Cognitive decline, mood disorders, and persistent neurological symptoms are often treated in isolation, even as underlying drivers like inflammation, infections, and blood flow dysfunction continue to go unaddressed. Emerging research suggests that brain health requires a root cause approach that integrates physiology, environment, and lifestyle over time.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Eboni Cornish, Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics and President Elect of ILADS, to unpack the science of neural longevity and how brain imaging can reveal hidden drivers of mental health symptoms. We break down how SPECT scans uncover patterns of neuroinflammation, why conditions like ADHD and depression may stem from infections, toxins, or hormonal shifts, and how blood flow and cerebellar function play a central role in cognitive performance and emotional regulation.

We also explore how factors like sleep apnea, perimenopause, chronic infections, and metabolic dysfunction quietly reshape brain activity and how targeted interventions can restore function over time.

Dr. Eboni Cornish is a nationally recognized expert in neuroinflammation and complex chronic illness, integrating advanced biomarker testing with brain imaging to uncover root causes and translate cutting edge science into practical strategies for long term brain and body resilience.

What We Discuss:

• 04:17) Neural longevity and why brain health is missing from longevity conversations.

• (05:23) SPECT scan imaging and how it reveals brain activity and blood flow.

• (08:55) Neuroinflammation and root causes behind mental health symptoms.

• (14:13) The cerebellum as a central regulator of brain function.

• (17:06) Perimenopause, estrogen decline, and changes in brain perfusion.

• (23:22) Depression and mood disorders as physiological and blood flow issues.

• (25:56) Lyme disease, infections, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

• (32:21) Brain scan patterns of inflammation and diagnostic insights.

• (36:05) Sleep apnea and its impact on brain function and cognition.

• (40:00) A systems approach to brain and body longevity.

• (45:43) What a healthy brain looks like on imaging.

• (48:01) Dementia risk, progression, and early detection.

• (52:09) Practical steps to assess and improve brain health.

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Website : Dr. Eboni Cornish Amen Clinics

Dr. Cornish on Instagram: dr.ebonicornish

Amen Clinics on Instagram: amen clinics

Learn more about ILADS: ILADS

Mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and trauma related disorders remain difficult to treat, especially when underlying cognitive and emotional patterns persist over time. Emerging research suggests psychedelic assisted therapies may work by temporarily changing how the brain processes information and the sense of self.

In this episode of Extend, we continue our conversation with Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, to explore the mechanisms behind psychedelic therapy. We break down how compounds like LSD may reduce activity in the default mode network, how this shift affects perception and emotional processing, and why integration is essential for translating short term insights into lasting change.

We also explore how traditional practices like ayahuasca combine psychological and spiritual frameworks, and how these approaches are shaping new perspectives on trauma, behavior change, and mental health treatment.

Dr. Rick Doblin is the founder and executive director of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), the organization leading global research into psychedelic assisted therapies and working to develop evidence-based treatments for PTSD and other mental health conditions.

What We Discuss:

• (1:01:22) LSD therapy for trauma and addiction

• (1:10:10) Psilocybin, creativity, and cognition

• (1:12:05) DMT, ego dissolution, and consciousness

• (1:18:21) Ayahuasca traditions and addiction recovery

• (1:26:39) MDMA therapy and intergenerational trauma

• (1:31:36) Ketamine clinics and treatment resistant depression

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: drshah.com

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Learn more about Dr. Rick Doblin:

Website: maps.org

Instagram: rickdoblinphd

X: @RickDoblin

Depression, PTSD, and trauma related disorders continue to challenge modern medicine, even as our understanding of the brain and consciousness rapidly evolves. New research suggests that certain therapies may help unlock deeper healing by combining neuroscience, psychology, and carefully guided experiences.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, to unpack the science and history behind psychedelic assisted therapy and its potential role in mental health treatment. We break down the research behind MDMA assisted therapy for PTSD, how psychedelics influence neuroplasticity and emotional processing, and why therapeutic context, preparation, and integration are essential for safe and meaningful outcomes.

We also explore how psychedelic research is reshaping conversations around trauma, healing, and the future of psychiatry.

Dr. Rick Doblin is the founder and executive director of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), the organization leading global research into psychedelic assisted therapies and working to develop evidence-based treatments for PTSD and other mental health conditions.

What We Discuss:

• (01:55) The political origins of psychedelic prohibition

• (04:40) Ancient psychedelic traditions and the Eleusinian Mysteries

• (08:01) Dr. Rick Doblin's path to founding MAPS

• (10:34) Science, policy, and the future of psychedelic medicine

• (11:00) Expanding research on MDMA therapy

• (12:21) Psychedelic churches and religious freedom laws

• (15:42) Why context and safety shape psychedelic outcomes

• (16:20) Neuroplasticity and emotional processing

• (17:36) Bromo-LSD and non-psychedelic therapeutic compounds

• (20:39) Psychedelics and rewriting personal narratives

• (23:22) The Good Friday Experiment and mystical experiences

• (25:23) MDMA therapy and trauma processing

• (27:47) Psychedelics and alternatives to alcohol

• (30:30) Ketamine therapy and pharmaceutical incentives

• (36:16) MAPS, MDMA development, and commercialization

• (41:56) The FDA pathway for MDMA therapy

• (47:00) Global psychedelic research initiatives

• (56:51) Early LSD research in psychology

• …to be continued

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: drshah.com

Clinic: next-health.com

Instagram: darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Rick Doblin:

Website: maps.org

Instagram: rickdoblinphd

X: @RickDoblin