function. He also talked about the importance of sleep and benefits of social interactions, as well as what changes he has made to best support his own cognition.
“Curious Conversations” is available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
Takeaways
Regular cardiovascular exercise improves brain health by enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery, which are crucial for cognitive function.
Evidence shows that spending time in nature has benefits for attention and mood, part of which could be from a natural reduction in everyday distractions during these activities.
Minimizing processed foods, specifically processed meats, and sugary beverages have been shown to support overall brain health.
About Katz
Ben Katz is associate professor of adult development and aging within the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on interventions to improve executive function capacities, including non-invasive brain stimulation, cognitive training, and lifestyle change.
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About the podcast
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Travis Williams, assistant director of marketing and communications for the Office of Research and Innovation, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.
