Brain health is shaped by more than age or genetics. The way we exercise, eat, sleep, manage stress, support our metabolism, and stay engaged with the world around us may all influence how well the brain functions over time.Dr. Tommy Wood, associate professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington, studies brain health across the lifespan, from the neurodevelopment of infants born preterm to cognitive aging in older adults. He directs preclinical research in the University of Washington’s Division of Neonatology and is the author of “The Stimulated Mind,” a book on the science of keeping the brain sharp at any age.In this Live Talk with Being Patient founder Deborah Kan, Wood discussed how neuroplasticity works, why the adult brain makes almost no new neurons even as the connections between existing neurons keep changing, and which activities can build cognitive reserve. He also addressed the long-term brain health risks tied to preterm birth and concussion, the supplements with the strongest evidence behind them, and the daily habits, from exercise to sleep to social connection, that he relies on himself.----If you loved this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

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