On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti Brainwaves: How does a brain stay healthy?
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Feb 13, 2026 Jacob Hearth, neuroscientist at the University of Georgia who studies cognitive aging, explains what counts as a healthy brain. He covers tests like the critical flicker fusion for visual processing and the SWEET habits: Sleep, Water, Eating, Exercise, Time. Conversations also explore the gut-brain link, diet components like lutein, and small daily steps for maintaining brain-body health.
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The SWEET Brain-Health Checklist
- Sleep, hydrate, eat whole foods, exercise, engage socially, and allow time for change to protect brain health.
- Implement these habits gradually because improvements accumulate over a lifetime.
Brain Health Depends On Body Health
- The brain depends on the rest of the body's health for long-term function and cognition.
- Good blood flow and oxygen delivery are essential to reduce cognitive decline risk.
The Gut Talks Directly To The Brain
- The gut contains ~200 million neurons and sends signals that influence brain reward and mood systems.
- Gut signals can activate brain reward centers even without taste input.