We love highlighting our Community Neuroscience Physicians on our blog!  Today, we’re meeting Dr. Breta Boots.  Dr. Boots practices in our Westborough location, where she sees patients, administers EMG/NCS testing, and reads EEGs. 

Dr. Boots, what inspired you to become a neurologist?

“I feel like neurology is the most profound and meaningful of all the specialties, which is definitely why I chose it.  It also suits my “detail oriented” personality (which will make some people chuckle when they read this).  Our nervous system controls how we experience the world, each other and ourselves, including behavior, mood, memory, balance, strength, sensation, vision, and so much more!  And of course, one can never feel like they “know it all” in neurology because it is so vast and there is so much that we don’t know.  I can NEVER get bored with neurology.  I am constantly learning, and I absolutely love that about my job.” 

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a neurologist?

“It’s a real privilege to be trusted enough to help a person heal, protect or manage dysfunction in their brain, spinal cord and nerves.  I am always delighted when I am able to find ways to improve a person’s quality of life, and I especially enjoy teaching my patients so that they understand – in simple language – what’s going on and what can be done about a given problem.”

If you could have a superpower related to neurology, what would it be and why?

“Honestly, if I could just snap my fingers or wrinkle my nose and end a person’s suffering, that would be amazing.”  

What is your favorite brain fact or trivia that you like to share with patients?

“I always make a point to help my patients understand how important lifestyle is to optimize and preserve brain and nerve health.”

Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

“I have really enjoyed getting into yoga lately, but I also do other forms of exercise like HIIT (high intensity interval training) for exercise.  Some of my other favorite things are hiking, road cycling, paddle boarding on a quiet lake, listening to all sorts of audiobooks & podcasts and spending time with animals, friends and family.  I love going to the Cape as much as possible, and traveling elsewhere once in while.  I’m learning how to cook (out of necessity) which has been a bit of a challenge but I’m getting better at it!”

What is your favorite neurological disorder to study or treat, and why?

“I love treating migraine and other headache disorders because there are so many ways to improve the situation and give a person their life back, which is really gratifying.  I also enjoy working with people who experience memory and cognitive issues.  Many people do not realize how much can be done to prevent or slow down neurodegenerative diseases, so I love to educate about that.  There are also some newer treatment options gradually becoming available for Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia which may be very exciting.”

If you could give one piece of advice to patients to promote brain health, what would it be?

“Follow a whole food, plant-based diet!! Or as close to it as possible (such as the Mediterranean diet or the MIND diet).  This way of life is such a powerful tool to supercharge the brain and the body to live a long, healthy and vibrant life.  Plus, it helps the earth!” 

What is one misconception or myth about neurology that you would like to debunk?

“That alcohol is safe for the brain – it’s NOT.  This fact is a shame, and many of us don’t want to know it, but it’s true.  Minimizing alcohol is another really important way to protect your brain and your nerves.”

If you weren’t a doctor, what other profession do you think you would have pursued?

“I originally wanted to be a botanist!  If I could be surrounded by plants and animals all day long, I would consider that ideal.”