The Neuro Experience

Most people fail at their goals not because they lack discipline but because they are working against their own neurobiology. After spending over a decade studying the brain I have learned this. Your brain does not change based on what you want. It changes based on the conditions you create for it. This episode is not about motivation. It is about understanding how your brain actually learns adapts and transforms at a structural level so you can make 2025 the year things permanently shift. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s with my science backed protocol for women 30 plus. https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. Each episode delivers evidence based insights you can apply to your own health journey. Topics discussed 00:00 Intro 02:38 Why Most People Fail at Personal Development 03:21 Your Prefrontal Cortex and the Brain Architecture Problem 04:56 What Is Neuroplasticity and How Your Brain Changes 05:40 Sponsor Rho Nutrition 06:55 Principle One Identity Over Goals and Your Brain’s Reality Filter 09:40 Principle Two The 48 Hour Window of Neuroplasticity 13:05 Principle Three Decision Fatigue and Why Willpower Is Finite 15:28 Principle Four Lower Your Activation Threshold for Success 19:16 Principle Five Emotion Encodes Memory Ten Times Stronger Than Logic 21:42 Principle Six Stop Fighting Your Environment and Redesign It 24:11 Principle Seven Your Brain Changes While Resting Not Working 26:24 Recap Seven Neuroscience Backed Principles for 2026 Sponsors A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Cure Hydration Get twenty percent off your first order at https://curehydration.com/NEURO Use code NEURO Cure is FSA and HSA approved so you can use your benefits to stay hydrated smarter. Ka’Chava Rewild your nutrition at https://kachava.com Use code NEURO New customers receive twenty dollars off two bags or more through the thirty first. Rho Nutrition Your brain can only perform at the level your biology allows. Get twenty percent off Liposomal Glutathione with code NEURO at https://rhonutrition.com/discount/NEURO Ketone IQ Get thirty percent off your subscription and a free gift with your second shipment at https://ketone.com/NEURO Or find Ketone IQ at Target stores nationwide. About Louisa I am Louisa Nicola clinical neurophysiologist Alzheimer’s prevention specialist and founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity peak performance and brain disease prevention. If you are committed to optimizing your brain reducing Alzheimer’s risk and staying mentally sharp for life you are in the right place. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_ Twitter https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if 70% of cognitive decline is optional — and you've been told the wrong story about aging? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tommy Wood — neuroscientist, performance researcher, and author of The Stimulated Mind — to dismantle the myth that brain decline is inevitable. Dr. Wood reveals why most people are treating their brains like trucks when they should be treating them like Formula One cars — and how that mindset shift changes everything. We unpack the truth about cognitive function: it doesn't have to decline. Studies show that for most people, brain performance can stay stable from your 50s into your 80s and beyond. But here's what no one is saying: the average decline we see is driven by a minority of people who experience severe deterioration — not the majority. That means the trajectory you're on is largely within your control. Dr. Wood breaks down his 3S Model for Brain Health — Stimulus, Supply, and Support — a framework that simplifies the overwhelming noise around brain optimization. We discuss why retirement accelerates cognitive decline by 40%, how resistance training protects white matter and executive function, why being unkind to yourself creates chronic inflammation that accelerates dementia risk, and the shocking role of allostatic load in brain aging. This conversation will change how you think about your brain. It's not about doing 40 things perfectly. It's about understanding the core mechanisms — and making strategic changes that shift the entire system in your favor. About the guest: Dr. Tommy Wood is a neuroscientist, performance researcher, and author of The Stimulated Mind. He holds a PhD in physiology and neuroscience from the University of Cambridge and an MD from the University of Oslo. Dr. Wood has worked with Formula One drivers, elite athletes, and high performers across industries to optimize brain health and cognitive longevity. His work focuses on translating cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for peak performance and dementia prevention. *** Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code-yt Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** I'm Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer's prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer's risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you're in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed:00:00:00 Introduction: The Cognitive Decline Choice 00:08:38 The Supplement Myth: Why 500 Dollars a Month Wo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if thousands of steps of gentle walking aren’t giving you the brain protection you think they are? In this solo episode, I break down one of the most important exercise studies published in Nature Communications and what it means for your brain, longevity, and Alzheimer’s risk. Tracking over 73,000 people for eight years using wearables, the findings are shocking: one minute of vigorous exercise is worth up to 10 minutes of moderate activity — not the outdated 2-to-1 rule. For diabetes prevention, it’s nearly 10-to-1. For cardiovascular mortality, it’s 8-to-1. And here’s what no one is saying: every outcome measured — heart disease, diabetes, metabolic dysfunction — is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer’s and dementia. I explain why vigorous exercise is so powerful for your brain: shear stress that strengthens blood vessels, lactate that triggers BDNF, muscle fiber recruitment that protects against falls and cognitive decline, and glucose regulation that defends against insulin resistance — a driver of neurodegeneration. Think vigorous exercise is out of reach? Good news: the study defines