Alzheimer’s Breakthrough with Dr. Josh Helman, MD

What if Alzheimer’s isn’t just one disease but a family of diseases? In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Melissa Murray, a professor of neuroscience at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Murray’s groundbreaking research focuses on Alzheimer’s, dementia with Lewy bodies, and other neurodegenerative conditions. She leads the Mayo Clinic’s Translational Neuropathology Lab, where her team combines neuropathology, neuroimaging, and genetics to understand these diseases better.Dr. Murray is one of the recent winners of the Rainwater Prize for Outstanding Innovation in Neurodegenerative Research, which came with a $400,000 prize to further her and her colleague Dr. Dennis Dickson's research at Mayo Clinic.The Rainwater Prize honors scientific contributions to the field of neurodegenerative research that focus on diseases associated with the accumulation of tau protein in the brain, with the goal of translating discoveries into meaningful therapeutic and diagnostic innovations.Today’s discussion tackles a critical issue in brain health: treating Alzheimer’s like it’s a single disease. With advances in neuroimaging and biomarkers, we can now diagnose Alzheimer’s while people are still alive, which is a huge step forward from the past. Dr. Murray also highlights how brain donation is helping researchers like her gain deeper insights into the causes and progression of Alzheimer’s.“We can't help our genetics. We're blessed with what we were given, but we also get to play that deck of cards that we're handed, and we have a chance to make a difference.” ~ Melissa Murray, PhDIn this Episode03:47 - The power of neuroimaging and biomarkers for early Alzheimer’s detection05:58 - Alzheimer’s disease is not a single condition06:54 - Understanding vascular contributions to Alzheimer’s in younger patients12:20 - How lifestyle and genetics influence Alzheimer’s development13:32 - The future of Alzheimer’s diagnostics: Imaging modalities20:15 - Brain research and the role of brain donation in advancing research40:37 - Studying the brain for infection (viruses, bacteria, or parasites)49:44 - The connection between sleep and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s57:51 - Ongoing research about Alzheimer's and brain health1:00:18 - Key takeaways from the discussionResources:- Top Supplements for Alzheimer's Guide - https://bit.ly/drjoshguide- Book: The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons by Sam Kean - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316182354- MRI and pathology of REM sleep behavior disorder in dementia with Lewy bodies - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3812105/Connect with Melissa Murray, PhD: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-e-murray-012a919/- Website - https://www.mayo.eduConnect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenbrainsMD- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenbrainsmd/- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorjosh- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@greenbrainsmd- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMtFP2icmNEhOaSsd-CrSg?sub_confirmation=1- Others - https://linktr.ee/greenbrainsmdDisclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Could simple lifestyle changes be the key to preventing Alzheimer’s? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a physician, researcher, and New York Times best-selling author. Dr. Perlmutter's work focuses on Alzheimer's prevention and how our everyday choices impact long-term brain health. His unique approach blends neuroscience, lifestyle medicine, and environmental health.Dr. Perlmutter explains how inflammation in the brain often leads to cognitive decline, and why it’s essential to focus on prevention before reaching the point of irreversible damage. He highlights lifestyle interventions, such as regular exercise, eating a minimally processed diet, and getting out in nature. He also discusses the importance of air quality, which many people overlook as a major factor in brain health.We explore practical ways to mitigate these risks and optimize cognitive function for decades to come, so if you're looking for actionable steps to protect your brain and reduce Alzheimer's risk, this episode has the insights you need.“I think we’ve seen some pretty compelling literature suggesting that simply exposing yourself to or getting out in nature is a health intervention, particularly for the brain.” ~ Dr. Austin Perlmutter In this Episode07:09 - The chronic disease crisis and brain health09:16 - Chronic inflammation as a major driver of Alzheimer’s10:34 - The importance of inflammation management in Alzheimer's prevention20:40 - Diet and air quality for Alzheimer’s prevention21:44 - Air pollution: the hidden threat affecting brain health29:19 - Polyphenols and their protective impact on brain health36:01 - How nature exposure can reduce stress and improve cognitive function43:19 - Dr. Perlmutter's diet for long-term health50:49 - Recommended supplements for optimal health52:33 - Dr. Perlmutter's final thoughts on protecting your brainResources:- Top Supplements for Alzheimer's Guide - https://bit.ly/drjoshguide- Brain Wash by Dr. Austin Perlmutter & Dr. David Perlmutter - https://drperlmutter.com/books/brain-wash/Connect with Dr. Austin Perlmutter: - Website - https://austinperlmutter.com- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@draustinperlmutter- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/draustinperlmutter/Connect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenbrainsMD- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenbrainsmd/- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorjosh- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@greenbrainsmd- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMtFP2icmNEhOaSsd-CrSg?sub_confirmation=1- Others - https://linktr.ee/greenbrainsmdDisclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Are ketones just a diet trend, or could they be the game-changer in Alzheimer's treatment? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, co-founder and chief medical officer of Boulder Longevity Institute. Dr. Yurth has been a pioneer in regenerative medicine, and she shares insights on how ketones can support brain health, particularly for people with Alzheimer's and cognitive decline.We talk about the role of these powerful molecules in improving brain function and performance, and how, when used properly, ketones can help patients feel sharper and more functional, even despite cognitive decline. Plus, Dr. Yurth discusses her approach to dosing ketones for maximum effect, using them periodically throughout the day to maintain cognitive energy levels.If you're looking to understand how ketones can support brain health or are wondering if they can help with Alzheimer's, this episode provides a detailed, science-backed answer.