I’ve always been fascinated by brain health—how we think, feel, and function is deeply tied to how we live our lives. And yet, for so long, cognitive decline has been framed as an inevitable part of ageing. But what if that’s not the full story?

In this Live Well, Be Well episode, I sit down with two of the world’s leading neurologists, Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai to explore the cutting-edge science of brain health, neuroplasticity, and longevity. Their work is revolutionising our understanding of how we can actively shape our cognitive future—and the truth is, we have far more control than we think.

We get into:

✔️ The myth of brain ageing—why decline isn’t inevitable and how we can strengthen our cognition at any age.

✔️ The power of neuroplasticity—how small daily habits can rewire the brain for better focus, memory, and resilience.

✔️The sleep-brain connection. Why deep sleep is the ultimate detox and the number one factor for long-term cognitive health.

✔️Food as medicine for the brain—how the MIND Diet has been shown to reduce Alzheimer’s risk by over 50%.

✔️The real impact of stress on cognition—and how we can train our brains to handle pressure more effectively.

✔️The attention crisis—how social media and technology are rewiring our minds and what we can do to regain control.

Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai are co-directors of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University and the authors of The Alzheimer’s Solution. Their research proves that up to 80% of dementia cases could be prevented—and in this episode, they share the simple but powerful changes we can all make today to build a healthier, sharper brain for life.

This conversation really shifted the way I think about my brain health, and I hope it does the same for you. If you found this episode valuable, please share it—and as always, let me know your thoughts.

Connect with Dr. Dean & Dr. Ayesha Sherzai:

🌐 Team Sherzai Website https://thebraindocs.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebraindocs/

Sarah Ann

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Thank you to my wonderful sponsors! 

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If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

Dr. William Li: Can Diet DAMAGE Your Blood Brain Barrier?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrCxdniSLiU

Dr. Chris Palmer: How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Your Brain and Mental Health

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XwRdDU1PCY 

How To REWIRE Your Brain and How To Change Your Mind: Professor David Nutt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWzwn99YySE 

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Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

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Highlights:

Intro (00:00)

Surprising Facts About Brain Health (00:29)

The Brain’s Energy Consumption & Resilience (01:53)

The Importance of Sleep for Brain Health (02:32)

How Much Sleep Do We Really Need? (04:39)

Simple strategies to improve sleep quality (07:08)

The Science Behind Racing Thoughts Before Bed (10:47)

Differences Between Men’s & Women’s Brains (13:36)

Women’s Brain Health & Menopause (15:14)

Preventing Cognitive Decline & Alzheimer’s (23:27)

The best foods for memory and mental clarity (35:47)

Debunking Diet Myths: Berries & Brain Health (41:02)

The Power of Simple Dietary Changes (41:33)

The Importance of Leg Strength & Exercise (46:01)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish vs. Supplements (49:45)

How your brain can rewire and grow throughout life (56:10)

How social media is affecting focus and cognition (01:03:16)

Practical Tips for Optimising Brain Health (01:10:21)

Key takeaways for a sharper, healthier brain. (01:16:07

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