In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft speaks with Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford, a Mayo Clinic neurologist and co-author of the new edition of the Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias. They discuss how Alzheimer’s disease begins 20 years before symptoms appear, what can be done to prevent or delay it, and what health and fitness professionals working with people over 50 need to know now.Dr. Radford shares powerful new insights on early detection tools, lifestyle factors like exercise and hearing loss, and how fitness protocols can support cognitive health. You'll also hear how dual-tasking workouts, VO2 max, and neuroplasticity play a role in long-term brain health.If you serve older adults in health, fitness, or wellness, this is a must-listen.👤 Guest: Dr. Jonathan Graff-RadfordBio: Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford is a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic and co-author of Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias. His research focuses on early detection, prevention, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.Resources & Links:Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer’s: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/mayo-clinic-on-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/Mayo Clinic Brain Health Tips: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/brain-health-tips/art-20555198Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Resources: https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/alzheimers-disease-research-center/research-activities/mayo-clinic-study-aging/patients-families/resources🧠 Topics CoveredWhat Is Alzheimer’s Really?Difference between Alzheimer’s and general dementiaAmyloid and tau proteins in the brainWhy Prevention Starts NowAlzheimer’s can start 20 years before symptoms40–45% of dementia may be preventableLifestyle Factors That MatterExercise, diet, sleep, stress, and social connectionHearing loss as a major (and treatable) risk factorHow Exercise Affects the BrainGrowing the hippocampus with aerobic exerciseVO2 max and brain resilience studiesThe Role of NeuroplasticityHow the brain adapts and rewires itselfDual-tasking in fitness for cognitive engagementNew Tools and TreatmentsBlood tests with 90% accuracyTwo new FDA-approved drugs slow progressionEarly detection through the Ahead & Trailblazer studies📱 Follow Jay Croft Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croftjay 🌐 Website: https://primefitcontent.com 📬 Contact: [email protected]👍 Like this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

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