Do This in Your 30s to Prevent Cognitive Decline | ft. Louisa Nicola

In this must-listen episode, I sit down with Louisa Nicola — neurophysiologist, human performance coach, and founder of Neuro Athletics — to reveal the science-backed strategies for peak brain health, fitness, and longevity. With a background in neurophysiology from the University of Sydney Medical School, Louisa has become a trusted advisor to elite CEOs, professional athletes, and top executives. Through her groundbreaking platform Neuro Athletics, she’s trained and certified over 2,000 coaches worldwide, helping people optimize brain performance, prevent cognitive decline, and unlock their full potential. Louisa also opens up about her new women’s health product, Brain Code, launching in October, designed to support brain and body optimization for women at every stage of life. This conversation is packed with both science and heart — including emotional moments around the impact of Alzheimer’s, and practical strategies anyone can adopt now to improve brain health and performance. Together, we dive into: Why creatine is one of the most researched and misunderstood supplements Creatine’s surprising role in Alzheimer’s prevention and cognitive longevity How exercise, diet, and strength training impact brain health The truth about fasting, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and women’s health Actionable brain-first strategies you can implement today Connect with Louisa: Instagram: louisanicola_ Podcast: The Neuro Experience YouTube: Louisa Nicola The Brain Code Website: https://www.neuroathletics.com.au/ _____ Sam’s LINKS:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Samcfit Blokes + Joi Wellness | code: SAMCFITPOD*50% off all labs on both sites* https://blokes.co/samcfitpod https://choosejoi.co/samcfitpod CarawayVisit https://Carawayhome.com/samcfit or use code SAMCFIT at checkout for 10% off. PuoriGo to https://puori.com/SAMCFIT and use the code SAMCFIT at checkout for 20% of. AquaTruHead to https://AquaTru.com and get 20% off your purifier using code sam. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee or your money back. CalmGet 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at https://calm.com/SAMCFIT_____ Topics discussed: 00:00 – Intro clip 00:28 – Guest intro 02:06 – Creatine 101: Why Luisa Champions It for Brain Health 03:34 – What Is Creatine & Why the Brain Needs It 06:14 – Optimal Creatine Dosage for Women 07:53 – Addressing Myths: Bloating & Water Retention with Creatine 09:29 – Creatine for Concussions, Recovery & Neuroprotection 10:50 – The NFL, Traumatic Brain Injuries & Luisa’s Work with Athletes 11:41 – Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease & Why It’s Preventable 13:07 – Root Causes: Inflammation, Diet, and Poor Lifestyle 14:46 – Ad18:06 – Why Alzheimer’s Impacts More Women Than Men 19:13 – Sugar, Inflammation & the Brain's Deterioration 21:01 – Early Symptoms: Brain Cell Death & Cognitive Decline 21:53 – Creatine's Protective Role in High-Stress Brain Environments 24:08 – Mental Health & Creatine: A Better Alternative to SSRIs? 25:17 – Why Exercise Is Essential for Brain Longevity 26:23 – Zone 2 Cardio: BDNF, Hippocampus Growth & Aging Brain Benefits 29:44 – Resistance Training: Strength, Cognition & Mental Performance 32:27 – Ad 35:06 – Twin Study: Leg Strength and Brain Volume Connection 36:36 – The VO2 Max Death Zone: Why High Intensity Isn’t Enough 40:44 – Luisa’s Daily Training Routine: Intervals, StairMaster & Recovery 42:27 – The Truth About Yoga & Pilates for Cognitive Health 42:33 – Is Fasting Good for the Brain? Weighing the Risks for Women 46:11 – Hormones & Brain Health: The Power of HRT 48:15 – How Estrogen Fuels Brain Energy & Function 48:45 – Ad 56:37 – Estrogen Testing, Hormonal Shifts & Menopause Prep 58:52 – What Women Should Do Before Starting HRT 59:59 – The Cognitive Power of Testosterone in Women Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices