What if you could improve your memory, decision-making, and focus just by making small tweaks to your daily routine? Neuroscientist, cognitive psychologist, and author Therese Huston, PhD, joins us to share practical, science-backed strategies for boosting brain health at any age. She explains why stress kills creativity, how dancing can actually grow new brain cells, and why older adults often make better big-picture decisions than younger ones. Whether you want to sharpen your focus or protect your memory, this episode offers actionable advice to help you think and perform at your best.
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Key Moments
“One of the best ways to get creative is to bring your stress levels down.”
“Your brain at 50 or 60 is actually better at big-picture thinking because the two hemispheres are working together more efficiently.”
“Taking a dance class for six months can literally grow new neurons in your hippocampus, which helps memory.”
Connect With Dr. Therese Huston
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Your Brain is Changing—Here’s How to Keep It Sharp
Cognitive psychologist Therese Huston, PhD, has spent her career helping people understand how their brains work—and how to use that knowledge to think better, focus longer, and make smarter decisions. Whether you’re looking to boost creativity, improve memory, or simply stay mentally sharp as you age, she shares research-backed strategies that anyone can apply.
Why Stress and Creativity Don’t Mix
Stress and creativity exist in direct opposition. Dr. Huston explains that when you’re anxious, your brain locks onto a single idea, making it difficult to think flexibly. “One of the best ways to get creative is to bring your stress levels down,” she says. Simple strategies—like watching a funny video, taking a break, or even stepping into the shower—can help reset your brain and open up new ways of thinking.
The Unexpected Memory Booster: Dance
If you’re concerned about memory loss, Dr. Huston suggests an unconventional but highly effective solution: dance. Research shows that dance—more than other forms of exercise—stimulates new neuron growth in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center. The combination of movement, social interaction, and memorizing steps makes it a powerful tool for cognitive health. “Taking a dance class for six months can literally grow new neurons in your hippocampus,” she says.
Thinking Better as You Age
One of the biggest surprises in brain science? While younger people may have faster processing speeds, older adults excel at big-picture thinking. Therese explains that as we age, our brain hemispheres communicate more efficiently, allowing us to see complex problems from multiple perspectives. “Your brain at 50 or 60 is actually better at big-picture thinking because the two hemispheres are working together more efficiently,” Dr. Huston notes.
A Simple Trick for Instant Focus
If you struggle with concentration, Dr. Huston recommends using binaural beats—a form of sound therapy that can enhance focus within minutes. The trick is to find the right frequency: 40 Hz works well for younger brains, while those over 50 may benefit more from 10-12 Hz. Dr. Huston suggests searching for “12 Hz binaural beats” on Spotify or YouTube and listening through headphones. “It locks you in—within five minutes, your focus sharpens like you’re on a train track,” she says.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Therese Huston’s research proves that small, science-backed changes can have a profound impact on cognitive health. Whether it’s lowering stress to boost creativity, dancing to strengthen memory, or using sound therapy for focus, these strategies can help anyone perform at their best. By making a few key changes, you can fuel your body the right way—without the stress of diet culture and misinformation.
To learn more, check out her book, Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science, or visit her website.
Tune in to hear more of Dr. Therese Huston’s insights on The AGEIST Podcast or read the full episode transcript.
The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.
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