How Sleep, Brain Injury & Inflammation Shape Dementia Risk

How Sleep, Brain Injury & Inflammation Shape Dementia Risk

What if dementia isn't simply a disease of aging brain cells — but a failure of the brain's support systems over time? In this episode of The Brain and Mind Experts, host Tom Dent sits down with neurologist Dr. Steven Allder to explore groundbreaking discoveries changing how we think about dementia, Alzheimer's disease, sleep, brain injury, and long-term cognitive health. Dr. Allder explains the brain's recently discovered "glymphatic system" — the brain's nighttime cleaning process that removes waste while we sleep — and why poor sleep, chronic stress, neuroinflammation, air pollution, diet, and repeated head trauma may all contribute to cognitive decline decades before symptoms appear. The conversation also explores: * Why dementia may begin in your 20s or 30s * How sleep position impacts brain health * The connection between neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease * Why repeated head injuries can overwhelm the brain's support systems * The role of exercise, diet, and environmental health in reducing dementia risk * Why early detection and preventative testing could transform brain medicine Dr. Allder also shares why he believes the future of dementia care will focus less on damaged neurons — and more on protecting the brain's resilience and support structures before symptoms emerge. #Dementia #Alzheimers #BrainHealth #SleepScience #Neurology #CognitiveHealth #BrainAndMindExperts #DrStevenAllder #Neuroinflammation #MentalHealth

The Silent Killer in Contact Sports (What Parents & Athletes Must Know)

CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) is a progressive brain disease linked to repeated head impacts—often from subconcussions, not just "big" concussions. In this episode of Brain & Mind Experts, Tom Dent sits down with Dr. Emma McWeeny (CEO & Medical Director, Recognition Health) to unpack what's really happening in the brain, why symptoms often appear after damage is underway, and what science is doing to catch it earlier. You'll learn: * Why CTE is called the "silent killer" (and why it's anything but silent once symptoms begin) * The role of subconcussions and cumulative exposure across football, rugby, hockey, and soccer * What helmets can and can't do — and why protecting the brain matters more than protecting the skull * Emerging tools: biomarkers, imaging, and the race to diagnose CTE before symptoms * CTE vs Alzheimer's: similarities, key differences, and why overlap can happen * The warning signs to watch for: mood changes, impulsivity, memory loss, depression, vertigo, and more * What parents should consider about age, years played, and informed risk decisions If you're a parent, coach, athlete, or simply someone concerned about brain health—this conversation is essential listening. #CTE [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cte] #BrainHealth [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/brainhealth] #Concussion [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/concussion] #Subconcussion [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/subconcussion] #ContactSports [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/contactsports] #Football [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/football] #Rugby [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/rugby] #Hockey [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/hockey] #Soccer [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/soccer] #SportsSafety [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sportssafety] #Neuroscience [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/neuroscience] #Alzheimers [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/alzheimers]

New FDA-Approved Blood Test Brings Hope for Early Alzheimer's Detection

Dr. Emer MacSweeney and Tom Dent talk about the tests that can diagnose Alzheimer's. For the first time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a blood test that can help identify Alzheimer's disease in clinical practice. For a disease that is a global pandemic, this kind of accessible testing is critical.

Traumatic Brain Injury or Early Onset Alzheimer's?

Retired British professional footballer Ray Clarke, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, is participating in a clinical trial to slow or stop the progression of the disease. Drawing on a history of head injuries, Ray joins Dr. Emer MacSweeney, CEO and Medical Director of Re:Cognition Health, and Tom Dent, Executive Chairman of Re:Cognition Health, to urge former contact sport athletes to seek early testing and treatment for neurological issues.

Introducing The Brain and Mind Experts

The Brain and Mind Experts podcast is your gateway to the latest breakthroughs in cognitive health. Hosted by Dr. Emer MacSweeney and Tom Dent of Re:Cognition Health, each episode explores the causes, treatments, and emerging solutions for memory loss and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's. Join us as we bring hope and expert insight to those navigating the complexities of brain health.