#459: Why 1 in 5 Women Face Alzheimer's: The BRAIN Health Conversation We've Been Avoiding | Emma Heming Willis & Dr. Nicole Beurkens

📍 Good news! My original Instagram is back! Please follow my original account at https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/ and also my backup account at https://www.instagram.com/longevitywithnat/. For years, we've been told to prioritize our muscles, our hormones, and our heart health—but what about our brains? Today's conversation explores why women are at a greater risk for Dementia and Alzheimer's, why brain changes begin decades before symptoms appear, and why so many warning signs are dismissed as "just stress" or "just menopause." I'm joined by Emma Heming Willis, co-founder of Make Time Wellness and Dr. Nicole Beurkens, Make Time Wellness Scientific Advisor, for an incredibly honest discussion that blends cutting-edge neuroscience with deeply personal experience. We discuss cognitive resilience, how to care for your brain NOW, hormone health, and the simple habits that can help protect your brain for years to come. If you've ever experienced brain fog, become a caretaker for someone you love, or wondered what you can actually do to protect your cognitive health, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Visit https://maketimewellness.com/NAT and use code NAT for 20% off products. Episode Timestamps: Women's Brain Health Is Being Overlooked ... 00:00:00 Why Women's Brain Health Has Been Ignored ... 00:09:13 Why Alzheimer's Begins Decades Before Diagnosis ... 00:16:26 Brain Fog vs. Dementia: Knowing The Difference ... 00:17:31 Hormones, Menopause & The Brain ... 00:22:08 Becoming A Caregiver Overnight ... 00:25:41 The Hidden Health Risks Of Caregiving ... 00:26:19 How To Tell Normal Brain Changes From Dementia ... 00:30:00 Why Women Need More Self-Compassion During Menopause ... 00:34:00 The Power Of Community & Social Connection ... 00:36:07 What Every Woman Should Know About Brain Health Earlier In Life ... 00:39:33 Grief, Anger & Caregiver Guilt ... 00:44:22 How Dementia Changes An Entire Family ... 00:47:25 Why Women Face A Higher Alzheimer's Risk ... 00:50:26 The Caregiver Wake-Up Call ... 00:49:00 Genetics vs. Lifestyle: Can You Lower Your Risk? ... 00:59:50 The Biggest Modifiable Dementia Risk Factors ... 00:56:16 Sleep, Blood Sugar & Brain Health ... 01:08:00 Supplements That Support Cognitive Health ... 01:10:00 Where To Learn More ... 01:24:32 Our Amazing Sponsors: Countdown Insiders – A $21/month membership funding mitochondrial research, with exclusive education, expert conversations, member experiences, and partner perks. Longevity listeners get their first month free with code NATHALIE. Learn more at https://joincountdown.org/membership/ Blue Cannatine by Troscriptions – Precision-formulated troches designed to support sustained focus and mental clarity, helping you stay sharp through long workdays, recording sessions, travel, and everything in between. Visit troscriptions.com/NATPODCAST or use code NATPODCAST at checkout to save 10% off your first order. LongeFera by Regenerive - A precision-formulated ashwagandha supplement that isolates four key bioactive compounds to support a healthy stress response, cognitive function, balanced inflammation, and cellular longevity—without the fillers and inconsistent extracts found in many products. Head to regenerive.co and use code NAT25 for 25% off your order. Nat's Links: YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter Instagram Dr. Bill Lawrence Episode