Episode #4—Mental and Cognitive Health

While you may not think about it often, your brain is vital to practically everything you do. In fact, it’s what allows you to process and remember this podcast episode! While our physical health (the health of our bodies in general) rightfully receives lots of attention, the health of our brains should not be neglected either. Doing so can have serious consequences.

In this episode, join MSO at UCLA Co-Editor-in-Chief Dhruv Khosla and writers Mia Kim and Umiemah Farrukh as they discuss the importance of both mental and cognitive health. They explain key concepts, like what these terms mean in the first place, and go on to discuss issues stemming from poor mental or cognitive health, such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. Mia and Umiemah also provide resources and strategies that may help you improve the health of your brain!

If you’re interested in learning more about the articles and topics we covered, you can do so at our website, www.msoatucla.org!

Speakers: Dhruv Khosla, Co-Editor-in-Chief. Mia Kim, Writer. Umiemah Farrukh, Writer.

Audio editing: Jingyao (Bella) Chen, Editor

Cover art: Yea-Lyn Pak, Media Director

Sources used in this episode:

Umiemah’s article on mental health: https://www.msoatucla.org/genetics-and-adverse-childhood-experiences-shape-the-adult-mind.html

Mia’s article on cognitive health and exercise: https://www.msoatucla.org/redefining-the-factors-behind-exercises-benefits-for-the-brain.html

Healthy Minds Study Fall 2020 Data Report: https://healthymindsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/HMS-Fall-2020-National-Data-Report.pdf

APA information on mental health disparities in diverse populations: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/education/mental-health-facts

Trygg et al. 2019 study on intersectional inequalities: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6657170/

MannMukti at UCLA: https://mannmuktiucla.wixsite.com/mysite

NIH NIA information on cognitive health: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

SPRINT MIND trial: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2723256

Summary of 2019 NIH study on physical activity and cognitive health: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/physical-activity-and-motor-ability-associated-better-cognition-older-adults-even-dementia

2021 Nature study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04183-x

2015 meta-analysis on loneliness and treatments: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25866548/

Article on benefits of yoga for youth with depression and anxiety by former MSO writer Lily Kiamanesh: https://www.msoatucla.org/benefits-of-yoga-for-youth-with-depression-and-anxiety.html

Harvard article on sleep and mental health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sleep-and-mental-health

2015 review article on aging and cognition: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4906299/

Explanation of healthy aging by UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences: https://memory.ucsf.edu/symptoms/healthy-aging

Additional resources:

UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services: https://counseling.ucla.edu/

LA County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH): https://dmh.lacounty.gov/get-help-now/

LACDMH Help Line: 800-854-7771