Volunteering two to four hours weekly slows cognitive decline by 15 to 20 percent, according to data from 31,000 adults. Dr. Samantha Yammine, neuroscientist, explains why researchers are stumped by their own findings.

 

The study controlled for wealth, education, physical health, and mental health… all the usual suspects that could explain the results. The effect held anyway. Whether it's formal volunteering or just helping a neighbor with groceries, the act of assisting others shows up on cognitive tests as measurably better memory and mental math performance. But here's where it gets interesting: researchers don't actually know why. Current theories point to stress reduction, lower inflammation, and less cortisol, but the biological mechanism remains a mystery. Sam walks through what psychosomatic effects might be at play and why something feeling good in your heart can translate to actual molecular changes in your brain.

 

The conversation explores what happens when you reframe exhaustion as luck, whether employment has the same effect as volunteering (spoiler: maybe not, and here's why that distinction matters), and how healthcare could start prescribing social programs alongside medication for people at risk of dementia. Purpose and community aren't just nice ideas… they're measurable protective factors for your cognitive health.

 

KEY TOPICS:

- Volunteering effects on cognitive decline and brain aging

- Why helping others improves memory and mental math performance

- Biological mechanisms behind social connection and brain health

- Healthcare prescriptions for dementia prevention beyond medication

- Employment vs volunteering: different impacts on cognitive function

 

GUEST: Dr. Samantha Yammine, Neuroscientist | samanthayammine.com


Originally aired on 2026-01-06

Volunteering two to four hours weekly slows cognitive decline by 15 to 20 percent, according to data from 31,000 adults. Dr. Samantha Yammine, neuroscientist, explains why researchers are stumped by their own findings.
&nbsp;
The study controlled for wealth, education, physical health, and mental health&hellip; all the usual suspects that could explain the results. The effect held anyway. Whether it's formal volunteering or just helping a neighbor with groceries, the act of assisting others shows up on cognitive tests as measurably better memory and mental math performance. But here's where it gets interesting: researchers don't actually know why. Current theories point to stress reduction, lower inflammation, and less cortisol, but the biological mechanism remains a mystery. Sam walks through what psychosomatic effects might be at play and why something feeling good in your heart can translate to actual molecular changes in your brain.
&nbsp;
The conversation explores what happens when you reframe exhaustion as luck, whether employment has the same effect as volunteering (spoiler: maybe not, and here's why that distinction matters), and how healthcare could start prescribing social programs alongside medication for people at risk of dementia. Purpose and community aren't just nice ideas&hellip; they're measurable protective factors for your cognitive health.
&nbsp;
KEY TOPICS:
- Volunteering effects on cognitive decline and brain aging
- Why helping others improves memory and mental math performance
- Biological mechanisms behind social connection and brain health
- Healthcare prescriptions for dementia prevention beyond medication
- Employment vs volunteering: different impacts on cognitive function
&nbsp;
GUEST: Dr. Samantha Yammine, Neuroscientist | samanthayammine.com
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-06

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

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