How to Improve Memory & Focus Using Science Protocols | Dr. Charan Ranganath

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Charan Ranganath, Ph.D., professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of California, Davis, and a world expert on the neuroscience of memory. We discuss how memory works, what causes diseases of dementia like Alzheimer’s, and science-based strategies to reduce age-related cognitive decline. We also cover the essential role of curiosity and the dopamine-curiosity link that can assist memory formation and neuroplasticity. We then discuss challenges with attention and focus, and how to overcome them, as well as how to manage task-switching and create home and work environments more conducive to cognitive health and longevity. Additionally, we explore the emotional aspect of memories, tools for overcoming rumination, and strategies for reframing past negative experiences. This episode will be of interest to anyone seeking to improve and maintain their cognitive health, focus, and memory across their lifespan, as well as for those struggling with ADHD. Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Levels: https://levels.link/huberman Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Charan Ranganath 00:02:06 Sponsors: David, Levels & Waking Up 00:06:48 Memory: Past, Present & Future; Sleep 00:13:23 Self, Memory & Age, Neuroplasticity 00:18:50 Tool: Curiosity & Dopamine 00:26:55 Dopamine, Forward Movement 00:33:09 Sponsor: AG1 00:34:22 Dopamine, Learning; Curiosity & Appraisal 00:40:31 Memory, Hippocampus 00:43:34 Prefrontal Cortex & Memory, Aging 00:50:07 Aging, Prefrontal Cortex & Memory; Depression, Rumination 00:58:53 Sponsor: Function 01:00:40 Tool: Lifestyle Factors, Minimizing Age-Related Cognitive Decline 01:09:39 Exercise, Brain Function; ADHD 01:17:26 Sense of Purpose, Tool: Values, Goals, Navigating ADHD 01:23:31 Forgetting, Intention vs. Attention 01:30:10 Tool: Smartphones, Task-Switching, Forgetfulness 01:36:36 Tool: Pictures, Memories, Intention 01:45:46 Deep Focus, Dopamine 01:49:36 Hearing, Vision, Oral Hygiene, Inflammation, Brain Health, Alzheimer’s 01:59:51 Déjà Vu 02:09:00 Serotonin, Reframing Memories, Trauma 02:19:05 Psychedelics, Neuroplasticity, Perspective, Group Therapy 02:27:53 Rumination, Trauma, Nostalgia, Narrative 02:30:30 Music, Pavlov’s Dogz Band 02:36:27 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

The Huberman Lab podcast is hosted by Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology, and by courtesy, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. The podcast discusses neuroscience and science-based tools, including how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health, as well as existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Huberman has made numerous significant contributions to the fields of brain development, brain function, and neural plasticity, which is the ability of our nervous system to rewire and learn new behaviors, skills, and cognitive functioning. He is a McKnight Foundation and Pew Foundation Fellow and was awarded the Cogan Award, given to the scientist making the most significant discoveries in the study of vision, in 2017.  Work from the Huberman Laboratory at Stanford School of Medicine has been published in top journals, including Nature, Science, and Cell, and has been featured in TIME, BBC, Scientific American, Discover, and other top media outlets. In 2021, Dr. Huberman launched the Huberman Lab podcast. The podcast is frequently ranked in the top 10 of all podcasts globally and is often ranked #1 in the categories of Science, Education, and Health & Fitness.