The Empowering Neurologist Podcast David Perlmutter

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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.



 

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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

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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



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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/





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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

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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.



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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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There’s certainly a lot of interest these days in the idea of having a “total body MRI scan.” And with good reason. This turns out to be a highly sensitive study as it relates to detecting a variety of issues, even including early cancers.

I wanted to learn more about this technique so I traveled to Vancouver, Canada to meet with Dr. Raj Attariwala, developer of the Prenuvo Scan, a popular total body MRI here in America and the scan that I myself underwent.

In this interview we explore the need and utility of total body MRI, its limitations, what the future will likely bring in this area of imaging, as well as Dr. Attariwala’s more recent research dealing with metabolic imaging of the brain.



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0:00 Intro 

2:46 How & Why MRIs Work

7:37 Effectiveness for Early Detection

13:13 Cost/ Benefit Ratio of MRI

16:49 The Future of MRI & Metabolic Signature

21:27 Brain Health & Body Mass: Findings From Total Body MRI

27:20 Pushbacks on this Protocol

31:27 Total Body vs Regional MRI

34:00 Who Can't Have an MRI

36:00 Standardization in Interpretation of Scans

45:32 Success Stories

47:25 Detecting Colon Cancer

48:29 Best Protocol for Cancer Detection

51:53 Conclusion

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Dr Rajpaul Attariwala, M.D., PhD, FRCPC

Nuclear Medicine Radiologist & Biomedical Engineer

Dr Attariwala holds a doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) prior to becoming a double board-certified radiologist and nuclear medicine physician certified in both Canada and USA. He received his formal training at UBC, along with specialized training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (New York), UCLA, and USC. He is the creator of the Prenuvo scan and report which were developed at his MRI facility, AIM Medical Imaging in Vancouver Canada. His passion is to create and advance technology to help patients understand how their body changes in both health and disease. Currently he is working to develop and implement critical tools to promote healthspan in Medicine 3.0 with leading scientists and physicians from around the world. 



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In this installment in The Empowering Neurologist Podcast we are thrilled to have a very special guest, and longtime friend, Dr. Casey Means, co-author of the groundbreaking book, Good Energy.

Good Energy is not just a book; it's a movement. It invites us to reconsider our day-to-day choices and their profound impact on our body's energy systems. Dr. Means, a Stanford-trained physician, has beautifully woven her medical expertise with cutting-edge research to craft a guide that’s indispensable for anyone looking to enhance their physical and mental well-being through sustainable energy management.

In this episode, Dr. Means shares insights into how our everyday habits—what we eat, how we sleep, and even how we think—can significantly influence our metabolic processes, mental clarity, and overall vitality. The book delves into the concept of mitochondrial health, a topic we frequently explore, explaining how these tiny powerhouses in our cells are not just biological entities, but pivotal in shaping our health destiny by influencing all manner of our physiology.

Our conversation covers key themes from the book, including:

The Role of Diet in Energy Production: How can the right foods transform your health by optimizing energy production at a cellular level?

Mindfulness and Mental Energy: Exploring the link between mental practices like mindfulness and physical energy levels.

Innovative Health Tracking: Dr. Means is a proponent of leveraging technology (like the continuous glucose monitor) to monitor health markers. We discuss how modern tools can help personalize our health strategies for better energy.

Listeners will come away with practical advice on integrating the principles of Good Energy into their lives.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in stepping up their energy game, enhancing cognitive function, and ultimately taking charge of their health in a holistic and informed manner.



If you want to try Levels today click this link for 2 months free on an annual membership: levels.link/perlmutter



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0:00 Intro

3:27 Where We’re Missing the Mark on Health

8:56 Correlation of Movement and Alzheimer’s

11:34 Learn How to Trust Yourself

18:04 Linking Metabolism & Health: How Levels Health Began

27:18 How to Interpret Levels Data to Optimize Your Wellbeing

31:34 American Children’s Health Crisis

35:56 Take Your Health Back

41:16 How This Information is Helping People

53:03 Conclusion

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Casey Means, MD is the co-founder of Levels, a health technology company with the mission of reversing the world’s metabolic health crisis. She received her BA with honors and MD from Stanford, was President of her Stanford class, and has served on Stanford faculty. She trained in Head & Neck Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University before leaving traditional medicine to devote her life to tackling the root cause of why Americans are sick. She has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Women’s Health, and more. 





Calley Means is the co-founder of Truemed - a company that enables Americans to purchase healthy food and exercise tax-free. He is an advocate/whistleblower about the corruption of the food and pharma industries and need to change incentives - and appeared on over 100 major media outlets to advocate for change. Calley is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Business School.

Make sure to tune in and join us for this enlightening conversation. Your journey towards better health and Good Energy starts here! This episode will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a profound impact on your health.



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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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