The Brain Health Bulletin - February Edition
Welcome to the first edition of our new monthly newsletter!
We’re excited to bring you the latest insights from Holly’s world—where brain health meets science and fun. Our goal is to keep you informed and entertained with valuable tips, research, and discoveries.
Have an interesting article, resource, or video on brain health? Send it our way! We’d love to feature great finds in future editions.
Did You Know?
London cab drivers have a lower risk of Alzheimer’s. Time Magazine explored why in a recent article and the answer is fascinating!
Becoming a London taxi driver requires passing the Knowledge, a demanding test of city navigation that has intrigued neuroscientists studying brain plasticity. A 2000 study showed that London cabbies had a larger hippocampus—the brain region linked to memory and navigation—than others. Given the hippocampus's role in Alzheimer’s disease, researchers investigated whether navigationally intensive jobs might reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
A new study analyzing death records found that taxi and ambulance drivers had a 56% lower risk of dying from Alzheimer’s compared to the general population, while bus drivers, pilots, and ship captains—who follow fixed routes—showed no such advantage. While this study doesn’t prove causation, it suggests that lifelong navigational challenges may contribute to brain resilience.
With no proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s, the findings raise intriguing questions: Could avoiding GPS or engaging in navigation-based activities help maintain cognitive health?
It’s a great reminder that challenging your brain—whether through puzzles, learning new skills, or even taking a different route home—can help keep it sharp.
Healthline — Women’s Heart & Brain Health
The Heart & Stroke Foundation recently launched a newsletter focused on women’s health—an important and often overlooked topic. Beyond being a fantastic organization worthy of support, their research plays a vital role in uncovering key health issues that affect us all.
The latest edition tackled critical gaps in awareness, research, diagnosis, and care related to women’s heart and brain health. It explored risk factors across life stages—from reproductive years to post-menopause—shedding light on how hormonal changes impact overall health. It also introduced Dr. Glen Pyle’s research on menopause-related heart changes and examined the crucial role of exercise and circadian rhythms in heart health. As we all know, staying active is essential for overall well-being!
One striking finding: 90% of Canadian women have at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke, yet many remain unaware of their unique risks.
If you’re interested in heart health research, there are opportunities to participate through the Heart & Stroke Foundation
While I, nor the Bardutz Brain Health community, am not directly involved in this research, this is an important and influential Canadian organization that I recognize and appreciate.
Level 1 Returns!
Missed the first round of Level 1? No worries! The next series kicks off on February 10th, and we’d love to have you join us. We’ve also listened to your feedback and a top request was more flexible scheduling. That’s why Holly’s talks will now be available on both Mondays and Saturdays.
Ready to dive in? Get access to all seven Level 1 sessions by clicking and purchasing your preferred schedule:
Mondays at 10:30 am CST (February 10th to March 24th)
Saturdays at 11:00 am CST (February 15th to March 29th)
Recent Research - By Holly Bardutz
As we covered in the Level 1 series, exercise isn't just good for your body – it’s a brain booster too! Regular physical activity can sharpen memory, reduce anxiety, and even lower the risk of cognitive decline.
A recent study I came across backs this up, revealing that aging brings about a host of challenges, but staying active can help fend off chronic diseases and improve overall health.
Want the full scoop? Check out the paper here: The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity on aging-related Diseases and Geriatric Syndromes
Stay Connected & Join Us Live!
Ready to take the next step in your brain health journey? Explore Holly Bardutz’s upcoming events, workshops, and classes designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge to boost cognitive wellness. Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into brain research or join an engaging community focused on healthy living, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t miss out—visit our Events page today and save your spot!
From Holly and all of us at Community & Company, we hope you’ve enjoyed this first edition of The Brain Science Bulletin!
If you know someone who would find this newsletter helpful, feel free to share it with them. They can also join our mailing list by signing up at the bottom of our website’s Contact Page.
Thank you for being part of our community—we appreciate you! See you in the next edition.
Warm regards,
Holly Bardutz and the Community & Company Team
“You make your brain, then your brain makes you!”