“Ketones are not just a diet trend or a shortcut, but rather a human metabolic pathway. When used thoughtfully, exogenous ketones are going to completely support cellular energy, make your mitochondria efficient, and give you metabolic resistance.” ~ Dr. Elizabeth YurthIn this Episode02:15 - The role of ketones in metabolism and brain energy05:31 - The importance of mitochondria in energy production08:00 - Ketones and gut health10:46 - Common misconceptions about ketones15:50 - Ketones in Alzheimer’s treatment and mitochondrial efficiency29:58 - Dosing ketones: How much and when for optimal brain support43:20 - How soon can we see the positive effects of ketones?45:03 - New developments in brain health devices50:02 - Key takeaways and final thoughts on ketones for brain healthResources:- Top Supplements for Alzheimer's Guide - https://bit.ly/drjoshguide- Try Kenetik, Dr. Josh’s favorite ketones, for 25% off (limited time) - https://drinkkenetik.com/DRJOSH. Discount Code: DRJOSHConnect with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth:- Website - https://boulderlongevity.com/- BLI Academy Website - https://bli.academy/- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dryurthConnect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenbrainsMD- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenbrainsmd/- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorjosh- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@greenbrainsmd- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMtFP2icmNEhOaSsd-CrSg?sub_confirmation=1- Others - https://linktr.ee/greenbrainsmdDisclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Did you know that your sense of smell can affect your brain function? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Leon, a professor emeritus of neurobiology and behavior at UC Irvine, to discuss a fascinating, yet simple intervention that can improve memory and brain function: olfactory enrichment. We explore how odors, when introduced during sleep, can trigger dramatic improvements in verbal memory and even stimulate changes in the brain's memory circuits.Dr. Leon dives into his research on the relationship between the sense of smell and the brain's memory pathways. He explains how olfactory loss is linked to various neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's, and how reintroducing odors during sleep can have a profound impact on cognitive function. We also discuss the development of a device, the Memory Air, which makes olfactory enrichment easily accessible at home.This conversation sheds light on how olfactory stimulation can provide a simple, non-invasive, and safe solution to brain health and memory loss.“The sense of smell is the only sense that has a superhighway access to the memory centers and the emotional centers of your brain.” ~ Dr. Michael LeonIn this Episode03:28 - How the sense of smell differs from the other senses09:19 - Scent-related marketing strategies09:57 - Study results and brain imaging findings19:31 - Potential benefits of olfactory stimulation for other medical conditions29:03 - Selecting the right scent and avoiding artificial odors36:30 - Olfactory training for people who have lost their sense of smell37:37 - Development and use of the Memory Air device47:43 - Dr. Leon's thoughts on plastics getting into the brain49:19 - The most misunderstood information about smell and the brain50:56 - Dosage, duration, and schedule for safe and effective useResources:- Top Supplements for Alzheimer's Guide - https://bit.ly/drjoshguide- UC Irvine discovery leads to TIME-honored memory device - https://news.uci.edu/2025/10/09/uc-irvine-discovery-leads-to-time-honored-memory-device/- Get Your Memory Air Device - https://memoryair.com/discount/DRJOSHConnect with Dr. Michael Leon: - UCI Directory - https://directory.uci.edu/people/mleonConnect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenbrainsMD- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenbrainsmd/- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorjosh- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@greenbrainsmd- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMtFP2icmNEhOaSsd-CrSg?sub_confirmation=1- Others - https://linktr.ee/greenbrainsmdDisclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Can a molecule discovered in 1985 hold the key to longevity and brain health? In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Chris Burres, the Chief Science Officer at MyVitalC, about ESS60, an extraordinary molecule shown to support longevity, brain health, and mitochondrial function. Discovered in 1985 and awarded the Nobel Prize in 1996, ESS60, also known as carbon-60, is now being explored for its potential health benefits, particularly for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.Chris shares the story behind the discovery of this molecule and why it has generated such excitement across different fields. ESS60 has demonstrated impressive results in animal studies, including a 90% increase in lifespan, and shows promise in reducing oxidative stress and supporting detoxification.We also discuss how ESS60 works in the body, particularly in relation to mitochondria, and why it could be a game-changer for brain health. From its antioxidant properties to its role in detoxification and mitochondrial repair, ESS60 could play a significant role in Alzheimer’s prevention.Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most fascinating molecules in modern science—one that could shape the future of brain health and longevity.“Interestingly, the molecule (ESS60) is amazing. The reason it won the Nobel Prize is that it performs as well or better than the current best materials in almost every application.” ~ Chris BurresIn this Episode02:40 - The discovery of this amazing molecule03:48 - The longevity experiment: Wistar rats live 90% longer05:47 - ESS60 and why it’s safe for human consumption14:43 - How ESS60 is manufactured: Chris explains its characteristics22:15 - ESS60’s role in mitochondria and brain health29:27 - Safety considerations and dosage recommendations for ESS6036:14 - Testimonials: better sleep, energy, and mental focus with ESS6040:54 - Why olive oil is the ideal carrier for ESS6050:05 - Key takeaways from today’s episode52:00 - How often does Chris consume ESS60?Resources:- Top Supplements for Alzheimer's Guide - https://bit.ly/drjoshguide- Book: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501144316- Bulletproof Coffee by Dave Asprey - https://www.bulletproof.com/coffee/Connect with Chris Burres: - Website - https://www.myvitalc.com/Connect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenbrainsMD- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenbrainsmd/- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorjosh- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@greenbrainsmd- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMtFP2icmNEhOaSsd-CrSg?sub_confirmation=1- Others - https://linktr.ee/greenbrainsmdDisclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.