Alzheimer’s isn’t a genetic inevitability. A diagnosis need not come with a death sentence. In fact, many things can be done to prevent & ameliorate cognitive decline. So let’s talk about it.

Today we dive deep into brain health. More specifically, how you can maintain and optimize your cognitive functionality and take an insurance policy out against succumbing to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Our guides for this exploration are husband and wife neurology duo Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, returning for a second turn on the podcast (if you missed it, RRP #330 is a must-listen).

Affectionately known as Team Sherzai, Ayesha & Dean are the highly credentialed co-directors of the Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where they study all things brain health, with a particular focus on lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.

Because Alzheimer’s currently afflicts over 40 million people worldwide, I’m willing to bet most of you are directly or indirectly impacted by this affliction.

The bad news is that there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. And incidence is predicted to triple by 2050.

What most don’t realize, however, is that 90% of Alzheimer’s cases can be prevented.

In fact, through simple diet and lifestyle changes, the Sherzai’s have experienced remarkable success in both preventing and significantly reversing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, dementia and cognitive decline in many of their patients, adding vibrant years to their lives.

The science behind dementia, the non-interventional means to optimize brain health, and the many strategies to prevent cognitive decline are robustly explored in The Alzheimer’s Solution (the focus of our first podcast) and the Sherzai’s latest book, The 30-Day Alzheimer’s Solution.

The solution might surprise you. It’s not due to a breakthrough in surgical procedures. It’s not the result of new pharmaceutical trials. It’s about food. Exercise. Restorative sleep. Community. And maintaining a life of purpose.

Dr. Dean Sherzai, M.D., PhD., completed his medical and neurology residencies at Georgetown University with a subsequent fellowship in neurodegenerative diseases at the National Institutes of Health, followed by a second fellowship in Dementia and Geriatrics at the University of California, San Diego. He also holds two Masters Degrees; in advanced sciences at UCSD and a Masters in public health from Loma Linda University, received his Ph.D. in Healthcare leadership at Loma Linda/Andrews University and completed the executive leadership program at Harvard Business School.

Dr. Ayesha Sherzai, M.D., finished two residencies at Loma Linda University; preventive medicine and neurology. She also holds a master’s in advanced sciences from UCSD. Subsequent to completing her residency Dr. Sherzai completed a fellowship in vascular neurology from Columbia University, and is currently enrolled to finish a PhD in women’s leadership. Ayesha also has a culinary degree, giving her a unique understanding of nutrition as a powerful tool for disease prevention.and now teaches large populations how to make tasty, easy, and healthy food for their brain health.

Specific topics discussed today include:

• how the Sherzai’s are raising child geniuses
• how COVID is devastating the Alzheimer’s community
• the latest science on brain health & cognition
• ‘NEURO’ lifestyle interventions to promote brain health
• the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids for brain health
• the impact of a keto diet on brain health
• the impact of a whole food plant-based diet on brain health
• how exercise enhances brain health
• the importance of restorative rest
• the interior experience of suffering from Alzheimer’s
• the total cost of Alzheimer’s
• vascular health, amyloids, inflammation and stroke; and
• the role genetics play in developing dementia

To read more and listen click here. You can also watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Break out a pen and paper because this one is dense, in-depth and potentially life-altering.

Peace + Plants,

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Thanks to this week’s sponsors:

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Audible: Audible has everything you love to listen to—all in one place. With an Audible membership, you can download titles and listen offline, anytime, anywhere. The app is free, and you can listen across devices without losing your spot. Audible is your playlist for life. New members can try it out for free for 30 days at audible.com/richroll or text RICHROLL to 500-500. 

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SHOW NOTES:

• Team Sherzai: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
• Book: The Alzheimer’s Solution
• Book: The 30-Day Alzheimer’s Solution
• Book: Walk Like An Elephant
• NEURO: The NEURO Plan
• Loma Linda Univ.: The Fight Against Alzheimer’s
• Forbes: How To Keep Your Brain Healthy At Any Age, According To Neurologists
• Barron’s: The Other Pandemic: What to Do About the Coming Alzheimer’s Crisis
• PR: ‘The Science Kids’
• Everyday Health: COVID-19 Pandemic Fuels Rise in Alzheimer’s Deaths
• YouTube: Plant Paradox: Science or confirmation bias? by Team Sherzai
• The Times: Do this couple have the cure for Alzheimer’s disease?
• Daily Mail: How to beat Alzheimer’s: Neurologists devise a plan to protect yourself and even reverse early symptoms
• Blue Zones: Researchers Say Most Alzheimer’s Disease Cases Are Preventable – Find Out How
• Observer: Can Exercise, a Low-Salt Diet and Meditation Stave Off Alzheimer’s Disease?
• Byrdie: Understanding the Proven Link Between Exercise and Sleep
• MindBodyGreen: Neurologist-Approved Ways To Combat Cognitive Decline In Your 20s, 30s, 40s & Beyond

I'm proud to announce my new book 'Voicing Change'. To learn more & pre-order now, visit, richroll.com/vc

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