The Empowering Neurologist Podcast

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 What can we do to improve our brains? This is clearly a topic that is central to our messaging. And we have focused on a variety of levers to pull, including exercise, sleep, dietary changes, nature, connection, etc. But we've now learned about a powerful input that has proven incredibly effective in improving brain function, especially in a variety pathological situations like cognitive decline, anorexia, depression, and even autism. This innovative approach has been called olfactory enrichment. And basically, this involves stimulating the brain with various types of scents. Perhaps the top researcher on the planet exploring this subject and creating innovative ways for us to take advantage of olfactory enrichment is Dr. Michael Leon.He received his PhD from the University of Chicago and joined the professoriate at the young age of 24. He is currently Professor emeritus in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at the University of California Irvine. He has received the Research Scientist Development Award from the National Institute for Mental Health for his work on the neurobiology of early learning, the D.G. Marquis Award from the American Psychological Association for developing an effective treatment for children with autism, and the Healthcare Technology Acceleration Award from the California HealthCare Foundation for his work on body weight normalization. In a recent analysis from the Stanford University, he was ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world. On the podcast we review this empowering science in detail and I am certain you will be you captivated by the therapeutic potential of this intervention.Also, we’ll explore the device Dr. Leon has created so that everyone can take advantage of these exciting developments.  ==== 0:00 Intro 2:48 Researching Olfactory Enrichment  7:25 Impact of Olfaction on Disease 13:47 Relationship Between Inflammation & Sense of Smell 16:27 Study of Olfactory & Memory Loss 19:41 Losing Sense of Smell In Covid 24:01 Relationship of Taste to Olfaction 26:04 Impact on Depression  27:26 Difference Between this and Aromatherapy  31:59 Treating Anorexia with This 33:11 How This Works on a Subconscious Level 34:50 Memory Air Device  36:25 Conclusion ==== Michael Leon received his PhD from the University of Chicago and joined the professoriate at the age of 24.  He is currently Professor emeritus (recalled) in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at the University of California Irvine. He also is a member of the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, as well as the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders at UCI.  He has received multiple awards for teaching undergraduates, including the Professor of the Year Award as the best teacher on the UCI campus. He has received the Research Scientist Development Award from the National Institute for Mental Health for his work on the neurobiology of early learning, the D.G. Marquis Award from the American Psychological Association for developing an effective treatment for children with autism, and the Healthcare Technology Acceleration Award, from the California HealthCare Foundation, Booz Allen Hamilton, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for his work on body weight control. In a recent analysis from the Stanford University School of Medicine, he was ranked among the top 2% of scientists in the world for the impact of his research. He is a partner in Science Lab 3 and the Mando Group. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 Our lifestyle choices are fundamental as it relates to the health of our brains. Who knew? Well one person who knows this information and has done an amazing job getting this out to public awareness is Louisa Nicola, neurophysiologist, human performance coach and  founder of Neuro Athletics, a human performance coaching firm that supports the highest performing athletes and executives in the world. This organization bring science-based solutions to elite performers who want to perform at their highest level. Luisa graduated from the university of Sydney medical school and specializes in Neurophysiology. She is currently completing her PhD and has recently published fascinating report on the benefits of resistance exercises as it relates to Alzheimer's disease. The podcast that you were about to watch extremely empowering. What you will find in Louisa’s messaging is a heartfelt devotion to empowerment for all who will listen that truly, our brain’s destiny is something we can control. I'm very grateful that she joined us on the podcast today. ==== 0:00 Intro 2:37 How Louisa Got Started 5:00 Exercise’s Impact on Brain Health 11:37 Aerobics vs Strength Training  14:56 Wearable Devices to Track Exercise  19:53 What Happens in the Brain During Exercise  25:11 Importance of Restorative Sleep 30:42 Best Type of Diet for the Brain 33:09 Phd: Resistance Training & Alzheimer’s 36:28 Conclusion ==== Neurophysiologist and human performance coach, Louisa Nicola is the founder and head performance advisor of Neuro Athletics - a human performance coaching firm that boasts the highest performing athletes and executives in the world. Neuro Athletics brings science based solutions to elite performers who want to perform at their peak. Louisa graduated from the University of Sydney Medical School and specialises in neurophysiology.  