Description: In the third and final episode of the healthspan series, Dr. Erin Faules and Dr. Jeff Graham explore the intersection between neurodegenerative disease and metabolic dysfunction—two often-connected drivers of decline. They discuss early detection strategies, the role of genetics, and insulin resistance, and emerging clinical tools to assess and reduce long-term risk. Key Topics Covered:
- Distinguishing normal aging from neurodegenerative disease
- Early signs of cognitive decline and how to detect them
- The role of APOE-4 and other genes in Alzheimer's risk
- Metabolic dysfunction as a driver of brain aging ("Type 3 diabetes")
- Blood-based biomarkers: phospho-tau, NFL, CRP, fasting insulin, and more
- Lifestyle interventions: sleep, strength training, CGMs, circadian-aligned eating
- Tools like CNS Vital Signs, PET scans, and neuroquant MRIs
- Supplements and prescriptions: Omega-3s, creatine, berberine, GLP-1s, inositol
- Connecting muscle mass to glucose control and long-term healthspan