it as brisk stairs, carrying groceries, or playing actively with your kids. No gym required — just effort. Just 3–4 minutes of vigorous bursts per day can reduce all-cause mortality by 40% and cardiovascular events by nearly 50%. For women over 40, this is critical. Two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases are women, and perimenopause is a vulnerability window for the brain. Vigorous exercise can partially compensate for declining estrogen by improving glucose regulation, reducing inflammation, and protecting the brain in ways gentle movement cannot. *** Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code-yt Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Rho NutritionYou can get 20% off with the code NEURO at https://rhonutrition.com Function HealthVisit https://functionhealth.com/louisa or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. AquaTruGo to https://AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code NEURO. TimelineHead to https://www.timeline.com/neuro to get 20% off. Cure HydrationGet 20% off your first order at https://curehydration.com/neuro with code NEURO. *** I'm Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer's prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer's risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you're in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed:00:00:00 Introduction: The Exercise Intensity Revolution 00:01:02 The Study That Changes Everything 00:04:50 The Flawed Foundation: Why Guidelines Were Wrong 00:06:50 The Real Numbers: 4 to 10 Times More Powerful 00:08:53 The Brain Connection No One Is Talking About 00:15:32 Mechanism 1: Shear Stress and Cerebral Blood Flow 00:17:38 Mechanism 2: Lactate and BDNF Production 00:19:25 Mechanism 3: Type 2 Muscle Fibers and Myokines 00:24:30 Mechanism 4: Glucose Regulation and Mitochondrial Health 00:28:18 VILPA: The 3-Minute Daily Game Changer 00:32:16 Women and Menopause: The Critical Window 00:35:19 Practical Protocols: What to Do Starting Today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if thousands of men are losing their sexual function treating a cancer that was never going to kill them? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shawn Zimberg — board-certified radiation oncologist and medical director at Advanced Radiation Centers of New York — to unpack the truth about prostate cancer screening, overtreatment, and what every man over 40 needs to know. Dr. Zimberg reveals that the prostate cancer industry has an overtreatment problem — and genomic testing is exposing which tumors need aggressive treatment and which don’t. We break down why PSA is broken, why Gleason scores don’t tell the full story, and how cadaver studies show men from their 20s to 80s harbor prostate cancer cells that never become clinically significant. We also dive into the science behind radiation therapy, the BioProtect balloon spacer (Dr. Zimberg has performed nearly 2,000 — more than anyone in the world), and the cutting-edge radioligand therapy changing outcomes for stage 4 prostate cancer. If you’re a man, love a man, or work with men in health or performance, this is essential listening. About the guest:Dr. Shawn Zimberg is a board-certified radiation oncologist, medical director at Advanced Radiation Centers of New York, and director of radiation oncology at Bronx Care Hospital. He trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering and has pioneered the use of rectal spacer technology in prostate cancer treatment, having performed nearly 2,000 PioProtect balloon procedures — more than any other physician in the world. *** Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code-yt Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Troscriptions — Get 10% off your first order at https://troscriptions.com/neuro or enter code NEURO at checkout. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ *** Topics discussed:00:00:00 Introduction: The Prostate Cancer Overtreatment Crisis 00:02:11 Understanding the Prostate: Anatomy and Function 00:04:43 The Cancer Paradox: Size Does Not Equal Risk 00:07:43 Radiation Oncology: The Specialty Explained 00:11:08 Lifetime Risk and Genetic Factors 00:15:32 PSA Testing: The Gold Standard Screening Tool 00:20:36 The Diagnostic Journey: MRI and Biopsy Techniques 00:25:27 The Ejaculation Study: Myth or Reality? 00:33:15 Gleason Scores Decoded: Understanding Aggressiveness 00:37:03 Molecular Profiling: Looking Under the Hood 00:39:27 Treatment Pathways: Surveillance, Surgery, or Radiation 00:41:02 Active Surveillance: When Watching is Appropriate 00:43:31 Stage 4 and Radio Ligand Therapy: The New Frontier 00:48:21 Testosterone and Prostate Cancer: The Complex Relationship 00:52:38 Radiation Therapy Explained: DNA Damage and Healing 00:55:28 The Bioprotect Balloon: Revolutionary Rectal Protection 00:56:07 The Therapeutic Ratio: Maximizing Cure, Minimizing Damage 00:46:39 Robotic Prostatectomy and Surgical Options 01:06:36 Prevention and Early Detection: What Men Need to Know 01:08:28 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Dr. Zimberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of women in their 30s–50s are being told they’re “depressed” when their brains and hormones are simply changing. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz to unpack the truth about midlife mood shifts, rage, and the hormonal fluctuations that mimic depression but aren’t the same. We break down the science of perimenopause, why women are so often misdiagnosed, and how decades of excluding women from research left major gaps in understanding how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone shape the brain. Dr. Gilberg-Lenz reveals how hormonal changes—starting up to ten years before menopause—can transform mood, cognition, and stress, and how modern science is finally catching up to just how powerfully hormones influence the mind. About the guest:Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz is a board-certified OB/GYN and integrative women’s health expert who blends conventional medicine with Ayurvedic training. A USC-trained physician with a residency at Cedars-Sinai, she supports women from adolescence through menopause and is the author of Menopause Bootcamp (Harper Wave, 2022). Her work focuses on demystifying midlife, challenging ageism in healthcare, and empowering women with science-based guidance. Follow Dr. Gilber-Lenz: Instagram: @askdrsuzanne  *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Function Health Visit https://functionhealth.com/louisa or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health.  