El Podcast

E146: Can Dementia Actually Be Reversed? Neurologist Explains

Episode Summary

Neurologist Dr. Robert Friedland discuss his latest book, Unaging: The Four Factors That Impact How You Age. Dr. Friedland explores how lifestyle choices—including diet, exercise, social relationships, and psychological health—significantly affect aging and Alzheimer's risk. He reveals surprising insights about dementia, polypharmacy, genetic testing, and why aging well isn't just about genetics, but largely about the decisions we make every day.

Episode Notes

Neurologist Dr. Robert P. Friedland discusses how lifestyle choices influence aging and Alzheimer's risk.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Robert P. Friedland is a neurologist at the University of Louisville, specializing in Alzheimer's research, brain health, and aging. He is the author of Unaging: The Four Factors That Impact How You Age.

Topics Discussed:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Dementia and polypharmacy
• Cognitive, physical, psychological, and social reserves
• Lifestyle factors influencing brain health
• Genetic testing and Alzheimer's risk
• Aging, longevity, and evolution
• Social connectedness and aging

Main Points:

• Up to 20% of dementia cases could be reversible, often linked to polypharmacy or treatable conditions.
• Aging well involves optimizing four reserve factors: cognitive, physical, psychological, and social.
• Lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and social engagement, can significantly reduce Alzheimer's risk.
• Genetic predispositions don’t guarantee Alzheimer's; lifestyle choices play a larger role.
• Alzheimer's incidence is declining proportionally due to improved lifestyle habits despite an aging population.
• Social connectedness and maintaining purpose dramatically impact longevity and cognitive health.
• Human bodies are not evolutionarily optimized for extreme old age; longevity is a modern opportunity.

Top 3 Quotes:

• “Aging itself is not inevitable...getting old is an opportunity denied to many.”
• “It matters what we do...our lifestyle factors significantly influence the risk of cognitive impairment.”
• “Social activity and psychological resilience are just as crucial as physical and cognitive health in preventing Alzheimer's.”

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; always consult a healthcare professional for personal medical guidance