125: How to Dementia-Proof Your Brain: Dr. David Perlmutter on Hormones, Gut Health, and Inflammation

What if protecting your brain starts decades before memory problems ever appear? In this conversation, I sit down with neurologist and bestselling author Dr. David Perlmutter to talk about what current research says about dementia prevention, why metabolic health may play a much larger role than many people realize, and why waiting until cognitive symptoms develop may be waiting too long. We get into the connection between blood sugar, insulin resistance, inflammation, gut health, sleep, exercise, and brain function, along with why so many of these risk factors begin showing up in our 30s and 40s rather than later in life.

We also spend time on topics that generate a lot of questions in my practice, including hormone therapy, women's brain health, alcohol, stimulants, and the current state of dementia treatments. Dr. Perlmutter shares his perspective on why prevention deserves more attention, how lifestyle interventions fit into the conversation alongside medical care, and what practical markers people can monitor to better understand their long-term brain health.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

Why brain health may be shaped long before memory loss ever begins

How metabolic health and inflammation may influence cognitive function

The relationship between gut health, sleep, and long-term brain resilience

Why women face unique considerations when it comes to dementia risk

How Dr. Perlmutter views bioidentical hormone therapy in the context of brain health

What current evidence suggests about alcohol, stimulants, and cognitive wellness

Which everyday health markers may provide insight into future brain health

Why prevention may be more impactful than waiting for symptoms to appear

If you're interested in protecting your brain health for the long term and understanding how everyday lifestyle choices fit into that picture, I think you'll love this episode.