This episode of the ReProgram podcast, featuring Dr. Benjamin Wolozin, delves into the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging, with a focus on Alzheimer's. The discussion covers the diversity of these diseases, diagnostic challenges, and the future of research. The conversation is enriched with personal stories and expert insights, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Keywords

memory, aging, dementia, Alzheimer’s, cognitive health, sleep, phospho-tau, biomarkers, cognitive decline, health tests, longevity

Takeaways

• Understanding the diversity of neurodegenerative diseases is crucial.
• Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's remains a significant challenge.
• Research is advancing, but there's still a long way to go.

• Personal stories provide valuable insights into the impact of these diseases.
• The role of genetics in neurodegeneration is complex and multifaceted.
• Public awareness and education are key to addressing these diseases.
• Innovative research methods are being developed to tackle Alzheimer's.
• Collaboration among scientists is essential for progress.
• Funding and grant writing are critical components of research.
• There is hope for future breakthroughs in treatment and diagnosis.

Office Artifact

On the desk: The Vietnamese conical hat called Nón lá (pronounced "non lah"), meaning "leaf hat," made from palm leaves and bamboo, serving as a cultural symbol and protection from sun/rain. Hanoi, Vietnam

Chapters

00:00:59 Dr. Benjamin Wolozin’s Journey into Neuroscience

00:04:19 What is Alzheimer’s Disease and How Do We Define It?

00:09:35 Cognitive Decline and Aging

00:11:07 Heart Health is Brain Health

00:12:01 Challenges in Alzheimer’s Drug Development

00:16:14 The Role of Biomarkers in Diagnosis

00:19:54 Genetics vs. Environment in Neurodegenerative Disease

00:22:22 Know Your Genetics By Observing Your Family!

00:25:02 Targeting Aging to Prevent Neurodegeneration

00:29:04 Grant Funding and the Future of Research

00:33:52 Optimism for Future Therapies

In this episode of the Reprogram podcast, Dr. George Murphy explores the burgeoning world of longevity clinics, particularly in Thailand, where anti-aging treatments have become mainstream. He delves into the science behind stem cell therapies, the rise of IV drip bars, and the booming aesthetic dermatology industry. The conversation highlights the accessibility and affordability of these treatments in Thailand, while also addressing the potential pitfalls and the importance of navigating this landscape with caution. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the need for a balanced understanding of longevity science and the commercial industry surrounding it, advocating for patient safety and informed decision-making.

Keywords

longevity, anti-aging, Thailand, stem cells, IV drips, aesthetic treatments, wellness tourism, regenerative medicine, aging biology, health

Takeaways

• Longevity clinics are becoming mainstream, especially in Thailand.
• Thailand is strategically positioned as a global medical wellness destination.
• Stem cell therapies have legitimate applications but are often misrepresented.
• IV drip bars offer hydration but may not provide significant health benefits.
• Laser treatments can produce meaningful results when performed by skilled practitioners.
• The Brotox movement reflects changing attitudes towards men's aesthetics.
• Thailand's longevity industry is characterized by accessibility and affordability.
• Consumers must be cautious of over-promising marketing in the longevity space.
• Questions about treatment safety and efficacy are crucial for informed decisions.
• Scientific breakthroughs in aging are emerging, but the industry is still evolving.

Chapters

00:00:00 Welcome to the Future of Longevity Clinics

00:02:35 Thailand: The Global Hub for Longevity Treatment

00:05:26 Understanding Stem Cell Therapies

00:09:13 The Rise of IV Drip Bars

00:13:05 Laser Treatments and Aesthetic Dermatology

00:15:58 The Brotox Movement: Men Embracing Aesthetics

00:19:21 What Thailand Gets Right in Longevity Medicine

00:22:16 Navigating the Pitfalls of Longevity Treatments

00:25:34 The Future of Longevity Science vs. Industry

In this episode of the Reprogram Podcast, Dr. George Murphy hosts Dr. Rozalyn Anderson, a leading expert in caloric restriction and metabolism and how they impact healthful aging. They delve into the science of aging, focusing on caloric restriction and its impact on longevity. Dr. Anderson shares her journey from yeast genetics to studying aging in animal models, and finally, to applying what was learned to humans, highlighting the metabolic processes that contribute to aging and how caloric restriction can delay age-related diseases. The discussion also covers the potential of geroprotectors like rapamycin, the possibilities of radical age reversal, and how we should train the next generation of scientists and clinicians.

