The Neuro Experience

• How GLP-1s Reduce Alzheimer’s and Cancer Risk | ft. Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen

  Can obesity, menopause, and even Alzheimer’s risk be transformed with one class of medications? Triple board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen joins The Neuro Experience to unpack the science behind GLP-1 therapies, sustainable weight loss, and hormone health. One of the earliest physicians to adopt GLP-1 treatments, Dr. Salas-Whalen has redefined how obesity and midlife health are managed—showing why weight gain isn’t about “willpower” but biology, inflammation, and longevity. A leader in obesity and hormone medicine, Dr. Salas-Whalen founded StrengthMD and The Dry Revolution, sharing evidence-based wellness insights worldwide. Her upcoming book, Weightless: A Doctor’s Guide to GLP-1 Medications, Sustainable Weight Loss, and the Health You Deserve, launches Dec 30, 2025 (U.S./Canada) and early 2026 worldwide. Follow Dr. Salas-Whalen: Instagram: @drsalaswhalen TikTok: @drsalaswhalen @strengthmd @thedryrevolution Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Puori Go to https://puori.com/NEURO and use the code NEURO at checkout for 20% off. Wildgrain For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to https://Wildgrain.com/NEURO to start your subscription.  OSEA Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code NEURO at https://OSEAMalibu.com. You’ll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $50. Honeylove Save 20% Off Honeylove at https://honeylove.com/NEURO. Brickhouse Nutrition Check out the university study and get 20% off when you use promo code NEURO at https://brickhousenutrition.com. Eko Health Get $50 off, plus a FREE custom chest piece cover ($25 value) when you go to https://ekohealth.com/NEURO  *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00 – Intro 01:44 – Dr. Rocio’s Journey into Endocrinology 02:38 – Discovering the First GLP-1 Drug 03:29 – Early Results & FDA Approval 05:00 – GLP-1 101: What It Is + How It Works 06:28 – Natural vs Synthetic GLP-1s 07:09 – GLP-1s & Alzheimer’s Link 08:20 – GLP-1s vs Bariatric Surgery 09:32 – Rewiring Cravings in the Brain 11:24 – Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of GLP-1s 11:24 – Ad 15:19 – Ozempic, Mounjaro & Next-Gen GLP-1s 17:02 – GLP-1s & Women’s Hormones 19:26 – Will You Be on GLP-1 Forever? 21:35 – The Myth of Willpower 23:22 – Breaking Generational Obesity Cycles 24:43 – GLP-1 & Thyroid Cancer Myth 25:55 – Ad27:55 – GLP-1s Reduce Cancer Risk 29:12 – Inflammation & GLP-1s 30:00 – GLP-1s & Fertility (PCOS) 31:27 – GLP-1 Meds Cut Dementia Risk by 33% 32:04 – Muscle Loss on GLP-1s? 33:14 – Muscle: Your Body’s Anti-Inflammatory Organ 34:01 – How to Eat Enough Protein on GLP-1s 35:19 – Tracking Your Body Composition 36:57 – Build Muscle While Losing Weight 37:25 – GLP-1 Side Effects & How to Avoid Them 38:24 – The GPS Method (GLP-1 + Protein + Strength) 38:24 – Ad 41:15 – Exposing “GLP-1 Gummies” & Celeb Hype 41:34 – Microdosing & Maintenance Explained 45:01 – The Emotional Shift in Patients 46:07 – The Future of GLP-1s 48:04 – Ending Chronic Disease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  52:23

  --------

  52:23
• 10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's | ft. Dr. Kellyann Niotis

