337: Protecting Your Brain: The Latest Science on Cognitive Longevity with Dr. Majid Fotuhi

Can you actually build a more resilient brain as you age? Dr. Jill welcomes neurologist and neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi, author of The Invincible Brain, to explore cognitive reserve, brain aging, inflammation, and the lifestyle strategies that may help protect memory and cognitive function for life. 🔑 5 Key Discussions ① 🧠 Building Cognitive Reserve Exercise, learning, and mentally challenging activities help strengthen neural connections and build greater resilience against age-related cognitive decline. ② 🏃 The Five Pillars of Brain Health Exercise, quality sleep, real food, stress reduction, and brain training form the foundation of Dr. Fotuhi's approach to cognitive longevity. ③ 🔥 Inflammation & Cognitive Decline Diet, gut health, chronic stress, air pollution, mold, Lyme disease, and other environmental factors may contribute to inflammation that affects brain health. ④ 🧩 Beyond an Alzheimer's Diagnosis Dr. Fotuhi discusses why cognitive decline should be evaluated broadly, including potentially treatable medical and lifestyle factors rather than focusing only on plaques and tangles. ⑤ ❤️ Connection, Learning & Longevity Social connection, continued learning, positive thinking, and meaningful relationships can play an important role in maintaining a resilient brain. ⭐ Key Takeaways 🔹 Cognitive reserve can be strengthened throughout life through exercise, learning, and new experiences. 🔹 Regular aerobic and resistance exercise supports blood flow, neurogenesis, mitochondrial function, and brain health. 🔹 Seven to eight hours of quality sleep supports the brain's essential restoration and waste-clearing processes. 🔹 Whole foods, stress management, and reducing inflammatory exposures can support long-term cognitive wellness. 🔹 Social connection and continually challenging your brain are important components of healthy cognitive aging. 👨‍⚕️ Guest Biography Dr. Majid Fotuhi, MD, PhD, is a neurologist, neuroscientist, and adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University specializing in brain health, cognitive aging, and dementia prevention. He is the author of The Invincible Brain: The Clinically Proven Plan to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life, which translates decades of clinical experience and neuroscience research into practical strategies for lifelong cognitive health. Website: https://drfotuhi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_fotuhi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majid-fotuhi-md-phd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt99-8fdMIitv5YZi7jvfQQ Book – The Invincible Brain: https://www.amazon.com/Invincible-Brain-Clinically-Proven-Age-Proof-ebook/dp/B0FBRTPKPH/