Keywords

caloric restriction, aging, metabolism, longevity, geroprotectors, rapamycin, geroscience, regenerative medicine, aging biology, gerontology

Takeaways

• Caloric restriction is the gold standard for studying longevity interventions.
• Metabolism plays a crucial role in aging processes.
• Caloric restriction can delay the onset of age-related diseases.
• Rapamycin shows promise as a geroprotector.
• Energy efficiency is key to metabolic resilience.
• Human trials like CALERIE align with animal studies on aging.
• Methylation clocks offer insights into biological age.
• Functional outcomes are vital in aging research.
• Geroprotectors aim to offset age-related conditions.
• Collaboration between academia and industry is essential.

Office Artifact

On the desk: The Mongkhon or Muay Thai Headband traditionally worn by Thai martial artist as they enter the ring. Bangkok, Thailand

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Rozalyn Anderson and Caloric Restriction

00:03:04 Understanding Caloric Restriction

00:06:44 We Are What We Eat!

00:08:38 Caloric Restriction as the “Gold Standard’ of Slowing Aging

00:10:03 Rapamycin as a Longevity Intervention

00:11:30 Exploring Geroprotectors

00:14:48 What is Aging and How Do We Measure It?

00:16:40 Defining Geroprotection and Longevity

00:18:55 The Role of the NIH in Aging Research

00:22:12 Collaboration Between Academia and Industry

00:23:38 The Realities of Age Reversal

00:26:33 Personal Reflections on Aging and Lifestyle

Notes:

The Interventions Testing Program (ITP): https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/dab/interventions-testing-program-itp

The National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/

In this episode of the Reprogram podcast, Dr. George Murphy explores the enigmatic topic of aging, discussing its definitions, cultural significance, and the latest scientific advancements aimed at understanding and potentially reversing the aging process. The conversation delves into the historical obsession with aging, the current state of research, and the implications of emerging therapies.

Keywords

aging, science, medicine, longevity, epigenetics, biological clocks, senescence, gene therapy, regenerative medicine, immortality, geroscience

Takeaways

• Aging is a complex and mysterious process and is defined variably by different scientists.
• Modern science is exploring senolytic drugs and gene therapies.
• The hallmarks of aging provide a framework for understanding the process.
• Biological aging clocks are a tool for measuring age.
• Epigenetics play a key role in how we age.Aging is a universal process affecting everyone.
• Research is ongoing to find ways to slow or reverse aging.
• Age reversal is possible at the cellular level, but is not yet a reality for humans.

Office Artifact

On the desk: Ostrich egg from South Africa

Chapters

00:00 The Mystery of Aging

03:01 Understanding Aging: Damage Accumulation and Resilience

06:10 The Hallmarks of Aging

08:54 Epigenetics: The Key to Biological Age

12:11 Age Reversal: Resetting the Slinky

Notes:

Seminal Hallmarks of Aging Paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23746838/

In this episode of the Reprogram podcast, Dr. George Murphy and Dr. Gustavo Mostoslavsky delve into the world of stem cells and regenerative medicine. They discuss the fundamental properties of stem cells, their classifications, and the controversies surrounding their use in treatments. The conversation highlights the groundbreaking discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their potential therapeutic applications, as well as the emerging field of organoids. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind stem cells, the ethical implications, and the need for patience as research progresses towards practical applications.

