181: Your Brain Runs on Light: A PhD Neuroscientist on Near-Infrared Therapy and Cognitive Health

About this episode

PhD neuroscientist Ramona von Leden discusses the connection between light, sleep, and cognitive health, particularly in relation to neurodegeneration.

📺 Watch the Video on Spotify , YouTube & Rumble Join our FREE Community PhD neuroscientist Ramona von Leden joins Meredith to connect the dots between light, sleep, mitochondrial health, and neurodegeneration. What's actually happening in an Alzheimer's brain? Why is sleep disruption the biggest modifiable risk factor? And what does near-infrared light have to do with clearing amyloid beta? A science-grounded, practical conversation for anyone navigating neurodegeneration in their family — or trying to prevent it. Timestamps 00:00 Sleep, Light, and Brain Health 01:07 Why Doctors Often Miss the Role of Light 03:07 Meet Ramona von Leden 04:48 Circadian Tools and Sponsors 05:32 Ramona’s Neuroscience Background 08:15 Why Energetics Matter More Than Drugs 10:55 The Future Beyond Pharmaceuticals 15:21 Why Neurodegeneration Is Increasing 18:42 Mitochondria and Metabolism Basics 21:33 Circadian Disruption and Sleep Loss 25:26 Streetlights, Sleep, and Alzheimer’s Risk 31:36 Inflammation and Brain Fog 32:44 Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Parkinson’s 36:52 Brain vs Nervous System 37:49 The Brain–Nervous System Feedback Loop 38:17 Mitochondria and Neurodegeneration 40:14 Caregiver Routines…

People in this episode

Host: Meredith

Guest: Ramona von Leden

Topics covered

• neurodegeneration
• light therapy
• cognitive health
• mitochondrial health
• sleep disruption

Keywords

• near-infrared therapy
• Alzheimer's
• sleep health
• mitochondria
• cognitive decline

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Dementia

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