Latest news with #AmenClinics
New York Post
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Psychiatrist reveals what marijuana does to the developing brain
The recreational use of marijuana has become more common in recent years. But some research has found that consuming cannabis could have negative effects on the body, especially the brain. A recent French study suggested that cannabis use raises the risk of heart attack and stroke more than cocaine, while a Canadian study found that dementia risk is connected to cannabis-related hospital visits in older individuals. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen — psychiatrist, brain imaging specialist and founder of Amen Clinics in California — confirmed that it's 'clear' people who use marijuana have lower blood flow in their brain, according to decades of brain imaging performed at his clinics. These findings — along with associations between marijuana and heart disease — have been supported by other recent research. 5 Research shows that consuming cannabis could have negative effects on the body, like the brain. alfa27 – 5 According to Dr. Daniel Amen, people who use marijuana have lower blood flow in their brain. Africa Studio – 'We've been lied to that marijuana is innocuous, that marijuana is good medicine,' Amen said. 'And I think for some people, it can be helpful. But teenagers who use it, or people in their 20s, have a higher incidence of anxiety, depression, suicide and psychosis.' In a new study that compared people who smoked cigarettes with those who smoked marijuana, the marijuana users sustained more lung damage, he mentioned. 'This is just not great for us,' Amen said. 5 'We've been lied to that marijuana is innocuous, that marijuana is good medicine,' Amen said. 'But teenagers who use it, or people in their 20s, have a higher incidence of anxiety, depression, suicide and psychosis.' amenic181 – 5 There are also associations between marijuana and heart disease. Victor Moussa – Amen noted one of the 'horrifying trends' he's seen is parents who smoke pot with their teens and young adults. 'It just makes me think we're going the wrong way,' he said. 5 Amen advises against parents smoking with their teens, as young adult brains are not fully developed, and engaging in cannabis can set them back mentally, causing issues like anxiety and depression. Impact Photography – While some people may argue that alcohol is worse for the body than marijuana, Amen stressed that 'neither of them are good for you.' 'Why would you want to consume something that makes your brain older than you are?' he asked. As the brain of a young adult is not fully developed, engaging in cannabis use can set back young people mentally, causing issues like anxiety and depression, Amen cautioned. 'When you start using marijuana, alcohol or other drugs, your development gets arrested,' he said. 'Many people don't really appreciate how important their brain is when they're 17, 18, 21 or 23, because it really doesn't finish developing until you're 25 or 26,' Amen said. 'And if you hurt it early, it might not ever catch up.'
Fox News
4 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Here's what marijuana really does to the developing brain, according to a psychiatrist
The recreational use of marijuana has become more common in recent years. But some research has found that consuming cannabis could have negative effects on the body, especially the brain. A recent French study suggested that cannabis use raises the risk of heart attack and stroke more than cocaine, while a Canadian study found that dementia risk is connected to cannabis-related hospital visits in older individuals. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen — psychiatrist, brain imaging specialist and founder of Amen Clinics in California — confirmed that it's "clear" people who use marijuana have lower blood flow in their brain, according to decades of brain imaging performed at his clinics. These findings — along with associations between marijuana and heart disease — have been supported by other recent research. "We've been lied to that marijuana is innocuous, that marijuana is good medicine," Amen said. "And I think for some people, it can be helpful. But teenagers who use it, or people in their 20s, have a higher incidence of anxiety, depression, suicide and psychosis." For more Health articles, visit In a new study that compared people who smoked cigarettes with those who smoked marijuana, the marijuana users sustained more lung damage, he mentioned. "This is just not great for us," Amen said. Amen noted one of the "horrifying trends" he's seen is parents who smoke pot with their teens and young adults. "It just makes me think we're going the wrong way," he said. While some people may argue that alcohol is worse for the body than marijuana, Amen stressed that "neither of them are good for you." "Why would you want to consume something that makes your brain older than you are?" he asked. As the brain of a young adult is not fully developed, engaging in cannabis use can set back young people mentally, causing issues like anxiety and depression, Amen cautioned. "When you start using marijuana, alcohol or other drugs, your development gets arrested," he said. "Many people don't really appreciate how important their brain is when they're 17, 18, 21 or 23, because it really doesn't finish developing until you're 25 or 26," Amen said. "And if you hurt it early, it might not ever catch up."