Thrive Market Go to https://ThriveMarket.com/neuro to get 30% off your first order, and a free $60 gift Branch Basics Take 15% off your order at https://branchbasics.com/NEURO with promo code NEURO.   Bubs Natural For a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at https://bubsnaturals.com   by using code LOUISA at checkout VuoriGet 20% off your first purchase at https://vuori.com/neuro  Rho Nutrition You can get 20% off with the code NEURO at https://rhonutrition.com *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed:00:00 – Intro 02:07 – Early Signs of Perimenopause 03:15 – How Hormones Shift in Your 30s–50s 04:32 – Why Anxiety Spikes in Midlife 07:02 – Antidepressants vs. Hormones 09:27 – How Estrogen Shapes Mood & Neurochemistry 11:23 – PMS, PMDD, Postpartum & Perimenopause Overlap 12:25 – Perimenopause Amplifies Existing Issues 18:00 – Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone in the Brain 20:45 – AMH, Egg Quality & Fertility After 40 23:17 – Postpartum vs. Perimenopause at 40+ 26:55 – Getting Pregnant on Hormone Therapy 31:19 – Reinventing the Menopause Narrative 34:25 – Gut Health, Microbiome & Hormones 35:30 – Ayurveda’s Role in Midlife Health 37:10 – The Patient Who Transformed Dr. Gilberg-Lenz’s Path 43:08 – Negative Thoughts, Cortisol & Brain Aging 44:23 – Hormone Chaos, Inflammation & Cognitive Decline 48:23 – When Labs Are “Normal” but Symptoms Aren’t 49:53 – How Perimenopause Should Be Treated 51:55 – The Future of Midlife Women’s Healthcare 56:28 – Why the System Fails Women (and How to Navigate It) 58:02 – GLP-1s, Hormones & Longevity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your mouth could reveal your hormonal health, fertility status, and even your brain’s risk for Alzheimer’s? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Leedia Riman, a biological and integrative dentist redefining how we care for our teeth. She reveals the science behind estrogen receptors in the mouth, jawbone, and salivary glands—and how they link oral health to menopause, fertility, and brain aging. We explore the oral microbiome and how an imbalance can spark inflammation that spreads to the brain, gut, and even the placenta. Dr. Leedia explains how testing your oral microbiome can flag disease risks early, and why every woman over 35 should understand what’s happening inside her mouth. This episode isn’t just for women—oral inflammation also impacts male fertility, bone density, and long-term health. From dry mouth to dementia, pregnancy gingivitis to biofilm mapping, this is one of the most eye-opening conversations we’ve had on The Neuro Experience.*** About Dr. Riman: Dr. Leedia Riman is a Beverly Hills biological and integrative dentist who connects oral health with whole-body wellness. She specializes in conservative, biomimetic cosmetic dentistry, gum and bone health, and a root-cause approach—with a focus on how hormonal shifts, especially in women, affect the mouth and jaw. Dr. Leedia coined “Responsible Cosmetic Dentistry” to describe her philosophy of long-term, minimally invasive, personalized care. Instagram: @drleedia Website: https://www.drleedia.com Elev8 Dentistry: https://elev8care.com *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Function Health:Visit https://functionhealth.com/louisa or use code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health.  Caraway:Visit https://www.carawayhome.com/neuro to take advantage of this limited-time offer for up to 20% off your purchase. Huel: Try both products today with 15% off your purchase for new customers with my exclusive code neuro at https://www.huel.com/neuro. Calm:Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at https://www.calm.com/louisa  Cure Hydration:Get 20% off your first order at https://curehydration.com/neuro with code NEURO Vuori:Get 20% off your first purchase at https://www.vuori.com/neuro  *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_***Topics discussed:Use 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:09 What is Biological Dentistry? 00:03:44 Estrogen Decline and Your Mouth 00:06:45 The Oral Microbiome Crisis 00:10:51 The Pregnancy-Oral Health Connection 00:13:41 Biofilm Mapping: A Revolutionary Diagnostic Tool 00:16:55 Fertility, Sperm Health, and Oral Inflammation 00:24:27 Warning Signs: Burning Mouth and Gum Disease 00:28:57 Hormone Replacement Therapy and Oral Health 00:29:31 The Saudi Arabia Discovery 00:20:41 Pregnancy's Impact on Oral Health 00:33:31 Essential Dental Care Protocol 00:42:11 Bone Loss and Osteoporosis in the Jaw 00:46:15 Daily Oral Care Routine for Menopausal Women 00:52:32 The Vitamin D and K2 Connection 00:49:43 Mouth Taping and Saliva Preservation 00:54:45 Action Plan: Treating the 52-Year-Old Woman to include chapters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you’ve been told about menopause is wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mary Claire Haver — board-certified OB/GYN and leading menopause expert — to unpack the science reshaping women’s health. We break down the FDA’s recent removal of the 22-year black box warning on hormone therapy, why only 4% of women use HRT today, and how fear and misinformation have shaped decades of care. Dr. Haver also dives into the rise of menopause “biohacks,” from NAD and PRP to the fundamentals that truly move the needle: sleep, strength training, and metabolic health. Her message is simple: Menopause isn’t a disease — it’s a transition, and you deserve informed, evidence-based support. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or confused during midlife changes, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and the science to advocate for yourself. Follow Dr. Haver:Instagram: @drmaryclaireTikTok: @drmaryclaireWebsite: The Pause LifePre-order The New Perimenopause, set to release on April 7, 2026: https://thepauselife.com/pages/the-new-perimenopause-bookListen to Dr. Haver's podcast, unPAUSED, here: https://thepauselife.com/pages/the-unpaused-podcast *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: TroscriptionsGive it a try at https://www.troscriptions.com/NEURO or enter NEURO at checkout for 10% off your first order.  