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 Fenn Co-host: Jenny Shilling Guest: Dr. Tommy Wood Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tommy Wood 04:06 Why dementia prevention became the focus of his work 06:47 The idea of cognitive “headroom” 11:35 Alzheimer’s, amyloid, and the bigger picture 15:17 Exercise, muscle, and the brain 19:33 Protein, muscle mass, and aging well 25:03 Exercise snacks and breaking up sedentary time 41:47 Tommy’s 3S model: stimulus, supply, support 48:32 Memory, attention, and overstimulation 54:44 Tommy rates popular brain health wellness trends Links Mentioned Dr. Tommy Wood https://www.drtommywood.com/ The Stimulated Mind https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751292/the-stimulated-mind-by-dr-tommy-wood/ Better Brain Fitness Substack https://hdrmdocs.substack.com/ Brain Health Kitchen Substack https://brainhealthkitchen.substack.com/ Better Brain https://www.betterbrain.com/ NeuroReserve https://neuroreserve.com/ Sponsor Links Better Brain with Annie’s link https://www.betterbrain.com/annie NeuroReserve https://neuroreserve.com/ Code: BHKPodcast