Mind Matters: the Brain and Mental Health
Discover the latest breakthroughs in brain science as we unravel the mysteries of basic brain function and development. Delve into the fascinating world of the brain, mental health, and aging through three enlightening sessions led by esteemed experts. Don't miss this unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and engage with cutting-edge research, while exploring nuances of the mind.
Launched in 1999, Mini Medical School was developed to connect Minnesotans with University of Minnesota experts who answer questions and share the latest advancements in health and research. Mini Medical School has empowered countless individuals with invaluable knowledge about health and wellness, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and engagement.
Moderator
Katie Cullen, MD
Medical School
Speakers
Damien Fair, PhD
Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain
Meghan Swanson, PhD
Medical School
Q&A
- What are the basic functions of the left side and right side of the brain?
- How does nature versus nurture affect early brain development?
- Are there new opportunities for adolescent ADHD treatments?
- How does socioeconomic status (SES) affect infant brain development?
- What does each part of the brain do?
- How do the different parts of the brain work together?
- How does an injury affect brain development?
- How does maltreatment or a negative environment affect a child's brain development?
- What's new in treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- Does gender play a role in brain development?
- How has COVID affected brain development research?
- How does the food we consume impact the function and development of the brain?
- How does the food we consume affect early brain development?
- Do frequent ear infections affect language development in children?
- What excites you about the future of non-invasive tools for brain research?
- What is the benefit of personal brain mapping?
- What excites you about the future of research on the first three years of life?
Moderator
Katie Cullen, MD
Medical School
Speakers
Jed Elison, PhD
Institute of Child Development
Sophia Vinogradov, MD
Medical School
Lidia Zylowska, MD
Medical School
Q&A
- Are sensory issues one of the symptom domains for autism?
- Has the prevalence of autism increased?
- Can obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) occur with other psychiatric syndromes?
- How can mindfulness practices be used in an attention-divided world with social media, internet, etc.?
- Can obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism co-occur in children?
- Does past trauma lead to attentional issues?
- Is autism caused by genetic variation or by environmental sources?
- Has research shown what may be causing so many Somali children to develop autism?
- Does culture play a role in diagnosing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Moderator
Katie Cullen, MD
Medical School
Speakers
Quinton Cotton, MSSA, PhD
School of Public Health
Joseph E. Gaugler, PhD
School of Public Health
Dereck Salisbury, PhD
School of Nursing
Q&A
What can the U.S. learn from other countries who have a better life expectancy?
How do antidepressants affect cognition in aging?
Does dementia or Alzheimer's disease cause depression?
Do certain medications reduce the risk for dementia?
As we age, how can we maintain a high quality of life?
Are there brain health benefits of using a sauna?
How can we age well with a healthy brain?
How can I prevent cognitive decline?
How does estrogen affect brain health in women?
What physical activities can women do to protect their brain health?