TimelineHead to https://www.timeline.com/neuro to get started. Branch BasicsHead to https://www.branchbasics.com and use code NEURO for 15% off. Hollow SocksFor a limited time Hollow Socks is having a Buy 3, Get 3 Free Sale. Head to https://www.ollowsocks.com today to check it out. Jones Road BeautyUse code NEURO at https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com to get a free Cool Gloss with your first purchase. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_***Topics discussed: 00:00 – Intro 01:55 – The FDA removed the “black box” warning for HRT 05:16 – The Social Media Effect on Menopause Education 07:54 – How Doctors Historically Dismiss Women’s Symptoms 11:12 – Why So Many Women Get Antidepressants Instead of HRT 14:07 – Life Stress vs Hormone-Driven Symptoms 16:48 – The Timing Hypothesis / Critical Window Explained 19:06 – Why Modern RCTs Aren’t Happening 20:10 – Proven Benefits: Bone Health & Osteoporosis Prevention 21:35 – HRT, Dementia, and Brain Health: What the Data Actually Shows 23:16 – Environmental Toxins, Brain Health & Midlife Risk Factors 25:24 – How the Internet Distorts Menopause Education 27:10 – The “Brain Eating Itself” Debate: The Real Science 30:09 – What Brain Fog Really Is During Perimenopause 32:24 – Why High-Functioning Women Struggle the Most 34:03 – Breast Cancer Risk: What the WHI Actually Found 35:00 – Why Sleep Is the First Line of Treatment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, we’ve been told Alzheimer’s strikes in our 70s or 80s — but that’s not the full story. The truth is, it begins silently, building for years—sometimes decades—before symptoms ever appear. And by the time you notice it, the damage has already been done. In this solo episode, I break down what I’ve learned after a decade studying brain health — especially the unique risks women face in midlife. Two out of three cases of Alzheimer’s are female. Why? It’s not just about age — it’s about hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle choices that start changing in our 30s, 40s, and 50s. I’ll also share why I created Brain Code™ — my new digital course for women 40+ who want a science-backed plan to lower their risk of cognitive decline and live sharper, longer, and stronger lives. This isn’t optional self-care — it’s your cognitive Olympics. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Function Health Visit https://functionhealth.com/louisa or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. Calm Go to https://www.calm.com/LOUISA for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library.  TimelineMy friends at Timeline are offering 20% off, just for my listeners. Head to https://www.timeline.com/neuro to get started.  VuoriGo to https://www.vuori.com/NEURO and receive 20% off your first purchase. Additionally, enjoy free shipping on any U.S. orders over $75 and free returns. Jones Road Beauty For a limited time our listeners are getting a free Cool Gloss on their first purchase when they use code NEURO at checkout. Just head to https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com and use code NEURO at checkout.   Branch Basics Take 15% off your new Branch Basics Premium Starter Kit at https://www.BranchBasics.com with promo code NEURO.  *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_Topics discussed: 00:00:00 The Alzheimer's Crisis: Why This Disease Matters 00:04:50 Why Women Face Double the Risk 00:09:48 The Menopause-Brain Connection 00:16:38 Hormone Replacement Therapy: The Truth 00:18:32 Sleep: Your Brain's Detox System 00:21:07 Muscle as a Cognitive Organ 00:24:47 Sprint Training: The Forgotten Brain Weapon 00:28:23 Food as Brain Code 00:29:49 The Power of Quality Relationships 00:30:50 Brain Code: Your Action Plan to include chapters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm excited to share my conversation with Stuart Phillips, where we dive deep into muscle building science - a topic that generates endless debate on social media. As someone who struggles with gaining muscle despite consistent training, I was shocked when Dr. Christopher Gardner told me muscle growth is "10% nutrition and 90% exercise." This contradicted everything I thought I knew, so I had to bring in Stu - widely considered the foremost expert on muscle development - to separate fact from fiction. The most fascinating insight for me was discovering that effective muscle building can happen across a wide range of repetition schemes - from as low as 3 reps to as high as 25 reps per set. This challenges the rigid "strength/hypertrophy/endurance" continuum that's dominated fitness advice for decades. Subscribe to The Neuroscience Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey.Episode Timestamps: 0:00:00 - Introduction 0:03:52 - How Protein & Exercise Affects Muscle Growth 0:08:16 - Do Men and Women Respond Differently to Exercise? 0:11:05 - Importance of Lifting Weights for Muscle Growth 0:13:09 - Exercise Routines for Aging and Maintaining Health 0:23:47 - Strength Training for Alzheimer’s Prevention 0:31:39 - HRT and Muscle Loss 0:35:30 - Genetic Factors in Muscle Building 0:39:38 - 4 Pillars of Healthy Living 0:43:07 - How GLP-1 Impacts Weight Loss and Muscle 0:48:20 - How Resistance Training Impacts Muscle Hypertrophy 0:58:41 - Gender Differences in Muscle Adaptation 1:02:42 - Conclusion  SponsorsA huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts:Caraway – Cook clean, live clean. Head to carawayhome.com/neuro and use code NEURO to get 10% off your next purchase.MUD/WTR - The coffee alternative. If you're ready to ditch the crash and sip smarter, go to mudwtr.com and use code NEURO to get 43% off + free shipping.Fatty15 - Get 15% off your 90-day Starter Kit when you visit fatty15.com/neuro and use the code NEURO at checkout The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are women twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease—especially during and after menopause? The answer goes far beyond age, and what I reveal in this episode might change how you think about your brain forever. In Part 3 of A Woman’s Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease, I uncover the hidden hormonal and genetic factors that put women at greater risk—and the steps you must take before symptoms ever begin. I’ll walk you through the six most powerful prevention strategies, the critical tests your doctor probably hasn’t mentioned, and the one conversation that could completely reshape your cognitive future. SponsorsA huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts:Branch Basics - That’s 15% off your New Branch Basics Premium Starter Kit at BranchBasics.com with promo code NEURO. Make the change today—because you and your family deserve better.Momentous – Science-backed supplements trusted by elite athletes and experts. Whether you’re looking to improve recovery, performance, or overall wellness, Momentous has you covered. Use code NEURO for 20% off your order: https://www.livemomentous.com/neuroTroscriptions – Unlock your cognitive potential with precision-dosed nootropics developed by medical experts. Whether you need more focus, clarity, or energy, Troscriptions offers innovative solutions.