Fox News
13-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Your late-night TV binge could sabotage your brain health, doctor warns
Staying awake to watch "just one more episode" is a classic excuse for delaying bedtime. And with popular shows like Peacock's "Love Island" airing almost every night as the drama unfolds live, there's more pressure to finish the latest episode and to engage in conversation with others the next day. In addition to making us sleepier in the morning, staying awake to watch TV is not good for the brain, according to Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California. "'I just have to watch the last episode' of whatever show you're watching, and you end up cutting out half an hour or an hour of sleep," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital. In this case, the doctor advised, "Don't make important decisions the next day, because your brain has not been properly 'washed.' And you're just more likely to make a bad decision." Amen stressed that prioritizing sleep is "absolutely essential," because when you sleep, your brain "cleans and washes itself." Getting an adequate night's sleep helps improve memory the next day, as well as energy, focus and blood flow, the doctor said. "If you want your memory better tomorrow, go to bed half an hour early tonight," he suggested. "Given that, we can record [shows] or we can always watch them the next day." "If you want your memory better tomorrow, go to bed half an hour early tonight." "How much do you love yourself?" Amen questioned. "Because doing the right thing is never about deprivation." The doctor encourages adopting the following mindset. "I want energy. I want memory. I want focus. I want passion. I want purpose. I want blood flow. I never want to do anything that hurts [the brain]." "It's about the abundance of what I want rather than what I can't have," Amen added. "You're going to get serious about brain health." Exposure to screens and blue light before bed also decreases the production of melatonin, leaving you less sleepy, Amen cautioned. "Mindlessly scrolling – you're going to have the fear of missing out almost immediately, which also increases stress," he added. For more Health articles, visit The expert recommended adding blue-light blockers to all devices that turn on when the sun goes down to help ease into a restful night's sleep.
Fox News
09-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Warding off Alzheimer's might mean making these 11 lifestyle changes, expert says
Research developments in Alzheimer's disease, including newly approved blood tests for early detection, have helped patients get diagnosed sooner. With dementia on the rise among younger individuals, the spotlight is on ways to prevent or slow the disease. Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, spoke with Fox News Digital in an interview about Alzheimer's risk and management. (See the video at the top of this article.) "Alzheimer's starts in your brain decades before you have any symptoms," he said. "So, a 59-year-old woman I diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease likely had negative changes in her brain in her 20s." He added, "It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind." Amen, author of the book "Preventing Alzheimer's," confirmed that half of Alzheimer's cases are preventable, according to recent findings. This can be done through nurturing brain health and treating the 11 major risk factors that "steal your mind," he said. "It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind." To remember the factors that can help ward off Alzheimer's, Amen created the acronym "BRIGHTMINDS" as follows. Low blood flow is the No. 1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer's disease, according to the doctor. Alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, sedentary behavior and excess weight or obesity can all decrease blood flow, thus should be avoided. To promote blood flow, Amen suggests "walking like you're late," which could entail walking 30 minutes a day — alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of fast walking. "Do that five times for 30 minutes, and it increases blood flow to your brain," he said. Along with retirement and aging can come a slowdown in learning and cognitive activity, leading to a higher Alzheimer's risk, Amen said. He encourages retirees to learn something new every day to keep the brain active and healthy. Inflammation is a "major cause" of psychiatric issues, Amen revealed, as well as conditions like cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Flossing is an easy way to reduce inflammation in the gums and help prevent gum disease, which is a gateway to brain disease, according to the doctor. "Genes aren't a death sentence," Amen said. "What they should be is a wake-up call." The doctor said everyone should take steps to discover which diseases run in the family and then follow a daily prevention program. "I have heart disease and obesity in my family," he said. "I don't have heart disease, and I'm not overweight. Why? Because I'm on an obesity heart disease prevention program every day of my life." Concussions and head trauma are a "major cause" of psychiatric problems, Amen described, and should be avoided. "Don't text and drive," he warned. Some well-known toxins like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are known to have negative impacts on overall health. But some not-so-obvious toxins can include lead, mold, mercury from fish, and even general anesthesia, Amen cautioned. "You always want to support your organs in detoxification," he said. "Drink more water, as it helps flush things through your kidneys … eat more fiber for your gut, and hold the alcohol." Amen also suggested eating brassicas, which include vegetables in the cabbage family, as they have a detoxifying effect. The expert also highlighted the benefits of sauna use as a detox tool. "The people who take the most saunas have the lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease," he stated. A healthy mental state will help support a healthier brain, experts agree. "Stop believing every stupid thing you think," Amen advised. Keeping your body healthy and immune from infections is key to overall health, according to Amen. The doctor suggested optimizing vitamin D intake, which can help support the brain and immune system. The brain specialist recommends having a hormone balance check done every year, as any imbalances can interfere with the brain and increase Alzheimer's risk. "Diabesity," a term referring to the parallel occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, can be a major threat to overall health, the doctor warned. "You really want to care about your weight," Amen said. Weight and diet play an important role in brain health, as Amen's research has shown that as weight increases, the size and function of the brain decreases. "Genes aren't a death sentence. What they should be is a wake-up call." "Being overweight, you automatically have 10 of the 11 risk factors, because being overweight lowers blood flow, accelerates aging, increases inflammation and changes your hormones in a negative way," he said. "Be mindful of only loving food that loves you back." Sleep is crucial for a high-functioning mind, as an adequate night's slumber "washes" the brain every night, Amen noted. Better sleep translates to improved memory, energy, blood flow and decision-making, the doctor said, and should be a priority when working to prevent Alzheimer's.
