<div><span> Hussein Yassine is a physician and researcher who studies brain lipid utilization in the context of finding preventative measures for cognitive impairment, specifically Alzheimer's disease (AD). In my conversation with Hussein, we begin with a fundamental coursework in brain biology—including its architecture and energy systems. We go on to discuss what these systems look like when something goes wrong and cognitive decline ensues. We talk about the evolutionary origins of the ApoE genotype, with specific attention to the ApoE4 allele and its association with AD. We spend time discussing ApoE4 implications for the brain's fuel utilization, notably omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. We briefly pivot to the implications of recent omega-3 trials for cardiovascular disease and return to what we currently understand about EPA/DHA and brain health; we contemplate potential dietary interventions across the lifespan to preserve and prolong cognitive function.</span></div> <div> <div> <p>We discuss:</p> </div> <div> <ul type="disc"> <li>Hussein's Background and introduction to brain composition (3:00);</li> <li>The blood-brain barrier and brain filtration (8:00);</li> <li>Lipids and brain function (13:00);</li> <li>How the brain utilizes energy (18:00);</li> <li>Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) structure and function in the periphery (27:30);</li> <li>ApoE function in the brain (38:15);</li> <li>Evolutionary origins of ApoE isoforms (43:45);</li> <li>ApoE4 variant and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk (53:30);</li> <li>Dietary fuel preference with the ApoE4 allele (1:03:00);</li> <li>The role of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain (1:13:30);</li> <li>Comparing findings from the REDUCE-IT and STRENGTH trial (1:21:45):</li> <li>The relationship between dietary omega-3 intake and brain health (1:34:15);</li> <li>Preventing cognitive decline: A critical window for DHA in ApoE4 carriers? (1:42:30);</li> <li>Hussein's ongoing research and recommendations for E4 carriers (1:54:00); and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p>Learn more: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/">https://peterattiamd.com/</a><br /> <br /> Show notes page for this episode: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/HusseinYassine">https://peterattiamd.com/HusseinYassine</a> <br /> <br /> Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/">https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/</a><br /> <br /> Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: <a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/">https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/</a><br /> <br /> Connect with Peter on <a href="http://Facebook.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Faceboo</u></a><u>k</u> | <a href="http://Twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Twitter</u></a> | <a href="http://Instagram.com/PeterAttiaMD"><u>Instagram</u></a>.</p> </div> </div>
Actionable Insights
1. Consume Weekly Fatty Fish
Consume at least one serving of fatty fish per week, as this may provide enough omega-3s to the brain and offer long-term benefits, particularly for ApoE4 carriers.
2. Control Blood Pressure
For ApoE4 carriers, maintaining good blood pressure control is important, as it has been shown to protect against dementia.
3. Exercise Regularly (ApoE4)
ApoE4 carriers who exercise have been shown to have less amyloid plaque build-up in the brain compared to those who do not, suggesting exercise may mitigate risk.
4. Pursue Lifelong Education
A high level of education has been linked to protection from dementia in ApoE4 carriers, suggesting that continuous cognitive engagement may be beneficial.
5. Ensure Early Omega-3 Intake
For babies and kids, it’s really important to ensure they get enough omega-3s, either through a good diet or supplementation, to support full brain development.
6. Avoid Omega-3 Supplements (Current Evidence)
Do not recommend omega-3 supplementation currently, as there isn’t sufficient high-quality evidence to support their use for brain health benefits.
7. Deepen Health Knowledge
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