- Get 10% off: https://troscriptions.com/NEURO- https://troscriptions.com/discount/NEUROMAIL?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NeuroMail The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation with Dr. Christopher Gardner, we debunk a common nutrition myth—that we need massive protein to build muscle. You might know Dr. Gardner from his twin study featured on Netflix, which explores how diets affect our bodies. We discuss protein requirements, diet quality, and sustainable eating. Plus, Dr. Gardner reveals insights from his DIETFITS Study and SWAP-MEAT trial, challenging conventional views on weight loss and plant-based diets. For science-backed nutrition insights, this conversation cuts through the hype and offers strategies that might change how you think about protein and diet. If you're interested in evidence-based nutrition that cuts through industry hype, this conversation provides scientific clarity and actionable strategies that might change how you think about protein and diet quality. Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more evidence-based health insights. SponsorsA huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts:Hone Health – Take control of your hormones with at-home testing designed specifically for men. Get personalized insights and expert guidance to optimize your health and performance. Learn more at: https://honehealth.com/Momentous – Science-backed supplements trusted by elite athletes and experts. Whether you’re looking to improve recovery, performance, or overall wellness, Momentous has you covered. Use code NEURO for 20% off your order: https://www.livemomentous.com/neuroTroscriptions – Unlock your cognitive potential with precision-dosed nootropics developed by medical experts. Whether you need more focus, clarity, or energy, Troscriptions offers innovative solutions.- Get 10% off: https://troscriptions.com/NEURO- https://troscriptions.com/discount/NEUROMAIL?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NeuroMail Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Protein Myths & Leucine Threshold 02:58 Daily Protein RDA for Muscle Growth 06:17 Nitrogen Balance & Protein Recommendations 11:42 Nutrition vs. Exercise for Muscle-Building 16:37 Women’s Fitness: Protein & Resistance Training 20:14 DIETFITS Study: Diet Quality vs. Macronutrient Composition 39:17 SWAP-MEAT Trial: Plant-Based vs. Red Meat 50:04 Impact of Nutrition Education on Health 53:18 The Protein Flip & Plant-Based Menus 59:14 Netflix Twin Study: Addressing Misconceptions & Criticisms  The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation with Dr. Heather Sandison, we explore what I consider to be one of medicine's most significant misunderstandings—that Alzheimer's disease, particularly in women, is an unstoppable fate. We examine the evidence behind cognitive decline, hormones, lifestyle interventions, and a framework for preventing and even reversing what was once considered irreversible. If you're interested in making evidence-based decisions about your brain health, understanding why traditional approaches have failed, or learning about the powerful role of lifestyle interventions in cognitive function, this episode provides both the scientific rationale and actionable strategies you need. Subscribe to The Neuroscience Experience for more conversations that challenge conventional thinking about brain health. I'm committed to bringing you insights that transform how we approach cognitive aging and performance.  SponsorsA huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts:Hone Health – Take control of your hormones with at-home testing designed specifically for men. Get personalized insights and expert guidance to optimize your health and performance. Learn more at: https://honehealth.com/Momentous – Science-backed supplements trusted by elite athletes and experts. Whether you’re looking to improve recovery, performance, or overall wellness, Momentous has you covered. Use code NEURO for 20% off your order: https://www.livemomentous.com/neuroTroscriptions – Unlock your cognitive potential with precision-dosed nootropics developed by medical experts. Whether you need more focus, clarity, or energy, Troscriptions offers innovative solutions.- Get 10% off: https://troscriptions.com/NEURO- https://troscriptions.com/discount/NEUROMAIL?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NeuroMail  Episode Timestamps:   00:00 Why Are Women More Vulnerable to Alzheimer’s?  06:13 The Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy  11:24 Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia  17:04 Alzheimer's Drugs vs. Lifestyle Interventions That Work  29:50 APOE Gene, Genetic Risk, Lipids, and Cholesterol in Alzheimer’s  37:47 How the Ketogenic Diet Impacts Brain Health  41:11 GLP-1 Agonists and Their Role in Cognitive Health  44:30 How Infections Contribute to Cognitive Decline  48:00 Plasma Exchange and Alternative Therapies  52:09 Foundational Health Practices & Dual Task Exercise  54:17 Conclusion and Further Resources  The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zone two has been sold to you as the gold standard for mitochondrial health, fat burning, and longevity. But what if it was built on culture, not science. In this episode, I sit down with Kristi Storoschuk, a PhD researcher whose work is challenging some of the biggest claims in the exercise world right now. We break down why zone two training lacks the scientific evidence everyone assumes it has, why higher intensity zones three and four are actually more potent for mitochondrial adaptation, and why the 80/20 training split from elite athletes was never designed for someone exercising four days a week. We also get into why fasting doesn't activate the same cellular pathways in humans as it does in rodents, why cortisol from exercise is not the same as chronic stress, the truth about fasted exercise for women, and what lactate actually tells us about our metabolic health. Kristi also shares her current research in collaboration with Dr. Andy Galpin and Dr. Tommy Wood on whether lactate threshold can serve as a non-invasive proxy for mitochondrial content. This conversation will completely change how you think about every cardio session you've ever done. