How to Build a Brain That Lasts: The Science of Cognitive Resilience with Dr. Tommy Wood

In this episode of Brain Health Kitchen, Dr. Annie Fenn talks with neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood about what it really takes to build a healthier brain across the lifespan. They discuss Tommy’s new book, The Stimulated Mind, the concept of cognitive “headroom,” why exercise may be the most powerful tool we have for brain health, how muscle mass and metabolic health shape cognitive aging, and why small, consistent habits matter more than extreme wellness trends. They also get into nutrition, protein, memory, overstimulation, and Tommy’s rapid-fire rankings of popular brain health trends. Dr. Tommy Wood is an associate professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington, co-creator of Better Brain Fitness on Substack, and author of The Stimulated Mind.Host: Dr. Annie FennCo-host: Jenny ShillingGuest: Dr. Tommy WoodChapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tommy Wood04:06 Why dementia prevention became the focus of his work06:47 The idea of cognitive “headroom”11:35 Alzheimer’s, amyloid, and the bigger picture15:17 Exercise, muscle, and the brain19:33 Protein, muscle mass, and aging well25:03 Exercise snacks and breaking up sedentary time41:47 Tommy’s 3S model: stimulus, supply, support48:32 Memory, attention, and overstimulation54:44 Tommy rates popular brain health wellness trendsLinks MentionedDr. Tommy Woodhttps://www.drtommywood.com/The Stimulated Mindhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751292/the-stimulated-mind-by-dr-tommy-wood/Better Brain Fitness Substackhttps://hdrmdocs.substack.com/Brain Health Kitchen Substackhttps://brainhealthkitchen.substack.com/Better Brainhttps://www.betterbrain.com/NeuroReservehttps://neuroreserve.com/Sponsor LinksBetter Brain with Annie’s linkhttps://www.betterbrain.com/annieNeuroReservehttps://neuroreserve.com/Code: BHKPodcast