Brain Expert: These Common Habits SHRINK Your Brain – Alzheimer’s, Fatigue & Lost Joy | Daniel Amen

Rangan Chatterjee

May 14, 2025

Episode description

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What if the health of your brain determined the health of every other part of your life – your body, your relationships, even your sense of purpose? Today’s guest firmly believes that it does.

Dr Daniel Amen is a child and adult psychiatrist, who is on a mission to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. He is also the founder of Amen Clinics, home to the world’s largest database of brain scans for psychiatry and the author of multiple best-selling books including his very latest, Change Your Brain Every Day: Simple Daily Practices to Strengthen Your Mind, Memory, Mood, Focus, Energy, Habits, and Relationships.

In this conversation, Daniel shares insights from over 250,000 brain scans and decades of clinical practice and we talk about:

• Why mental health is really brain health – and why stigma and shame often stand in the way of proper care
• The surprising link between brain function and behaviour – from impulsivity and focus to joy and connection
• How brain imaging is transforming psychiatry – and why Daniel believes we should “image, not guess” when treating emotional or cognitive issues
• The “BRIGHT MINDS” framework – that covers the key risk factors you can address to protect your brain immediately
• The simple daily habits that can literally shape the structure and function of your brain

Daniel’s approach is both science-backed and deeply compassionate. He reminds us that we are not stuck with the brain we have – we can make it better, at any age, through lifestyle, mindset and targeted care.

Whether you're struggling with your mood, memory, focus or simply want to feel sharper and more vibrant, this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful and empowered to take control of your brain - and your life.

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Connect with Daniel:
https://danielamenmd.com/
https://www.facebook.com/drdanielamen
https://www.instagram.com/doc_amen/
https://twitter.com/DocAmen
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHz-vi0JIugmscU_CkUxUQ

Podcast https://www.amenclinics.com/podcast/
Brain Mastery Courses https://danielamenmd.com/programs-books/

Daniel’s latest book:
Change Your Brain Every Day: Simple Daily Practices to Strengthen Your Mind, Memory, Moods, Focus, Energy, Habits, and Relationships US https://amzn.to/43i5aNv UK https://amzn.to/4dlKl8G

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Order MAKE CHANGE THAT LASTS. US & Canada version https://amzn.to/3RyO3SL, UK version https://amzn.to/3Kt5rUK
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Follow Dr Chatterjee at:
Website: https://drchatterjee.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchatterjee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee/
Newsletter: https://drchatterjee.com/subscription

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

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