Alzheimer’s Risk in Women: How to Protect Your Brain with Neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola
Nearly two thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s disease are women, and changes in the brain can begin a decade or more before symptoms appear. What does that mean for the choices you make in your 30s, 40s and 50s, and how can you support your brain health now?
In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford is joined by clinical neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola, host of The Neuro Experience. Louisa explains how exercise, sleep, and cognitive challenges support brain health, why genetics are only part of the risk picture, and what changes during menopause. They also examine the emerging research on creatine and the questions to bring to your doctor about cardiovascular health and hormone therapy.
Alzheimer’s Risk in Women: How to Protect Your Brain with Neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Alzheimer’s Risk in Women: What Can You Do Now?
01:19 Why Is Alzheimer’s More Common in Women?
02:13 Is Dementia the Same as Alzheimer’s?
03:48 Can You Get Alzheimer’s If It Doesn’t Run in Your Family?
08:05 What Does Your Brain Need to Work Properly?
11:19 Why Does Menopause Affect Your Memory?
12:42 What Actually Happens in the Brain With Alzheimer’s?
15:34 Can You Lower Your Alzheimer’s Risk?
17:14 How Does Exercise Affect Your Memory?
20:37 Is High Intensity Exercise Good for Your Brain?
22:08 Can Lifting Weights Help Protect Your Brain?
26:44 How Do You Exercise Your Brain?
27:45 Can Relying on Your Phone Affect Your Memory?
29:42 Can Reading and Writing Help Keep Your Brain Sharp?
33:57 What Happens to Your Brain During Deep Sleep?
36:56 What Can Help You Sleep Better?
37:57 How Much Sleep Do You Need for Brain Health?
38:30 Are Sleep Trackers Helping or Stressing You Out?
39:34 How Do Food and Blood Sugar Affect Your Brain?
40:55 Can Creatine Help Your Memory?
44:00 How Does Your Social Life Affect Your Brain Health?
45:49 What Should You Do If You Have the APOE4 Gene?
47:50 Can HRT Help Lower Your Alzheimer’s Risk?
50:57 What Could the Future of Alzheimer’s Treatment Look Like?
52:07 Taking Your Brain Health Seriously Before Old Age
Guest Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_
Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/theneuroexperience_/
AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk
Host Resources:
Order The Fertility Formula! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book
Newsletter: nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter
Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd
Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD
Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility
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This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.
ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:
Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.
Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.