
The Empowering Neurologist Podcast
The Empowering Neurologist is an interview series with some of the most exciting thought leaders in the field of health and wellness.
Latest episodes

Jun 24, 2024 • 38min
Reversing Alzheimer's: New Research Improves Cognition & Protects Brain Health - with Dr. Heather Sandison | EP 183
🧠 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.
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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
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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
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Jun 3, 2024 • 54min
Should You Have a Total Body MRI Scan? The Science of Early Disease Detection - with Dr. Raj Attariwala | EP 182
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.

11 snips
May 20, 2024 • 55min
Simple Steps to Regain and Preserve Your Metabolic Health - with Dr. Casey Means | EP 181
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.

May 6, 2024 • 1h 6min
A Closer Look At Immune Health & Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat - with Dr. Jeffery Bland | EP 180
🧠 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
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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
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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.
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Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/
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Apr 22, 2024 • 1h 3min
Exciting Developments in the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy - with Dr. Fernyhough & Dr. Calcutt | EP 179
🧠 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.
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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
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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.
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/
Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/
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Apr 8, 2024 • 55min
Inside the Study That Reveals Promise for Treating Multiple Sclerosis with Stem Cells - with Dr. Stefano Pluchino | EP 178
🧠 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.
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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
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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
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Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/
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Mar 25, 2024 • 52min
A Solution to the Alarming Drop in Testosterone Levels Worldwide: The Promise of TRT - Dr. Tracy Gapin | EP 177
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.

Mar 11, 2024 • 46min
The Autoimmune Cure: Healing the Trauma & Triggers that Turn Your Body Against You - Dr. Sara Gottfried | EP 176
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.

27 snips
Feb 26, 2024 • 60min
Replacing Fructose with Allulose: Exploring the Science Artificial Sweeteners - Dr. Johnson | EP 175
Explore the metabolic impact of fructose, sugar substitutes, and allulose with Dr. Richard Johnson. Learn about GLP-1 drugs, climate change effects on human metabolism, and potential health benefits of allulose. Dive into the global perspective on kidney disease, climate change impacts on infectious diseases, and the benefits of quercetin and luteolin in metabolic health.

Feb 12, 2024 • 51min
Can This Wearable Device Reduce Stress? A Deep Dive into the Apollo | Dr. Dave Rabin - EP 174
Interested in an Apollo device? Click the following link and use code PERLMUTTER for a 15% OFF discount. https://apolloneuroscience.pxf.io/c/4460811/1861953/12331
🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱
Clearly, we've communicated a lot of information indicating that it's really fundamentally important for our health and ability to resist disease that we gain control over things like anxiety, lack of restorative sleep, lack of exercise, and certainly make other good choices like eating appropriately as well. These are powerful modulators of our metabolic health I have wide ranging implication not just as it relates to the brain, but our entire physiology.
How exciting is that we live in the day and age of wearable devices. And, importantly, we now see the development of a wearable device that specifically allows us in a non pharmaceutical way to deal with anxiety, help us through the days it relates to our decision making ability, and even help us in the night as a relates to sleep, and it’s called Apollo. I thought it would be a great idea to interview the creator of this device, Dr. David Ravin.
Dr. David Rabin, MD, PhD, a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist, is the co-founder & chief medical officer at Apollo Neuroscience, the first scientifically-validated wearable system to improve heart rate variability, focus, relaxation, and access to meditative states by delivering gentle layered vibrations to the skin. In addition to his clinical psychiatry practice, Dr. Rabin is also the co-founder & executive director of The Board of Medicine, and a psychedelic clinical researcher currently evaluating the mechanism of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in treatment-resistant mental illnesses.
This is a very interesting podcast about a very interesting and clearly beneficial wearable device. I have found that using this device my heart rate variability has gone up dramatically, which is a good thing, and something I have been trying to accomplish for quite some time. This has huge implications for health. I hope you enjoy this information.
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0:00 Intro
3:09 Where It All Began - Searching for Stress Solutions
7:18 MDMA Therapy for PTSD
9:52 Why the Pushback on Psychedelic Therapy?
12:20 New Wearable Tech that Simulates MDMA Benefits
19:56 Creating the Apollo
24:53 Key Metric: Heart Rate Variability
29:10 Dr. Perlmutter’s Success Story with the Apollo
34:32 Perceived vs Real Threat in Anxiety
36:53 Other Success Stories with Apollo
42:51 Solving the Problems of Sleep
50:04 Conclusion
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Dr. David Rabin, MD, PhD, a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist, is the co-founder & chief medical officer at Apollo Neuroscience, the first scientifically-validated wearable system to improve heart rate variability, focus, relaxation, and access to meditative states by delivering gentle layered vibrations to the skin. In addition to his clinical psychiatry practice, Dr. Rabin is also the co-founder & executive director of The Board of Medicine, and a psychedelic clinical researcher currently evaluating the mechanism of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in treatment-resistant mental illnesses.
Socials:
Drdave.io
Apolloneuro.com
Boardofmedicine.org
Twitter: @daverabin
Instagram: @drdavidrabin
___________________________
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Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/
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