Oct 18, 2025
In this episode, we’re joined by Associate Professor Sharna
Jamadar, a cognitive neuroscientist at Monash University, to
explore how the brain uses energy, and how that changes across the
lifespan. Did you know that a 10-year-old’s brain uses over 50% of
the body’s total energy, compared to just 20% in adults? We dive
into why younger brains work harder, the role of synaptic pruning
and proliferation, and how the brain’s organisation impacts
cognitive efficiency. We also touch on the importance of glucose
metabolism and its connection to age-related disorders like
Alzheimer’s. A fascinating look at the energy demands of our most
complex organ!
Bluesky: @SharnaJamadar
Linkedin: Sharna Jamadar
www.sharnajamadar.com
Email: Sharna.jamadar@monash.edu
