🎙️ INTERVIEW | The Holistic Approach to Brain Health with Dr. Sabine Krofczik-Wilhelm
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Sabine Krofczik-Wilhelm, the Head of the Neurodegenerative Disorders Pillar for PPD, part of Thermo Fisher, where she is responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of clinical trials in dementia.
Sabine is passionate about brain health and longevity, and is actively working on de-stigmatizing dementia.
In our discussion, we explore a multifaceted approach to brain health, emphasizing its connection to overall well-being through physical, mental, social, and spiritual practices.
Sabine shares her personal journey with lifestyle interventions like fasting and the ketogenic diet, while also highlighting the cutting-edge research and therapies currently being explored for neurodegenerative disorders.
She advocates for building cognitive reserve through lifelong learning and highlights the benefits of sleep, diet, and fasting on mental acuity. The importance of social bonds and community engagement is underscored in her discussion about maintaining cognitive health.
Sabine addresses the challenges posed by an aging population and the stigma surrounding dementia, advocating for increased awareness, acceptance, and proactive measures to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
Additionally, she is enthusiastic about advances in technology such as health-monitoring devices, like CGMs and the Oura Ring, and the use of digital therapeutics in psychiatry.
Key Takeaways:
Brain health is a holistic concept that encompasses physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.
Building cognitive reserve through lifelong learning is crucial for maintaining brain health.
Quality sleep and a healthy diet, including fasting, can optimize cognitive function and brain health.
Social connections and community involvement play a significant role in maintaining brain health. Raising awareness and support is crucial in destigmatizing dementia and improving the lives of those living with the disease.
There is a need for literacy, acceptance, and inclusion in communities to provide better support for individuals with dementia.
As the aging population increases, it is important to take action to prevent neurodegenerative disorders and find ways to integrate and include older adults in society.
Healthy living, sustainable housing, and connecting with nature are important for brain health.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts.
Timestamps
00:00: Introduction and Background
01:56: Clinical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases
04:16: Understanding Brain Health
06:14: Signs of Poor Brain Health
09:06: It's Never Too Late for Brain Health
11:46: Small Changes for Big Impact
14:03: Aging and Brain Health
21:07: The Importance of Sleep for Brain Health
24:19: Optimizing Brain Health through Diet
31:32: Social Connections and Brain Health
35:27: Destigmatizing Dementia: Raising Awareness and Support
42:35: Challenges of an Aging Population and Stigmatization of Dementia
45:54: Preventing Neurodegenerative Disorders and Integrating Older Adults in Society
52:08: The Finger Brain Health Institute: Advancing Research in Brain Health
56:36: Healthy Living, Sustainable Housing, and Nature's Impact on Brain Health
57:06: Monitoring Personal Health with Technology
59:42: Digital Therapeutics in Psychiatry: A Promising Field
Where to find Dr. Sabine Krofczik-Wilhelm:
Where to find Nina Patrick, PhD:
Edited by Wright Time Publishing
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