This episode was a live presentation for our members in the NEURO Academy online community. We presented a summary of the pivotal role that lifestyle changes play in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and answered questions at the end.  The research presented was on the following: Dietary patterns and risk of Alzheimer's Relationship of serum cholesterol and Alzheimer's  Supplements and brain health DHA/EPA and Alzheimer's risk Exercise Unwind or stress management and the latest data and risk for Alzheimer's Sleep disorders and slee hygiene  Building cognitive reserve  NEURO Academy is a membership based online community with over 500 active members, with resources to achieve optimal brain health, better cognition and prevent cognitive decline. The platform provides the opportunity to connect with us and an empowering community, and participate in weekly live Q&A sessions, education on evidence based nutrition and other lifestyle factors, live cooking demonstration , live podcasts and Q&A with remarkable health leaders, interest groups, book clubs, science club discussions, access to on-demand courses on prevention of neurological diseases,  evidence-based nutrition and cooking, behavioral sciences and many others on various topics related to brain health. Members can receive CE or CME credits and certification after taking the course. Join us by visiting NEUROacademy.com.   Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: The Brain Docs @thebraindocs Facebook: The Brain Docs TikTok: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com

In this episode, we spoke with Nicole Vignola, who is a cognitive neuroscientist, author and speaker committed to making neuroscience tangible for the masses. With 12 years of coaching experience, Nicole has a BSc in Neuroscience from the University of Bristol and an MSc in Organisational Psychology with a research focus in cognitive neuroscience. She works with organisations and individuals to teach them how to better understand their unique physiology, providing them with practical tools and science-backed methods to improve their mental health, optimise reflexes and reach peak mental performance, enhancing their daily lives and careers. Through creating healthy habits, Nicole helps people best support their mental health, manage their stressors and make better decisions.  Her first book ‘Rewire: Your Neurotoolkit for Everyday Life' is coming out in May 2024. Follow Nicole on Instagram: @nicoleneuroscience Follow us: Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: The Brain Docs @thebraindocs TikTok: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com

In this episode In this illuminating episode, we dive deep into the world of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly prescribed medications for heartburn and acid reflux. While these drugs have brought relief to millions worldwide, recent studies have begun to uncover potential links between PPI use and an increased risk of dementia. We explore the mechanisms that might underlie this association, the clinical implications for patients, and the broader question of how seemingly unrelated conditions might be connected at a molecular level. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient on PPIs, or simply someone curious about the intricate web of human health, this episode promises to offer fresh insights into a hotly debated area of medicine. References: Main papers disucssed in this episode: - Northuis, Carin, et al. "Cumulative Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study." Neurology (2023). https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2023/08/09/WNL.0000000000207747?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=organic - Gomm, Willy, et al. "Association of proton pump inhibitors with risk of dementia: a pharmacoepidemiological claims data analysis." JAMA neurology 73.4 (2016): 410-416. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2487379 - Li, Min, et al. "Proton pump inhibitor use and risk of dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis." Medicine 98.7 (2019). - Ortiz-Guerrero, Gloria, et al. "Proton pump inhibitors and dementia: physiopathological mechanisms and clinical consequences." Neural plasticity 2018 (2018). - Wijarnpreecha, Karn, et al. "Proton pump inhibitors and risk of dementia." Annals of translational medicine 4.12 (2016). - Haenisch, Britta, et al. "Risk of dementia in elderly patients with the use of proton pump inhibitors." European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience 265 (2015): 419-428. - Batchelor, Riley, et al. "Dementia, cognitive impairment and proton pump inhibitor therapy: a systematic review." Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology 32.8 (2017): 1426-1435. - Gray, Shelly L., et al. "Proton pump inhibitor use and dementia risk: Prospective population‐based study." Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 66.2 (2018): 247-253. - Ahn, Nayeon, et al. "Do proton pump inhibitors increase the risk of dementia? A systematic review, meta‐analysis and bias analysis." British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 89.2 (2023): 602-616. Follow us: Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: The Brain Docs @thebraindocs Facebook: The Brain Docs TikTok: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com  

In this episode, we dive deep into the recent, much anticipated randomized controlled trial on the MIND diet. The headlines were ablaze with the dissapointing, less-than-stellar results of the study, but was it truly the diet that didn't work as well as it should have, or was the methodology flawed?  We discussed the background of the findings on the MIND diet in previous studies and its effect on cognitive health, the detailed methodology of the current randomized controlled trial, its outcomes  and how it impacts our understanding of nutrition and brain health.  Citations: Barnes, Lisa L., et al. "Trial of the MIND Diet for Prevention of Cognitive Decline in Older Persons." New England Journal of Medicine (2023). Follow us: Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: The Brain Docs @thebraindocs Facebook: The Brain Docs TikTok: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com

In this episode, we delve deep into the role fats play in brain health. We bust some common myths about dietary fats and talked about the latest scientific evidence to paint a clearer picture of how these essential nutrients contribute to our cognitive function. Episode Highlights: Understanding Fats: We start by breaking down what fats are, discussing their diverse types and functions. We’ll explain saturated, unsaturated, trans, and essential fatty acids and why they matter. Brain Composition and Fats: Our brains are nearly 60% fat. We explore how these fats maintain the structure of the brain and facilitate its various functions. Fats and Hormone Production: Hormones regulate many bodily functions, including those of the brain. We’ll detail how fats are integral to the production of vital hormones. Importance of Fats for Cell Membrane Health and Myelin Sheath: We dive into how fats contribute to the integrity of cell membranes and why this is crucial for efficient brain function. Fats as an Energy Source: While glucose is the preferred fuel, fats can also power our brains. Discover the conditions under which the brain turns to fats for energy. Critical Role of Fats in Brain Development: Learn about the critical role certain fats play in brain development during infancy and childhood. Fats in Brain Aging and Cognitive Decline - the latest research: We’ll explore recent research that shows how consuming healthy fats can potentially slow cognitive decline and decrease the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Fats' Impact on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Finally, we’ll explore how omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, factors implicated in many neurological disorders. In this episode, we venture beyond myths and take a look at the science behind fats and brain function. Join us as we uncover the intricate role of fats in maintaining a healthy brain and its impact on our mental health.   Follow us: Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: The Brain Docs @thebraindocs Facebook: The Brain Docs TikTok: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com