In this Better Than Fine podcast with wellness coach Darlene Marshall, Sally Duplantier explores how making lifestyle changes in your 30s, 40s, and 50s sets you up for a better brain health trajectory. Darlene and Sally discuss the relationship between lifestyle choices, such as diet, movement, social engagement, stress and sleep, in mitigating or promoting cognitive decline.
“Better brain health starts now,” says Sally, who cites scientific research about steps we can take in mid-life and even later life to reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age. “Brain health is a little like a 401K plan. The earlier you invest, the better but you can take steps at any age.”
Sally is the co-author of a paper about the link between dietary patterns and cognitive decline, published in the peer reviewed journal Nutrients in 2021 with co-author Dr. Christopher Gardner from Stanford. Since then, Sally’s research has explored various lifestyle factors, including exercise, sleep, stress management, supplements, and cognitive activities like “brain games.” Throughout her research, Sally has aimed to distinguish between marketing hype and misinformation regarding brain health in order to discern scientific facts, which she shares in this podcast.
Sally is also a featured speaker on the topic of brain health for Stanford’s Healthy Living Program and the Stanford VA Alzheimer’s Research Center.