#307 Preventing Alzheimers & Keeping Your Brain Fit | Majid Fotuhi, MD, Johns Hopkins Medical School

Dr. Adam Dorsay introduces SuperPsyched and interviews neurologist and Johns Hopkins professor Dr. Majid Fotuhi about keeping the brain resilient and reducing Alzheimer’s risk. Fotuhi describes the brain’s capacity to recover and adapt, citing cases of major brain injury and hemispherectomy, and challenges the myth that Alzheimer’s is inevitable with age, noting “super agers” and emphasizing “use it or lose it.” He outlines five key pillars for brain health: exercise, 7–8 hours of sleep, a Mediterranean/heart-healthy diet, stress reduction, and daily cognitive challenge. He reports a 12-week program in which 84% of patients improved on cognitive tests and many increased hippocampal volume by 1–3%. They discuss sleep apnea as a serious risk, cortisol’s harmful effects from chronic stress, managing repetitive negative thoughts, adopting growth mindset and broader views of intelligence, and choosing daily practices that build happiness.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Why Brain Health Matters01:02 Meet Dr Majid Fotuhi02:51 The Invincible Brain Stories05:16 How the Brain Compensates06:48 Alzheimers Myths and Super Agers11:06 Use It or Lose It Mindset13:21 Beyond IQ Multiple Intelligences18:01 Growth Mindset Builds the Brain20:56 Reversing Aging in 12 Weeks23:12 Five Pillars of Brain Health25:36 Sleep Apnea and Brain Damage28:02 Exercise Is Nonnegotiable29:59 A Neurology Insider Story30:33 Three Pillar Basics31:20 Lifestyle Intelligence32:43 Teeth And Brain Care34:36 Culture And Identity Habits36:01 Stress Shrinks Hippocampus39:44 Reframing Stress Mindset41:18 Stop Negative Loops45:42 Morning Gratitude Practice49:44 Challenge Your Brain52:12 Happiness Is A Choice55:15 Small Things Compound56:41 Closing Thanks And SubscribeHelpful Links:Dr. Mahid FotuhiDr. Mahid Fotuhi Johns HopkinsDr. Mahid Fotuhi YouTubeThe Invincible Brain: The Clinically Proven Plan to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life Book