The Empowering Neurologist Podcast

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 In this compelling episode of The Empowering Neurologist, I sit down with Dr. Ray Dorsey, a leading voice in the world of neurology and author of the important new book, The Parkinson’s Plan. Dr. Dorsey is a passionate advocate for changing how we view and address Parkinson’s disease. His message is bold—and urgently needed: Parkinson’s is not simply a disease of aging or bad luck. It is, in his words, “a man-made disease,” driven by preventable environmental exposures. Dr. Dorsey’s work shines a much-needed spotlight on the role of toxins in triggering Parkinson’s. In his new book, he lays out a comprehensive framework for understanding and reversing the rising tide of Parkinson’s cases, which have more than doubled in recent decades. He argues that this surge is no coincidence—it correlates with increased exposure to industrial chemicals, pesticides, and air pollutants that interfere with the brain’s delicate dopamine system. One of the most striking recent contributions from Dr. Dorsey’s research is a JAMA-published study linking Parkinson’s risk to proximity to golf courses—locations that are frequently treated with high volumes of chemical herbicides and pesticides. The study found a significantly increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in individuals living near these manicured greens. This adds to a growing body of evidence that toxic environmental exposures play a key role in the development of this neurodegenerative condition. In our conversation, Dr. Dorsey discusses how Parkinson’s (once a rare disease) has become the world’s fastest-growing brain disorder, and why its rise can’t be explained by aging populations alone. He shares practical strategies for individuals and families looking to reduce their toxic burden and offers hope for a new paradigm. One in which we actively prevent, treat, and ultimately aim to eliminate Parkinson’s. Try Lichen Air, an air filter carefully constructed to remove the maximum amount of PM 2.5 and smaller air pollutants possible: https://lichenair.com/ ==== 0:00 Intro 2:40 Living Near to a Golf course Raises Parkinson’s Risk 4:58 How Pollutants Lead to Parkinson’s 7:12 Danger of Dry cleaning Chemicals 11:45 Parkinson’s is not just about Genetics 14:15 Why aren't these chemicals illegal? 17:07 Toxicity of Weed Killer 21:00 Chemicals that Damage Mitochondria  26:39 Why Diabetes Increases Parkinson’s Risk 29:38Air Pollution & WildFires 34:04 The Air Purifier We Recommend  34:49 Dealing with Indoor Air Pollution 37:02 Wash All Produce (Even Organic) 38:12 Best Diet for Parkinson’s Prevention 41:26 Safe Practices for Farming & Dry Cleaning 45:23 Benefits of Exercise 48:01 Public Figures Who Faced Parkinson's Disease 49:58 Why Men are More Likely to Get It 51:21 An Empowering Message for Us 54:27 Conclusion  ==== Dr. Ray Dorsey is the director of the Center for the Brain & the Environment at the Atria Health and Research Institute. The center’s mission is to identify the root causes of brain diseases from autism to Alzheimer’s so that we can prevent them. With his colleagues, he wrote Ending Parkinson’s Disease and the forthcoming The Parkinson’s Plan, which details a new path to preventing and treating this terrible disease. Ray previously directed the Center for Health + Technology at the University of Rochester, chaired the international Huntington Study Group, led the movement disorders division at Johns Hopkins, and consulted for McKinsey & Company. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 I’m thrilled to announce this exciting podcast episode featuring an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Mai Nguyen, CEO and Co-founder of OptoCeutics. Dr. Nguyen is a pioneering force in the field of neurotechnology, and in this episode, we unpack her revolutionary work using non-invasive light stimulation to enhance brain function and potentially prevent neurodegenerative disease. At the center of our conversation is the EVY, a 40 Hertz light stimulation device developed by OptoCeutics under Dr. Nguyen’s leadership. This device is designed to target and enhance gamma oscillations in the brain—a specific frequency range of neural activity (around 40 Hz) that is critically involved in memory, attention, and perception. In recent years, scientific studies have linked disruptions in gamma oscillations with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. By restoring these rhythms, the EVY device aims to provide a non-pharmacological, non-invasive way to support brain health. During our podcast, Dr. Nguyen explains how EVY works: the device emits flickering light at a precise 40 Hz frequency, which is thought to entrain brain activity to resonate at that same frequency. This gentle stimulation may help reduce amyloid-beta accumulation, improve neural connectivity, and promote immune system engagement in the brain—mechanisms that could slow or even reverse aspects of cognitive decline. What sets Dr. Nguyen apart is not just her scientific brilliance, but her deep commitment to translating research into real-world solutions. She leads OptoCeutics with a clear mission: to bring accessible, evidence-based neurotechnology into homes and clinics, empowering people to take charge of their cognitive well-being. Her approach is both deeply human and rigorously scientific, blending innovation with empathy. As you’ll hear in the interview, Dr. Nguyen's work exemplifies the exciting convergence of biology, technology, and therapeutic application. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of brain health, the science of neuroplasticity, and the promise of light-based therapies. