The Science of Keeping the Brain Healthy | Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair #7

In this episode of the Lifespan podcast, Dr. David Sinclair and co-host Matthew LaPlante dissect the topic of brain aging. They explore evidence suggesting that the brain ages more slowly than other parts of the body and highlight how cognitive function is impacted by aging. Different interventions aimed at preserving brain health are also discussed, including a plant-based diet, exercise, metformin, NAD boosters, and sufficient sleep.

#DavidSinclair #Longevity #BrainHealth

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Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introducing Episode Seven: Aging of the Brain
00:04:39 Thanking the Sponsors
00:07:38 Ex-differentiation as a Driver of Aging
00:09:22 The Brain Ages Slowly
00:14:17 Cognitive Function and Plasticity
00:17:44 Three Longevity Pathways: mTOR, AMPK, and Sirtuins
00:23:26 Plant-based Diets and B-vitamins
00:28:32 Homocysteine, Plaque, and Vasculature
00:32:35 Fatty Acids
00:35:48 Physical Activity
00:39:14 Metformin
00:46:02 NAD Boosters
00:50:33 Increasing Blood Flow
00:53:20 Sleep
00:58:02 Overall Message: Keep your Brain Healthy
00:58:50 Next Week’s Episode and the Future of Medicine
01:01:21 Options for Subscription for Support

Links:

Please note that Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair is distinct from Dr. Sinclair's teaching and research roles at Harvard Medical School. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.

Special thanks to our research assistants, Adiv Johnson & Sarah Ryan.

[Jmartestuesday]

It is 7:30 PM here at my house. I was listening to your discussion about aging till you got to the part about the need for exorcise. I stopped the You Tube video and got off the comfortable office chair and went for a 2 mile walk. I dont particularly enjoy walking. I do enjoy being ABLE to walk. I'm 91 and am interested in being able to walk and to think properly. Your talks on You Tube are a blessing to me, thanks.

[j.a.m.pthomas]

I don’t typically comment, but wanted to confirm that I appreciate Matt’s role (cohost) in this podcast. He tends to ask the very questions I have as a listener.

[sciencensorcery]

Folic acid is not B-12. It's the synthetic form of folate, which is B-9. Many people are unable to properly utilize folic acid and need to take folate — but some people also need that folate to be pre-methylated. And others can react poorly to methylated folate (I experienced this myself a few months ago and the effect was staggering). It's a bit complex but worth looking into before you supplement (or if you start and don't take to it well) so you know which form you need!

[zebragiraffe]

I work with many elderly people in their 80s and 90s, and most of them are not overweight, can still walk short distances and many use their smart phones to stream into their hearing aids or use the app to control the hearing aid volume and programs. They are inspiring.

[michelem]

I've been vegan for 20+ years. B12, not folate is definitely the most important to supplement with for brain health on a vegan diet. Permanent damage to the nervous system can happen with prolonged deficiency.

For Omega-3s, the recommendation is 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed per day or to take algae-based supplement for vegans. The algae-based supplements are expensive but more reliable than flaxseed.

[SirGolfalot-]

Dr. Sinclairs' videos are an inspiration. I was exercising, fasting, eating right, and taking supplements until the spring of 2020. Time to get focused on longevity once again.

[cecipalacios]

Great podcast! As a 68 years old my focus in healthy aging! Thus, I completely agree with Dr Sinclair said that we need to take care of our brain not only for us but for our family as well.

[SheilaBella]

What a great episode! Thank you both! I have to agree with the others who commented that MATT’s role in this is KEY! I never comment but I just had to say how I have an easier time learning this stuff because of his participation.

[ChrisG]

Please can you respond to Dr Brad Stanfield regarding resveratrol. He has made a few videos on this. Thankyou!

[palden]

I am 58. Most of my years, after my 'teenage slim time', I was about 10 pound overweight. Around at 45 I developed some knee pain for many years and like so many of my pals, I thought it is just the body worn out because of the hard work as a nurse. So, it is just normal life...! But then I discovered the Ketogenic diet, and after 2-3 weeks my knee pain was gone and never come back. I almost never experience ANY pain at all in my body. If I tell this to my oldest sister, 62, that she should stop eating sugar and do low carb eating, she screams at me: "My body, and knees are worn out, nothing can bring it back!!". She just don't believe me, that the sugar and carbs is the ONE who give the inflamation and the pain, AND it is reversable! It's sad, that almost no one knows, that with eating low carb and no sugar, all the inflamation will be gone and one will feel normal again!! It should be called out from the Rooftop!

[Frazer]

I have read the book Life Span twice. I have watched most of David Sinclair's Youtube clips and interviews. I have given several copies of the book as gifts to friends. I have been following David's recommendations to improve my overall health for the past two years. However, witnessing how "religiously" David defends the use of Resveratrol despite all the new research studies that say the opposite, has made me question the "objectivity" and "authenticity" of David Sinclair as a scientist. I have no doubt David Sinclair is a great businessman. "Objectivity" is a true characteristic of a "real" Scientist.

[paigewalker]

This episode was the one that finally got me to share this with my parents- the others were super inspiring to me, but not enough to make me feel like my elderly parents might actually take action. "The Average onset of dementia is 80 years old" - this episode made me feel like I'm doing a disservice NOT to share this with my parents! Thank you for making this info available to the masses!

[HardForking]

The best podcast I've found. You guys are fantastic, please keep this going. I've followed David's works for a number of years and put him right up there as one of the best humans we have on this planet.

[Aman.Akshay.Sharma]

What do we know about lifestyle protocols not related to diet/sleep and how they age the brain?
For example reading, spaced repetition, music, cognitive training, new experiences etc?
Andrew Huberman’s episode on how play impacts plasticity was really interesting, so I’m curious how this all ties into ageing.

[stephenyoung]

As an extremely busy professional and getting a little older, I enjoy learning about avenues that could help keep me optimizing my overall function/performance. Great podcast and the 2 hosts work really well together.

[veejayroth]

With all due respect, David, at around 27:00 you mixed up Folic Acid (B9) and B12. Quite a difference there., though both are very important.

[Mumcuties]

I’m an optometrist and I’m glad you emphasised the importance of an eye examination to assess general vascular health.

[Jetta]

I know I say it almost every week, but thank you again for doing this podcast. I am aware it takes your time and effort and no doubt you have lots of other things you could be doing. This is just an incredible resource!

[seokoes]

one of the few person on youtube that i deeply respect, thanks David for all of fantastic work and sharing to public.

[janeca]

Special thanks to Dr. Sinclair for delivering true science to our homes. I love neuroscience, so this is a fantastic episode!I Also would like to comment that the conversation format is great. Matt does a really good job. Tks everyone that makes this happen.