Don't wait for a dementia diagnosis or Alzheimer's to strike. Discover a renowned neurologist's 30-year plan to protect your brain, stop memory loss, and reverse cognitive decline before it starts. Dementia and cognitive health decline aren't an inevitable part of senior health aging. In this episode, leading neurologist and six-time New York Times bestselling author Dr. David Perlmutter reveals why nearly half of adults who reach 85 face an Alzheimer's diagnosis—and why you have the power to change those odds. We dive deep into his new book, Brain Defenders, to explore the breakthrough science of "immunometabolism", aging statistics and how to control the microglia, your brain's hidden immune cells. Whether you're in your 40s planning for longevity or currently caring for an aging parent, protecting your brain starts with the choices you make today. You'll learn exactly how to interpret vital health numbers like fasting insulin and waist-to-hip ratio, and we uncover the startling reality of how ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, and poor sleep actively drive brain inflammation. By replacing fear with actionable, science-backed strategies, this conversation provides a grounded look at how food, aerobic exercise, and deep social connections can literally rewrite your brain's destiny. The trajectory of cognitive aging isn't fixed—learn how to defend your memory, independence, and focus for decades to come. I’ve always appreciated how David’s work replaces fear with something far more useful: a clearer understanding of how the choices we make today can help protect our memory, independence, and quality of life for years to come. #BrainHealth #AlzheimersPrevention #CognitiveDecline #Immunometabolism #DrDavidPerlmutter View Show Notes From This Episode https://drhyman.com/blogs/content/podcast-ep1170 Sign up for Dr. Hyman’s Brainshaping Academy to learn how to nourish the biological systems that support your mental, emotional, and cognitive health https://drhyman.com/products/brainshaping?utm_source=dr_hyman_show&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=may_27&utm_content=link Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman https://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal https://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health https://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Results https://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley, Pique, Perfect Amino, BON CHARGE, Cozy Earth, and Fatty15. Shop nutrient-rich foods and supplements at paleovalley.com/hyman and save 15% off your first order. Elevate your daily wellness ritual at piquelife.com/hyman and enjoy 20% off plus free gifts. Help fill protein gaps at bodyhealth.com and use code HYMAN20 for 20% off. Explore red light products at boncharge.com/hyman and enjoy 15% off with code HYMAN. Upgrade your sleep setup with cozyearth.com and enjoy 20% off  with code HYMAN. Head to fatty15.com/HYMAN today and use code HYMAN for 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit. 0:00 Alzheimer's statistics, prevention, and book launch 1:58 Immunometabolism, microglia, and brain maintenance 5:08 Imaging and preventing brain diseases through lifestyle 7:58 Metabolism's impact and strategies for brain health 13:29 Key metabolic markers and lab tests for brain health 17:14 Microglia, brain degeneration, and Alzheimer's treatments 22:06 Common mechanisms in brain disorders and ketogenic diet benefits 24:00 Microglial metabolism, mitochondria, and brain inflammation 28:23 Blood tests and advanced brain panels 31:20 Preventive vs. reactive health care 34:50 Pharmaceutical interventions, GLP-1s, and lifestyle changes 36:59 Practical steps to optimize immunometabolism 39:22 Exercise and cognitive function 45:08 Simplifying a brain-healthy diet and the microbiome 52:06 Ultra processed foods, toxins, and brain health 1:00:33 Sponsor: Cozy Earth and Fatty15 1:02:05 Environmental impacts: wildfires and brain health 1:05:32 Rapid fire questions with Dr. David Perlmutter 1:11:15 Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation in chronic disease 1:22:10 Diet, mental health, and practical omega-3 tips 1:40:20 Closing remarks and episode preview