Episode 198

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Published on:

24th Mar 2026

Dr. Tommy Wood: Can Cognitive Decline Be Reversed?

Up to 70% of dementia may be preventable, so why aren’t more people talking about what actually drives cognitive decline? In this episode, I’m with Dr. Tommy Wood, neuroscientist and author of “The Stimulated Mind,” to explore the lifestyle levers that protect your brain across a lifetime. Learn how white matter hyperintensities develop and whether they can reverse, what MCTs and ketones actually do for a glucose-starved brain, and why social connection may be the most underrated variable in cognitive aging. What is the one change you could make today that would most protect your brain tomorrow?

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⏰Timestamps:

00:00 ​Intro of Show

01:52 Elite Athlete’s Brain and Emotional Regulation

06:51 How to Regulate Emotions

11:30 Mindset Impacting Hormonal Responses

15:39 Future-Proofing the Brain

19:42 Brain Development vs. Shrinkage

26:11 Dementia Types, Causes, and Prevention

39:29 Social Isolation Influencing Cognitive Function

50:00 Social Stress’ Drivers

52:34 Non-Negotiable’s to Avoid Dementia Risks

57:42 Seafood Consumption Beneficial for Brain Function

1:03:35 Alcohol and Sleep Impacting the Brain

1:10:16 Is Brain Function Recovery Possible?

1:18:43 Use of Ketones and Glucose for Cognitive Recovery

1:23:09 Power of Mindfulness

1:27:06 Get Dr. Wood’s Book


‼️Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.


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About the Podcast

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show
The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show promotes a healthy world, and in order to have a healthy world, we must have transparent conversations. This show is dedicated to such conversations as the listener; your education, understanding, strength, and health are the primary focus. The goal of this show is to provide you with a framework for navigating the health and wellness space and, most importantly, being the champion of your own life. Guests include highly trustworthy professionals that bring both the art and science of wellness aspects that are both physical and mental. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is a Washington University fellowship-trained physician who serves the innovators, mavericks, and leaders in their fields, as well as working closely with the Special Operations Military. She is the founder of the Institute of Muscle-Centric Medicine® and serves patients worldwide.