The science behind BetterBrain

Emerging brain science offers more good news than most realize

Fact: You can dramatically improve your brain health.

There is no magic pill for brain health (yet) - but science has shown that through a personalized set of interventions, you can dramatically reduce your risk of dementia while immediately improving your cognitive function.

Explore the science using the links below

BetterBrain's promise is based in the findings from hundreds of scientific studies published in top tier journals. Some studies explore brain health holistically while others are targeted to specific risks factors or interventions.

Holistic studies

Research investigating a broad range of interventions
Dementia prevention, intervention, and careFINGER: A randomized controlled trialDementia Prevention in Clinical PracticeEvidence-based prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Targeted studies

Research analyzing a specific domain that influences brain health
DemographicsGenetics
Vascular healthMetabolic health
Musculoskeletal healthHormonal health
ToxinsGut health
Immune healthMental health
Cognitive reserve

Why haven't I heard this before?

In short, the medical system lags behind cutting edge science
  • 2 out of every 3 studies related to "Alzheimer's prevention" have been published in the last 5 years
  • Medical guidelines and clinical practice typically lag 10+ years behind new scientific research, even after a consensus is reached
  • The first Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic was opened in 2013
  • There are now ~6 such clinics in the US, but waitlists often reach 5+ years
Number of publications on PubMed for keywords "Alzheimer's prevention" over the last 25 years

Don't just take our word for it

See what some of these leading physicians and researchers have to say about preventive neurology.
Andrew Huberman, PhD
''We know that if you adjust for the appropriate lifestyle factors early enough, you can offset most if not all the genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's.''
Tommy Wood, MD
''There was a Lancet Commission report in 2020 that estimated that 40% of dementia is preventable... My guess is that this is actually an underestimate because they didn’t include sleep, they didn’t include nutrient status, particularly homocysteine status, which other individuals have suggested has a population attributable risk of around 20% for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease''
Rhonda Patrick, MD
''Looking at Alzheimer's disease and understanding the underlying cause of it opens up these new avenues for prevention.''
David Sinclair, PhD
''It's not just about ourselves, it's about our families. Many families have had to take care of parents and grandparents that have dementia. This is not pleasant for anybody and we have a responsbility to society and particularly our family members to stay healthy for longer, particularly keeping our brains younger for longer''
Sanjay Gupta, MD
''One thing has become abundantly clearer: Preventing and even treating forms of dementia are largely driven by lifestyle and the choices we make daily. You are not necessarily doomed to whatever fate you think sits stuck in your genes.''
Although BetterBrain is not affiliated with any of these experts, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with their research, books, podcasts, and offerings.

We are well on the path to prevention

Our approach to brain health today is like our approach to breast cancer 40 years ago
Hover your mouse along the timeline to learn more
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is typically detected at Stage III+, often after metastasis already has occurred. Mastectomies, which were developed in 1882, remain the standard of care until the 1970s.
Clinical Alzheimer's is diagnosed based on signs of irreparable damage that has already been occurred in the brain. This remains the case today.
HER2 is discovered as a risk factor in 1984. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are linked to aggressive breast cancers in 1995. Genetic testing does not become commonly used until the mid-2000s.
APOE was discovered in 1973 and linked to Alzheimer's in 1993. Testing for APOE gained popularity starting 2017, but testing is not yet common.
In 1998, a review study finds that Tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) reduces breast cancer risk by 50%, Today, Tamoxifen is  one of several preventive therapies approved for breast cancer prevention by the FDA.
Dr. Richard Isaacson started the first Alzheimer's prevention clinic in 2013. Today, only 5 such clinics exist , and no drug has yet been approved for AD prevention.
In 2002, the US released guidelines recommending screening every 1-2 years from age 40. These guidelines continue to evolve today, stressing personalized strategies for women based on their risk.
The standard of care for Alzheimer's remains late-stage treatment. This does not have to be the case. Early detection of risks and prevention are already possible.
Alzheimer's

BetterBrain brings you the latest and greatest

The evidence is constantly evolving

We stay up to date with the science so you don't have to

The science is complicated

We make it easy to grasp and action on

There is no one-size-fits-all approach

We bring you exactly what you need

Join BetterBrain today