Keywords

stem cells, regenerative medicine, iPSCs, pluripotent, adult stem cells, Shinya Yamanaka, bioartificial organs, stem cell tourism, gene editing, organoids

Takeaways

• Stem cells have two main properties: self-renewal and differentiation.
• Adult stem cells are found in tissues and organs, while pluripotent stem cells can become any cell type.
• iPSCs were discovered by Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, revolutionizing stem cell research.
• Ethical concerns exist around embryonic stem cells, but iPSCs offer a non-controversial alternative.
• Stem cell tourism exploits desperate patients with unproven treatments; Education and awareness are crucial to avoid falling for stem false claims.
• Organoids are miniaturized and simplified versions of organs created in vitro.
• iPSCs are used for disease modeling and have potential therapeutic applications.
• Gene editing, like CRISPR, is advancing stem cell research.
• Bioartificial organs could solve organ transplant shortages in the future.
• The field of stem cell research is rapidly advancing, with many clinical trials underway; The future of stem cell research holds promise for transformative therapies, but patience is needed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

02:21 Defining Stem Cells: Properties and Classifications

07:52 Controversies in Stem Cell Treatments

15:07 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Game Changer

21:44 Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells

30:44 Organoids and Their Applications in the Laboratory

38:47 Future of Stem Cell Research and Applications

Notes:

Seminal Yamanaka iPSC Creation Paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16904174/International Society of Stem Cell Research (ISSCR): https://www.isscr.org/

In this episode of the Reprogram podcast, Dr. George Murphy hosts Dr. Tom Perls, a leading expert in human exceptional longevity. They discuss Dr. Perls' journey into gerontology, the New England Centenarian Study, and the factors contributing to exceptional longevity. The conversation covers the genetic and environmental influences on aging, the role of centenarians in understanding longevity, and practical advice for living a centenarian-like life.

Keywords

longevity, centenarians, aging, health, resilience, exceptional aging, gerontology, aging research, genetics, healthspan

Takeaways

• Dr. Tom Perls shares his journey into gerontology and exceptional longevity.
• The New England Centenarian Study is the largest study of centenarians and their families.
• Centenarians often defy the expectation that older age equates to poorer health.
• The majority of centenarians are female, with unique resilience against age-related diseases.
• Genetic and environmental factors both play significant roles in longevity.
• The concept of 'escapers' who avoid age-related diseases is explored.
• Dr. Perls introduces the 'Sageing' acronym for healthy aging practices.
• Lifestyle choices can influence longevity and healthspan.
• The potential for future therapeutics to extend life is discussed.
• Avoid smoking and anti-aging quackery for better health.
• Optimism about aging can motivate healthier choices.

Office Artifact

On the desk: Original artwork composed of rolled magazine pages, Bali, Indonesia

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Longevity and Exceptional Aging

01:07 Dr. Perls’ Journey into Gerontology and Exceptional Longevity

05:57 Defining Exceptional Longevity

08:49 Gender Differences in Centenarians14:50 The Centenarian Boom and Population Trends

19:53 Stratifying Centenarians: Survivors, Delayers, and Escapers

25:28 Genetics vs. Environment in Longevity32:23 Becoming Centenarian-like

37:07 The SAGEING framework for Healthy Aging

45:40 Anti-aging Quackery

48:23 Future of Longevity Science

52:41 Lesson from Centenarians

In the premier episode of The ReProgram podcast, Dr. George Murphy introduces the concept of reprogramming oneself for resilience against disease and disability. He shares his existential crisis about focusing on disease treatment rather than prevention, leading to a new approach centered on studing dynamic resilience, or our ability to robustly respond to insult and injury. The episode also outlines topics for future discussions, including the history and use of stem cells in regenerative medicine, exceptional longevity and centenarians, and the realities of age reversal.

Keywords

reprogramming, resilience, iPSCs, stem cells, disease prevention, dynamic resilience, centenarians, longevity, regenerative medicine, geroscience, age reversal

Takeaways

• Reprogramming oneself can lead to resilience against disease.
• Focusing on disease prevention is more effective than treatment.
• Centenarians offer insights into exceptional longevity.
• Genes and mechanisms drive resilience to disease.
• Understanding aging is crucial before we can even begin to contemplate age reversal.
• The podcast explores longevity and geroscience.

Office Artifact

On the desk: Avengers Marvel Legends Full Scale Iron Man Electronic Helmet

Chapters

(00:00:00) Introduction to The ReProgram podcast

(00:00:35) The Role of Master Stem Cells in Disease Modeling and Regenerative Medicine

(00:01:58) Existential Crisis and a New Approach to Science and Medicine

(00:04:22) Dynamic Resilience and Longevity

(00:05:16) Future Topics and Explorations