#261 Dr. Tommy Wood — Why Dementia Isn't Inevitable: The Science of a Younger Brain

<p>Ready to upgrade your health, energy, and longevity? Download my free 10 Life &amp; Longevity Hacks Playbook and start living smarter, stronger, and longer → <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://longevity-and-lifestyle.com/freebie" target="_blank">https://longevity-and-lifestyle.com/freebie</a><br /><br />This episode is brought to you by:<br /><br />BioLongevity Labs, science-led supplements supporting mitochondrial function, gut resilience, recovery, and eye health, with transparent ingredients and third-party testing: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://BioLongevitySupplements.com" target="_blank">https://BioLongevitySupplements.com</a><br /><br />This week’s picks: BioRetina, ShredMAX, BioGutPro, and BioRestore.<br /><br />Get 20% off with code CLAUDIA20.<br /><br />What if cognitive decline is not an inevitable part of getting older?<br /><br />In this episode of the Longevity &amp; Lifestyle Podcast, Claudia speaks with Dr. Tommy Wood, neuroscientist, physician, researcher, performance consultant, and author of The Stimulated Mind.<br /><br />Tommy explains why dementia begins developing decades before diagnosis, why genetics such as ApoE4 are not destiny, and how much power we may have to change the trajectory of our brain health through lifestyle, environment, and targeted stimulation.<br /><br />IN THIS EPISODE<br /><br />• Why dementia may begin decades before diagnosis<br />• How early-life environment shapes lifelong brain health<br />• Neurogenesis vs neuroplasticity<br />• Why the adult brain can still change<br />• How Formula One drivers train for cognitive performance<br />• Sleep, nutrition, exercise, HRV, and recovery<br />• The Yerkes-Dodson arousal curve<br />• Breathwork, caffeine, music, and visualization<br />• Tommy’s “green, amber, red” health system<br />• Why cognitive decline should not be considered inevitable<br />• How much dementia may be preventable<br />• ApoE4, genetics, and environmental risk<br />• Why lifestyle can offset genetic risk<br />• Exosomes, peptides, GLP-1s, and Cerebrolysin<br />• Psychedelics and neuroplasticity<br />• Transcranial magnetic stimulation and brain stimulation<br />• Why stimulating the brain is only half the equation<br />• Cognitive training and processing speed<br />• How to future-proof your brain<br /><br />TIMESTAMPS<br /><br />00:00 Introduction<br />01:51 Why brain health became personal for Claudia<br />02:40 Tommy’s journey into neuroscience<br />0