Ryan Glatt on Exercise for Brain Health and Preventing Cognitive Decline

With regards to cognitive health many of us focus on nutrition and supplements, even though physical exercise is the foundation for preventing cognitive decline.

On today’s episode my guest Ryan Glatt will explain how we can use exercise for optimizing our brain health.

Ryan is a psychometrist and brain-health coach with more than a decade of experience in the health and fitness industry. He presently works alongside clinicians and researchers at the Pacific Brain Health Center in the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California, to study the effects of cognitively-enhanced and comprehensive exercise plans on the brain.

With a strong background in exercise science and human health, Ryan develops curricula specifically targeted towards those with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and traumatic brain injury, coaching individuals towards optimal brain health.

On top of developing programs for the health and fitness industry on health neuroscience, Ryan also consults for brain-based technology companies like SMARTFit. He has completed brain health programs from the Amen Clinics, the NeuroCoaching Institute, the Neuroscience Academy, the NeuroLeadership Institute, Neuroscience for Coaches, and others on the topics of brain health, sleep, and mindfulness.

Ryan’s mission is to solve the problems associated with neurodegeneration and its effects on health and wellness.

In this episode, you will learn…

-Ryan’s journey to neurology and corrective exercise…02:45

-Motivation to take a preventative, rather than fear or frustration based, approach to brain health…07:15

-Baseline for good brain health…11:00

-There are normal and abnormal cognitive changes as part of aging…14:00

-Empowered, proactive brain health; there is much you can do for your brain!…15:40

-Exercise is at the top of the list for brain health (over supplements and brain training) Here is why…18:00

-Ryan’s specific exercises for brain health; aerobic exercise and resistance training work different parts of the brain…22:15

-It’s important to enjoy your exercise for mood benefits and to encourage regular exercise…26:12

-Specific statistics: how much exercise can decrease your chances of cognitive decline…29:30

-Cognitively challenging physical exercises; thinking incorporated with movement…30:50

-The 3 macronutrients in a brain healthy diet…34:15

-Cognitive reserve: your brain’s mental gas tank and how to go the distance…36:30

-Ryan’s favorite personal practice…37:55

GUEST WEBSITES:

Instagram

brainhealthtrainer.com

Ryan’s website

Pacific Neuroscience Institute site

Resources mentioned in this episode:

www.pingpongforgood.org