https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ https://apple.co/3H02jPa  https://neuroathletics.substack.com/subscribe  https://www.neuroathletics.com.au/ ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 Around 60 million people around the world have dementia. 300 million have depression, and billions of people are experiencing brain problems due to chronic stress. These conditions are partially preventable, but most people don’t know the steps to take to decrease their risk and protect their brains. It turns out that the place where our brains are at the highest risk for being damaged is actually in our homes, and that we have an incredible amount of control over what happens here. But sadly, most of us are being unintentionally exposed to things in our houses that are poisoning our brain health. In this episode, we’re going deep into the science that examines those factors in our environments that are damaging our brains. We connect with an expert in environmental and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Austin Perlmutter. We’re going to explore exactly what we are exposing ourselves to, in our homes, cars and offices, that threaten to worsen our cognitive and mental health. And, importantly, Dr. Perlmutter will reveal simple steps we can employ, today, to reduce this threat.  ==== 0:00 Intro 3:06 How our environment threatens our brain 8:18 Health Begins in the Kitchen 12:10 Air Pollution in the Kitchen 18:13 Pollution in our World Today 23:23 Hidden Sources of Pollution: Vacuums & Incense 28:34 Effectiveness of N95 Masks 31:00 We Can’t Overlook This 35:00 Air Fresheners & Perfumes  39:13 Indoor Filtration & Ventilation  46:40 Other Pollutants to Watch Out For 49:25 Conclusion ==== Here's more about our guest, and yes, my son: Dr. Austin Perlmutter is a board-certified internal medicine physician, New York Times bestselling author, published researcher and international educator. His mission is to help people improve their health by targeting the biological basis of “stuckness” in our brains and bodies. His writings, presentations, podcasts, and online educational programs explore how environmental factors influence our cognitive and mental state and have reached millions. Dr. Perlmutter has been featured on PBS, Rolling Stone, MedPage today, Newsweek, Medical News Today, NPR and a wide range of other media outlets. He is a co-producer of the Alzheimer’s, the Science of Prevention series, and host of the Better Brain Blueprint series. Dr. Perlmutter currently serves as the managing director at Big Bold Health, a food-as-medicine company focused on helping people rejuvenate health through better immune function, where he is running a first-of-its kind study exploring the effects of plant nutrients on human aging through epigenetic modulation. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 Researchers around the world are looking at the role of a mechanism, inflammation, in what makes a good brain go bad, and specifically in diseases like Alzheimer’s. Dr. Jack Auty is a Tasmanian researcher who is focused on this process and is exploring a variety of inroads to inflammation, including, zinc deficiency, as well as the possible role of our ever-increasing exposure to microplastics in amplifying this mechanism. Dr. Auty has a very expansive social media exposure, bringing this information to the public awareness. He’s a very interesting researcher on a number of levels, including fieldwork looking at animals exposed to microplastics as well as translational research from the lab to humans again focused on inflammation and its damaging role throughout the body, and specifically the brain.  Currently, Dr. Auty is a lecturer in the Medical Sciences division in the School of Medicine at the University of Tasmania. He, in addition, serves as a collaborator with an organization called the Adrift Lab, and we will learn more about their mission on our podcast as well.   ==== 0:00 Intro 3:16 Studying the Mechanism of Inflammation 13:12 Optimizing Our Microglia 16:46 Polygenic Influences on Alzheimer’s 21:16 Accumulation of Microplastics  34:35 Avoiding Microplastics 36:53 Zinc’s Impact on Alzheimer’s  43:20 Removing the Blame From Lifestyle Choices 52:00 The Adrift Lab: Studying Microplastics 57:23 Conclusion ==== Jack completed a Bachelor of Science in anatomy with a neuroscience focus at the southernmost university in the world – the University of Otago. During his degree Jack took several botany papers and fell in love with the subject, so Jack continued studies at Otago with a post graduate diploma in botany followed by a Ph.D. which combined botany and neuroscience by investigating the effects of marijuana-like synthetic cannabinoids on inflammation in the ischemic brain, combining botany and neuroscience. After completing his Ph.D., Jack continued his research at the University of Otago with projects on hydrogen sulphide as an inflammatory signaling molecule and kamikaze neutrophils that release their DNA contents onto bacteria. He then moved to the University of Manchester, where he primarily investigated the role of the inflammasome in Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. Jack was fortunate to have inspiring, supportive, and scientifically proficient supervisors and collaborators in Dr. Catherine Lawrence and Prof. David Brough, under whose guidance he was able to make significant contributions to the field of inflammation research. Currently, Jack is a lecturer in Medical Sciences at the University of Tasmania, where he investigates inflammation. He is focused on establishing the inflammatory properties of environmental microplastics and identifying the cellular mechanisms that mediate microplastic-induced inflammation. Additionally, he aims to understand how peripheral and central inflammatory responses contribute to Alzheimer's disease. https://jackauty.com ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 In this episode of The Empowering Neurologist Podcast, we had the profound pleasure of reconnecting with my longtime friend and now filmmaker, Max Lugavere, the creative force behind the deeply moving documentary Little Empty Boxes. Max, who is as articulate as he is passionate, took us through the deeply personal journey that led to the making of his film—a narrative woven from love, loss, and the quest for understanding dementia. The genesis of Little Empty Boxes is as poignant as it is inspiring. Max shared the moment his life changed during what was meant to be a serene summer vacation: his mother, Kathy, was unable to recall the current year, a lapse that signaled the onset of her cognitive decline. This incident wasn't just a fleeting moment of forgetfulness; it was the beginning of a challenging journey through the landscape of dementia, a condition affecting over 55 million people worldwide. Moved by his mother's struggle, Max returned to New York City, transitioning from a concerned son to a determined researcher, diving deep into the complexities of dementia. The film follows his exploration of innovative approaches beyond conventional medication, aiming to slow the progression of his mother's illness. Max described Little Empty Boxes as a project that "crept in, claws out." It wasn’t a film he planned, but one that emerged from necessity. His mother's worsening condition was harrowing to witness, but it birthed a purpose that transcended personal pain. Max emphasized that the film isn’t centered on definitive medical answers or miraculous recoveries. Instead, it presents a raw, messy, and intimately personal look into the life of a dementia patient and the daily realities of their caretakers. One of the most touching moments in our conversation was Max’s reflection on the film as a tribute to his mother and a love letter to the science of dementia prevention. He hopes that by sharing his mother's story, the film will not only shine a light on ways to delay or prevent this devastating condition but also encourage viewers to cherish every memory. "It's about making the most of what remains, together," Max remarked, highlighting the film’s focus on the human elements of love, memory, and resilience. Our discussion with Max was more than just an interview; it was an exploration of the emotional and scientific facets of dementia through the lens of a devoted son's experience. For anyone who has witnessed the impacts of dementia firsthand, or for those interested in the intersections of film and real-world issues, Little Empty Boxes offers a compelling narrative that is both educational and deeply moving. Watch Little Empty Boxes here: https://littleemptyboxes.com/ ==== 0:00 Intro 3:49 The Diagnosis That Changed Everything 8:09 How Medicine Failed Max’s Mom 12:07 How Fraudulent Research Clouded Our Knowledge 18:14 Making “Little Empty Boxes” 26:06 Bringing the Prevention Conversation to the Masses 35:50 Conclusion ==== Max Lugavere is a health and science journalist, filmmaker, and bestselling author. He is the author of the Genius trilogy of books, including the New York Times bestseller Genius Foods and the Wall Street Journal bestseller Genius Kitchen. He hosts The Genius Life podcast, one of the top health and wellness podcasts in the U.S, and has an audience of over 1.5 million followers across social media. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 Alzheimer’s disease can be reversed. Need I state that again? That is the subject of our podcast featuring an interview with Dr. Heather Sandison. Dr. Sandison is a renowned naturopathic doctor and a leading expert in neurodegenerative diseases. She has dedicated her career to understanding and reversing cognitive decline, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease. In this episode, we will be discussing her groundbreaking new book, Reversing Alzheimer's. This transformative work offers a comprehensive approach to preventing and reversing Alzheimer’s disease through personalized medicine, lifestyle changes, and cutting-edge therapies. Dr. Sandison’s insights provide hope and practical strategies for those affected by this devastating condition. Tune in as we explore the innovative methods outlined in her book, the latest research in brain health, and how you can take proactive steps to maintain cognitive function. Whether you’re a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or someone concerned about your brain health, this episode is packed with invaluable information and inspiration. ==== 0:00 Intro 2:49 Promising Alzheimer’s Breakthrough 7:57 Where We’re Getting it Wrong with Alzheimer’s Prevention 11:00 Solving the Complex Problem of Alzheimer’s  13:33 How Infections & Covid 19 Plays a Role 18:34 A Different View of Beta Amyloid 22:10 Studying the Treatment Plan  26:50 Contrast Oxygen Therapy 33:21 Praise for Dale Bredesen’s Work 35:15 Conclusion ==== Dr. Heather Sandison, a distinguished naturopathic doctor, has devoted her career to providing compassionate care and innovative solutions to those affected by dementia. Renowned for her pioneering work, Dr. Sandison has integrated groundbreaking, holistic, and multimodal interventions, seamlessly creating clinical, residential, research, and educational platforms. Her relentless dedication has not only transformed the lives of patients and caregivers she has also set new standards in the field of dementia care. She is the author of Reversing Alzheimer's: The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health, out with HarperCollins June 11th, 2024. Learn more about brain health by signing up for our mailing list at: drheathersandison.com ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Dr. Raj Attariwala discusses total body MRI scans for early disease detection, including its effectiveness, cost-benefit ratio, future trends, and metabolic brain imaging. He shares success stories, pushes back against protocols, and compares total body to regional MRI. The podcast highlights the importance of standardization in scan interpretation and addresses who can't undergo an MRI.

Dr. Casey Means, co-founder of Levels Health and a Stanford-trained physician, discusses the critical link between lifestyle choices and metabolic health. She emphasizes how diet, sleep, and mindfulness practices directly impact our energy systems and overall well-being. The conversation highlights innovative strategies for managing metabolic health, like continuous glucose monitoring, and critiques the prevalence of ultra-processed foods. Dr. Means also advocates for accessible health metrics to empower individuals in their journey toward improved health.

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 Without question, a pivotal player in our health is the adequate and balanced functioning of the immune system. No matter what disease state you can consider, the immune system is playing an important role. We now recognize that our metabolic health is hugely influential in determining the functionality of our immune system. As such, we know that our lifestyles influence metabolic health and therefore, with this understanding, we can influence immune function by paying attention to these decisions we make each day that are so influential as it relates to human metabolism. On today's program, we are going to explore the concept of immune modulation and the relationship between immunity and metabolic health. We are also going to take a deep dive into new some very exciting discoveries as it relates to ancient foods that powerfully influence immune function including Himalayan tartary buckwheat, a modern day superfood that’s getting a lot of attention. There couldn't be anyone better to walk us through this exciting new science than my longtime friend, Dr. Jeffrey Bland.  