Simple Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Dementia with Max Lugavere

Dave Asprey

Jun 20, 2024

Episode description

In this episode of The Human Upgrade - Max Lugavere, a journalist and filmmaker, joins to discuss his new documentary "Little Empty Boxes." Max shares his personal story of dealing with his mother's dementia, offering a unique and heartfelt perspective on this challenging condition. You’ll learn about the significant role diet and lifestyle play in keeping your brain healthy and how you can lower your risk of developing dementia through simple, everyday actions. 

Max also shares the latest research on dementia, shedding light on the science behind prevention and early intervention. He explains why it's crucial to start taking care of your brain health now, regardless of your age. Additionally, you’ll hear about the emotional impact of dementia on families and practical ways to support loved ones going through it. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips on how to protect your brain health and help others do the same. This episode is packed with practical advice that you can start applying today to make a real difference in your cognitive health and overall well-being. 



Timestamp Highlights: 

  • (00:01:04) Introduction: Max Lugavere’s personal connection to dementia. 

  • (00:04:51) The creation of "Little Empty Boxes" and its focus on dementia prevention. 

  • (00:12:27) The role of diet and lifestyle in dementia prevention. 

  • (00:16:32) Understanding the broad impact of dementia on families. 

  • (00:21:10) Insights into dementia research and the importance of early intervention. 

  • (00:29:17) The link between chronic disease and dementia. 

  • (00:33:27) Discussing the prevalence and risk factors of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. 

  • (00:38:34) The importance of being proactive about brain health. 

  • (00:40:54) Addressing myths and misconceptions about dementia. 

  • (00:50:18) Practical tips for reducing dementia risk. 

  • (00:55:10) Max's final thoughts and call to action. 

 

Sponsors: 

  • ARMRA | Go to TryARMRA.com and use code DAVE to get 15% off your first order. 

  • Timeline | Try it out for yourself at TimelineNutrition.com/Dave and get 10% off your first order 



Resources: 

Episode description

In this episode of The Human Upgrade - Max Lugavere, a journalist and filmmaker, joins to discuss his new documentary "Little Empty Boxes." Max shares his personal story of dealing with his mother's dementia, offering a unique and heartfelt perspective on this challenging condition. You’ll learn about the significant role diet and lifestyle play in keeping your brain healthy and how you can lower your risk of developing dementia through simple, everyday actions. 

Max also shares the latest research on dementia, shedding light on the science behind prevention and early intervention. He explains why it's crucial to start taking care of your brain health now, regardless of your age. Additionally, you’ll hear about the emotional impact of dementia on families and practical ways to support loved ones going through it. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips on how to protect your brain health and help others do the same. This episode is packed with practical advice that you can start applying today to make a real difference in your cognitive health and overall well-being. 



Timestamp Highlights: 

  • (00:01:04) Introduction: Max Lugavere’s personal connection to dementia. 

  • (00:04:51) The creation of "Little Empty Boxes" and its focus on dementia prevention. 

  • (00:12:27) The role of diet and lifestyle in dementia prevention. 

  • (00:16:32) Understanding the broad impact of dementia on families. 

  • (00:21:10) Insights into dementia research and the importance of early intervention. 

  • (00:29:17) The link between chronic disease and dementia. 

  • (00:33:27) Discussing the prevalence and risk factors of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. 

  • (00:38:34) The importance of being proactive about brain health. 

  • (00:40:54) Addressing myths and misconceptions about dementia. 

  • (00:50:18) Practical tips for reducing dementia risk. 

  • (00:55:10) Max's final thoughts and call to action. 

 

Sponsors: 

  • ARMRA | Go to TryARMRA.com and use code DAVE to get 15% off your first order. 

  • Timeline | Try it out for yourself at TimelineNutrition.com/Dave and get 10% off your first order 



Resources: 

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Avoid chronic surgeries to reduce dementia risk

Undergoing undue or chronic surgeries is a risk factor for developing dementia, as seen in patients who were cognitively healthy before a procedure.

Transform 'diagnose and adios' into comprehensive dementia care

The typical medical experience for dementia is 'diagnose and adios,' where doctors run tests and prescribe drugs but offer little else, leaving patients feeling hopeless.

Challenge 'all foods fit' narrative to reclaim personal agency

The popular 'all foods fit' narrative is a form of gaslighting that deflects blame from ultra-processed food manufacturers onto the consumer's willpower.

Utilize MCT oil to prevent and reverse Alzheimer's in early stages

Phase 2 clinical trials show that MCT oil can prevent and or reverse Alzheimer's, especially in its early stages, via metabolic effects.

Utilize low-dose nicotine to enhance cognition and promote longevity

Low-dose pharmaceutical nicotine, separate from smoking, is proposed as a cognitive enhancer and pro-longevity tool with a substantial protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases.

Reduce waistline to protect brain volume

Studies show that as your waistline expands, there is a direct correlation with lower total brain volume.

Rethink Alzheimer's treatment beyond pharmaceutical failures

The 99.6% failure rate of Alzheimer's drug trials highlights the ineffectiveness of the pharmaceutical approach and the need to think outside the box.

Leverage journalism to bridge gaps in health research

A journalist's perspective can be an advantage in health research by connecting the dots between siloed areas of science that PhDs might miss.

Prioritize early prevention to combat dementia onset

The process of dementia begins in the brain well before the onset of symptoms, by some estimates for decades, making early prevention critical.

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