Exploring the interplay between the human glymphatic system, states of consciousness, and meditation practices, this talk dives into the potential health benefits and clinical implications of optimized glymphatic functioning. It uncovers the neurophysiological links between sleep and meditation, examining their impact on the glymphatic system's performance. The discussion also extends to how variations in physical activity levels could potentially influence sleep and active forms of meditation, thereby affecting glymphatic functioning. Drawing upon our lab's research, we will discuss the significant potential for enhancing health in adults and restoring neurological function in patients through targeted practices. The talk concludes by outlining future directions and applications based on the findings reviewed, opening up new avenues for holistic wellness and disease management. Time for Q&A will be included.

Ciaran Michael Considine, PhD, ABPP-CN, is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist within the associated Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His research interests focus on the role of sleep-wake functioning on the brain’s glymphatic system, an important system that is thought to clear brain waste products associated with neurodegenerative dementias. His specific overarching goal is to investigate whether medical and lifestyle interventions to improve sleep offer a means to improve glymphatic functioning, potentially improving brain health and reducing the aggregation of pathology related to neurodegeneration. His clinical practice is focused on neurodiagnostic consultation within adult neuro-medical patient populations, as well as directing VUMC’s Brain Health Clinic service model that focuses on optimizing medical and lifestyle factors associated with improved neurocognitive health outcomes. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and graduate degree from the University of Windsor. Subsequently, he completed internship residency at the Detroit VA Medical Center, and then concurrently finished his training as a postdoctoral resident fellow at the Milwaukee VA Medical center and postdoctoral visiting fellow at the Medical College of Wisconsin. 

CBD 2024: Clinical Implications and Applications of Meditation and Benefits for the Glymphatic System with Ciaran Considine, PhD, is part of the FREE Contemplation by Design Summit, Oct. 23 - Nov. 3, 2024.

The full summit schedule is posted at: https://med.stanford.edu/contemplation/summit.html.

Registration opens Sept. 19, 2024.