Why Cognitive Decline Isn’t Inevitable and What You Can Do About It

Nov 3, 2025

Dr. Heather Sandison, a naturopathic doctor and founder of Solcere Health Clinic, shares groundbreaking insights on cognitive decline. She reveals that lifestyle choices can significantly impact brain health, emphasizing a comprehensive approach that includes diet, exercise, and mindfulness. Dr. Sandison discusses her proof-of-concept study, highlighting personalized interventions like dual-task training and sleep monitoring. She encourages early action and commitment to simple practices for preventing cognitive decline, aiming for a fulfilling life with preserved memory.

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ADVICE

Adopt A Whole-Body Protocol

Do a whole-body intervention: diet, sleep, exercise, supplements, dental health, and mindfulness together.
Start early and commit fully rather than making small, isolated changes.

ADVICE

Use Supplements And Varied Exercise

Take targeted supplements like nootropics, vitamin D, omegas, probiotics, and digestive enzymes as part of the plan.
Evaluate and increase both strength and aerobic exercise, adding dual-task training when possible.

ADVICE

Prioritize Sleep And Daily Meditation

Prioritize sleep and monitor for low oxygen at night with a wearable and sleep study if indicated.
Practice daily mindfulness like Kirtan Kriya or another 12-minute meditation to support cognition and stress biology.

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This episode is brought to you by iRestore, Masa Chips, and Rula.

Cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, but how much and how fast it progresses is primarily determined by us. While rates of Alzheimer’s and dementia continue to rise, research shows that our daily choices can either accelerate decline or support optimal brain health at any age.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, we’re revisiting one of our most talked-about moments with Dr. Heather Sandison to discuss her groundbreaking proof-of-concept research on improving cognitive decline—and all the factors her team implemented with study participants. She shares the diet and lifestyle changes that made the most significant difference in reversing early cognitive decline and explains why this isn’t about finding a quick fix or miracle pill.

Dr. Heather Sandison is a renowned naturopathic doctor specializing in neurocognitive medicine and the founder of Solcere Health Clinic, San Diego’s premier brain optimization clinic, and Marama, the first residential memory care facility to have the goal of returning cognitively declined residents to independent living. She is the primary author of the peer-reviewed research “Observed Improvement in Cognition During a Personalized Lifestyle Intervention in People with Cognitive Decline,” published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Sandison hosts the annual online Reverse Alzheimer’s Summit, where she shares cutting-edge and tried-and-true insight into what is possible for those suffering from dementia.

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Sandison dive into:

The whole-body approach for research participants (2:20)
What participants in Dr. Sandison’s study implemented and the results (6:25)
Stages of cognitive decline and adopting a lifestyle to prevent decline (11:34)
What to do to reverse cognitive decline (17:58)
Final thoughts (21:48)

Also mentioned:

Full episode with Dr. Heather Sandison

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