This week on Health Matters, Courtney Allison is joined by Dr. Sonja Blum, a neurologist with NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine.

Dr. Blum shares simple ways to protect your brain health as you age.

They explore the science behind nutrition and exercise in relation to the brain, as well as the  importance of social engagement, mental health, and quality sleep. They also speak about evidence that shows how meditation benefits the brain. Plus, they touch on whether or not brain puzzles actually help with cognitive function, and the unique brain health challenges faced by women.

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Dr. Sonja Blum, M.D., Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine and Associate Attending at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and the Director of Memory Disorders and Cognitive Neurology Division at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Blum sees adults of all ages who are having memory, attention, language, and other cognitive concerns, or who have a family history of dementia and concerned about their risks. Dr. Blum also has expertise in traumatic brain injury (TBI), including recovery from disorders of consciousness (DOC) and the long-term effects of moderate to severe TBI, as well as concussions. Her research focuses on mechanisms of cognitive aging and long-term memory dysfunction, and traumatic brain injury. Dr. Blum trained as a physician scientist completing the MD/PhD program at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School in Houston. She completed her neurology residency and behavioral neurology fellowship at the Columbia University Neurological Institute in New York City.

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Health Matters is your weekly dose of health and wellness information, from the leading experts. Join host Courtney Allison to get news you can use in your own life. New episodes drop each Wednesday.

If you are looking for practical health tips and trustworthy information from world-class doctors and medical experts you will enjoy listening to Health Matters. Health Matters was created to share stories of science, care, and wellness that are happening every day at NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the nation’s most comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare systems. In keeping with NewYork-Presbyterian’s long legacy of medical breakthroughs and innovation, Health Matters features the latest news, insights, and health tips from our trusted experts; inspiring first-hand accounts from patients and caregivers; and updates on the latest research and innovations in patient care, all in collaboration with our renowned medical schools, Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine. To learn more visit: https://healthmatters.nyp.org