Alzheimer’s Prevention: Unlock Brain Health with Keto & Fats - Dr. Mary Newport

Dave Asprey

Aug 20, 2024

Episode description

In this insightful episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Mary Newport, a renowned expert in lipid metabolism and brain health, to discuss the critical role of fats in preventing Alzheimer's disease and promoting cognitive longevity. Dr. Newport, author of the book Clearly Keto for Healthy Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention, shares her deep knowledge of how different fats impact brain function, the benefits of ketogenic diets, and the connection between infections like herpes and Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about her personal journey caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and how ketogenic interventions, including coconut oil and MCT oil, led to significant improvements in his cognitive health. 

Tune in to learn more about the role of diet, ketones, and brain health, and how to make strategic food choices to maintain cognitive resilience as you age. 

Timestamps: 

  • 00:00:00 — Opening 

  • 00:01:07 — Introduction to Dr. Mary Newport and her work 

  • 00:02:29 — Clearly Keto: Overview of her new book 

  • 00:04:44 — Her husband’s Alzheimer’s journey 

  • 00:07:48 — Ketones and brain health 

  • 00:12:09 — Keto diets for brain function 

  • 00:24:00 — Insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s 

  • 00:44:00 — Alzheimer's research insights 

  • 01:01:18 — Final thoughts 

Sponsors: 

Resources: 

Episode description

In this insightful episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Mary Newport, a renowned expert in lipid metabolism and brain health, to discuss the critical role of fats in preventing Alzheimer's disease and promoting cognitive longevity. Dr. Newport, author of the book Clearly Keto for Healthy Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention, shares her deep knowledge of how different fats impact brain function, the benefits of ketogenic diets, and the connection between infections like herpes and Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about her personal journey caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and how ketogenic interventions, including coconut oil and MCT oil, led to significant improvements in his cognitive health. 

Tune in to learn more about the role of diet, ketones, and brain health, and how to make strategic food choices to maintain cognitive resilience as you age. 

Timestamps: 

  • 00:00:00 — Opening 

  • 00:01:07 — Introduction to Dr. Mary Newport and her work 

  • 00:02:29 — Clearly Keto: Overview of her new book 

  • 00:04:44 — Her husband’s Alzheimer’s journey 

  • 00:07:48 — Ketones and brain health 

  • 00:12:09 — Keto diets for brain function 

  • 00:24:00 — Insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s 

  • 00:44:00 — Alzheimer's research insights 

  • 01:01:18 — Final thoughts 

Sponsors: 

Resources: 

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Prioritize metabolism and brain health in your 20s for long-term savings

Taking care of your metabolism and brain health in your 20s or 30s is much cheaper and easier than trying to reverse problems later in life. The benefits start now and last for decades.

Choose the right fats to support your body's functions

Not all fats are the same—different types of fats play unique roles in your body, from building cell membranes to making hormones. Instead of just labeling fat as 'good' or 'bad,' it's smart to choose the right kind for your needs.

Adopt Mediterranean diet to slow Alzheimer's progression

Switching to a Mediterranean-style, whole food, low-carb diet has been shown to help people with Alzheimer's live longer and improve brain function. Diet really does make a difference, even when experts used to say it didn't matter.

Incorporate MCT or coconut oil to enhance brain function

Adding MCT oil or coconut oil to your routine can raise your body's ketone levels, providing an alternative fuel for the brain—especially helpful for those with memory or cognitive problems. This approach helped Dr. Newport's husband regain abilities lost to Alzheimer's.

Fuel your brain with ketones for enhanced energy

Ketones can give your brain energy when it can't use sugar properly, which is common in Alzheimer's and even in people without diabetes. You can make ketones by eating fewer carbs, fasting, or taking MCT oil or special ketone supplements.

Control herpes outbreaks to lower Alzheimer's risk

Recurring herpes infections, like cold sores, may increase the risk of Alzheimer's by causing brain inflammation. Taking steps to control outbreaks with things like coconut oil, certain supplements, or medications may help reduce this risk.

Cycle carbs to enhance weight management and insulin sensitivity

Staying low-carb most of the time but occasionally having a day with more carbs can help with weight management and keep your metabolism flexible. This approach may also support better insulin sensitivity.

Choose ketone diols for safer supplementation

There are different types of ketone supplements—oils, salts, esters, and diols. Ketone diols (like Ketone IQ) are safer for most people and can raise ketones without the stomach issues or risks of acidosis from other forms.

Implement lifestyle changes to prevent dementia

Up to 40% of dementia cases may be avoided by making lifestyle changes like eating better, exercising, sleeping well, and managing blood pressure. Simple habits really add up for brain health.

Avoid over-the-counter drugs that impair memory

Common medications like antihistamines, sleep aids, and some cold remedies can block an important brain chemical (acetylcholine) and make memory problems worse, especially in older adults.

Prioritize exercise and sleep to protect brain health

Regular physical activity and getting enough quality sleep are both powerful tools for keeping your brain sharp and reducing your risk of Alzheimer's as you age.

Explore biohacking tools to enhance brain and body health

Devices and supplements that improve blood flow (like microdose Cialis or nitric oxide lozenges), MCT oils, and gut health tests can help upgrade your brain and body. Trying out new tools can be part of an effective longevity strategy.

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