PodcastsThe Diary Of A CEO with Steven BartlettThe ADHD Doctor: “I’ve Scanned 250,000 Brains” You (Steven Bartlett) Have ADHD! & Coffee Is Damaging Your Brain!!! Dr Daniel Amen

The ADHD Doctor: “I’ve Scanned 250,000 Brains” You (Steven Bartlett) Have ADHD! & Coffee Is Damaging Your Brain!!! Dr Daniel Amen
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven BartlettSun Oct 29 2023
ADHD and Brain Health:
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a genetic condition that affects brain function.
- People with ADHD may struggle with focus, organization, impulsivity, and poor handwriting.
- Treatment options for ADHD include medication, such as Ritalin, which can help activate the frontal lobes and improve focus.
- Other strategies for managing ADHD include exercise, ginkgo supplements to increase blood flow to the brain, and avoiding caffeine and nicotine.
Impact of Trauma on the Brain:
- Chronic stress from trauma can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can shrink the hippocampus (a key memory center).
- Trauma can also result in emotional dysregulation and anxiety, as seen in patterns of brain activation such as the diamond pattern.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy has been effective in processing traumatic memories and reducing symptoms.
Negative Thoughts and Stress:
- Negative thoughts release chemicals that make us feel bad immediately.
- Chronic negative thinking leads to increased stress levels, which can impact brain health over time.
- Practicing mindfulness techniques like "killing the ants" (challenging negative thoughts) can help manage stress and promote healthier thought patterns.
Brain Reserve:
- Brain reserve refers to how healthy your brain is before experiencing trauma or challenges.
- Factors like prenatal conditions, childhood environment, nutrition, genetics contribute to one's level of brain reserve.
- Having a higher brain reserve provides resilience against trauma or cognitive decline later in life.
Psychopaths' Brains:
- Psychopaths often exhibit low frontal lobe function and global brain activity.
- Brain scans of murderers have shown decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex and other areas associated with impulse control and emotional regulation.
Scanning Presidential Candidates:
- The idea of scanning presidential candidates' brains raises ethical considerations regarding privacy concerns and potential discrimination based on brain characteristics.
Social Media Effects on the Brain:
- Excessive screen time on social media can lead to overstimulation of the pleasure centers in the brain.
- Spending too much time on social media can wear out these pleasure centers, leading to decreased happiness and drive.
- Limiting screen time and finding other activities that bring joy can help prevent overstimulation of the pleasure centers.
Blood Flow and Brain Health:
- Maintaining healthy blood flow is crucial for optimal brain function.
- Caffeine and nicotine constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain.
- Exercise, ginkgo supplements, beets, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon are examples of things that can increase blood flow to the brain.
Impact of Loneliness on Dementia:
- Chronic loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of dementia.
- Social isolation can accelerate cognitive decline and negatively impact brain health.
- Connecting with others and maintaining meaningful relationships can help protect against dementia.
Positive Thinking vs. Accurate Thinking:
- Dr. Amen advocates for accurate thinking with a positive spin rather than solely relying on positive thinking.
- Positive thinking without acknowledging reality can lead to denial or ignoring important issues affecting mental health.
- By addressing negative thoughts with accuracy while incorporating positivity, individuals can promote healthier thought patterns.
Effects of Screen Time:
- Excessive screen time shrinks the brain and wears out pleasure centers.
- Three and a half hours of screen time per day increases the risk of anxiety, depression, addiction, obesity, and ADHD.
- Social media leads to negative comparisons and self-esteem issues.
Impact of Weight on the Brain:
- As weight increases, the size and function of the brain decrease.
- Obesity leads to lower blood flow, inflammation, aging, toxin storage, decreased testosterone levels, and unhealthy estrogen production.
Gender Differences in Brain Function:
- Women have better frontal lobe function, communication skills, impulse control, Collaboration abilities due to better blood flow to the front part of their brains.:
- Men are more prone to gambling addictions, drug addictions, alcoholism, and ADHD compared to women.
Importance of Sleep:
- Sleep cleanses and refreshes the brain through the glymphatic system.
- Lack of sleep can lead to cognitive decline and emotional imbalances.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Breathwork:
- HRV measures beat-to-beat variability of heart rate. Higher HRV indicates better heart health.
- Breathwork exercises like 15-second breaths increase HRV and reduce panic attacks.
Alcohol's Impact on the Brain:
- Even moderate alcohol consumption causes damage in the brain by disrupting white matter tracts.
- Alcohol decreases decision-making ability and impairs frontal lobe function.
Brain Health Habits:
- Counting calories is important for maintaining a healthy weight. Quality of calories also matters.
- Happiness is a habit that can be cultivated through gratitude exercises and positive thinking routines.