US psychiatrist reveals 'single biggest mistake' that’s hurting your brain health

The single biggest mistake Americans make when it comes to brain health is failing to think about it at all, California-based psychiatrist Dr Daniel Amen said in a recent episode of longevity researcher Dan Buettner’s podcast, Live to 100.

Amen, who has studied over two lakh brains in his clinical career, said most people never develop a conscious relationship with their brain—despite it being “arguably the most important relationship you will ever have," CNBC Make It reported.

“I was the top student in neuroscience and medical school, and I didn’t care about my brain that much at all,” Amen admitted. Speaking to Buettner, who popularised the concept of “blue zones,” Amen said he only began prioritising brain health in 1991 after introducing brain imaging at his clinics. A scan of his own brain revealed poor health, prompting a complete lifestyle overhaul.

“I had bad habits. I was only getting four hours of sleep at night. I was overweight, and I had just never really thought about the physical health of my brain,” he said.