Cognitive Connections: Brain Health for All Ages- A Panel Discussion

🧠 Episode Overview:
In this special panel discussion, we explore why brain health matters at every age. Join host Dr. Krystal Culler and three expert guests—LeAnne, Nandita, and Giovanna—for a vibrant, age-inclusive conversation spanning childhood through adulthood. You’ll walk away with fresh insights, surprising truths, and practical strategies to support brain health across the lifespan.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

• What everyone should know about the brain, including tips on sleep, stress, and neuroplasticity

• Myths we need to bust (no, brain health isn’t just for older adults!)

• A rapid-fire round of actionable tips across the five pillars of brain health:
  🔹 Movement
  🔹 Nutrition
  🔹 Sleep
  🔹 Emotional Well-being
  🔹 Cognitive Fitness

• Powerful takeaways and messages of hope for every listener, no matter your age

💬 Perfect for:
Parents, educators, students, caregivers, health professionals, and anyone curious about protecting and improving brain health from childhood to adulthood.

00:00 Introduction to Brain Health for All Ages

00:47 Brain Health in Children (Ages 5-9)

04:51 Brain Health in Teens (Ages 11-18)

08:17 Brain Health in Youth (Ages 18-39)

11:08 Brain Health in Adults and General Discussion

13:25 Risk Factors and Protective Factors for Brain Health

26:58 Debunking Brain Health Myths

33:16 Debunking Brain Health Myths for Youth

34:05 Understanding Nutrition for Brain Health

35:43 Brain Health Tips for Adults and Older Adults

39:05 Practical Brain Health Strategies: Movement

43:05 Practical Brain Health Strategies: Nutrition

46:42 Practical Brain Health Strategies: Sleep

50:44 Practical Brain Health Strategies: Emotional Wellbeing

54:35 Practical Brain Health Strategies: Cognitive Fitness

57:12 Final Takeaways on Brain Health

**Recorded live on March 12, 2025, during our Brain Week 2025 events and adapted to this podcast episode.**

Panelists:

• Kids: LeAnne Stuver, M.Ed., BSN, Director of Lifelong Learning at the Virtual Brain Health Center
• Teens: Nandita Srikumar, Founder of Cognitive Connections
• Youth: Giovanna Manson-Hing, MA, CDP, CPT,
• Adults: Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, MA, Founder of the Virtual Brain Health Center

🧠 Brain Health Resources by Age Group

Teens:

• Cognitive Connections – Learn more about Nandita's work, teen brain tools, and her podcast:
  Website | LinkTree

• My Teenage Brain – Dr. John Coleman shares 10 essential insights on the adolescent brain:
  Read PDF

Youth (18–39):

• NextGen Brain Health Study – A global research initiative on young adult brain health:
  Study Website

• Lancet Public Health Article – Research spotlight on dementia prevention in young adults:
  Read Article

• HFC's Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s – Activating youth for stigma reduction and education:
  YMAA Program | Free Youth Courses

Adults:

• Brain Health Basics – Browse infographics for everyday brain health tips:
  View Library

• Lancet Commission 2024 – Hopeful updates on dementia prevention and care:
  View Report

• Virtual Brain Health Center Directory – Curated tools, programs, and expert resources:
  Explore Directory

• Let’s Talk Brain Health Podcast – Expert interviews on topics from hearing to nutrition:
  Listen Here