Episode Details

Are we destined for cognitive decline as we age, or do we have more control than we think?

In this conversation, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with neuroscientist and researcher Dr. Tommy Wood to explore a powerful shift in how we think about brain health, aging, and dementia prevention.

Dr. Wood challenges the common belief that cognitive decline is inevitable, highlighting how lifestyle, environment, and daily habits can meaningfully shape our brain’s trajectory over time. He introduces his “3S Framework”—Stimulus, Supply, and Support—to explain how brain function is built, maintained, and optimized across the lifespan.

In this interview, you’ll learn:

• Why cognitive decline isn’t inevitable
• How mindset and engagement can influence brain aging
• The role of metabolic health and energy supply in brain function
• How nutrition, sleep, exercise, and social connection interact to support the brain
• Where ketogenic therapy and ketones may fit into brain health and cognitive decline
• How to navigate modern challenges like technology, AI, and information overload from a brain health perspective

Dr. Wood also shares insights from his upcoming book, The Stimulated Mind, offering a practical framework to help individuals “future-proof” their brain and stay sharp in an ever-changing world.

The key takeaway: brain health isn’t about a single intervention. It’s about consistently engaging, fueling, and supporting the brain in ways that promote resilience over time.

💡 To learn more about metabolic approaches to brain and mental health, visit metabolicmind.org or sign up fo the Metabolic Mind newsletter at metabolicmind.org/newsletter

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #Dementia

Expert Featured:

Dr. Tommy Wood

• https://www.drtommywood.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/drtommywood/

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Wood's Book

• https://www.drtommywood.com/stimulated-mind

Google effects on memory: cognitive consequences of having information at our fingertips

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21764755/

Adult Changes in Thought study: dementia is an individually varying convergent syndrome with prevalent clinically silent diseases that may be modified by some commonly used therapeutics

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22471861/

Dietary cholesterol or egg consumption do not increase the risk of stroke, Finnish study finds

• https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190520093448.htm

Multimodal strategy to rescue the brain in mild cognitive impairment: Ketogenic oral nutrition supplementation with B vitamins and aerobic exercise

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