Build A Brain That Ages Powerfully – Change Your Daily Habits episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 28, 2026 · 59 MIN

Build A Brain That Ages Powerfully – Change Your Daily Habits

from Well Beyond 40

The key to preventing Alzheimer’s begins DECADES before you notice memory problems.  I’m joined by my longtime friend Dr. David Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist and bestselling author who has spent decades challenging conventional thinking about brain health. We explore why Alzheimer’s may be less about removing beta amyloid and more about protecting the brain’s immune system through exercise, metabolic health, nutrition, muscle, social connection, and a healthier environment. Most importantly, I want you to walk away knowing that your brain’s future is not something you simply have to accept because your daily choices can help shape how powerfully you age.   What you’ll learn: (04:47) Why the long-standing beta amyloid hypothesis may not fully explain Alzheimer’s disease or lead to meaningful treatment. (08:07) How microglia act as the brain’s immune cells and can shift between brain-protective and brain-destructive states. (10:35) Why the biological processes behind cognitive decline may begin decades before noticeable memory problems appear. (14:00) How maintaining muscle and exercising can support metabolism, mitochondrial function, and the growth and health of brain cells. (17:50) Which everyday biomarkers, including waist size, blood sugar, insulin, A1C, and blood pressure, can offer clues about brain health. (21:25) How higher consumption of ultra-processed foods has been associated with substantially greater Alzheimer’s risk in observational research. (35:48) How inflammation, gut permeability, diet, mitochondria, ketones, and lactate can influence the behavior of the brain’s immune cells. (46:04) Why air pollution, microplastics, nature exposure, and social connection may all play meaningful roles in protecting the aging brain. Love the podcast? Here’s what to do: Subscribe to the podcast.  Leave a review.  Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/drdavid

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Build A Brain That Ages Powerfully – Change Your Daily Habits

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