Metabolic Mind
New Research Pinpoints Midlife Brain Decline & How to Slow It
May 12, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Lily Mujica-Parodi, a leader in metabolic neuroscience at Stony Brook University, shares insights on midlife brain decline. She highlights how insulin resistance may initiate cognitive issues and discusses a critical age window for metabolic interventions. The power of ketones in restoring brain function takes center stage, along with lifestyle choices like diet and exercise to protect against decline. Discover the importance of understanding brain control circuits and proactive strategies for long-term cognitive health!
47:06
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Insulin resistance in the brain acts as a significant predictor of cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for early dietary interventions to mitigate risks.
- Ketones can serve as an alternative energy source for neurons, offering potential therapeutic benefits for reversing energy deficits tied to cognitive impairment.
Deep dives
Potential of Dietary Interventions for Brain Health
Research indicates that insulin resistance in the brain parallels insulin resistance elsewhere in the body and may be preventable through dietary changes. Specifically, adopting a lower glycemic diet could effectively mitigate the risk of cognitive decline as one ages. Investigations have focused on the critical age window in which dietary interventions, particularly nutritional ketosis, can stabilize brain networks and prevent processes leading to dementia. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing metabolic health to support mental health, encouraging early dietary adjustments to protect against future cognitive impairments.
