And why it’s smart to act before symptoms appear
Cognitive decline doesn’t just show up one day out of nowhere. It begins long before symptoms appear. Often decades earlier.
And by the time you notice memory slips, foggy thinking, or slower processing, there’s already a deeper issue at play.
But the good news is: it’s not inevitable.
In his new book The Ageless Brain, Dr. Dale Bredesen - a pioneer in Alzheimer’s research - makes a compelling case for early intervention. He outlines how we can actively prevent and even reverse cognitive decline.
His approach? A systems-based model that looks at root causes, not just symptoms.
Rising incidence of dementia in younger adults
While dementia is often associated with older age, it's crucial to recognise that young-onset dementia (defined as dementia diagnosed before age 65) is becoming more common.
In the UK, over 42,000 people are currently living with young-onset dementia.
Symptoms can emerge as early as one’s 30s, with most diagnoses happening between ages 50 and 64.
This shift highlights the need for proactive brain health at every stage of life.
It all comes down to energy
To understand why cognitive decline happens, we need to understand how the brain works. And at its core, it’s all about energy.
Your brain makes up just 2% of your body weight, but it burns through over 20% of your energy. It’s one of the most energy-hungry organs in the body.
Any disruption in this energy supply - due to poor blood flow, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, or nutrient deficiency - can lead to breakdown.
Dr. Bredesen describes the brain as a finely tuned Formula 1 car. It's built for intense performance, designed to convert massive amounts of energy for short bursts of time. It’s astonishingly powerful, but also fragile.
In the past, people didn’t live long enough for this to be a major issue. But now, thanks to medical advancements, we’re living longer than ever, while still running the same high-performance brain.
Unless we support its energy systems properly, that F1 engine starts to stall. Neurons falter. Connections break down. And cognitive decline begins.
In short: cognitive decline is an energy crisis in the brain.
What modern medicine gets wrong
Modern medicine typically waits until full-blown disease shows up before doing anything. Think Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s. But by then, it could be too late.
We need a preventative approach that treats cognitive decline like we treat heart disease: Catch it early. Intervene meaningfully. And support the body’s natural systems.
What I’d do if I noticed cognitive issues
If I noticed any signs of cognitive decline, I wouldn’t wait. Here’s exactly what I’d do:
🔋 Fuel the brain
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Prioritise a ketogenic or low-glycemic diet to reduce brain insulin resistance.
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Support mitochondria with whole foods rich in CoQ10, B vitamins, taurine, choline, magnesium, and creatine.
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Practice intermittent fasting to activate cellular clean-up.
🩸 Improve circulation
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Daily zone 2 cardio to boost blood flow (walk/jog) and strength training 2-3 times per week.
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Use saunas and cold exposure to build vascular strength.
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Add beetroot, leafy greens, lymphatic drainage and breathwork to support nitric oxide.
🔥 Lower inflammation and stress
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Eliminate refined sugars, seed oils, and ultra-processed foods.
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Add seafood (for omega-3), turmeric, cannabinoids, adaptogens and meditation.
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Test for toxins, mould, and infections.
😴 Optimise sleep
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Stick to a consistent circadian rhythm.
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Remove blue light, caffeine in the evening, and alcohol.
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Prioritise deep sleep as it’s when the brain detoxes and repairs.
🧠 Train the Brain
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Stay socially active and mentally engaged.
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Solve problems. Learn new skills. Play music.
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Use smart nootropics like Lion’s Mane, citicoline, or mushroom blends.
Mushrooms for the mind
When it comes to supporting cognitive function, medicinal mushrooms are some of the most exciting tools available.
Backed by centuries of traditional use and emerging science, they offer powerful support for brain health, inflammation, and resilience.
Here are three of my go-to mushrooms for cognitive health:
🦁 Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Known as the “brain mushroom,” Lion’s Mane stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF), which is key for growing, repairing, and protecting neurons. It’s linked to improved memory, mood, and even reduced Alzheimer’s risk.
I take it daily. It’s one of the few natural compounds that truly supports neurogenesis.
🐯 Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus)
Like lion's mane, tiger milk mushroom has neuroprotective properties and promotes cognitive health. Instead of directly stimulating NGF, the bioactive compounds in tiger milk mushroom attach to TrkA receptors, leading to increased neuroplasticity.
🌙 Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Studies show it reishi can delay the progression of Alzheimer’s, improve cognitive function and quality of life.
It works by preventing brain cells from dying, modulating the immune system to suppress inflammation, and inhibiting an enzyme that stops the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain.
Taken together, these mushrooms offer a foundational trifecta for long-term brain health.
The Takeaway
Cognitive decline isn’t a life sentence. And it’s not something you just have to accept with age. Your brain, like your body, can regenerate when given the right conditions.
But the key is timing.
As Dr. Bredesen emphasises, you must act before major symptoms appear.
Prevention is possible. Reversal is possible. But waiting is not an option.
Your brain runs on energy. Protect that energy supply, and you protect your mind.
🧠 Ready to Support Your Brain?
If you’re serious about protecting your cognitive health - whether you're noticing changes or just want to stay sharp for the long haul - now’s the time to act.
👉 Check out the Brain Power Bundle
This bundle brings together three of the most powerful mushrooms for brain support:
Lion’s Mane, Tiger Milk, and Reishi. All in their most bioavailable forms.
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🧠 Supports memory, focus, and mental clarity
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🔥 Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
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🌿 100% natural, third-party tested, and made in the UK
Don’t wait for decline. Start building brain resilience today.
