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Health News

Give Your Brain a Workout! How Exercise Benefits Brain Health

March 29, 2020

As it turns out, when you go for your daily jog or weightlifting session, you’re not just getting your body in shape—you’re also enhancing your brain health. Dr. Richard Restak explains how exercise benefits the young and old alike, preventing dementia and enhancing executive function. […]

Young woman sleeping on sofa
Health News

Want Your Brain to Work Better? Get More Sleep and Take Power Naps

March 28, 2020

It’s tempting to think that if we sacrifice an hour or two of sleep, we’ll accomplish more. As it turns out, though, sleep is essential when it comes to comes to optimizing our brain’s performance, and by extension, our efficiency and productivity. Dr. Richard Restak explains why. […]

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Health News

Eat Smarter, Be Smarter: How Diet Impacts Brain Health

March 27, 2020

When you gain too much weight, not only does your body slow down, but your brain also declines. Dr. Richard Restak explains the connection between obesity and Alzheimer’s and provides simple actions you can take to preserve your brain. […]

Young man juggling apples
Health News

Engage Your Senses with These Sensory Brain Exercises

March 8, 2020

When you think of brain exercises, word games or crossword puzzles are probably the first things that come to mind. But your five senses need exercise too! Richard Restak, Clinical Professor of Neurology at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, provides you with visual, auditory, and motor exercises. […]

Woman looking at her body in mirror
Health News

Seeing Your Body through Your Brain’s Eyes: Neurology and Body Image

March 7, 2020

You’re probably familiar with the phrase “body image,” but have you explored it from a neurological perspective? Join us as we speak with Richard Restak, Clinical Professor of Neurology at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, about the surprising connections between body image, technology, and road rage. He also provides practical tips for improving your body awareness. […]

Brain concept split in half with left brain and right brain
Health News

The Brain Tells All: A Revealing Look at Brain Organization

March 6, 2020

Just as our face and body can communicate quite a bit when we’re engrossed in our favorite activities, so can our brain! Join Richard Restak, Clinical Professor of Neurology at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, as he chats with us about brain activity as it relates to musicians, athletes, and more. You’ll also learn about the link between mirror neurons and learning new skills. […]

Close up of hand holding puzzle piece with lightbulb, intelligence concept
Health News

Plasticity: It’s Time to Rethink the Notion That Intelligence Is Fixed

March 1, 2020

You may have grown up believing that intelligence was fixed—something we’re born with, like eye color. But there has been a revolutionary transformation in our thinking: Intelligence is not a fixed trait but can be modified over a lifespan. Richard Restak, Clinical Professor of Neurology at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, shared the latest research on brain plasticity with us at The Great Courses. […]

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