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, caregiver, or simply curious about how to support your brain as you age, Dr. Nguyen’s insights will leave you informed, inspired, and hopeful. ==== 0:00 Intro 2:46 How Dr. Mai Started Studying it 5:16 How Light Enhances Gamma Oscillation  7:22 Promise of These Studies 8:51 How the EVY Device Works 11:20 Early Clinical Results + Potential Side Effects 13:53 Application of this technology  16:36 Why Mainstream is Late to Adopt This 22:04 Impact of Auditory Stimulation 23:38 The Future of This Research 25:25 Get Involved Today ==== Dr. Nguyen is a trailblazer in neurotechnology, pioneering advancements in non-invasive brain stimulation technology for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s and dementia. As CEO and Co-founder of OptoCeutics, Dr. Nguyen leads the charge in bridging the gap between neuroscience and therapeutic innovation, offering new hope to millions affected by cognitive decline.  Under Dr. Nguyen’s leadership, Optoceutics has become a frontrunner in brain stimulation technology and a recognized authority in non-invasive neuromodulation. Her unique approach combines rigorous scientific methodology with groundbreaking therapeutic solutions. This vision is shaped by her academic excellence, including a PhD in Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley with a specialization in Neuroendocrinology, and her extensive training in management, technology innovation, and entrepreneurship. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 In our modern world, we are surrounded by a staggering number of invisible threats. These chemicals and pollutants can silently undermine our immune systems, increase our risk for chronic illness, and sabotage our health at the cellular level. That’s why I’m especially excited to welcome Dr. Aly Cohen to this episode of The Empowering Neurologist. This conversation is not only eye-opening, it’s empowering and filled with practical, actionable steps that each of us can take starting today. In our conversation Dr. Cohen takes us through the science and the soul of her mission. We explore what inspired her to write Detoxify, a journey that began at the intersection of clinical frustration and personal awakening. Over the years, she began noticing that many of her patients with autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and neurological complaints shared a common thread: consistent exposure to environmental toxins. This wasn't just about vague “bad stuff.”Dr. Cohen has zeroed in on a specific category of chemicals she terms “Immune-disrupting chemicals (IDCs).” These are substances that directly interfere with the immune system's ability to regulate and repair. Dr. Cohen doesn’t stop at theory… she gets specific - with personal care products to avoid, water purification tips every household should know, and simple DIY recipes for safer cleaning and skincare. Her “Detoxify Food Pyramid” reimagines what a clean, immune-supportive diet looks like in a world of processed foods and contaminated agriculture. We also touch on how environmental toxins can act as potent triggers for autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis - diseases Dr. Cohen treats in her clinical practice almost every day. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scale of modern toxicity, this episode offers a clear and hopeful path forward. Dr. Cohen emphasizes that detoxifying your life doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It’s about starting small. Things like switching to a glass water bottle, choosing fragrance-free detergents, and reading ingredient labels can lead to profound health benefits. ==== TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Welcoming Dr. Amy Cohen & Her Inspiration for Her Book 05:45 Water & How Contamination Dysregulates Our Immune System 10:44 Recommendations for Filtration and Purification 13:13 Quality of Bottled Water Is Sub Par & Likely Tap Water 18:03 Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Contaminants Found In Our Water 21:47 Sparking Change with The Four A's: Assess, Avoid Or Swap, Add, Allow 27:39 How Did These Chemicals Enter Our Food & Water Supply? 34:10 How Do Genetics Determine Your Ability To Detoxify? 37:50 Air Quality, Pollution, and The Impact On Our Bodies 43:49 Navigating How To Improve The Air You Breath 47:41 Detoxifying The Body From Air Pollution 51:18 Hidden Threats In Your Personal Care Products & How To Avoid Them 1:04:19 Conclusion ==== Dr. Aly Cohen is a board-certified physician practicing in rheumatology and integrative medicine, as well as an environmental health expert in Princeton, New Jersey. Her new book, DETOXIFY: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them, available now for preorder, connects the dots between everyday chemicals and the epidemic rise in immune disorders and autoimmune disease...and what we CAN all do about it! You can follow her health and wellness tips and recommendations on Facebook at The Smart Human, Twitter, and Instagram: @thesmarthuman, and TikTok.  ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 The ketogenic diet has become a household term, often associated with rapid weight loss and an effective means of shedding stubborn fat. However, as my guest on this episode of The Empowering Neurologist, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, will explain, there is so much more to the ketogenic lifestyle than simply dropping a few pounds. We’re diving deep into the science of metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and how our lifestyle choices impact long-term health, particularly brain health. While many people adopt a ketogenic diet for its well-documented benefits in weight management, its effects on metabolism reach far beyond simple fat burning. Nutritional ketosis helps the body transition from relying primarily on carbohydrates for energy to efficiently burning fat and producing ketones, an alternative fuel source for the brain and muscles. As Dr. D’Agostino will discuss, one of the most crucial aspects of metabolic health is insulin sensitivity. When insulin function is compromised, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even cognitive decline. By keeping insulin sensitivity in check through dietary choices, fasting, and exercise, we can enhance our metabolic health