The thought of losing our memories, independence, and cognitive abilities strikes a deeper fear than almost anything else. For adults over 55, Alzheimer’s disease is now the single most feared diagnosis. But what if everyday lifestyle choices could dramatically reduce your risk? In this episode of The Anthony Amen Show (formerly Health & Fitness Redefined), dementia expert Lisa Skinner joins us to unpack what truly drives cognitive decline — and what science says we can do about it.
We begin by clarifying a crucial distinction: dementia is a collection of symptoms, while Alzheimer’s is a specific degenerative brain disease. Lisa shares the emotional story that launched her 30-year career in dementia care — watching her grandmother slip away in a way that caused the family to “lose her twice”: once mentally, then physically. Her experience reveals the devastating ripple effects dementia has on families long before the final stages.
We break down the risk factors you can’t control (age, biological sex, genetics, and ethnicity) and the many modifiable risks that science shows can meaningfully change your cognitive trajectory. Cardiovascular disease is #1, followed by diabetes, sleep apnea, chronic inflammation, and — surprisingly — hearing loss, which triples dementia risk when left untreated.
One of the most eye-opening discussions centers on why women face significantly higher Alzheimer’s risk. We explore how hormonal shifts, lower resistance training participation, stress, sleep patterns, inflammation, and nutrition intersect to raise vulnerability — and how targeted lifestyle changes can help reverse those trends.
The most exciting research?
Exercise provides double the protective effect of “brain games,” and combining physical + mental stimulation triples the benefit.
We dive into why proper sleep is non-negotiable for memory consolidation, how strength training preserves cognitive function, and why supplements like creatine monohydrate may support brain energy production as we age.
With Alzheimer’s cases projected to triple within the next 25 years, this conversation couldn’t be more urgent. The choices you make now influence your cognitive health decades from today — and while nothing offers absolute protection, the research is clear: we have far more control than we think.
At Redefine Fitness in Stony Brook and Mount Sinai, we live by the philosophy that fitness is medicine — not just for the body, but for the brain.
Take charge of your cognitive future. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs clarity and hope, and leave a review to help more listeners discover how movement, strength, sleep, and smart habits can protect the mind for life.
Learn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
