57: The Brain’s Immune System: How Metabolism Shapes Cognitive Health with Dr. David Perlmutter

What if the brain’s future is shaped by more than genetics and age? In this episode of Take Back Your Health®, Dr. Amy Myers reconnects with neurologist and author Dr. David Perlmutter to discuss the brain’s immune system, metabolism, inflammation, and the lifestyle factors that may influence cognitive health.

Dr. Perlmutter joins Dr. Amy to discuss his newest book, Brain Defenders, and the role of microglia, the brain’s immune cells. They explore immunometabolism, blood sugar, sleep, exercise, diet, perimenopausal hormone changes, APOE4, and why brain-health work may need to begin long before symptoms appear.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How microglia can shift between supportive and more destructive states

Why blood sugar, insulin, A1C, inflammation, sleep, and exercise matter for brain health

What Dr. Perlmutter discusses about P-tau217, homocysteine, and related markers

Why cognitive-health habits may need to begin in the 30s and 40s

How estrogen changes during menopause may interact with synapses and microglia

Why genetics can influence risk without determining your future

The role of diet, movement, mitochondria, hyperbaric oxygen, and social connection

About Dr. David Perlmutter

Dr. David Perlmutter is a board-certified neurologist and author whose work focuses on brain health, nutrition, metabolic health, and neurodegenerative disorders. His newest book, Brain Defenders, focuses on the brain’s immune cells and their relationship to long-term brain health.