In this episode, my guest is Dr. Charan Ranganath, Ph.D., professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of California, Davis, and a world expert on the neuroscience of memory. We discuss how memory works, what causes diseases of dementia like Alzheimer’s, and science-based strategies to reduce age-related cognitive decline. We also cover the essential role of curiosity and the dopamine-curiosity link that can assist memory formation and neuroplasticity. We then discuss challenges with attention and focus, and how to overcome them, as well as how to manage task-switching and create home and work environments more conducive to cognitive health and longevity. Additionally, we explore the emotional aspect of memories, tools for overcoming rumination, and strategies for reframing past negative experiences. This episode will be of interest to anyone seeking to improve and maintain their cognitive health, focus, and memory across their lifespan, as well as for those struggling with ADHD. Access the full show notes for this episode: https://go.hubermanlab.com/sHNGagg Use Ask Huberman Lab, our chat-based tool, for summaries, clips, and insights from this episode: https://go.hubermanlab.com/m3qc6r Pre-order Andrew's book, Protocols: https://go.hubermanlab.com/protocols *Thank you to our sponsors* AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Levels: https://levels.link/huberman Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman *Dr. Charan Ranganath* Website: https://charanranganath.com Why We Remember (book): https://amzn.to/4em00o9 UC Davis academic profile: https://neuroscience.ucdavis.edu/people/charan-ranganath Dynamic Memory Lab: https://dml.ucdavis.edu Publications: https://dml.ucdavis.edu/publications Music: https://ch-ra.bandcamp.com X: https://x.com/charanranganath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thememorydoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068804190465 *Timestamps* #HubermanLab #Science #Memory #Focus Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer