Brain Aging Explained: Hidden Causes, Early Symptoms & What ACTUALLY Protects You | Max Lugavere

Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with bestselling author and brain-health expert Max Lugavere to reveal the real drivers of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cognitive decline. Max explains why women are disproportionately affected, how hormone changes influence brain aging, how ultra-processed foods damage cognition, and the 14 modifiable risk factors that determine lifelong brain health. He also breaks down the best foods for memory, how toxins impair the brain, what imaging and blood biomarkers matter, and the daily habits that lower dementia risk for life.

00:00 – Why Women Face Higher Alzheimer’s Risk
02:21 – Alzheimer’s Starts Decades Before Symptoms
04:59 – Imaging, Genetics & Metabolic Clues
06:49 – Misconceptions About Genetics
08:31 – What Max Tracks in His Own Health
16:04 – America’s Broken Food Regulation System
17:42 – The 14 Modifiable Brain Risk Factors
19:13 – Why Women Need HRT for Brain Protection
21:41 – Metabolic Disease, Diabetes & Brain Death
22:28 – Blood Pressure & Microstrokes in the Brain
26:23 – UPFs, Mental Health & Endocrine Chemicals
27:11 – What “Ultra-Processed” Really Means
30:23 – Protein Washing & How to Judge Labels
32:43 – The Culture of Gaslighting Consumers
40:00 – The REAL Issue: Lack of Fiber & Diversity
41:27 – The Case for a High-Protein Breakfast
43:39 – Dark Leafy Greens: 11 Years Younger Brain
45:46 – Avocados, Olive Oil & Brain Protection
47:17 – Fruit, Insulin Resistance & Brain Health
48:06 – Olive Oil Cuts Alzheimer’s Risk by 30%
49:44 – Fish & Red Meat for Brain Health
56:37 – Parkinson’s Breakthroughs & Gut-Brain Link
58:15 – Air Pollution Bypasses the Blood-Brain Barrier
01:03:41 – Why People Change Their Minds After Learning
01:04:30 – Max’s Personal Story & Mission

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Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not represent those of my employer or any affiliated organization. The discussion is intended for general educational purposes about women’s health and endometriosis care on a global level. References to challenges in diagnosis, access, or treatment reflect systemic issues in medicine as a whole and are not directed at any specific institution or provider. No patient information or organizational data are discussed.