Interview with Raquel Marín Cruzado, speaker at the course “Neuroscience, neurotechnology and neurorights: humanity at the crossroads”
Raquel Marín Cruzado is a professor of Physiology at the University of La Laguna and a leading neuroscientist specializing in the study of the brain and aging. Her research has focused on understanding the mechanisms involved in cognitive decline and on preventing neurodegenerative diseases through diet and lifestyle.
Her dynamic approach has also led her to become a renowned science communicator, a regular contributor to various media outlets, and the author of several books on brain health and aging.
During her participation in the first edition of the Ciudad de La Laguna International Campus, within the 'Neuroscience for Everyday Life' Seminar, she shared a conversation with other prominent university professors in this field, such as Raquel Martín, María Ángeles Alosno, and Naira Delgado, who addressed issues related to cognition, emotion, and brain health. Among other topics, they explored how diet influences brain function and how to improve our brain health on a daily basis.
Based on the thematic focus of the Campus in which you participated, how do you think the new advances in neuroscience and neurotechnology are changing people's lives?
These advances could completely transform our social and personal models at every level. The brain is the architect of who we are and what we feel, and gaining a deeper understanding of it could alter how we think, feel, and perceive reality. Progress in nanotechnology and neuroscience has the potential to change not only our society but also our personalities and how we relate to one another. I even believe they could transform the human species as we know it today.
Clearly, everything being developed must undergo rigorous review by ethics committees, both nationally and internationally. But there is no doubt that these changes are getting closer.
The seminar discussed how neuroscience can be applied to everyday life. From your experience, what would you say is the simplest way any of us can take care of our brains every day?
The simplest way is to remember where we come from. We are a species that, for most of its evolutionary history, was nomadic, walking long distances and spending much of its time outdoors and in contact with nature. Furthermore, social relationships played a fundamental role: we lived in groups where roles existed and there was constant exchange between people through communication. This is essential because language, both spoken and nonverbal, served not only to connect us but also to share emotions and strengthen bonds.
This foundation is complemented by something crucial: nutrition, which is the primary source of metabolic energy for the brain, a highly demanding and selective organ—a true "gourmet"—since it doesn't use just any kind of fuel. It's therefore a matter of giving the brain what it needs while avoiding anything that could harm it. Once the brain is diseased, it's very difficult to recover. However, much of its good health depends on us and what we do with it every day.
What role do emotions and social bonds play in protecting the brain from aging?
Unfortunately, there are sobering studies that show loneliness leads to a shorter lifespan and an acceleration of degenerative processes. People who live alone have a greater risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, especially those associated with aging, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Furthermore, a lack of social connection makes individuals more vulnerable to mood swings and emotional changes. Therefore, isolation, when not voluntary (because we all need moments of solitude from time to time), shortens our life expectancy and negatively impacts our brain health.
In an aging society, how can society prepare to face the challenges of cognitive decline?
Undoubtedly, through prevention. It's essential because, as I often say, the brain heals very slowly. And how can we practice it?
First, by being well-informed. It's important to have reliable sources that offer simple, coherent, optimistic, and positive information, not information that portrays us as vulnerable or fragile. This greatly helps reduce distress and anxiety. Second, I recommend not obsessing over mental health, but rather balancing it with leisure time, companionship, introspection, and physical activity. It's also crucial to be mindful of what we feed our brains and to be forgiving of how we feel, practicing, for example, mental relaxation techniques.
We must understand that aging is a natural process, but a large part of how our brain ages is in our hands, and that care must begin from early stages, from the age of 30 or 40.
And… With the rise of technology and artificial intelligence, how do you see the future of neuroscience in the coming years?
I think it's a fantastic combination, although, obviously, there are differences in who uses artificial intelligence, how, and in what way. As with everything, if a person is already trained and skilled in certain tools, these can enhance their abilities and even increase them.
For example, if I already know how to drive, how to navigate, and have access to a car, that will allow me to travel long distances and discover new things. However, if I've never walked and suddenly get into a car, I'll most likely push my own physical and personal limits.
Building on what we already have and what we've trained for, artificial intelligence can be a great complement to enhance our skills. But we must keep in mind that there are also biases and limitations that we must compare with our own judgment, critical thinking, and intellectual development.
On the other hand, if from a young age we depend solely on artificial intelligence, without having previously trained our brain, there will be cognitive areas that are not adequately trained.
Are there any myths about the brain or memory that you would like to debunk, especially in relation to age or diet?
One common myth is the belief that neurons do not regenerate. In reality, the brain is a dynamic and plastic organ. Many of its connections are strengthened, modified, and even new neurons are generated in certain brain areas.
Another widespread myth, which often comes up in the talks I give, is the idea that we only use 5 or 10% of our brain. This isn't true: we use our entire brain, although not all areas are active at the same time.
What we can do is enhance its function, just as when we go to the gym we don't create new muscles, but rather train and strengthen the ones we already have. Something similar happens with the brain: the more we use and stimulate it, the better it works.
After participating in the first edition of the Ciudad de La Laguna International Campus, how would you rate your experience overall?
I believe that bringing knowledge about the brain closer to people, bringing the brain—so to speak—into each individual's skull, is necessary, magnificent, and very rewarding. It allows each person to better appreciate what they carry within them, what they are, and to feel more aware of their own importance as a human being.
Furthermore, these kinds of initiatives also bring a new dimension to the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a cultural and scientific approach that is very interesting. Including something as fascinating as the brain, that marvelous organ that nowadays occupies so many headlines and sparks debates almost daily, is a particularly noteworthy aspect.
From your perspective as a researcher, why is it important for citizens to participate in these types of initiatives that combine knowledge, culture, and science?
Basically because everything is built collectively. We are, after all, social beings, and even though I'm a neuroscientist, I'm constantly learning from every person, every experience, and their way of perceiving and feeling. Everyone interprets the world from their own perspective, and that can lead us to use biases.
Therefore, interacting with different fields and perspectives enriches us, not only intellectually, but also personally and emotionally. It helps us change how we see ourselves and how we see others. Ultimately, it's a form of social connection and also of self-knowledge.
Finally, if you had to summarize your main message to the audience after this talk, what idea would you like them to take away?
“Take care of your brain now so it can take care of you later.” What we do with ourselves, our minds, and our emotions will shape our life experiences and how we develop as individuals.
