🧠 This Podcast Blew My Mind (In the Best Way)

And It Completely Reaffirmed Why I Do What I Do

I recently listened to a podcast episode from Mel Robbins featuring neurologists Dr Dean Sherzai and Dr Ayesha Sherzai…

All I can say is WOW.

Not just because it was about the brain (yes, I love neuroscience🤓.... it really is fascinating!)

But because it gave the best and most hopeful news to anyone who has witnessed a loved one with Alzheimer's or Dementia.

So, here are the facts:

We think of brain health as something we need to think about later. Something that happens to us when we're old. Something we have very little control over.

But what they shared was incredibly empowering:

👉 Cognitive decline isn’t something that suddenly appears one day.
👉 It develops slowly, over decades.
👉 And in many cases… it can be influenced, slowed and even improved!

And the most surprising part?

The things that make the biggest difference are simple.

🌿 The 5 Pillars (NEURO)

They shared five key pillars for protecting and supporting brain health, what they call the NEURO approach.

Just small, consistent lifestyle factors that, together, can have a huge impact. By living your life in line with 4 of these pillars can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's or Dementia by up to 60%!! In some cases, more!!

🥗 Nutrition

Again, nothing extreme. They made it clear that these are simple foods we can find anywhere... not a list of spices we've never heard of or vegetables we can only find through specialist food suppliers. Things like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, colourful vegetables and spices. Even tea and coffee were on the list 🙌🏻

A good, consistent diet can:

• Reduce inflammation

• Stabilise energy

• Support overall brain function - this is bonkers, but they said that a handful of leafy greens every day can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by 40%. Just that one thing!! And the more good things you do for your brain has a cumulative effect, reducing the risk even more!

🏃‍♀️ Exercise

No surprise…

Movement isn’t just about fitness or how your body looks.

It literally:

• Increases blood flow to the brain

• Supports memory and learning

• Encourages the growth of new brain cells

And the exercise doesn't have to be extreme. A 25 min brisk walk, 5 times a week. Add in leg strength work and the benefits soar!

This is your brain saying:
“Thank you. More of this, please.”

🧘‍♀️ Unwind (Stress Regulation)

This is about coming out of that constant fight-or-flight state that so many of us live in.

Chronic stress doesn’t just feel uncomfortable.

It affects:

• Memory

• Focus

• Emotional regulation

• And long-term brain health (It literally shrinks the memory centre in your brain!)

😴 Rest & Sleep

This is where your brain does its most important work.

While you sleep, your brain:

• Clears out waste and toxins

• Consolidates memory

• Repairs and restores

And yet… it’s often the first thing we sacrifice.

💛 Optimising Cognitive Activity

Doing specific activities, living a meaningful and purposeful life and engaging with your environment and others for social connection. Essentially, living in a way that keeps your brain active and involved in life.

🤯 My “Wow” Moment

As I was listening, I had one of those moments where everything just clicks.

Because this is exactly what I’ve been building my work around.

• Movement ✔

• Stress regulation ✔

• Deep rest ✔

That’s three of the five pillars right there. And these are things we can fit into real life, even when we're busy.

💛 Why This Matters So Much

Because so many women I work with are:

• Stressed

• Overwhelmed

• Tired but wired

• Struggling to switch off

• Not feeling like themselves

And they think they need to do more.

But what this reminded me is:

👉 It’s not about doing more.
👉 It’s about doing the right things for you... consistently.

And understanding why they matter.

🌿 Ready to Grow Your Brain?

This is the part that I really loved. Cognitive decline is not inevitable.

We can actually support them to grow, adapt and become more resilient. At any age!

Let's start supporting our brains for the long term.

Surely that feels like one of the most important things we can do for ourselves💛

Here’s to calmer minds, stronger bodies… and healthier brains for the future 🙌🏻🧠🙏🏻

If you'd like to learn more, please get in touch!

Jo x