An Existential Crisis for Alzheimer's Research?

An Existential Crisis for Alzheimer's Research?

Author: Josh Turknett, MD February 28, 2026 Duration: 21:18

In this episode, we discuss a study published in PLOS One that compared living brain tissue to post-mortem brain tissue and found dramatic molecular differences between the two.

The findings raise serious questions about decades of Alzheimer's research built on post-mortem analysis and may help explain why pharmaceutical treatments for the disease have been so disappointing

Study: A Study of RNA Splicing and Protein Expression in the Living Human Brain

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To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question.

To subscribe to the free Better Brain Fitness newsletter, join us when we record live, and get our Guide and Checklist to essential blood tests and nutrients, go to: betterbrain.fitness.

To learn more about how you can boost brain fitness with neuroscience-based musical instruction, head to brainjo.academy

Intro and Outro music composed and produced by Julienne Ellen

 


What does it really mean to have a fit brain, and how do we actually achieve it? That’s the central question explored in Better Brain Fitness (a Brainjo Production), a conversation guided by neurologist Dr. Josh Turknett and neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood. Moving beyond generic advice, each episode digs into the practical, often surprising science of cognitive longevity. You’ll hear discussions that translate complex research into actionable strategies, covering everything from nutrition and sleep to movement and mental challenge. The aim isn’t just about preventing decline, but actively building a resilient, high-performing mind that supports your passions and daily life. This podcast operates on the principle that our brain’s health is malleable at any age, and that understanding the underlying mechanisms empowers us to make better choices. Tune in for a nuanced look at how lifestyle intersects with neurology, stripping away the hype to focus on what evidence suggests truly works. It’s a resource for anyone curious about taking a proactive, informed role in their own cognitive well-being, ensuring the brain remains a robust partner for all the years ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Better Brain Fitness (a Brainjo Production)
Podcast Episodes
24: How Much Skill Is Enough To Prevent Cognitive Decline? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:12
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
21: Q and A Round-Up, plus This or That!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:12
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
20: Is Alzheimer's a form of diabetes? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:17
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
19: How Do You Know If Your Brain Is Getting Enough Omega 3? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:15
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
18: Does Cannabis Damage The Brain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:27
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
17: How Does Exercise Benefit The Brain (and what kinds are best)? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:08
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
16: A Tale of Two Studies (on brain atrophy) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:46
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…
15: How To Deal With Frustration When Learning Hard Things [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:17
To submit a question for us to answer on the podcast, go to brainjo.academy/question. To subscribe to The Brainjo Connection, a free, twice-monthly newsletter about the latest science of how to keep the brain fit and hea…