AMA #60: preventing cognitive decline, nutrition myths, lowering blood glucose, apoB, and blood pressure, and more
Peter Attia
Jun 17, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Prioritize exercise, sleep, and engagement over cognitive supplements
Supplements for cognitive performance are a rounding error compared to the enormous impact of exercise, metabolic health, sleep, and cognitive engagement.
Implement strategies to prevent dementia and cognitive decline
The behavioral strategies for reducing the risk of dementia are virtually identical to the steps you take to reduce the risk of general cognitive decline.
Leverage exercise to preserve cognitive function
In terms of sheer effect size, exercise, including both strength and cardio, is the most powerful tool available for the preservation of cognitive function.
Prioritize metabolic health to support brain function
The brain uses approximately 20% of your metabolic demand despite being only 2% of your body weight, highlighting the importance of metabolic health for cognition.
Manage type 2 diabetes to reduce Alzheimer's risk
Having type 2 diabetes can increase your risk for Alzheimer's disease by anywhere from 40% to 100%.
Engage in brain-body exercises for superior cognitive health
Complex activities that combine the brain and body, like dancing or learning a new language, are more important for cognitive health than simpler tasks like crossword puzzles.
Engage in cognitive challenges throughout life after retirement
Retirement should not mean stopping work, but rather continuing to engage in activities that are cognitively challenging throughout your entire life.
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