The Brain Health Bulletin - April Edition
Welcome to the April edition of Holly’s monthly newsletter!
Spring is in full swing, and so is our lineup of exciting brain health events! This month, we’re bringing you more opportunities to learn, connect, and challenge your brain—with several events on the calendar and even more to come. Stay tuned for details on our upcoming sessions and ways to keep your brain in top shape.
As always, we’re here to bring you the latest in brain health research, practical wellness tips, and fascinating discoveries from the Brain Health world.
Have a great article, resource, or video on brain health? We’d love to hear from you—your insights could be featured in an upcoming edition!
Did You Know?
In today's fast-paced world, convenience often dictates our food choices, leading many to opt for ultra-processed foods. These products undergo multiple industrial processes, contain numerous added ingredients, and are formulated for taste, convenience, and long shelf life. Common examples include soft drinks, chips, chocolates, candies, ice creams, sweetened breakfast cereals, packaged soups, chicken nuggets, hotdogs, and fries.
While these foods offer convenience, their high consumption has been linked to various health issues. A recent Canadian study revealed that ultra-processed foods and drinks are significant contributors to heart disease and stroke, accounting for 37% of new cases and 38% of related deaths. Moreover, diets high in ultra-processed foods tend to be lower in essential nutrients, as these products often displace healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Quick Tip: To improve your diet, aim to reduce the intake of ultra-processed foods. Focus on incorporating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These choices provide essential nutrients and contribute to overall health.
For a comprehensive understanding of ultra-processed foods and their effects on health, read the full article by the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Staying Sharp: Mastering Focus in the Age of Digital Distraction
Struggling to focus in a tech-driven world? Join Dr. Holly Bardutz to discover how technology affects attention and learn science-backed strategies to boost focus, memory, and brain health.
The Details:
When: Thursday, April 24 at 11:00 AM CST
Where: Zoom (Recordings will be shared after classes for a limited time if you miss a session).
Duration: 1hr
Cost: $30
The Power of Sleep: More Than Just Rest
In our fast-paced, always-connected world, sleep is often sacrificed in favor of productivity. But what if the key to sharper memory, better problem-solving, and improved emotional well-being lies in those quiet hours of rest?
Recent research sheds light on how sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, creative thinking, and emotional regulation. As we sleep, our brains actively strengthen new memories, integrating them with existing knowledge. This process not only reinforces learning but also enhances problem-solving and innovative thinking. Additionally, sleep helps regulate emotions by allowing the brain to process and reframe experiences, which contributes to mental resilience and well-being.
However, sleep-based processing isn’t always beneficial. When stress or anxiety dominates our thoughts, the brain can reinforce negative patterns, leading to restless nights and heightened emotional distress. That’s why prioritizing healthy sleep habits is essential for both cognitive function and emotional balance.
✨ Quick Tip: Creating a sleep-friendly routine—such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques—can enhance memory retention, boost creativity, and improve overall mental health.
Want to learn more about the fascinating link between sleep and brain function? Dive into the full article by Ken A. Paller and colleagues.
Upcoming Events in April
We have an exciting lineup of brain health events this month—be sure to check them out! Visit our events page to see what’s coming up and join us for insightful sessions designed to keep your brain sharp.
Recent Research - By Holly Bardutz
At the Brain Health and Wellness Lab at the University of Regina, our latest research focuses on the impact of cannabinoids on sleep quality. Our contibution on this study, we explore how CBD and ∆9-THC influence sleep, analyzing both objective data from actigraphy and subjective experiences reported by participants.
Actigraphy—a scientifically validated tool similar to a FitBit but more precise—allows us to measure time spent in bed, sleep duration, and wakefulness after sleep onset. Additionally, participants complete the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire to provide insights into their perceived sleep quality.
While research on cannabinoids and sleep is still in its early stages, existing evidence suggests potential improvements in sleep quality. Our work contributes to this growing field by offering a deeper understanding of how these compounds may support better sleep and other aspects of brain health.
From Holly and all of us at Community & Company, we hope you’ve enjoyed this month's 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!”
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or treatment.
