Robert H. Lustig, MD, MSL “Amygdala Unchained”: Ground Zero for the Syndemic and the Meta-Crisis
Monday, June 10, 2024 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM EDT
The Hub, Ballroom
We will analyze the role of amygdala (the “fear center” of the brain) dysfunction and pose that the Syndemic and meta-crisis are systems-based catastrophes that are natural consequences of a dysfunctional amygdala, which has over the last 50 years been under attack by multiple agents and actors. Dr. Lustig will elaborate on the phenomenon of “metabolic syndrome”, which is really a systemic disorder of mitochondrial dysfunction, driven by the amygdala, seeking to placate itself with palatable food, to placate fear. We will demonstrate that an unfettered amygdala is a primary driver of mental health conditions such as addiction, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and how the rest of the brain is asleep at the switch, letting the amygdala run rampant. We will elaborate on the four “brakes” on the amygdala —the hippocampus (memory), the prefrontal cortex (reasoning), the afferent vagus nerve (interoception, or internal sensing of the body), and oxytocin and the oxytocin receptor (safety) that normally allow for rational cognition, emotion, and prediction of the outside world and of things to come, and how all four brakes are failing at once. We will wrap up with personal and societal solutions for repairing the four brakes to re-restrain the amygdala, to improve individual lifespan, health span, and quality of life, and to improve societal and environmental health worldwide.
Monday, June 10th 11:00 am to 2:00 pm George Mason University Fairfax Campus Located in the HUB – Closest Parking is in Shenandoah Complimentary Lunch and Drinks will be served at 11:00 am
Register here: https://bit.ly/43xSiCO
