Boost Attention & Memory with Science-Based Tools | Dr. Wendy Suzuki

About this video

Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscience and psychology professor at New York University, joins Huberman to discuss learning, memory, attention and the hippocampus. Huberman notes Dr. Suzuki reshaped her laboratory after personally using exercise to enhance learning and memory, and now studies exercise, meditation and other practices for cognition and stress management. Dr. Suzuki describes exercise prompting factors from muscle and liver, including BDNF-related signalling and beta-hydroxybutyrate, as part of what she calls a bubble bath for the brain; Huberman clarifies that mentioning a ketone does not mean people need a ketogenic diet, since ketones are also released when eating carbohydrates. They discuss whether new neurons are added to the adult hippocampus, with Huberman noting the rodent evidence is clear, findings in monkeys and humans have been controversial, and more recent human studies using better techniques still leave the question debated.

Key takeaways

• Dr. Suzuki describes exercise triggering muscle and liver factors that support brain BDNF signalling.
• Huberman clarifies ketone signalling during exercise does not require a ketogenic diet.
• Dr. Suzuki presents exercise and meditation as tools she studies for learning and stress management.
• Huberman notes adult hippocampal neurogenesis in humans remains controversial despite newer studies.
• Dr. Suzuki argues experiences can be committed to memory more effectively by changing physiology and practice.

Episode details: published May 23, 2022 · 1.5M views · 1:46:39 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

← Previous: Understand & Improve Memory Using Science-Based Tools · Next: The Science & Process of Healing From Grief →

All Andrew Huberman videos · Andrew Huberman profile · Huberman Lab (official site)