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.

Sponsors
A 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/neuro

Troscriptions – 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?
• 04:57 The Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy
• 10:07 Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
• 15:46 Alzheimer's Drugs vs. Lifestyle Interventions That Work
• 28:40 APOE Gene, Genetic Risk, Lipids, and Cholesterol in Alzheimer’s
• 35:07 How the Ketogenic Diet Impacts Brain Health
• 38:30 GLP-1 Agonists and Their Role in Cognitive Health
• 41:55 How Infections Contribute to Cognitive Decline
• 45:16 Plasma Exchange and Alternative Therapies
• 49:34 Foundational Health Practices & Dual Task Exercise
• 51:42 Conclusion and Further Resources

The Neuro Athletics Newsletter
Instagram: @louisanicola_
Twitter : @louisanicola_
YouTube: @Louisa Nicola

The 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

I'm excited to share my conversation with Dr. Scott Sherr, where we dive deep into methylene blue - a compound you've probably seen all over social media lately (those blue tongues!). As someone whose primary research focuses on Alzheimer's disease, I was fascinated to explore the science behind this molecule that dates back to the 1870s and was actually the first drug registered with the FDA in 1897.

The most fascinating insight for me was learning how methylene blue can serve as an electron acceptor in our mitochondria - essentially functioning as a substitute for oxygen when our cells are under stress. This explains why it shows promise for everything from traumatic brain injury to cognitive enhancement and even as a potential alternative to stimulant medications.

If you're interested in optimizing brain performance, understanding mitochondrial health, or simply curious about this blue compound that's suddenly everywhere, this episode provides both the scientific foundation and practical applications you need.

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.

Sponsors
A 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/neuro

Troscriptions – 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

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
02:30 Methylene Blue's Role in Neurotransmitter Regulation
07:54 Mitochondrial Health and Methylene Blue
17:02 Methylene Blue and Modern Health Challenges
25:27 Methylene Blue in Hypobaric and Hyperbaric Environments
29:47 Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
32:27 Methylene Blue: A Mitochondrial Rescue
36:52 Bioavailability of Methylene Blue
42:17 Dosing and Applications of Methylene Blue
47:46 Combining Methylene Blue with Other Treatments
54:02 Conclusion and Further Resources

The Neuro Athletics Newsletter
Instagram: @louisanicola_
Twitter : @louisanicola_
YouTube: @Louisa Nicola

The 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

Alzheimer’s doesn’t just “happen” later in life—it’s a slow, silent process that can begin decades before symptoms appear. In this solo episode, we challenge the myth that Alzheimer’s is purely genetic, and break down what the science really says about your risk.

I explore the role of the APOE4 gene, how it interacts with lifestyle and metabolic health, and why women—especially during and after menopause—may face a unique vulnerability. Most importantly, I introduce three cutting-edge blood tests that can detect the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s, long before memory loss sets in.

We’ll also talk prevention: from blood sugar and insulin resistance to inflammation, hormone balance, and brain energy metabolism—everything you can start doing right now to safeguard your cognitive future.

This is more than a conversation about Alzheimer’s—it’s a roadmap for taking control of your brain health.

Sponsors
A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts:

ZocDoc – Finding a great doctor has never been easier. With ZocDoc, you can browse top-rated physicians, read real patient reviews, and book appointments online - all in one place. Get started here: https://www.zocdoc.com/neuro

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/neuro

Troscriptions – 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

Timestamps:
00:00 Top Alzheimer’s Myth: Genetics Don’t Seal Your Fate
01:43 APOE4 Gene Explained: Risk Factors vs. Reality
04:00 Alzheimer’s Risk Isn’t Just in Your DNA
10:50 Top 3 Alzheimer’s Biomarkers You Can Test for Today
14:47 APOE4 Prevention Plan: Lifestyle Changes That Protect Your Brain

The Neuro Athletics Newsletter
Instagram: @louisanicola_
Twitter : @louisanicola_
YouTube: @Louisa Nicola

The 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