DiscoverThe mindbodygreen Podcast585: How to prevent & reverse cognitive decline | Neurologist Dale Bredesen, M.D.
585: How to prevent & reverse cognitive decline | Neurologist Dale Bredesen, M.D.

585: How to prevent & reverse cognitive decline | Neurologist Dale Bredesen, M.D.

Update: 2025-03-23
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This podcast features Dr. Dale Bredison discussing the prevention and reversal of cognitive decline. He refutes the idea that cognitive decline is inevitable, highlighting three key drivers: energetics (brain energy production), inflammation, and toxicity. He introduces blood tests (PTAO217, GFAP, NFL) for early Alzheimer's detection and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle interventions. These include a plant-rich, mildly ketogenic diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, stress management, and brain training. Dr. Bredison explains the role of resolvins in resolving inflammation and discusses the impact of social connection on brain health. He also touches upon emerging treatments like stem cells and peptides, but stresses the importance of foundational lifestyle changes. The podcast includes advertisements for MyBuddyGreen's Magnesium drink mix and the Stash investing app. The conclusion calls for a "moonshot" approach to Alzheimer's, advocating for a multi-tiered strategy to reduce the global burden of cognitive decline.

Outlines

00:00:00
Introduction, MyBuddyGreen, & Preventing Cognitive Decline

The podcast introduces Jason Wachob and MyBuddyGreen's magnesium drink mix, followed by Dr. Bredison's discussion on preventing and reversing cognitive decline, focusing on energetics, inflammation, and toxicity as key drivers. He introduces blood tests for early Alzheimer's detection and the importance of lifestyle interventions.

00:02:36
Resolvins, Anti-Inflammatory Strategies, and Brain Exercise

Dr. Bredison explains resolvins and their role in resolving inflammation, contrasting it with preventing future inflammation. The discussion then shifts to brain training and stimulation techniques for maintaining cognitive function.

00:37:59
Social Connection, Future Treatments, and Conclusion

The importance of social connection for brain health is discussed, followed by a look at the future of cognitive health research, including emerging treatments like stem cells and peptides. The podcast concludes with a call to action for a multi-tiered approach to combatting Alzheimer's.

00:24:54
Advertisement: Stash Investing App

This section is an advertisement for the Stash investing app.

Keywords

Cognitive Decline


Gradual loss of cognitive functions; preventable and potentially reversible through lifestyle changes and early intervention.

Alzheimer's Disease


Progressive neurodegenerative disease; early detection possible via blood tests (PTAO217, GFAP, NFL).

Energetics, Inflammation, Toxicity


Three key drivers of brain aging; addressable through lifestyle interventions and targeted therapies.

Resolvins


Specialized lipid mediators that resolve inflammation; crucial for preventing cognitive decline.

Brain Training


Cognitive exercises to improve brain function and plasticity; examples include BrainHQ.

Social Connection


Crucial for emotional and mental well-being; plays a significant role in preventing cognitive decline.

Lifestyle Interventions


Diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and detoxification to support brain health.

Blood Tests (PTAO217, GFAP, NFL)


Markers for early detection of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

ApoE4


Gene variant increasing Alzheimer's risk; lifestyle interventions can mitigate the risk.

Emerging Treatments


Stem cells and peptides show promise but foundational lifestyle changes remain crucial.

Q&A

  • What are the three main drivers of cognitive decline, and how can they be addressed?

    Energetics, inflammation, and toxicity; addressed through lifestyle changes, targeted supplements, and addressing chronic infections/toxins.

  • What blood tests can help detect Alzheimer's before symptoms appear?

    PTAO217, GFAP, and NFL; provide information about Alzheimer's risk, astrocyte inflammation, and neuronal damage.

  • How can lifestyle interventions help prevent and reverse cognitive decline?

    Plant-rich diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, brain training, detoxification, and targeted supplements.

  • What is the role of genetics in cognitive decline?

    Genes influence risk but don't determine destiny; proactive lifestyle adjustments are crucial, especially with ApoE4.

  • What are some practical steps to exercise the brain and maintain cognitive function?

    Brain training programs, new activities, and challenging cognitive tasks; regular social interaction is also key.

Show Notes

“ Make your brainspan equal to your lifespan”, explains Dale Bredesen, M.D.




Bredesen, internationally recognized expert in neurodegenerative diseases and the Chief Science Officer at Apollo Health, joins us to explain how cognitive decline is reversible, the three key drivers of brain aging, plus: 




- Misunderstandings about cognitive decline (~2:48 )


- Protection & performance (~4:35 )


- 3 factors influencing cognitive health (~5:55 )


- Your genes are not your destiny (~10:40 )


- Lifestyle interventions (~13:50 )


- Preventing disease (~19:10 )


- The power of exercise (~22:20


- What are resolvins (~23:55 )


- Exercising the brain (~26:50 )


- The importance of reducing inflammation (~35:45 )


- Social connection (~37:15


- The future of cognitive science (~38:55 )


- 4 phases of cognitive decline (~44:45 )


- A message of empowerment (~48:15 )




Referenced in the episode: 


- Pick up Bredesen’s book, The Ageless Brain


- Follow him on Instagram (@drdalebredesen) 


- Learn more about him (https://www.apollohealthco.com/dr-bredesen/




We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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585: How to prevent & reverse cognitive decline | Neurologist Dale Bredesen, M.D.

585: How to prevent & reverse cognitive decline | Neurologist Dale Bredesen, M.D.

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