In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey uncovers why Alzheimer’s may no longer be an inevitable diagnosis—and how new science shows it can be prevented, and even reversed. Joined by world-renowned neurologist and Alzheimer’s expert Dr. Dale Bredesen, they reveal how genetics, toxins, inflammation, and metabolism drive cognitive decline, and why early prevention is the ultimate longevity strategy. You’ll learn how biohacking tools like ketosis, fasting, sleep optimization, cold therapy, and targeted supplements can protect your mitochondria, enhance brain optimization, and extend your healthspan. The conversation explores APOE4 risk, mitochondrial transfusions, the role of functional medicine, and the network-based model that makes Alzheimer’s optional. Whether you want sharper cognition today or resilience against dementia decades from now, this episode gives you the smarter not harder roadmap for protecting your brain and upgrading human performance.
Alzheimer’s is not inevitable—and it may even be optional. In this groundbreaking episode, you’ll learn how to prevent, slow, and in some cases reverse cognitive decline using strategies that also enhance brain optimization, metabolism, and longevity.
Host Dave Asprey is joined by Dr. Dale Bredesen, a world-renowned neurologist and leading Alzheimer’s researcher who has published over 240 peer-reviewed papers. Dr. Bredesen has spent decades proving that Alzheimer’s is not a one-pathway disease but a network failure driven by inflammation, toxins, and mitochondrial dysfunction. His protocol has helped thousands of patients regain memory, extend healthspan, and reclaim brain performance.
Together, they unpack how biohacking tools like fasting, ketosis, supplements, sleep optimization, cold therapy, and functional medicine can rewire neuroplasticity, protect mitochondria, and keep the brain in “connection mode” instead of decline. You’ll hear why the pharmaceutical industry resists these solutions, how toxins like Paraquat and mold fuel cognitive decline, and what young people can do right now to bulletproof their brains for life.
This episode is essential listening if you care about hacking human performance, upgrading metabolism, or extending longevity. You’ll walk away with practical strategies you can use today—whether that means optimizing your mitochondria with nootropics, strengthening resilience with smarter not harder recovery, or fueling your brain with Danger Coffee.
You’ll Learn:
Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners,?The Human Upgrade?is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, hacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.
Episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (audio-only) where Dave asks the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s prevention biohacking, APOE4 genetics risk, mitochondrial dysfunction brain, network insufficiency model, cognitive decline reversal protocol, neuroplasticity longevity strategies, mild cognitive impairment treatment, subjective cognitive impairment biomarkers, ketoflex 12/3 diet, mycotoxins and Alzheimer’s, Paraquat Parkinson’s risk, mitochondrial transfusion therapy, fasting neuroprotection, ketosis brain optimization, natokinase soft plaque removal, sleep apnea cognitive decline, functional medicine Alzheimer’s, hippocampal volume preservation, nootropics cognitive resilience, learned helplessness medicine
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0:00 — Trailer
Quick highlights from the episode.
1:10 — Introduction
Dave shares his grandmother’s Alzheimer’s experience and why brain health is personal .
2:43 — Preventable
Dr. Dale Bredesen joins the show, framing Alzheimer’s as both preventable and reversible .
7:52 — APOE4, Genetics, and Drug Development
How APOE4 alters brain pathways and the promise of new drug candidates .
11:37 — Pharma, Media, and Pushback
Why industry incentives and media narratives resist functional medicine approaches .
17:13 — Prevention, Stages, and Biomarkers
The four stages of Alzheimer’s, key biomarkers, and the importance of early detection .
23:34 — Causes and Mechanisms
Inflammation, toxins, metabolism, and gut health as core drivers .
30:24 — Parkinson’s, Toxins, and Mitochondria
The rise in Parkinson’s linked to pesticides, burn pits, and mitochondrial dysfunction .
37:17 — Longevity, Biohacking, and Protocols
Personalized protocols, network insufficiency, and biohacking strategies .
44:11 — AI, Data, and Future Treatments
How AI and clinical data could personalize prevention and treatment .
54:11 — Case Studies and Success Stories
Patients reversing symptoms, what works, and compliance factors .
1:03:00 — Detox, Mold, and Environmental Triggers
Mycotoxins, oral microbiome, and hidden toxins in daily life .
1:12:00 — Neuroplasticity and Brain Regeneration
Stem cells, hippocampal volume, and Dave’s personal rebuilding experiments .
1:20:00 — Hormones, Supplements, and Personalized Hacks
Role of hormones, trophic factors, folate metabolism, and customized supplementation .
1:29:00 — Cortisol, Addison’s, and AI Protocols
Dave shares his cortisol replacement, personal health history, and how AI could scale Alzheimer’s prevention .
1:38:00 — Large-Scale Trials and Global Impact
Dr. Bredesen outlines multi-site trials, global dementia burden, and what’s working in real-world application .
1:45:00 — Final Takeaways
Closing reflections on prevention, the future of brain optimization, and staying ahead of decline
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