257 ‒ Cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and head injuries: mitigation and prevention strategies

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, researcher in brain injury and long-term cognitive function, and founding director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

A company Dr. Wood works with that works with athletes, particularly Formula One drivers, to improve performance and health.

A mutual friend of Peter Attia and Dr. Tommy Wood, who has also previously appeared on the podcast.

A public figure whose argument about memory and aging compares the brain to a library, where more volumes (memories) make retrieval slower.

A video game used in studies comparing its cognitive benefits to more complex video games.

The initial case treated by Alois Alzheimer, whose brain pathology led to the original classification of Alzheimer's disease.

Alois Alzheimer's mentor who encouraged him to group similar pathological cases, contributing to the classification of Alzheimer's disease.

A B vitamin, particularly methylfolate, that is part of a B vitamin supplement used in the VITACOG study to reduce homocysteine and slow cognitive decline. Recommended by Peter Attia in methylfolate form.

A specific autosomal dominant deterministic genetic mutation linked to early-onset, aggressive forms of Alzheimer's disease. Its presence in August D's case is disputed.

University where Ralph Nixon's group published work on pathological anthos, suggesting a different mechanism for amyloid accumulation.

Neurologist with whom Dr. Wood collaborated on the 'demand model' for cognitive decline and systems approach to Alzheimer's disease.

Former chair of pharmacology at the University of Oxford, who has done extensive work on homocysteine and cognitive decline, and chairs the scientific advisory board of a UK dementia charity.

A B vitamin, particularly methyl B12, that is part of a B vitamin supplement used in the VITACOG study to reduce homocysteine and slow cognitive decline. Recommended by Peter Attia in methyl B12 form.

Academic institution where Dr. Tommy Wood is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience.

Researcher from NYU whose group published work on 'pathological anthos', suggesting amyloid might accumulate inside neurons rather than outside, acting as a 'tombstone' for dead cells.

A 2020 report that estimated 40% of dementia is preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors like physical activity, diet, and smoking.

Another form of choline mentioned as being less studied in the context of traumatic brain injury compared to citicoline.

A common neurodegenerative disease, a subtype of dementia characterized by an accelerated cognitive decline.

Streaming service that produced 'Drive to Survive', a series credited with increasing F1's popularity.

A card game used in studies comparing its cognitive benefits to more complex video games.

Academic institution where Professor David Smith was the chair and head of the Department of Pharmacology.

A manufacturer of B6 supplements recommended by Peter Attia, and also mentioned by Dr. Wood as a source of good quality supplements.

A UK organization that issues guidelines, implied to be lacking for supplement recommendations in medical practice.

An amino acid that may be beneficial for reaction time and cognitive function, which was experimented with for F1 drivers.

City where Dr. Wood worked as a doctor for a couple of years.

An organization that Dr. Wood is a founding director of, interested in using lifestyle to improve population health.

A former colleague of Dr. Wood at Hintzer and a professional cyclist who coined the term 'cognitive middle gear' for unproductive cognitive effort.

A 3D video game that results in better improvements in working memory and response inhibition compared to simpler games, due to its complexity and interactivity.

German psychiatrist and neuropathologist who first described the disease that bears his name, based on the case of August D.

A study where EPA and DHA supplementation showed benefit in those with the lowest levels of homocysteine, suggesting an interaction between B vitamin and omega-3 status.

A manufacturer of high-quality DHA supplements recommended by Peter Attia.

A company suggested by Dr. Wood as manufacturing good quality supplements.

A stimulant whose timing and dose were tinkered with to optimize driver reaction time off the start line in F1.

A genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, whose status in August D was questioned.

An interventional study that randomized individuals with elevated homocysteine to B vitamin supplementation (B12 and folate), showing a slowing of cognitive decline and brain atrophy in those with highest omega-3 status.

A manufacturer Peter Attia prefers for methylfolate and methyl B12 supplements, noting its high quality.

A Netflix series about Formula 1 that has increased the sport's popularity.

A manufacturer of high-quality DHA supplements recommended by Peter Attia.

A supplement manufacturer favored by Dr. Wood for its stringent regulatory process, testing for impurities, and NSF for Sport certified products.

A supplement shown to be neuroprotective in animal models of TBI when supplemented for several days, and suggested for prophylactic use in high-risk individuals and for improving cognitive function post-concussion.

A study in the Netherlands that showed the greatest benefit of B vitamin supplementation was in those with the highest levels of DHA for cognitive decline and brain atrophy.

A form of choline recommended for post-impact supplementation (1-2 grams/day) to help with neuropsychological outcomes after severe traumatic brain injuries, as it supports neuronal membranes.