Fox News
09-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Warding off Alzheimer's might mean making these 11 lifestyle changes, expert says
Research developments in Alzheimer's disease, including newly approved blood tests for early detection, have helped patients get diagnosed sooner. With dementia on the rise among younger individuals, the spotlight is on ways to prevent or slow the disease. Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, spoke with Fox News Digital in an interview about Alzheimer's risk and management. (See the video at the top of this article.) "Alzheimer's starts in your brain decades before you have any symptoms," he said. "So, a 59-year-old woman I diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease likely had negative changes in her brain in her 20s." He added, "It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind." Amen, author of the book "Preventing Alzheimer's," confirmed that half of Alzheimer's cases are preventable, according to recent findings. This can be done through nurturing brain health and treating the 11 major risk factors that "steal your mind," he said. "It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind." To remember the factors that can help ward off Alzheimer's, Amen created the acronym "BRIGHTMINDS" as follows. Low blood flow is the No. 1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer's disease, according to the doctor. Alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, sedentary behavior and excess weight or obesity can all decrease blood flow, thus should be avoided. To promote blood flow, Amen suggests "walking like you're late," which could entail walking 30 minutes a day — alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of fast walking. "Do that five times for 30 minutes, and it increases blood flow to your brain," he said. Along with retirement and aging can come a slowdown in learning and cognitive activity, leading to a higher Alzheimer's risk, Amen said. He encourages retirees to learn something new every day to keep the brain active and healthy. Inflammation is a "major cause" of psychiatric issues, Amen revealed, as well as conditions like cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Flossing is an easy way to reduce inflammation in the gums and help prevent gum disease, which is a gateway to brain disease, according to the doctor. "Genes aren't a death sentence," Amen said. "What they should be is a wake-up call." The doctor said everyone should take steps to discover which diseases run in the family and then follow a daily prevention program. "I have heart disease and obesity in my family," he said. "I don't have heart disease, and I'm not overweight. Why? Because I'm on an obesity heart disease prevention program every day of my life." Concussions and head trauma are a "major cause" of psychiatric problems, Amen described, and should be avoided. "Don't text and drive," he warned. Some well-known toxins like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are known to have negative impacts on overall health. But some not-so-obvious toxins can include lead, mold, mercury from fish, and even general anesthesia, Amen cautioned. "You always want to support your organs in detoxification," he said. "Drink more water, as it helps flush things through your kidneys … eat more fiber for your gut, and hold the alcohol." Amen also suggested eating brassicas, which include vegetables in the cabbage family, as they have a detoxifying effect. The expert also highlighted the benefits of sauna use as a detox tool. "The people who take the most saunas have the lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease," he stated. A healthy mental state will help support a healthier brain, experts agree. "Stop believing every stupid thing you think," Amen advised. Keeping your body healthy and immune from infections is key to overall health, according to Amen. The doctor suggested optimizing vitamin D intake, which can help support the brain and immune system. The brain specialist recommends having a hormone balance check done every year, as any imbalances can interfere with the brain and increase Alzheimer's risk. "Diabesity," a term referring to the parallel occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, can be a major threat to overall health, the doctor warned. "You really want to care about your weight," Amen said. Weight and diet play an important role in brain health, as Amen's research has shown that as weight increases, the size and function of the brain decreases. "Genes aren't a death sentence. What they should be is a wake-up call." "Being overweight, you automatically have 10 of the 11 risk factors, because being overweight lowers blood flow, accelerates aging, increases inflammation and changes your hormones in a negative way," he said. "Be mindful of only loving food that loves you back." Sleep is crucial for a high-functioning mind, as an adequate night's slumber "washes" the brain every night, Amen noted. Better sleep translates to improved memory, energy, blood flow and decision-making, the doctor said, and should be a priority when working to prevent Alzheimer's.
