| When the Brain Is Heartbroken
It hurts when your heart gets broken. In fact, scientists have found that heartbreak activates mechanisms in the brain that are similar to those that are activated when we experience physical pain. What’s more, the brain goes through withdrawal—similar to the withdrawal from drugs. Find out how else heartbreak affects the brain.
Restful Retirement Has a Downside
A new study conducted in the UK shows that memory declines 40% faster once people retire. That’s not a surprise to our co-founder Dr. Michael Merzenich. “Resting in retirement might sound appealing, but it can be murder for your brain health,” he says. “You have to keep your brain learning, growing, and expanding to keep it going strong.” Learn more.
Is “Baby Brain” Real?
A new meta-analysis suggests that "baby brain" is, in fact, a real phenomenon. Looking at 20 studies on cognitive function during pregnancy, the researchers found that in general, pregnant women showed poorer cognitive functioning than women who were not pregnant. Still, the effects were limited. Find out more.
The Opioid Epidemic: What’s Happening in the Brain?
We hear a lot about opioids. But what do they actually do, and how can they cause death? In a fatal overdose, people often die because they can’t breathe…the drug suppresses brain activity that controls breathing rate, lung expansion, and carbon dioxide monitoring. Find out more.
Can Brain Training Help People with Depression?
A study will take place at Posit Science in San Francisco, CA that aims to understand how people react to and cope with depression. Participation would involve a phone screening interview that will last about 10-15 minutes to determine if you are eligible for an in-person interview, where you will be provided with a complete overview of the study, undergo the consenting process, and complete assessments/fill out questionnaires to determine if you are eligible to complete the training. Participants can earn up to $200 for completing study-related activities.
To be eligible for this study, you must be between 18-85 years of age, meet study criteria for depression, and visit our office for at least three visits.
If you would like more information about this study, please contact us at [email protected] or call 415-568-3565 to reach the study coordinators.
Is Blood Sugar Bad for the Brain?
A large study recently found a direct link between blood sugar level and brain function. Researchers found that people with higher blood sugar levels—prediabetes and diabetes—experienced more cognitive decline over time than those with normal blood sugar levels. Learn more.
Book of the Month
The River of Consciousness by Oliver Sacks (2017)
The River of Consciousness is a collection of ten essays published posthumously, showing Oliver Sacks’ range of knowledge and curiosity. Essays cover everything from Darwin’s writing about flowers to the intricacies of memory (and the value of forgetting). It’s a wonderful look into the late-life mind and musings of a beloved author and thinker. Buy now. | 
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