December 19, 2024

Ep 31: Stress, Depression, and Loneliness: Brain Health Tips You Need Today

45 minutes

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, brain health expert and dental hygienist Anne Rice returns to dive deeper into brain health. This time, we tackle stress, depression, and loneliness—key factors often overlooked in cognitive health.

Anne shares how elevated cortisol from stress impacts the brain and offers mindfulness tips like yoga, meditation, and journaling to manage it. She also highlights the links between depression, Alzheimer’s risk, and the harmful effects of loneliness. Plus, she explains why multitasking does more harm than good.

With one brain to last a lifetime, Anne’s practical advice will help you stay sharp and protect your mental well-being.

About Anne Rice:

Anne has been a clinical dental hygienist for 35 years, is a speaker, writer, and consultant. She created Oral Systemic Seminars in 2017 and now devotes much of her time, focus and study primarily to dementia prevention. She is a preceptor for the Bale/Doneen method, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and a Longevity Specialist with the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, where she has also developed a curriculum. Anne is a Fellow with The American Academy of Oral Systemic Health and on their 2024 advisory board. Anne also serves on Cloud Dentistry’s Empowering Women in Dentistry board and has a column for RDH magazine focusing on oral systemic health where she is also on their 2024 editorial advisory board.

Connect with Anne Rice:

Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

Previous episode with Anne: Straight Up With Steph Ep 16: Brain Power: The Keys to Cognitive Health

To watch on YouTube, click here

Trigger Warning:
This episode contains a discussion about suicide, which some listeners may find distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. You are not alone.

In the United States, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, 24/7, confidential support. For listeners outside the U.S., we encourage you to find a local crisis line or reach out to a trusted professional

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction of Anne Rice

03:44 Nutrition’s impact on cortisol levels.

07:05 Telomeres' role in aging.

11:25 Why multi-tasking doesn’t work.

16:59 Yoga enhances brain function and reduces inflammation.

21:50 How meditation transforms our brain structure.

27:57 Severe depression and grey matter.

35:02 Loneliness equals smoking's health risks.

38:43 Combatting lonliness through community.

40:12 How stress impacts long-term brain health.

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