Successful Aging and Brain Health With Dr. John Randolph

Dr. John Randolph is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, brain health coach and consultant, and member of the Adjunct Faculty at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. He earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Neuropsychology at Washington State University, and completed clinical and research fellowships in Neuropsychology and Neuroimaging at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He's Past President of the New Hampshire Psychological Association, a National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) Fellow, and recent Program Chair for a national conference focused on the science of brain health. He's also the author of the recently released general audience book, The Brain Health Club: Using the Power of Neuroscience to Improve Your Life. He works with individuals, groups, and organizations interested in developing better strategies to enhance brain health.  Today Dr. Randolph joins host, Dr. Peter Arnett, to discuss how brain health relates to successful aging, which day-to-day activities we can do to improve memory function, and what kinds of physical exercise are best for the brain (and for how long). Dr. Randolph explains the crucial role that social engagement plays in brain health, and how increased isolation has been particularly challenging during the pandemic. The benefits of “cross training” with crossword puzzles, reading, woodworking, and other mental activities daily are also addressed. Dr. Randolph talks about the importance of a Mediterranean-style diet, sleeping well, and stress management for cognitive functioning. Finally, he reminds listeners that it’s never too late to make changes toward better brain health, and encourages us to take gradual steps toward this goal. Episode Highlights: Successful aging is intimately related to brain health Exercise, social activity, mental activity, brain-healthy diet, managing stress, sleeping well  are all very important not just for brain health, but for the overall aging process Moderate activity f