Documentary AreaSimply the best Documentaries

Ever wonder what's happening inside your head? From dreaming to anxiety disorders, discover how your brain works with this illuminating series. The first episode looks at how memory works and examines the way in which the brain stores, processes, and retrains memories. It also looks at the ways in which memory can fail and discusses how memories can warp over time. It talks to neuroscientists and a memory champion who explains her techniques.

The second episode of the series looks at dreams and tries to explain what happens in the brain and body after we go to sleep. It looks at the significance of dreams and what dreams can teach us about ourselves. It talks to neuroscientists who discuss slow-wave sleep and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep during which dreams occur. It looks at the history of dream interpretation and its validity.

Western countries are the most sleep-deprived countries in the world. Insomniac Michael Mosley finds out what happens if we don't get enough sleep and looks at surprising solutions to help us get more.

Memory is the glue that binds our mental lives. Without it, we’d be prisoners of the present, unable to use the lessons of the past to change our future. From our first kiss to where we put our keys, memory represents who we are and how we learn and navigate the world. But how does it work? Neuroscientists using cutting-edge techniques are exploring the precise molecular mechanisms of memory". By studying a range of individuals ranging —from an 11-year-old whiz-kid who remembers every detail of his life to a woman who had memories implanted— scientists have uncovered a provocative idea. For much of human history, memory has been seen as a tape recorder that faithfully registers information and replays intact. But now, researchers are discovering that memory is far more malleable, always being written and rewritten, not just by us but by others. We are discovering the precise mechanisms that can explain and even control our memories. The question is— are we ready?

Angela Rippon and Dr Chris van Tulleken travel the world in search of the latest science that could help us all stay young and healthy for longer. They investigate the best ways to help both our bodies and brains age better. Up first is the body, and Angela travels to Germany to join a groundbreaking study which reveals the exercise that holds off ageing the most. Chris visits America to find out about the unexpected diet that can add years to our lives. And in Ecuador we meet a seventeen-year-old who looks like a child to discover how scientists hope he may hold the key to preventing the diseases of ageing.

This episode explores what can give brains a boost. In America, Angela tries out a new treatment that's proven to help memory and concentration. In Japan, a remarkable 100-year-old reveals the colourful foods that keep minds more active. Plus Chris discovers the best exercise we can do for our brains. At the cutting-edge of science, discover how injections of young people's blood may help beat dementia.