  In this episode of The Neuro Experience, I sit down with Dr. Kellyann Niotis—one of the first fellowship-trained preventive neurologists—to reveal how you can protect your brain long before symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia appear. With Alzheimer’s cases expected to triple by 2050, Dr. Niotis explains the difference between dementia types, the real role of genes like ApoE4, and why lifestyle choices may be more powerful than genetics. If you want actionable tools to lower your risk, strengthen your memory, and understand the future of preventive neurology, this conversation delivers science-backed strategies you can start applying today. About Dr. Kellyann Niotis: Dr. Kellyann Niotis is the first fellowship-trained preventive neurologist focused on reducing risk for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lewy Body Dementia. She launched the nation’s first Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell and now leads early-detection and brain health research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases Florida. Her work appears in leading medical journals and has been featured by CNN. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode: Timeline: Head to⁠ http://timeline.com/neuro⁠ to get started. Beam: Visit ⁠http://shopbeam.com/TNE⁠ and use code TNE at checkout. Jones Road Beauty: Head to ⁠http://Jonesroadbeauty.com⁠ and use code NEURO at checkout. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you. NOCD: Head to ⁠http://learn.nocd.com/NEURO⁠ and book a free 15 minute call to get started. Eko Health: Go to ⁠http:/ekohealth.com/NEURO ⁠ for up to $50 off, plus a free chest piece cover.  *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ *** Topics discussed: 00:00 – Introduction 01:25 – Preventative neurology 02:23 – Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s & Other Types of Dementia 04:08 – What Is Alzheimer’s? 05:26 – Clinical Diagnosis: Imaging & Symptoms 07:07 – How Amyloid Disrupts Neural Communication 09:48 – Genetics vs. Lifestyle: Public Misunderstanding 12:02 – Role of Family History & Genetic Risk 14:04 – The ApoE4 Gene Explained15:07 – ApoE Variants 17:08 – ApoE4 and Lipid Transport in the Brain 18:35 – Immune Response & Infection Susceptibility 20:05 – Hormones: Key Role in Brain Health 21:08 – Genotypes & Risk Multipliers 23:01 – ApoE4 Not Always Deterministic: Population Studies 24:15 – Other Genetic Factors Beyond ApoE 25:13 – Biomarkers: Current Use & Limitations 27:13 – Risks of Self-Testing Biomarkers 28:45 – Why Two-Thirds of Patients Are Women 29:46 – Estrogen, Menopause & Neuroprotection 32:07 – Testosterone & Dementia Risk 35:01 – LDL, ApoB & Brain Health Debate 37:01 – Statins & Dementia: Myths vs. Evidence 39:08 – Fear & Misconceptions Around Cholesterol 41:09 – Lipoprotein(a) & Vascular Dementia Risk 44:39 – Brain Vasculature & Hypertension 49:15 – New Alzheimer’s Drugs & Risks 55:32 – Why Rates Keep Rising (Lifestyle & Stress) 58:11 – Early Signs 01:00:23 – Tau Protein, Tangles & Neuronal Damage 01:05:49 – Keto vs. Mediterranean 01:07:14 – Personalization & Preference for Mediterranean Diet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  1:29:45

  --------

  1:29:45
• #1 Neurologist Reveals the SHOCKING Root Cause of Parkinson’s Disease and How to Stop it | ft. Dr. Ray Dorsey

  Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world—and according to Dr. Ray Dorsey, it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dorsey, a leading neurologist, Parkinson’s researcher, and tireless advocate for rethinking chronic illness. Together, we unpack why the rates of Parkinson’s have doubled in the last 25 years and explore a bold claim: Parkinson’s is largely a manmade and preventable disease.Dr. Dorsey’s message is urgent yet hopeful: prevention is possible, but it requires awareness, advocacy, and collective action. Dr. Ray Dorsey is a neurologist and one of the world’s foremost voices in Parkinson’s disease research and care. With deep clinical expertise and a passion for health care innovation, he is reshaping how we understand and address chronic illness. His parents were both psychiatrists, and he knew from first grade that he wanted to become a doctor. Today, he combines that lifelong love of learning with a mission to prevent Parkinson’s and improve the lives of millions worldwide. ***  Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey.  ***  A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Troscriptions: Go to www.troscription.com/neuro | Code: NEURO for 10% your first order Ketone IQ:  Go to https://ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment. Caraway: Visit https://carawayhome.com/neuro and you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase. Manukora: Head to https://manukora.com/NEURO to save up to 31% plus $25 worth of free gifts with the Starter Kit. Rula: Go to https://rula.com/NEURO to get started today.  Puori: Go to https://puori.com/NEURO and use the code NEURO at checkout for 20% off. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ *** Learn more about Dr. Ray Dorsey’s work: Ending Parkinson’s DiseaseExplore Parkinson’s 25 recommendations in his book The Parkinson’s Plan to reduce your risk. Topics discussed: 00:00:00:00 —  Intro  00:01:45:16 — Rising rates of Parkinson’s & preventability00:03:59:20 — How it starts & prodrome (decades-long progression).00:05:27:22 — TCE & contaminated water/sites (Camp Lejeune, Woburn, Brooklyn, Silicon Valley). 00:10:36:02 — Dry cleaning exposure (perc), apartments above cleaners. 00:12:31:08 — Pathophysiology I: mitochondria, substantia nigra, alpha-synuclein. 00:17:06:16 — Pathophysiology II: body-first vs brain-first; REM sleep behavior disorder.00:23:52:16 — Diagnosis: clinical features, imaging/biomarkers. 00:25:44:09 — Genetics (12.5%) & environmental susceptibility; TCE history/regulation. 00:29:12:23 — Pesticides: chlorpyrifos, paraquat; golf-course & agricultural exposure. 00:34:14:00 — Consumer guidance: wash produce; prioritize organic meat/dairy; contamination case studies. 00:37:58:11 — Sex differences & exposure sociology; possible estrogen protection. 00:39:37:03 — Management mindset: no cure; reduce exposures; 25 recommendations; occupational risks.00:41:05:15 — Air pollution & purifiers: PM2.5, blood–brain barrier bypass, home monitoring.00:46:53:17 — Water purification: filters vs RO; well-water testing & regulation gaps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  59:49

  --------

  59:49
• 98% of Women Denied Hormone Therapy? | ft. Dr. Alicia Robbins

  Menopause is finally in the spotlight — but most women still don’t understand what’s happening to their bodies in their late 30s, 40s, and beyond. Even worse, many doctors misdiagnose or dismiss symptoms like brain fog, night sweats, weight gain, and mood swings as “just stress.” About Dr. Alicia Robbins: Dr. Alicia Robbins is a board-certified Gynecologist and Lifestyle Medicine physician, founder of The Elm, and creator of The Robbins Method. She is recognized as a leading voice in perimenopause and midlife health, dedicated to providing compassionate, proactive care and rewriting the narrative on women’s midlife. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Function Health Visit https://www.functionhealth.com/louisanicola and use code NEURO100 or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership.  FIGSYou can get 15% off your first order at https://www.wearfigs.com with the code FIGSRX.  Honeylove Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to https://www.honeylove.com/neuro. Cowboy Colostrum Get 25% Off with code NEURO at https://www.cowboycolostrum.com. AquaTru Go to https://www.AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code NEURO. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee.  Brickhouse Nutrition Get 20% off when you enter NEURO at https://www.takelean.com. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Follow Dr. Alicia Robbins The Elm: https://theelmgreenwich.com/ Instagram: @aliciarobbinsmd Topics discussed: 00:00:00 — Intro 00:01:32:10 — Menopause is “in the spotlight”; what’s actually happening with women’s hormones ~35+ 00:02:43:11 — Ovaries as the primary source of estrogen/progesterone/testosterone 00:11:32:08 — Estrogen’s role in the brain 00:13:15:05 — With estrogen loss, chronic low-grade brain inflammation 00:15:12:17 — What replaced HRT: rise in sleep aids, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. 00:32:55:20 — Women’s testosterone: low “total T” numbers, variable symptoms/benefit; brain fog and fatigue are multifactorial. 00:33:38:00 — Practical regimen notes: layering hormones; balance affected by stress/cortisol 00:44:14 — Longevity hype vs reality: trendy biohacks vs basics like walking, resistance training, and consistent diet 00:44:34 — Cultural/societal neglect of women’s midlife health; undervaluing cognitive preservation in women 00:45:10 — Lack of specialty in menopause medicine; OB/GYN training gaps; bias toward fertility/pregnancy funding 00:47:20 — Emerging shift: younger physicians and social media spreading awareness 00:48:15 — Longevity basics reaffirmed: lifestyle interventions are more impactful than costly interventions 00:49:00 — Empowering women to advocate for care 00:50:12 — Future outlook: preventative care, lifestyle foundations, and individualized hormone therapy for healthy aging 00:54:53: Increase in divorce rate because of hormones? 00:55:53: HRT and risk of breast cancer 00:58:11: What doctor should a woman in her late 30s/early 40s go see? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  1:02:46