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _____ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro: Was Zone Two Built on Culture, Not Science? 03:19 The Three Exercise Intensity Domains (Not Five Zones) 08:00 Zone Two and Fat Burning: What the Research Actually Shows 12:00 Why Women Are Being Scared Away from Zone Three and Four 20:45 Fasting in Rodents vs. Humans: The Research That Changed Everything 24:00 Fasted Exercise and Cortisol: The Real Story for Women 29:00 What Lactate Actually Tells Us About Mitochondrial Health 37:00 VO2 Max, Mitochondria, and Longevity 43:30 Exercise as Your Daily Metabolic Reset 49:00 The Best Cardio Prescription for Healthspan 55:30 How a 73 Year Old Should Think About High Intensity 58:00 How to Know What Zone You're In Without a Monitor 01:02:00 Sex Differences in Exercise: What the Data Actually Says _______ Thank you to our sponsors Function health: https://www.functionhealth.com/louisanicola Timeline: http://timeline.com/NEURO Jones Road Beauty: https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com And Use code NEURO Lifeboost coffee : https://lifeboostcoffee.com/ and Use code NEURO for 10% off Just Thrive: https://justthrivehealth.com/NEURO _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The surgeon who spent 12 to14 hours a day in the operating room developed diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and an autoimmune disease that was eating away at his skull and it forced him to confront what medical school never taught him about actually staying healthy. I sat down with Dr. Darshan Shah, board-certified surgeon, founder of Next Health (one of the largest longevity clinic networks in America), and a doctor who had to reverse his own chronic disease to understand the massive gap between Western medicine and the science of health. We explore why surgeons and physicians become some of the sickest people in healthcare, how functional medicine differs from what you learn in medical school, why biomarker testing matters more than your doctor's "you're fine" assessment, and what root cause medicine actually looks like in practice. Dr. Shah also breaks down the AI revolution happening in cardiovascular imaging with Cleerly scans, how his new AI health dashboard reads your bloodwork and medical records to give you proactive guidance, why Yamanaka factors could regenerate damaged nerves in the brain, and what the future of personalized, preventive medicine looks like when you combine AI with real biological data. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _____ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro: The surgeon who developed the diseases he was treating 01:17 From trauma surgeon to longevity doctor: Dr. Shah's journey 04:18 Autoimmune disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure in a surgeon 10:30 Western medicine vs. the science of health 18:45 Why doctors don't learn prevention in medical school 35:20 Next Health clinics and democratizing longevity medicine 52:40 Biomarker testing and why "your labs are normal" is dangerous 01:03:52 AI health dashboard: uploading bloodwork and getting proactive guidance 01:06:45 Cleerly scans and reversing cardiovascular disease with AI imaging 01:10:08 Yamanaka factors, nerve regeneration, and the future of brain health _______ Thank you to our sponsors Function Health: https://www.functionhealth.com/louisanicola Timeline Mitopure: http://timeline.com/NEURO Ka'Chava: https://kachava.com and use code NEURO for 15% off your first order Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com/ Fenix: https://www.fenixhealthscience.com/ Arey: https://arey.com/ and use code NEURO _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

80% of all autoimmune diseases occur in women, and no one can explain why. Cancer cells are always present in your body, but it's only when your T cells go into energy deficit that cancer starts overtaking the system. And here's what almost no one is talking about: the mitochondria in your immune cells are the reason MS, chronic fatigue, neurodegeneration, and even cancer progression happen when they happen. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Anurag Singh, MD, PhD immunologist who spent 20 years studying mitochondria and screened 4000 compounds from pomegranates to discover one molecule that changes cellular aging. We break down immunometabolism, the emerging field linking immune health and metabolism, why your T regulatory cells are the CEOs of your immune system, how mitochondrial dysfunction in immune cells triggers autoimmune conditions, and why rejuvenating mitochondria can get your immune system in check to defeat cancer. We also cover NAD+ (and why NMN and NR supplements don't work the way people think), the creatine sweet spot for muscle quality (500mg-1g, not the 5g everyone's taking), why Parkinson's is linked to paraquat, a mitochondrial toxin used in fertilizers and dry cleaning and how AI is fast-tracking the discovery of next-generation molecules for neurodegeneration. This conversation completely shifted how I think about immune health, brain protection, and what's actually driving the diseases we fear most. