Neuroscientist: Most Women Are Raising Their Dementia Risk (Without Knowing It)

Rangan Chatterjee

Mar 27, 2026

Episode description

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Find Part 1 of the conversation here: https://youtu.be/Cprl8wrBQaY

This podcast contains some of the simplest, most effective advice on brain health you will ever hear. It explains why the cognitive decline we expect with age isn’t inevitable at all. And why up to 70 percent of cases of dementia are, in fact, preventable.

I’m speaking with neuroscientist Dr Tommy Wood, one of the most respected voices on brain health today. He works with Formula One drivers and elite athletes to deliver peak cognitive and physical performance. He’s a researcher whose work spans brain development, traumatic brain injury and dementia – all of which is compellingly distilled into his new book, The Stimulated Mind.

Tommy is a plain speaker and motivating communicator and in this episode he explains why it’s the way you use your brain that matters more than almost anything else you can do for your long-term health. In this video we discuss the hugely important, often overlooked topic of women’s brain health. What does the science really say about cognitive decline in menopause? The outlook is more hopeful than you might have thought.

Our conversation is packed with practical advice and evidence-backed insights that I want everyone to hear. Cognitive decline isn’t inevitable. Dementia isn’t your destiny. Whatever your age and whatever your worry, there are so many easy steps you can take, starting today, that are guaranteed to make a difference.

#feelbetterlivemore

Connect with Dr Wood:
Website https://www.drtommywood.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drtommywood/
Publications https://www.drtommywood.com/publications
X https://twitter.com/DrRagnar
Podcasts: Better Brain Fitness https://www.drtommywood.com/podcast

Dr Wood’s book:
The Stimulated Mind Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age
UK https://amzn.to/3Nlzlzy US https://amzn.to/3P4hTjB

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Leverage education and careers to reduce dementia risk in women

The decreasing age-specific dementia risk in women may be partly due to their increased access to education and complex jobs since the 1970s.

#dementia

#education

Engage in complex sports for enhanced brain benefits

Coordinative activities like dancing, martial arts, or tennis provide additional brain benefits over simple cardio because they require learning complex motor skills and strategy.

#cognition

#exercise

Recognize menopause cognitive changes as temporary

Cognitive changes experienced during the menopausal transition are not necessarily permanent and may return to baseline after the transition is complete.

#cognition

#menopause

Manage health risks during menopause to protect cognitive function

The menopausal transition is a risk amplification period where existing health issues, like metabolic disease, have a larger negative effect on cognitive function.

#cognition

#menopause

Maintain cognitive function post-retirement to counteract decline

People with very high levels of job complexity may lose cognitive function faster after retirement because their brain was adapted to require high levels of ongoing stimulus.

#aging

#cognition

Boost brain gray matter with high-intensity aerobic exercise

High-intensity aerobic exercise produces lactate, which enters the brain and switches on the production of BDNF, supporting the gray matter and memory.

#aerobic

#BDNF

Enhance brain's white matter through resistance training

Resistance training releases IGF-1, a molecule critical for improving the structure of the brain's white matter, which handles fast connections and executive function.