AMA #60: preventing cognitive decline, nutrition myths, lowering blood glucose, apoB, and blood pressure, and more

Peter Attia

Jun 17, 2024

Episode description

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode

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In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter provides insights on a broad range of important topics. He delves into the prevention of cognitive decline, the link between cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease, and methods to lower blood glucose, insulin, and apoB. He also addresses nutrition-related queries, exploring the impact of dietary habits on weight loss and longevity, how a person can identify the best diet for themselves, and common nutrition myths. Additional discussions include optimal blood pressure, daily step goals, the benefits of standing versus sitting desks, and much more.

If you’re not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you’ll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you’re a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or our website at the AMA #60 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here.

We discuss:

  • Overview of topics and episode format [1:40];

  • Preventing cognitive decline [5:00];

  • How to lower blood glucose and insulin [13:30];

  • The relationship between lipids, CVD, and Alzheimer’s disease, and whether statins can increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders and AD [23:15];

  • Reducing apoB levels through exercise and diet [31:45];

  • Pharmacological options for lowering apoB [38:00];

  • How nutrition impacts longevity via metabolic health, muscle mass, BMD and more [40:15];

  • How can someone determine the best diet for themselves? [43:45];

  • Nutrition myth: All weight loss is good [46:45];

  • Nutrition myth: Metabolic rates are dramatically different among individuals based on genetics [49:00];

  • Nutrition myth: Losing weight after a brief period of overeating is impossib

Episode description

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode

Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content

Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter

In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter provides insights on a broad range of important topics. He delves into the prevention of cognitive decline, the link between cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease, and methods to lower blood glucose, insulin, and apoB. He also addresses nutrition-related queries, exploring the impact of dietary habits on weight loss and longevity, how a person can identify the best diet for themselves, and common nutrition myths. Additional discussions include optimal blood pressure, daily step goals, the benefits of standing versus sitting desks, and much more.

If you’re not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you’ll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you’re a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or our website at the AMA #60 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here.

We discuss:

  • Overview of topics and episode format [1:40];

  • Preventing cognitive decline [5:00];

  • How to lower blood glucose and insulin [13:30];

  • The relationship between lipids, CVD, and Alzheimer’s disease, and whether statins can increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders and AD [23:15];

  • Reducing apoB levels through exercise and diet [31:45];

  • Pharmacological options for lowering apoB [38:00];

  • How nutrition impacts longevity via metabolic health, muscle mass, BMD and more [40:15];

  • How can someone determine the best diet for themselves? [43:45];

  • Nutrition myth: All weight loss is good [46:45];

  • Nutrition myth: Metabolic rates are dramatically different among individuals based on genetics [49:00];

  • Nutrition myth: Losing weight after a brief period of overeating is impossib

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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