Why Alzheimer’s Begins Decades Before Symptoms

Max outlines evidence that Alzheimer’s pathology starts 30–40 years before symptoms, reframing why prevention must begin early.

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What if the biggest threat to your brain health isn't genetics, but the environment you're living in? In this episode of Extend, Max Lugavere joins me to share how environmental toxins, metabolic dysfunction, and dietary choices are driving the explosion of neurodegenerative diseases.

We dive into why Alzheimer's begins 30-40 years before diagnosis, and the specific lifestyle interventions that can dramatically reduce your risk. From the dangers of golf course proximity to the surprising role of mouthwash in hypertension, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about protecting your brain.

Max Lugavere is a health and science journalist, filmmaker, and bestselling author of "Genius Foods" and "The Genius Life." His documentary "Little Empty Boxes" chronicles his mother's battle with Lewy body dementia and explores the preventable nature of cognitive decline. Max has become one of the leading voices in brain health optimization.

We Also Discuss:

08:02 - Why Neurodegenerative Diseases Begin 30 Years Before Symptoms

12:53 - Different Types of Dementia and Movement Disorders Explained

14:24 - Environmental Toxins Linked to Parkinson's Disease

16:03 - How Living Near Golf Courses Doubles Parkinson's Risk

31:04 - How One Gram of Pancreatic Fat Loss Restores Insulin Sensitivity

35:21 - Fasting Insulin: The Biomarker That Predicts Alzheimer's Early

37:12 - The Role of Ketogenic Diets in Brain Energy Metabolism

51:19 - How 20 Grams of Creatine Improved Cognition in Alzheimer's Patients

57:38 - The Truth About Seed Oils vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1:09:04 - Omega-3s and the 50% Alzheimer's Risk Reduction

1:13:23 - Why Antiseptic Mouthwash May Raise Blood Pressure