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The 7 Lifestyle Habits That Can Protect Your Brain At Any Age with Dr Dale Bredesen #592

Nov 5, 2025 2h 7m 15 insights
Alzheimer’s disease is something many of us have seen affect our parents or grandparents, and it can feel like one of the most daunting challenges of ageing. But what if the narrative we’ve been told isn’t the whole truth? What if prevention – and even reversal – is possible? Today, I’m delighted to welcome Dr Dale Bredesen to my Feel Better, Live More podcast, a conversation I’ve been looking forward to for many years. An internationally recognised expert in the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, Dale’s career has been guided by a simple idea: that Alzheimer’s as we know it is not just preventable, but reversible. His dedicated pursuit of the science that makes this a reality has placed him at the vanguard of neurological research and led to the discoveries that today underlie the ReCODE Protocol™. As well as multiple scientific publications, Dale has written about his findings and research in his first book: ‘The End of Alzheimer’s’, and his very latest book The Ageless Brain is a fantastic read about the simple things we can all do to improve the health of our brains today and across the duration of our lives. In this powerful conversation, we discuss:    Why Alzheimer’s is not one single disease, but the end result of multiple systems in the body becoming imbalanced. The four stages of cognitive decline, and why identifying problems early can be a game-changer for prevention and treatment. The role of genetics, including ApoE4, in dementia risk, and why knowing your genetic status can empower you to take action. How inflammation, toxins and energy deficits all contribute to brain decline – and what we can do to address them.    Real-life case studies of people who have improved, even those in the early stages of dementia. The seven key lifestyle factors that can protect and optimise brain health at any age, from diet and exercise to sleep, stress and detoxification. Dale also shares his vision of a future where cognitive decline is no longer seen as an inevitable part of ageing, but as something we can act on early – much like we already do with heart disease or cancer - and this opens the door to simple, everyday steps we can all take to protect our brains. If you’ve witnessed Alzheimer’s in your family, it’s easy to feel powerless. But as Dale explains, there is much we can do to reduce our risk, support brain health and hold onto the connections and memories that matter most. I hope you enjoy listening. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our
Actionable Insights

1. Prioritize Early Detection

Check for Alzheimer’s markers early to prevent progression, as early intervention significantly improves outcomes and can reverse cognitive decline, much like with cancer or diabetes.

2. Understand Genetic Risk (APOE4)

Get genetic testing for APOE4 if you are 35 years of age or older to understand your genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, empowering you to take proactive steps rather than living in fear.

3. Monitor Blood Biomarkers Regularly

Regularly check blood-based biomarkers like phospho-tau, A-beta 42 to 40 ratio, GFAP, and NFL every five years from age 35, and every two years from age 60, to monitor brain health status and detect early signs of decline.

4. Adopt Multi-Factorial Approach

Address Alzheimer’s by identifying and optimizing multiple contributing factors (e.g., metabolic, inflammatory, toxic, infectious) rather than focusing on a single treatment, as cognitive decline results from a network insufficiency.

5. Follow Ketoflex 12/3 Diet

Implement a plant-rich, mildly ketogenic diet (Ketoflex 12/3) with at least 12 hours of overnight fasting and no eating for 3 hours before bed. Aim for metabolic flexibility and target ketone levels of 1.0-2.0 mmol/L (for symptomatic individuals) or 0.7-0.9 mmol/L (for prevention).

6. Optimize Sleep Quality & Duration

Monitor sleep using wearables, aiming for at least 7 hours total sleep, 90 minutes of REM sleep, 60 minutes of deep sleep, and an SpO2 of 94% or above. Screen for and treat sleep apnea, a common contributor to cognitive decline.

7. Combine Strength & Aerobic Exercise

Incorporate a combination of strength training and aerobic exercise (potentially including HIIT) into your routine. This improves blood flow, insulin sensitivity, and overall brain function.

8. Manage Chronic Stress Effectively

Actively reduce and manage chronic stress, as it is a common contributor to cognitive decline and switches the brain from a state of connection to protection. Prioritize activities that bring joy and social interaction.

9. Implement Regular Detoxification

Engage in practices like saunas (infrared preferred, 5-6 times/week), maintain optimal gut function with a high-fiber diet, and drink filtered water to eliminate toxins. Actively reduce exposure to environmental toxins by avoiding plastics (especially with hot foods/drinks) and consuming low-mercury fish (e.g., SMASH fish); for significant mycotoxin exposure, consider binders and removing the source.

10. Targeted Supplementation

Consider targeted supplements based on individual needs, such as active B12, methylfolate, and P5P to keep homocysteine levels below 7. Also, optimize vitamin D levels, consider 5-10mg of lithium orotate, and explore resolvins to reduce inflammation.

11. Brain Training (Post-Support)

Engage in brain training and other forms of brain stimulation (e.g., light, sound, microcurrent) only after ensuring the brain is adequately supported through diet, sleep, and supplements, to avoid overtaxing a distressed brain.

12. Address Specific Infections

Investigate and treat underlying infections (e.g., tick-borne illnesses, oral pathogens like P. gingivalis, T. denticola, influenza, Chlamydia pneumonia, long COVID) that contribute to inflammation and cognitive decline.

13. Address Sensory Impairment

Correct sensory losses, such as hearing impairment with hearing aids, to maintain neural input to the brain and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as hearing loss is a common risk factor.

14. Perform Online Cognitive Assessment

Take the free 20-minute MyCQTest.com online cognitive assessment to assess your current cognitive status and guide your prevention or treatment strategy.

15. Seek Trained Medical Guidance

Consult with medical professionals trained in Dr. Bredesen’s protocol (found via MyCQTest.com or DrBredesen.com) and inquire about their success rates and patient outcomes to ensure effective, personalized treatment.