and lower the risk of chronic disease. The brain is an energy-intensive organ, and its function is directly influenced by our metabolic state. Research has shown that ketones provide a more efficient and neuroprotective fuel source for the brain compared to glucose. This is particularly relevant for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and even traumatic brain injury. By making intentional choices about what we eat, how we move, and how we recover, we can take control of our metabolic health and improve our longevity. ==== 00:00  Introduction  02:21 How Dr. D’Agostino Went From Seizure Research To Nutrition Science 03:31 From Drug Failures To The Medical Power Of Ketosis 05:15 What Ketones Really Are And Why They’re A Metabolic Game-Changer 09:37 Why Ketogenic Therapy Is Now In 400+ Clinical Trials Worldwide 12:21 GLP-1 Drugs, Weight Loss, And Keto: What They Do To Your Metabolism 15:10 Inside A Ketogenic Body: Fat Burning, Fuel Switching, And More 17:25 How Lowering Insulin Turns On Fat Burning And Ketone Production 20:03 Why Ketones Keep The Brain Stable And Cravings Under Control 23:54 The Right Amount Of Protein For Muscle, Aging, And Staying In Ketosis 27:03 Do You Actually Need Fiber? The Carnivore Diet And Gut Health 30:00 How Ketosis Reduces Inflammation And Repairs The Gut Barrier 34:31 Genomics of Ketonics: Beta-Hydroxybutyrate’s Epigenetic Power 45:38 Allulose: The Sweetener That Lowers Blood Sugar And Boosts GLP-1 52:03 Why MCT Oil Might Be The Most Underrated Keto Hack Available 54:30 Conclusion ==== Dominic D’Agostino, Ph.D., is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology. He teaches medical neuroscience, medical physiology, nutrition and neuropharmacology. He is also a Senior Visiting Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) to assist with their efforts towards optimizing the safety, health and resilience of the warfighter and astronaut. His primary research focuses on developing and testing nutritional and metabolic-based therapies for a variety of disease states and advancing the use of metabolic-based therapies into human clinical applications.   ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1

🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com [http://www.drperlmutter.com/]. ✉️🌱 Cancer remains a formidable global challenge, with nearly one in six deaths worldwide attributed to the disease. Over 60% of patients undergoing conventional treatments experience severe side effects, highlighting the need for complementary therapies that enhance efficacy and reduce harm. Dr. Valter Longo, a leading figure in aging and nutritional science, has introduced a groundbreaking approach known as the fasting mimicking diet (FMD). Through years of research, Dr. Longo has shown that cycles of controlled fasting can trigger cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic health. His work has reshaped our understanding of nutrition’s role in health and disease, providing a scientific basis for fasting as a tool to support standard cancer therapies. The fasting mimicking diet offers a promising adjunct to traditional treatments. By strategically reducing calorie intake, FMD protects healthy cells and makes cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiation. This dual effect boosts the effectiveness of treatment while mitigating debilitating side effects. Dr. Longo’s new book, Fasting Cancer, the subject of our podcast, explores the science behind fasting and its potential to transform cancer care. He shares practical guidelines, compelling case studies, and robust research that illustrate how FMD can be integrated with standard therapies for better outcomes. Listeners of The Empowering Neurologist were captivated by Dr. Longo’s ability to translate complex science into actionable advice in his previous appearance, and this episode is no exception. His work continues to inspire both patients and healthcare professionals to explore innovative, science-driven approaches in the fight against cancer. As research unfolds, the fasting mimicking diet stands as a testament to the power of nutritional science in modern medicine. Embracing this strategy, patients and clinicians alike are witnessing a promising future in cancer care. ==== 00:00 Introduction 02:10 The Cancer Nutrition Scientist Changing Everything 04:36 How Cancer Cells Hack Aging And Stay Immortal 06:00 The Hidden Danger Of Cancer Cell Survival After Chemo 07:30 Why Young People Are Getting More Cancer Than Ever 10:48 Are We Eating Too Much Protein For Longevity 13:22 A Diet That Weakens Cancer But Shields Healthy Cells 17:55 What Is The Fasting Mimicking Diet And Why It Works 21:40 The Critical Timing That Makes Chemo More Effective 23:00 How Starving Cancer Creates A Predictable Weak Spot 27:30 The Multi-Angle Attack That Slows Glioblastoma 29:15 Could This Diet Delay Or Reverse Alzheimer’s 32:50 Clinical Trials Show This Diet Reverses Diabetes 36:30 How Fasting Triggers Organ Regeneration In Humans 41:05 The Shocking Risks Behind Popular Weight Loss Drugs 57:14 Conclusion ==== Valter Longo is the director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He studies basic and clinical research on nutrition, aging, and disease, with a focus on cancer, autoimmunity, Alzheimer’s, and cardiometabolic illness. Dr. Longo has received multiple awards including the 2010 Nathan Shock Lecture Award from the National Institute on Aging, the 2013 Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award, and the 2016 Glenn Award for Research in the Biological Mechanisms of Aging. In 2018, Time named him one of the 50 most influential people in health care, and in 2021 Science magazine called him a pioneer in nutrition and cancer. He is the author of Fasting Cancer and The Longevity Diet. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ [https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/] Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ [https://www.drperlmutter.com/] Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1]