  --------

  1:02:46
• Should You Be Taking Amino Acid Supplements Instead? | ft. Angelo Keely

  Most of us think protein is just about building muscle—but what if we’ve been getting it wrong all along? In this eye-opening episode, host Louisa sits down with Angelo Keely, co-founder and CEO of Kion, to uncover the real science behind protein, amino acids, and muscle health. Angelo explains why essential amino acids—not just protein—are the critical drivers of muscle maintenance, recovery, and even longevity. He breaks down the shocking truth about how different protein sources actually compare, why aging adults need more than the RDA suggests, and how supplements like amino acids can prevent muscle loss—even without exercise.  Whether you’re a midlife woman trying to protect bone density, an athlete looking for an edge, or simply someone who wants to age stronger—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. About the guest: Angelo is the co-founder and CEO of Kion, a lifestyle and supplement company built around optimizing health and energy through essential nutrients. With a lifelong passion for nutrition and performance, he’s on a mission to educate people about the powerful science of amino acids and help them live stronger, healthier, and longer lives.  Discover Kion: Instagram: @kion Visit getkion.com/neuro for 20% off. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: OSEA  Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code NEURO at OSEAMalibu.com. You’ll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $50.  Ketone IQ Go to www.ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment. Wildgrain For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering my listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/NEURO to start your subscription.  Cozy Earth Head to cozyearth.com and use my code NEURO for 40% off! Cowboy Colostrum For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off their entire order. Head to CowboyColostrum.com and use code NEURO at checkout.  Puori Go to puori.com/NEURO and use the code NEURO at checkout for 20% off *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed:00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:33 - confusion around protein, fat loss 00:02:36 - Carbs/fat = fuel vs protein = structure; macronutrient primer  00:04:29 - Protein turnover & amino acids (house remodel analogy)  00:08:29 - Protein beyond muscle00:11:02 - Energy storage vs “amino reservoir”; why low protein costs muscle  00:13:25 - Nuance in intake advice; social/media oversimplification00:17:18 - “Protein isn’t equal” 00:18:27 - What EAAs are; “essential” vs “non-essential”; leucine as trigger  00:21:15 - Comparing foods: plant vs dairy/eggs vs. meat 00:25:05 - Protein potency ladder 00:27:15 - Louisa’s protein plan; bioavailability clarification; why EAAs hit faster 00:30:28 - Aging & leucine-enriched EAAs 00:35:22 - Steak “not very anabolic” alone; training vs nutrition  00:36:11 - NASA bed-rest studies 00:38:09 - Building muscles with amino acids and no exercise controversy  00:40:46 - Angelo’s backstory & founding Kion 00:43:31 - Practical playbook (midlife female) 00:50:08 - GLP-1 weight-loss caveat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  1:07:03

  --------

  1:07:03

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The Neuro Experience