How to Catch Alzheimer’s Before It Starts, with Dr. Eric Topol
Mark Hyman
Jul 23, 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Limit protein intake to avoid atherosclerosis and inflammation
Consuming excessive amounts of protein, particularly animal protein, can be dangerous as it may promote atherosclerosis and inflammation, with no data supporting benefits beyond 1.6 grams per kilogram.
Enhance deep sleep by managing evening habits and stress
You can significantly increase deep sleep by avoiding late-night exercise and meals, limiting evening fluids, and managing stress, which can improve deep sleep from under 15 minutes to over 45 minutes a night.
Utilize P-tau217 blood test to detect Alzheimer's risk early
The P-tau217 blood test can detect the very first changes of Alzheimer's disease up to 20 years before mild cognitive impairment begins.
Utilize AI to detect disease risks in normal lab values
AI can analyze trends in your lab values, even when they are within the normal range, to flag risks for diseases like pancreatic cancer years in advance.
Utilize proteomic tests to measure organ aging
Inexpensive proteomic tests can now measure the biological age of eight specific organs, including the brain and heart, by analyzing thousands of plasma proteins.
Eliminate microplastics to reduce arterial inflammation and heart risks
A major study found that the presence of microplastics in arterial plaque is associated with vicious inflammation and a four to five-fold increase in heart attacks, strokes, and death.
Avoid metformin during resistance training to maximize muscle gains
Taking metformin while doing progressive resistance training may inhibit mitochondrial function and prevent you from getting the same muscle-building response compared to placebo.
Combat social isolation to reduce disease risk
There is significant data showing that social isolation is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even cancer.
Test GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for brain inflammation in Alzheimer's trials
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are being tested in large Alzheimer's trials on thin people due to their potent ability to reduce brain inflammation, a novel use beyond diabetes or weight loss.
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