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _____ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro: Why 80% of Autoimmune Diseases Occur in Women 01:24 Why Dr. Anurag Became an Immunologist 03:19 Immunometabolism: The Link Between Immune Health and Metabolism 04:20 T Cells, B Cells, and the Thymus Gland 05:51 MS and Autoimmune Disease: The T Regulatory Cell Problem 11:32 Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Immune Exhaustion 18:45 Cancer Cells and T Cell Energy Deficit 24:10 Urolithin A: Screening 4000 Pomegranate Compounds 31:20 Mitophagy and Autophagy: Cellular Housekeeping 38:50 NAD+ vs NMN and NR Supplements: What Actually Works 43:15 Creatine Dosing: The 500mg-1g Sweet Spot for Muscle Quality 48:30 Gut-Brain Connection and Neurodegeneration 50:54 Parkinson's Disease and Paraquat: The Mitochondrial Toxin 53:25 AI in Drug Discovery and Next-Generation Molecules 55:38 Skincare and Mitochondrial Health: Collagen Synthesis _______ Thank you to our sponsors KetoneIQ: https://ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF Caraway: Carawayhome.com/neuro10 Jones Road Beauty: https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com - Use code NEURO _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people fear cancer, but they're never given a clear explanation of what it actually is, how it progresses, or why metastasis, not the initial tumor, is what kills 90% of people with solid tumors. And here's what almost no one talks about…30 minutes of exercise per day can down-regulate 13 types of cancers. I break down the biology of cancer and metastasis in plain language, then walk you through the evidence linking exercise to cancer outcomes across prevention, treatment, and survivorship. I explain how cancer cells have to physically enter circulation and survive a hostile journey to metastasize, and here's the part that changed how I think about high-intensity exercise: as shear stress increases during vigorous exercise (zone 5, 90%+ max heart rate), survival of circulating tumor cells decreases. I also cover immune surveillance, metabolic signaling, and why this is deeply personal for me. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. Topics Discussed 00:00 Intro: Why Cancer Is What Scares Me Most 01:37 Why We're Having This Conversation 03:33 What This Episode Covers: The Three-Part Framework 06:21 What Cancer Actually Is: When Cells Break the Rules 07:25 Metastasis: The Part of the Story No One Explains 27:57 Shear Stress and Circulating Tumor Cells: The Zone 5 Effect 30:16 Immune Surveillance: How Exercise Mobilizes Killer Cells 30:51 Metabolic Signaling: Insulin, IGF-1, and Inflammation 32:16 Limitations: What the Evidence Can and Can't Tell Us 34:37 Practical Framework: Prevention, Treatment, and Survivorship 36:04 Closing: Exercise as Repeated Physiological Stress Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/NEURO IQ BARS: Text NEURO to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products Cure Hydration: http://curehydration.com/NEURO Cellure: https://cellure.co/ and use code NEURO Arrey: https://arey.com/ and use code NEURO _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The peptide industry just hit $328 million in imports from China in nine months, and the fastest-growing buyers aren't bodybuilders. They're women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who were told their labs look "fine" when they know something is deeply wrong.In this episode, I break down why peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 are being aggressively marketed to women in perimenopause, why there isn't a single randomized controlled trial proving they're safe or effective in humans, and what the actual evidence says about brain fog, muscle loss, joint pain, and metabolic decline. I explore why the "your bloods are normal" dismissal has destroyed women's health, how hormone replacement therapy actually protects your brain when timed correctly, why GLP-1s work when peptides don't, and what protein, sleep, and resistance training do that no research chemical can replicate, because the foundations of brain health will never trend on TikTok, but they're the only things backed by decades of rigorous science. *Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: * https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. *TOPICS DISCUSSED* 00:00 Intro: Why women are the fastest-growing peptide buyers 07:01 Perimenopause reality: why "your labs look fine" is destroying women's health 15:20 What peptides actually are and the missing human evidence 31:00 Quality control disasters and documented side effects 39:50 What actually works: resistance training, protein, and muscle preservation 44:30 Hormone replacement therapy and brain protection 51:14 GLP-1 receptor agonists: evidence-based use vs. gray market risks *Thank you to our sponsors* Caraway: https://carawayhome.com/neuro10 Timeline Mitopure: http://timeline.com/NEURO Function Health: https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/louisanicola _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s one of the most uncomfortable truths in modern medicine: women’s hearts have been misunderstood, under-researched, and misdiagnosed for decades. I sat down with Dr Jayne Morgan, cardiologist, heart health expert, and one of the leading voices calling out gender bias in cardiovascular medicine, to uncover why women’s heart attacks are still being missed - and what every woman needs to know to protect her brain and heart long before symptoms appear. We explore why women experience heart disease differently than men, how inflammation quietly damages blood vessels, the hidden heart attack signs doctors overlook, and why mammograms, pregnancy history, and menopause all hold critical cardiovascular clues. Dr Morgan explains why “gender-neutral” research has harmed women, how common medications can affect women differently, and why prevention needs to start earlier, not after the first cardiac event. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. ______ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro: Why women’s heart disease is still misunderstood 02:18 How gender bias shaped modern cardiology 05:04 Why women’s heart attacks look different than men’s 08:12 The dangerous myth of “gender-neutral” medicine 11:30 Inflammation, blood vessels, and silent cardiovascular damage 15:02 Hidden heart attack signs on mammograms 18:45 Pregnancy history and long-term heart risk 22:10 Menopause, estrogen loss, and cardiovascular decline 26:40 Why standard heart medications can harm women 30:05 Beta blockers, blood pressure, and female physiology 33:50 The heart-brain connection and dementia risk 38:20 Viruses, shingles, and cardiovascular inflammation 42:05 Why women are dismissed in clinical settings 46:10 Prevention vs reaction in modern healthcare 49:30 What women should demand from their doctors ______ A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: IQBAR- Fuel your brain and body with IQBAR’s protein bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Text NEURO to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products plus free shipping. Cure Hydration - Clean, plant-based electrolytes with no added sugar, hydration that actually works. Get 20% off your first order at curehydration.com/NEURO with code NEURO. Jones Road Beauty- Effortless, skin-first makeup created by Bobbi Brown. Use code NEURO at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a free Cool Gloss with your first purchase. RHO Nutrition- Science-backed supplements designed to support cognitive performance and metabolic health. Visit rhonutrition.com and use code NEURO for exclusive savings. ______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain - reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down with Dr. Kelly Casperson, urologist, women’s health advocate, and a leading voice fighting for equality in healthcare, to explore what’s really happening to women’s bodies and brains during perimenopause and menopause. We discuss why UTIs spike after menopause, how vaginal estrogen actually works (and why the FDA finally removed the black box warning), the truth about HRT and dementia prevention, and why estrogen receptors in your brain matter more than you think. We also unpack why blood work interpretation matters more than ever, how compounding pharmacies work, the shingles vaccine and dementia connection, and why women need to stop waiting for permission to take control of their health. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _______ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro: Why women’s hormone health is misunderstood 02:10 Who Dr. Kelly Casperson is and why women’s sexual health became her focus 05:10 Hormone Replacement Therapy explained (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) 08:30 Vaginal estrogen, UTIs, and restoring tissue health 12:40 Vaginal estrogen vs systemic estrogen and the FDA warning myth 15:20 Estrogen receptors, skin aging, and visible signs of hormonal decline 18:30 Estrogen, the brain, and Alzheimer’s risk in women 22:10 Why hormone research is conflicting and often fails women 26:00 Sleep, hot flashes, inflammation, and brain health 30:00 Testosterone in women: beyond libido and muscle 33:40 Compounding pharmacies and personalized medicine 38:00 Inflammation, viruses, vaccines, and dementia risk 43:00 The breakdown of modern healthcare and why women feel dismissed 47:30 Blood testing, data ownership, and the future of women’s health _______ A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Timeline Mitopure Gummies: Don't let another year go by feeling less than your best. Grab 35% off your one month subscription of Mitopure Gummies at Timeline.com/neuro35. That's Timeline.com/neuro35 while the offer lasts. Function Health: Own your health for $365 a year. Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/louisa and use gift code LOUISA for a $25 credit toward your membership. Ka'Chava: Rewild your nutrition at kachava.com and use code NEURO. New customers get twenty dollars off an order of two bags or more! Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Every style. Every home. _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain - reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a controversial topic, fasting, especially for women. Dr. Mindy Pelz was teaching women to fast primarily because they wanted to lose weight, but what she was witnessing was women saying things like, "I lost weight, but my hair's falling out. I don't have a period anymore. I sat down with Dr. Mindy Pelz, New York Times bestselling author of Age Like a Girl, hormone expert, and the voice redefining fasting for women - because doing it wrong can wreck your health. We explore why fasting affects women differently, how ketones can restore brain function during menopause, and why understanding your hormonal cycle is critical for metabolic health, cognitive performance, and longevity. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _____ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro 01:50 What put Dr. Mindy Pelz on the map 03:14 The truth about fasting vs intermittent fasting 05:13 How the brain uses glucose vs ketones 07:25 Why the brain "eats itself" during menopause 10:14 What is mitophagy and cellular autophagy 13:11 Why autophagy is the body's repair system 15:24 The 12-hour vs 17-hour vs 72-hour fast 17:23 Why women's cycles are disrupted by fasting 19:59 The fasting cycle for women 21:05 Lactate as a fuel source for the brain 23:01 Hemoglobin A1C and insulin resistance 27:36 Understanding CGM data correctly 30:13 Where women should start at 48 32:01 HRT: personal decision or necessity? 34:15 The nervous system shift during perimenopause 38:48 The grandmother hypothesis and evolutionary sensitivity 41:09 The "menopause divorce" phenomenon 44:18 Dementia, Alzheimer's, and women46:17 Dopamine, novelty, and neuroplasticity47:23 Cold water immersion and trauma rewiring51:19 Cold water and cortisol for women53:51 Exercise, BDNF, and brain health55:21 Serotonin, light exposure, and sleep58:00 Glycine, bone broth, and longevity01:02:26 Preparing for perimenopause and menopause 01:04:24 Acetylcholine, storytelling, and memory 01:08:38 Why eggs and cholesterol matter for the brain _______ A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Ketone-IQ: Mental clarity that lasts - without the crash. Visit https://ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order - PLUS receive a free gift with your second shipment or find Ketone-IQ at Target stores nationwide and get your first shot free! IQBAR: The New Year gives us all a chance to reset. Maximize your brain and body's potential with IQBAR's protein bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Text NEURO to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Caraway: Visit Carawayhome.com/neuro10 or use code neuro10 at checkout to take an additional 10% off your next purchase. Caraway. Non-Toxic cookware made modern. Cure Hydration: For The Neuro Experience listeners, you can get 20% off your first order at curehydration.com/NEURO with code NEURO. Cure is FSA/HSA approved, so you can use your FSA or HSA funds to stay hydrated the smart way. Jones Road Beauty: Use code NEURO at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices