Dementia Isn’t Inevitable: Root Causes, Mould, and the PlusOne MinusOne Method with Laurel Brennan | E27

In this episode of P.S I Love Me, Lynda is joined by Laurel Brennan, founder of RootCauseology, occupational therapist, functional medicine practitioner, TEDx speaker, and host of the Get to the Root of It podcast. Laurel shares how two life-altering experiences, a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2006 and losing her mother to dementia, became the catalyst for her mission: helping people optimise brain health and reduce dementia risk through root-cause solutions.They unpack why cognitive decline is not just “bad luck” or “your genetics”, and how inflammation, stress, sleep disruption, blood sugar spikes, toxins (including mould exposure), and loneliness can also shape brain health decades before symptoms show up. Laurel also explains why “support” isn’t always supportive, how community can be powerful medicine when it’s the right kind, and why most of us are trying to overhaul everything at once, then burning out.You’ll also hear Laurel’s refreshingly simple behaviour-change approach: PlusOne MinusOne, adding one supportive habit and removing one harmful one, so your health improves without the overwhelm.To learn more about Lynda and her transformative coaching check out: https://www.lyndawilliamscoaching.com/homeConnect with Lynda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndawilliamscoach/Follow Lynda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndajw/Join her Evolved Woman Program: https://www.lyndawilliamscoaching.com/evolved-woman-programConnect with Laurel:RootCauseology: https://www.rootcauseology.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootcauseology/?hl=enGet to the Root of It: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-to-the-root-of-it/id1690965858🌟 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment! Share this episode with someone who’s feeling “foggy”, burnt out, or worried about brain health.The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any health concerns or before making changes to your wellness routine.You Will Hear:• Laurel’s MS diagnosis story and how fear shaped her early decisions• The root causes of inflammation: diet, stress, sleep, nervous system dysregulation• The diet shifts that helped Laurel and her mum’s dementia (gluten, dairy, sugar, whole foods)• Why loneliness can drive inflammation, how community supports brain health and potentially slow down dementia• Mould exposure: why it’s common, often invisible, and how it can accelerate disease• Simple blood tests to ask your GP for (vitamin D, hs-CRP, fasting insulin/glucose, etc.)• How to keep glucose steadier: fibre + fat + protein, carbs at the end, move after meals• The PlusOne MinusOne method for change without overwhelmKey Moments:01:10 – Lynda frames the big idea: small choices now shape brain health later03:15 – Laurel’s misdiagnosis story and the fear spiral after “MS”04:35 – The “pick your drug from DVDs” moment (and what that did to her headspace)05:51 – The first shift: a nutritionist, a deep history, and real hope07:10 – Identity shift: not wearing a diagnosis as a “badge”10:14 – “20 years until disability”: the prognosis that haunted her (2006 to 2026)15:05 – A turning point: diet change reduced fatigue and possibly slowed decline17:25 – The mission begins: addressing root causes to slow or reverse cognitive decline19:53 – The key pillars: connection, stress, diet, exercise, sleep, nutrients23:28 – Mould and environmental exposure: why it matters more than people realise28:02 – The simple screening option: dust testing as a first step31:04 – Glucose hacks: “move after meals” and why a 10-minute walk works39:16 – PlusOne MinusOne: build habits with finite willpower, not fantasy willpower44:09 – Brain changes start decades early: why starting in your 30s makes it easier50:51 – The biggest takeaway: you’re in control, listen to your intuition, get a second opinion