Tommy Wood, an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, specializes in brain injury and the impact of lifestyle on cognitive health. He discusses age-related cognitive decline and how lifestyle changes can mitigate risks. Drawing from his work with Formula 1 drivers, he emphasizes the connection between cognitive demands and brain function. Tommy also addresses dementia prevention through supplements and the significance of strength training in reducing risks. Furthermore, he provides insights into managing concussions and effective recovery strategies.
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insights INSIGHT
Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Age-related cognitive decline shows a linear decrease in most cognitive functions, except historical memory.
Historical memory is likely protected due to its encoding throughout the cortex.
insights INSIGHT
Memory Encoding and Retrieval
Memory involves two parts: encoding and retrieval.
Encoding is often impaired in pathological decline, while retrieval speed slows with age.
insights INSIGHT
Brain Aging and Contributing Factors
Brain aging involves decreased size in the frontal and medial temporal lobes, impacting memory.
Factors like vascular supply, neuronal structure, mitochondrial function, and demand influence brain health.
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Tommy Wood is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington, where he studies brain injury and how lifestyle choices and environmental factors contribute to brain health, cognitive function, and chronic disease. In this episode, Tommy delves into the complexities of age-related cognitive decline and explores interventions to counteract it. Drawing from his experience working with Formula 1 drivers, he highlights the connection between cognitive function and the right type of demands and training leading to improvement. Next, he explores the various theories on the different types of pathology in dementia and neurodegeneration. He makes the case that a large fraction of dementia is preventable through lifestyle choices and nutrient status, and provides an in-depth overview of interventions and supplements that support cognitive function. Finally, he provides a comprehensive overview of head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), discussing symptoms, how to mitigate damage following an incident, and long-term management.
We discuss:
Tommy’s professional work, unique skill sets, and interests [3:00];
Age-related decline in cognitive function and memory [5:45];
Improving brain function with the right level and type of demand [20:15];
Formula 1 as a model for how to perform under high cognitive demand and how to increase multitasking capacity [31:30];
Advice for the person reaching middle life looking to mitigate cognitive decline [37:45];
Tasks and activities that support and improve cognitive function [45:30];
Neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease: exploring the role of amyloid and tau proteins [49:30];
Why Tommy believes dementia research funding should be focused on environmental and lifestyle-based risk factors [1:05:15];
Benefits of lowering homocysteine and boosting omega-3’s, and evidence-based supplements that support cognitive function [1:09:00];
A unifying theory of dementia [1:20:45];
How muscular strength can help with both the prevention and survivability of dementia [1:24:15];
Head injuries: comparing concussions against traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), mitigating the damage after an incident, and the long-term management of head injuries [1:29:15];
Is hyperbaric oxygen treatment helpful after a TBI? [1:45:45];
Supplements that aid recovery from a TBI: creatine, DHA, and choline [1:49:30];
Demands faced by F1 drivers, and testing interventions to improve their performance [1:57:30]; and
The Peter Attia Drive 