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. ✉️🌱 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

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 In a groundbreaking development, an international team of researchers has unveiled a remarkable advancement in the fight against progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Their study, led by scientists from the University of Cambridge, the University of Milan Bicocca, and Hospital Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza in Italy, demonstrates the safety, tolerance, and long-lasting effectiveness of injecting a specific type of stem cell directly into the brains of patients living with progressive MS. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of advanced cell therapy treatments for this debilitating disease that affects over 2 million people worldwide. Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease that targets the central nervous system, leading to severe disruption in the transmission of nerve signals. While there are treatments available to alleviate some of the symptoms and reduce the frequency of relapses, many patients still progress into a secondary phase of the disease, which steadily worsens over time, causing severe disability. This secondary progressive phase has long been a significant challenge in the treatment of MS. In progressive forms of MS, a type of immune cell known as macrophages, specifically microglial cells, plays a crucial role in attacking and damaging the central nervous system. This relentless assault leads to chronic inflammation and extensive nerve cell damage. Recent advances in stem cell therapies have raised hope that they could help mitigate this damage by replacing damaged cells with healthy ones. Before the current study, the University of Cambridge team had already demonstrated in mouse models that reprogrammed skin cells into brain stem cells, transplanted into the central nervous system, could reduce inflammation and potentially aid in repairing MS-related damage. This groundbreaking study marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of effective treatments for secondary progressive MS. Although the study is relatively small and may have confounding effects from immunosuppressant drugs, its safety and long-lasting effects over the 12-month trial period have paved the way for further clinical trials. The research team's cautious optimism fuels hope for the development of cell therapy as a potential solution for this debilitating condition. This exciting progress holds the promise of a brighter future for the millions of people living with progressive MS, offering renewed hope for a more effective treatment approach. Our interview today is with the lead researcher involved in this study at the University of Cambridge, Stefano Pluchino, MD, PhD. ==== 0:00 Intro 2:46 Why Stem Cell Therapy Works 5:10 Studying Stem Cells on the Brain 9:15 MS Patients Studied in This Trial  13:43 What the Results Mean for the Public 17:40 The Specifics of the Study 26:18 Rigorous Testing that Sets this Trail Apart 28:25 Findings: Feasibility, Safety, and Biomarkers  34:32 Looking at the Results over 12 months 40:11 Correlation of Metabolic Health and MS 44:55 What Exosomes Reveal About Disease 49:01 Senolytic Therapy & Neurodegenerative Diseases 53:36 Conclusion  ==== Stefano Pluchino received his MD and PhD degrees at the University of Siena, Italy, and additional training at Cambridge University, UK. He is currently Professor of Regenerative Neuroimmunology (2021) and Honorary Consultant in Neurology, within the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at Cambridge University. Twitter: @Pluchinolab Research: https://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/fulltext/S1934-5909(23)00393-4 ___________________________ 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. Tracy Gapin, an expert in testosterone replacement therapy, discusses the importance of testosterone for men's health and the effects of low testosterone. He highlights the benefits and misconceptions of testosterone replacement therapy, emphasizing the role it plays in mood, energy levels, cognitive function, and overall well-being. The podcast delves into the decline in testosterone levels in men globally, the impact of environmental toxins, and the need for hormone replacement therapy. It also explores drug approaches, hormone management, optimizing testosterone and thyroid levels, and the efficacy of GLP1 agonist drugs for weight loss and blood sugar control.

Explore the underlying causes of autoimmune diseases with Dr. Sara Gottfried as she uncovers the correlation between trauma and autoimmune conditions. Learn about the impact of lifestyle, genetics, and environment on autoimmune disorders. Dive into the connection between gut health, microbiome, and autoimmune diseases like celiac and Hashimoto's. Discover the role of brain metabolism, neurology, and immune system complexities in autoimmune conditions. Embrace self-empowerment and love in making health choices.