DiscoverThe EMPWR PodcastDo This in Your 30s to Prevent Cognitive Decline | ft. Louisa Nicola
Do This in Your 30s to Prevent Cognitive Decline | ft. Louisa Nicola

Do This in Your 30s to Prevent Cognitive Decline | ft. Louisa Nicola

Update: 2025-10-08
Share

Description

In this must-listen episode, I sit down with Louisa Nicola — neurophysiologist, human performance coach, and founder of Neuro Athletics — to reveal the science-backed strategies for peak brain health, fitness, and longevity. With a background in neurophysiology from the University of Sydney Medical School, Louisa has become a trusted advisor to elite CEOs, professional athletes, and top executives. Through her groundbreaking platform Neuro Athletics, she’s trained and certified over 2,000 coaches worldwide, helping people optimize brain performance, prevent cognitive decline, and unlock their full potential.


Louisa also opens up about her new women’s health product, Brain Code, launching in October, designed to support brain and body optimization for women at every stage of life.


This conversation is packed with both science and heart — including emotional moments around the impact of Alzheimer’s, and practical strategies anyone can adopt now to improve brain health and performance.


Together, we dive into:




  • Why creatine is one of the most researched and misunderstood supplements




  • Creatine’s surprising role in Alzheimer’s prevention and cognitive longevity




  • How exercise, diet, and strength training impact brain health




  • The truth about fasting, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and women’s health




  • Actionable brain-first strategies you can implement today




Connect with Louisa:



_____


Sam’s LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit


Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD*50% off all labs on both sites*


https://blokes.co/samcfitpod


https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod  CarawayVisit https://Carawayhome.com/samcfit or use code SAMCFIT at checkout for 10% off.


PuoriGo to https://puori.com/SAMCFIT and use the code SAMCFIT at checkout for 20% of.


AquaTruHead to https://AquaTru.com and get 20% off your purifier using code sam. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee or your money back. 


CalmGet 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at https://calm.com/SAMCFIT_____



Topics discussed:


00:00 – Intro clip


00:28 – Guest intro


02:06 – Creatine 101: Why Luisa Champions It for Brain Health


03:34 – What Is Creatine & Why the Brain Needs It


06:14 – Optimal Creatine Dosage for Women


07:53 – Addressing Myths: Bloating & Water Retention with Creatine


09:29 – Creatine for Concussions, Recovery & Neuroprotection


10:50 – The NFL, Traumatic Brain Injuries & Luisa’s Work with Athletes


11:41 – Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease & Why It’s Preventable


13:07 – Root Causes: Inflammation, Diet, and Poor Lifestyle


14:46 – Ad18:06 – Why Alzheimer’s Impacts More Women Than Men


19:13 – Sugar, Inflammation & the Brain's Deterioration


21:01 – Early Symptoms: Brain Cell Death & Cognitive Decline


21:53 – Creatine's Protective Role in High-Stress Brain Environments


24:08 – Mental Health & Creatine: A Better Alternative to SSRIs?


25:17 – Why Exercise Is Essential for Brain Longevity


26:23 – Zone 2 Cardio: BDNF, Hippocampus Growth & Aging Brain Benefits


29:44 – Resistance Training: Strength, Cognition & Mental Performance


32:27 – Ad


35:06 – Twin Study: Leg Strength and Brain Volume Connection


36:36 – The VO2 Max Death Zone: Why High Intensity Isn’t Enough


40:44 – Luisa’s Daily Training Routine: Intervals, StairMaster & Recovery


42:27 – The Truth About Yoga & Pilates for Cognitive Health


42:33 – Is Fasting Good for the Brain? Weighing the Risks for Women


46:11 – Hormones & Brain Health: The Power of HRT


48:15 – How Estrogen Fuels Brain Energy & Function


48:45 – Ad


56:37 – Estrogen Testing, Hormonal Shifts & Menopause Prep


58:52 – What Women Should Do Before Starting HRT


59:59 – The Cognitive Power of Testosterone in Women

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Do This in Your 30s to Prevent Cognitive Decline | ft. Louisa Nicola

Do This in Your 30s to Prevent Cognitive Decline | ft. Louisa Nicola

Samantha Christine & Pursuit Network