The Brain’s Energy Bill: From Childhood to Old Age with Assoc. Prof Sharna Jamadar (448)

In this episode, we’re joined by Associate Professor Sharna Jamadar, a cognitive neuroscientist at Monash University, to explore how the brain uses energy, and how that changes across the lifespan. Did you know that a 10-year-old’s brain uses over 50% of the body’s total energy, compared to just 20% in adults? We dive into why younger brains work harder, the role of synaptic pruning and proliferation, and how the brain’s organisation impacts cognitive efficiency. We also touch on the importance of glucose metabolism and its connection to age-related disorders like Alzheimer’s. A fascinating look at the energy demands of our most complex organ! Bluesky: @SharnaJamadar Linkedin: Sharna Jamadar www.sharnajamadar.com Email: Sharna.jamadar@monash.edu