The #1 Predictor of Dementia (Not Genetics) — How to Stimulate Your Mind & Prevent Alzheimer’s with Dr. Tommy Wood

View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushWhat if the biggest predictor of dementia isn’t your genes — but your metabolic health?In this episode, neuroscientist and performance coach Dr. Tommy Wood reveals why blood sugar regulation and blood pressure are more powerful predictors of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline than amyloid plaques or even genetics like ApoE4.For decades, Alzheimer’s has been framed as either a genetic lottery or the inevitable buildup of amyloid in the brain. But emerging research shows that metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, and vascular health may play a far greater role in determining long-term brain outcomes.Instead of focusing on fear, this conversation delivers a practical blueprint for building cognitive reserve and “cognitive headroom” — the brain’s ability to stay resilient, adaptable, and high-performing as you age.You’ll learn why crossword puzzles aren’t enough, how high-intensity exercise and resistance training stimulate brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), why lactate may act like “Miracle-Gro” for your neurons, and how to interpret early warning signs like subjective brain fog.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Alzheimer’s isn’t just about amyloid plaquesThe powerful link between blood sugar and cognitive declineHow genetics (like ApoE4) increase risk — but don’t seal your fateWhat “cognitive headroom” means and how to build itWhy high-intensity exercise may act as Miracle-Gro for the brainThe surprising role of resistance training in brain healthWhat subjective brain fog might be telling youHow menopause affects cognition — and what’s reversibleWhy boredom and focus matter more than we thinkThe kinds of skills you should keep practicing as you ageFor women navigating perimenopause and menopause, Dr. Wood explains what cognitive changes are hormonally driven, what’s reversible, and how to protect long-term brain health.Whether your goal is preventing Alzheimer’s disease, improving focus and processing speed, or becoming a cognitive “superager,” this episode provides evidence-based strategies to help you build a brain that is robust, metabolically healthy, and built to last.Key Highlights: (00:00) – Brain Health & Cognitive Longevity Intro(00:35) – Brain Evolution & Survival Mechanisms(02:53) – Diabetes & Alzheimer’s Disease Link(07:31) – Genetic Risk & Dementia Family History(11:32) – Expanding Brain Capacity & Headroom(15:08) – Cognitive Reserve & Brain Resilience(19:55) – Preventing Age-Related Cognitive Decline(23:00) – Exercise Data for Brain Health(26:16) – Best Exercises for Cognitive Function(35:11) – Amyloid Plaques & Alzheimer’s Pathology(38:00) – Amyloid-Targeting Drugs & Treatments(40:31) – Subjective Cognitive Decline Measures(45:04) – Testing & Measuring Brain Performance(49:58) – Menopause & Female Brain Health(56:10) – Aging Brain, Wisdom & Intelligence(1:05:00) – Cognitive Processing Speed & Aging(1:07:07) – Benefits of Boredom for the Brain(1:12:17) – Book Recommendations for Mental GrowthConnect with Dr. Tommy WoodWebsite | Substack | InstagramPre-Order The Stimulated Mind for tons of extra perks!Huge thanks to our sponsors, Momentous, Vitality, and LMNT.