Episode 413. Understanding Your Brain. How To Prevent Alzheimer's and Dementia with Dr. Thomas Bird

Although science couldn't (yet) establish a reason for it, Alzheimer's and dementia rates have massively increased over the last 50 years. Regardless of the reason behind that increase, reality tells us these conditions will touch our lives eventually, and today's guest, Dr. Thomas Bird, joins us to teach us the best way to prevent, deal with, and protect ourselves from them.

Dr. Thomas Bird, MD, is a neurologist, medical geneticist, and Professor Emeritus from the University of Washington who belonged to the UW Medicine, the UW Division of Neurogenetics, and was the UW Department of Neurology Chief. Part of his over 40 years of work in the field includes identifying new and unusual genetic diseases of the brain and neuromuscular system. He also collaborated with molecular biologists to identify the underlying genes of diseases including Familial Alzheimer's Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, Huntington's Disease, Hereditary Ataxias, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathies, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, and Muscular Dystrophies.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Bird talks about the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, what changes we can make to prevent them, and recommends healthy habits for people in their 20s to 40s. We also talk about genetic testing, who and when they should get one, causes, red flags, treatments, and more.

Tune in to Episode 413 of Becoming Your Best and learn more about these tools that will help you enjoy an active, healthier, and happier second half of your life.

Some Questions I Ask:

Heart disease and other things have skyrocketed since the '70s. What do you think is the reason behind that increase (11:50)
Someone in their 20s, 30s, and 40s? What are things that they ought to be thinking about, brain-health related? (17:50)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Dr. Bird explains the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia (4:20)
What are the causes of Alzheimer's and dementia (9:00)
Alzheimer's doesn't stand alone (15:40)
What should someone interested in taking a genetic test do to get one (22:10)
Dr. Bird shares his thoughts on how the fight against these diseases will evolve (32:00)
Is there any link between COVID-19 and degenerative diseases? (34:30)

Becoming Your Best Resources:

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