This is a fascinating and thought provoking interview. To further explore this science, visit Big Bold Health: https://bigboldhealth.com/the-science ==== 0:00 Intro 4:25 The Immune System Connects Everything 13:27 Soil Health & Agricultural Toxins 19:01 Looking at the True Quality of Our Food 22:33 Discovering Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat 28:38 Polyphenols & Benefits of HTB 33:38 Longevity & Blue Zones 37:43 Forming a Super Superfood: Sprouting HTB 39:49 The True Interconnected Nature of the Body & Immune System 54:07 The Mystery of Ancient Medicine & Nature’s Intelligence 1:00:01 Taking a Closer Look at Functions 1:02:03 Conclusion ==== Jeff Bland, PhD is the founder of Big Bold Health, a company on a mission to transform the way people think about one of nature’s greatest innovations — the immune system. Through Big Bold Health, Jeff is advocating for the power of Immuno-Rejuvenation to enhance immunity at a global level, often through the rediscovery of ancient food crops and superfoods. To get there, Jeff is building a network of small farms and suppliers throughout the US that take a clear stance on regenerative agriculture, environmental stewardship, and planetary health. Jeff’s career in health spans more than 40 years. A nutritional biochemist by training, he began in academia as a university professor. Jeff then spent three decades in the natural products industry, working alongside other pioneers. A lifelong educator, Jeff has traveled the world many times over in his role as the “father of functional medicine.” In 1991, he and his wife, Susan, founded The Institute for Functional Medicine. In 2012, Jeff founded another educational nonprofit called the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute. Jeff is the author of The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer, and Happier Life, as well as countless additional books and research papers. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 As many of you are aware, much of our information that we present deals with problems of the brain and spinal cord. These have been described as being parts of the central nervous system. However, there is another part of the nervous system called the peripheral nervous system that is basically made up of the peripheral nerves. Peripheral neuropathy is a term that describes an abnormality with peripheral nerves. This can cause loss of sensation, pain, or even loss of autonomic function. Here in America some 20 million people suffer from peripheral neuropathy. In fact more than half of the people with diabetes will develop prayerful neuropathy at some point in their lifetimes. We are at increased risk for peripheral neuropathy not only as a consequence of diabetes but also as we age. Pray for neuropathy can be caused by chemotherapy and fully 1/4 of all peripheral neuropathy patients do not have an identifiable cost. There aren't really any FDA approved treatments to actually treat purple neuropathy in terms of the underlying cause of the nerve damage. While we do have drugs that treat, pain for example, again we need to find a way of treating the fire, not just focusing on the smoke. Having said that, there is an exciting new development in this field using drugs that are already available and are called muscarinic antagonists. Basically, they block the transmission of acetylcholine. In today's podcast, we are going to explore deeply, the mechanisms whereby this approach, using these muscarinic antagonists seems to be incredibly effective in growing new nerve fibers as well as increasing metabolism in the nerve itself leading to improvement ultimately in the manifestation of peripheral neuropathy. === 0:00 Intro 5:35 The Scope of the Problem 8:09 Diabetic Neuropathy  11:49 Neuropathy Following Chemotherapy  14:21 Viral Infections: HIV Treatment & Covid 16:56 Why Mitochondria are Essential in This 19:44 Pharmaceutical Study of Neuropathy  24:57 Aldose reductase inhibitor 29:31 Why This Approach is Different 37:44 How Antimuscarinics Work 48:10 Metrics for Getting FDA Approval 58:42 Funding the Research 1:01:53 Conclusion  ==== Nigel A. Calcutt, Ph.D. ook both his B.Sc. in Zoology and Ph.D. Physiology and Pharmacology at Nottingham University, England. Dr. Calcutt first began studying nerve damage caused by diabetes as an undergraduate, with a largely unsuccessful but nevertheless entertaining and informative attempt to generate diabetic chickens in the laboratory of the esteemed ornithologist Professor David Tomlinson. Undeterred by the pitiful paucity of pre-diabetic poultry, he has continued to investigate mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy and neuropathic pain throughout his academic career, with a particular interest in translational studies. Dr. Calcutt is also a co-founder of the biotechnology company WinSanTor Inc. and the non-profit organization Diabetes Research Connection. Paul Fernyhough PhD received his PhD in biochemistry from the department of Biochemistry at University of Sheffield. He then carried out postdoctoral research at Colorado State University, Kings College London and as a Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Fellow at St Bartholomew’s Medical College. Dr. Fernyhough’s research interest is in the cell biology underlying neurodegenerative disorders of the peripheral nervous system with a focus on the impact of diabetes. A biotech start-up, WinSanTor Inc, has been established and is directing phase 2 clinical trials in diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1