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Bounce! Conversations with Larry WeeksAuthor: Larry Weeks
A podcast about the challenges of being human (and running things). Host Larry Weeks interviews thought leaders across psychology, business, science, and culture to explore resilience, emotions, mental health, and practical ways to stay grounded through change while building purpose and real happiness. Language: en Genres: Education, Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Self-Improvement Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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A Younger Brain: Dr. Tommy Wood on Dementia, Aging, and Staying Sharp
Monday, 3 August, 2026
Your brain is not necessarily doomed to significant cognitive decline with age. But it does need a reason to keep adapting. That is the premise behind The Stimulated Mind, and it is why this conversation with neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood may change how you think about aging, retirement, frustration, and the things you normally avoid because they feel difficult. Tommy is an associate professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington. He studied biochemistry at Cambridge, earned his medical degree from Oxford and his PhD from Oslo. He also works with Formula 1 drivers as head scientist for motorsport at Hintsa Performance and is the author of The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age. Your brain needs meaningful challenge. Adults tend to hate feeling like beginners. We avoid unfamiliar technology, difficult skills, and situations where we might look incompetent. But Tommy explains why that frustration may be evidence that the brain is doing exactly what it needs to do. Some highlights from the episode: 06:00 The counterclockwise study 08:00 Beliefs about aging 11:00 Age limits and cognitive ability 14:00 Cognitive baseline testing 16:00 Challenge and brain adaptation 19:00 Why frustration can be beneficial 21:00 Reading versus listening 23:00 Hearing and vision loss 26:00 Alzheimer's versus dementia 30:00 The best exercise for the brain 34:00 Overstimulation versus real stimulation 37:00 Retirement and cognitive decline 39:00 Food and brain health 41:00 Dementia biomarker testing 44:00 Improving cognition after decline 46:00 Advice for caregivers 48:00 Do crossword puzzles and brain games work? Enjoy! For show notes and more, visit larryweeks.com
