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In this episode of Longevity by Design, hosts Ashley Reaver and Dr. Gil Blander welcome Dr. Julie Andersen, a distinguished neuroscientist at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging.
The conversation provides a sharp look at the work Dr. Andersen and others are doing around neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Research in these areas is getting renewed optimism thanks to geroscience, a field of study focused on the biology of aging. Geroscience helps identify common processes driving many age-related diseases. It may help lead us toward therapies that treat multiple conditions.
During the conversation, Dr. Andersen explains factors in brain health. Specifically, she covers the gut-brain connection and cellular senescence, the process where cells stop dividing. By exploring them, researchers hope to influence brain aging. New insights may also unlock new treatments.
Finally, Dr. Andersen explains what can be done now to prevent these neurodegenerative diseases. Exercise is particularly useful, and personalized medicine can be used to treat specific aging patterns.
Episode highlights:
- Introduction: 00:00
- Dementia as a side effect of aging: 00:06
- Dementia prevalence in the population: 00:10
- The environment and Alzheimer's disease: 00:15
- Biological sex effect on dementia 00:17
- Ethnicity effect on dementia 00:18
- What to expect when you are diagnosed with dementia 00:19
- Biomarkers for dementia 00:26
- The connection between the hallmarks of aging and dementia: 00:30
- Exercise and dementia: 00:34
- Disruption of REM sleep as an early sign of Parkinson's: 00:37
- What is the current treatment for Parkinson's: 00:38
- Cellular senescence and neurodegenerative diseases: 00:42
- Beta amyloid plaques and Alzheimer's disease: 00:50
- Autophagy and dementia: 01:00:0
- What would you recommend to a person who like to live better and longer: 01:08:00
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Longevity by Design
Longevity by Design is a podcast for individuals looking to experience longer, healthier lives. In each episode, Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver join an industry expert to explore a personalized health journey. The show helps you access science-backed information, unpack complicated concepts, learn what’s on the cutting edge of longevity research and the scientists behind them. Tune into Longevity by Design and see how to add years to your life, and life to your years.