Keyword: cortisol

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Depression Dementia and the Alzheimer’s Zone May 8, 2013

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Dr. Ronald Feevey, Giullian Gioiello
Category: Aging & Mortality, The Mind & Neuroscience

Late-life depression may double the risk of vascular dementia and raise Alzheimer’s risk by 65%. Armand DiMele surveys the research on cortisol, the hippocampus, and the toxic brain effects of chronic depression, then argues for a radical reframe: Alzheimer’s may be harder on caregivers than on those living it. Co-host Giullian Gioiello joins the conversation.

Alcohol Withdrawal and the Body with Dr. Kent Robertshaw September 8, 2010

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Kent Robertshaw
Category: Addiction & Compulsion, The Mind & Neuroscience

Alcohol dependence does something specific to the brain’s stress response, and sudden quitting can be medically dangerous. Dr. Kent Robertshaw, MD, psychiatrist, explains how cortisol and adrenaline surge during withdrawal, why tolerance builds, and how outpatient medication can safely bring someone down from heavy drinking. The conversation extends to chronic pain and fibromyalgia.

The Chemistry of Anger July 15, 2010

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Stephanie D'Ambra
Category: Emotions & Inner Life, The Mind & Neuroscience

Anger is not just emotional but biochemical: cortisol drops, testosterone rises, and the left brain activates when we rage. Armand DiMele and Stephanie D’Ambra, LCSW discuss how anger functions as the body’s shortcut out of depression, why blaming others is an addiction, and what the latest neurochemical research reveals about rage, closeness, and self.

The Good and Bad of Venting May 6, 2010

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Stephanie D'Ambra
Category: Emotions & Inner Life, Trauma & Healing

Venting feels like relief, but does it actually help? Armand DiMele and Stephanie D’Ambra, LCSW examine research showing that rehashing trauma can deepen it neurologically, that cortisol surges from repeated venting damage the body, and that silence after trauma is often healthier than we assume.

The Chemistry of Kissing March 11, 2010

Category: Love & Romantic Relationships, The Mind & Neuroscience

Kissing turns out to be a rich biochemical event. Armand DiMele and co-host Stephanie break down how testosterone, pheromones, dopamine, oxytocin, and even carbon dioxide exchange shape attraction and pair bonding, and why a single kiss can make or break a romance.

The Science of Sleep and Insomnia March 18, 2008

Host: Armand DiMele
Category: Anxiety & Fear, The Mind & Neuroscience

Why do we assume we need eight hours of sleep? Armand DiMele challenges conventional wisdom on insomnia, walking through sleep cycles, the autonomic nervous system, cortisol, and how much rest we actually need. A vivid prose passage capturing the misery of sleeplessness at 3 a.m. anchors the whole conversation.

The Noonday Demon with Andrew Solomon April 1, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Andrew Solomon
Category: Depression & Mood, The Mind & Neuroscience

Andrew Solomon, author of ‘The Noonday Demon,’ joins Armand DiMele to explore how depression escalates across repeated episodes, why agitated depression is especially dangerous, what cortisol does to brain cells over time, and why our screen-saturated, sleep-deprived culture may be quietly fueling an epidemic.