How Humans Find Their Way: The Cognitive Neuroscience of Navigation

The Little Brain's Role in Aging and Brain Health with Dr. Jessica Bernard

In this episode, we discuss the Cerebellum, or 'Little Brain', with Dr. Jessica Bernard, an Endowed Professor at Texas A & M University. We discuss her work on how cognitive and motor behavior changes with aging, and how the cerebellum, an often overlooked little brain region at the bottom of the brain, plays a big role in how we move, think and age. Dr. Bernard shares research on sex differences and how this region is affected by hormones and impacted by Alzheimer's disease. We explore the broad role of the cerebellum in shaping cognition, memory and resilience in aging and disease and we dive into how this region may be a new target for interventions aimed at slowing cognitive decline. FOLLOW US: Instagram: @neurologicpodcast BlueSky: @neurologicpodcast.bsky.social X: @NeuroLogicCVL Facebook: @Neuro Logic Podcast DR. JESSICA BERNARD Lab: https://www.lifespancognitivelab.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1A4MzVKdTZNZXNlVGl5Ykt0MXk1dHN4cWMyZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuYXBOMGJXa1NKM3ItOVNXSEo5SnFrVlNmcU9iQnFRZmQ3TThpb251YUR4V2pIRDdYQUdOSXVGYXl2SlBiTmtxcC1uaGwtRXBzcTRhMVlJckpvcjR5eHgtc296RnQtR284UTZWYmp2cHNhQllpQUJESQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lifespancognitivelab.com%2F&v=yHpdCiZNPnE] Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbno0Nzg2ckR0UUtpakRMMDdkeHA2VV9OeTk2UXxBQ3Jtc0tuaExxS1BWM0tNOW55RGN5NWhldG5adHlKcDZkM19MOXhsdnIyYTFLMHNZalVYWE5QdzVEZElpcC1kM0ktaEdmNjc5TDBNZlhpZllCRTJ1QVQxcDJNUFgxSkZvSE80NWw5cmo2VXBEWEIzekZkcmE1MA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.com%2Fcitations%3Fuser%3DBy7qto8AAAAJ%26hl%3Den&v=yHpdCiZNPnE] HOSTED BY: Amber Kidwai and Sarah Monier FILMED AND EDITED BY: Pan Gu MARKETING & OPERATIONS PRODUCER: Patricia Moran

Round Table Series: Cardiovascular Health and the Aging Brain

Welcome to our new ‘Round Table Series’ where Sarah and Amber chat about the latest research in brain health! In this episode we examine the relationship between heart health and brain health, with insights from Dr. Binu Thomas, an Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center whose research focuses on neuroimaging and cerebrovascular physiology. We discuss how physical health impacts brain health, what this looks like in aging and dementia, and practical tips for keeping our brains healthy as we age.

How Humans Find Their Way: The Cognitive Neuroscience of Navigation

How does the brain know where we are -- and how do we find our way through the world? In this episode, we explore the cognitive neuroscience of spatial navigation with Dr. Steven Weisberg, a cognitive neuroscientist at The University of Texas at Arlington. We discuss how the brain supports navigation, why some people have a better sense of direction than others, how navigation abilities change with age, and how tools like GPS and virtual reality shape spatial cognition. Dr. Weisberg also shares insights into whether navigation skills can be trained and practical ways we can improve our ability to find our way.

The Adolescent Brain: Why Teens Think, Feel, and Act Differently

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Beatriz Luna, Distinguished Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and a pioneer in research on the adolescent brain. We discuss the science behind teenage impulsivity and risk taking and why these behaviors are not only normal. but essential for learning, exploration, and developing independence. Dr. Luna explains the neurobiological changes taking place during this critical stage of life and discusses their implications for mental health and addiction. We also explore how this research can inform public policies that better support adolescents. Finally, she offers practical guidance for supporting teens as they navigate this exciting yet challenging period.

Why some brains stay resilient: The Neuroscience of Cognitive Reserve with Dr. Yaakov Stern

In this special episode, recorded in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Center for Vital Longevity (CVL), we welcome Dr. Yaakov Stern—recipient of the inaugural Denise C. Park Research Excellence Award. We discuss his influential theory of cognitive reserve and explore how our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease has evolved over the decades. Dr. Stern also shares insights from his longitudinal RANN study and discusses how lifestyle, education, and even early-life experiences shape our brain’s ability to adapt and thrive as we age.