In this episode, Dr. Sarah McKay dives into debunking common brain myths and explores what’s really holding you back from change. She also discusses willpower and how it isn’t the magic bullet for behavior change. This conversation is all about separating fact from fiction when it comes to understanding your brain and how it works.

Key Takeaways:

[00:06:40] Neuromyths and neuroscience understanding.
[00:09:31] Lizard brain myth debunked.
[00:12:37] Constructed emotions vs. hardwired reactions.
[00:16:24] Language and emotional understanding.
[00:18:55] Change and brain plasticity.
[00:24:41] Willpower and self-control dynamics.
[00:30:36] Addiction vs. Habit Distinction
[00:33:21] Aging versus dementia distinction.
[00:38:24] Cognitive testing for memory concerns.
[00:40:43] Alzheimer’s disease research trends.
[00:44:47] Hearing loss as a risk factor.
[00:49:24] Sleep’s impact on brain health.
[00:51:20] Social connections and mental health.

For full show notes, click here!

If you enjoyed this episode with Sarah McKay, check out these other episodes:

Understanding How the Brain Works with Lisa Feldman Barrett

Eating for Brain Health with Lisa Mosconi

How to Harness Brain Energy for Mental Health with Dr. Chris Palmer

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Debunking Brain Myths: What’s Really Holding You Back from Change with Sarah McKay