Reversing Alzheimer's: Brain Health Strategies for Midlife Women with Dr. Heather Sandison

Reversing Alzheimer's: Brain Health Strategies for Midlife Women with Dr. Heather Sandison

Author: JJ Virgin July 9, 2025 Duration: 1:06:22
“What we decide to put in our mouth each day, what time we decide to go to sleep, who we choose to engage with, how much movement we get, how we manage our stressors, those choices that we make each day that seem really simple, those have the biggest impact on our brain health as we age." - Dr. Heather Sandison When my son Grant suffered his traumatic brain injury, I learned firsthand how devastating cognitive decline can be for an entire family. That's why I was so excited to sit down with Dr. Heather Sandison, a pioneering naturopathic doctor who's literally rewriting the story around Alzheimer's and dementia. While most memory care centers are one-way doors, Heather runs what she calls a "memory recovery program" where the goal is for people to return home—and they're doing it! Through her groundbreaking work applying Dr. Dale Bredesen's protocols, she's seeing 74% of her patients with cognitive impairment actually improve. Her approach to preventing Alzheimer's in midlife women focuses on hope, action, and evidence-based strategies that work. Whether you're carrying APOE4 genes, worried about your family history, or simply want to protect your brain as you age, this conversation is packed with hope and actionable strategies for preventing Alzheimer's in midlife women. From the power of ketogenic nutrition and sleep optimization to addressing hidden infections and hormonal signaling, Heather breaks down the six pillars of brain health that every woman over 40 needs to understand. This isn't about accepting decline—it's about taking control of your cognitive destiny. The six key components of brain health and how to optimize each one for preventing alzheimer's in midlife women Why APOE genetic testing is crucial for women over 40 and how to act on your results How sleep apnea (even in thin women who don't snore) devastates brain health and simple at-home testing options The specific ketogenic approach that helps patients remember their grandchildren's names within 72 hours Hidden infections in your mouth and body that trigger brain inflammation and cognitive decline Why caregivers have 2-6 times higher risk of developing Alzheimer's and how to protect yourself The surprising connection between hormones, exercise, and building new brain connections after menopause Simple lifestyle interventions that work better than any pharmaceutical for preventing cognitive decline Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?  Go to subscribetojj.com Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!) Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today! What You'll Learn:Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/reversingalzheimers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Midlife isn't a crisis; it's a catalyst. On Well Beyond 40, JJ Virgin guides a conversation about rewriting the narrative of aging for women, moving from simply coping to truly thriving. This isn't about chasing youth, but about building a foundation of strength and vitality that makes the coming decades the most rewarding yet. Each episode feels like a direct, practical talk with a trusted expert who cuts through the noise. You'll hear actionable strategies rooted in science, focusing on how nutrition, movement, and mindset intersect uniquely during this life stage. JJ translates complex research into clear steps for refueling your body, managing energy, and cultivating a sense of purpose that goes far beyond the scale. The Well Beyond 40 podcast operates on the principle that knowing *why* something works is just as important as knowing *what* to do. Listeners are invited into a space where questions about metabolic shifts, hormonal balance, sustainable fitness, and intentional beauty are met with evidence-based answers and genuine empathy. It’s a resource for any woman ready to move past generic advice and discover what it means to age with power, confidence, and joy on her own terms. Tune in to reframe your approach and build a life that feels truly well-lived.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Well Beyond 40
Podcast Episodes
Dr. Deanna Minich Tells Us Why Timing Trumps Your Diet Plan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:00
What if the "when" of your eating matters more than the "what"? I’ve talked about sleep for years, but this conversation with Dr. Deanna Minich made me realize sleep is just the tip of the circadian iceberg. She showed m…
The Nutrient That Protects Your Muscles, Especially After 40 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:05
Might you be unknowingly under-eating the one nutrient your muscles desperately need after 40? As we move beyond 40, preserving muscle becomes one of the most important things we can do for our metabolism, strength, and…
Smarter Sex Starts Now, with Emily Morse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:56
Why does desire feel so different after 40? And what can actually reignite it? In this episode, I talk with sex educator Emily Morse about sex after 40—what changes, what improves, and what we’ve been taught completely w…
Calories Are Not The Problem, Your Hormones Are Storing Fat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:03
Why does eating less and exercising more often stop working after 40? I’ve lived through the frustration of doing everything “right” and still watching fat accumulate around my midsection. In this episode, I explain why…
Activating Your Body’s Self-Healing with Dr. Fab Mancini [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:35
Can belief systems determine health outcomes more than treatments? In this episode, I sat down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Fab Mancini to explore why belief, mindset, and nervous system health are foundational…
The Breakfast Rule That Transformed My Metabolism After 40 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:53
How does breakfast timing influence hormones and blood sugar control? In this episode, I break down the exact breakfast rule that transformed my metabolism after 40 by changing when and how I eat my first meal. I explain…
6 Free Or Low-Cost Biohacks That Boost Metabolism and Longevity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:25
How can free or inexpensive daily habits improve your metabolism and longevity? In this episode, I break down why you don’t need expensive gadgets or a massive biohacking budget to age powerfully. I walk you through six…
Unpacking GLP-1s: A New Approach to Weight Health with Ashley Koff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:35
What if the goal wasn't just to lose weight, but to achieve a balanced "weight health ecosystem"? In this episode, I speak with Ashley Koff about how ultra-processed foods, under-fueling, and disrupted hormones have shap…
FODMAPs Explained: Why Healthy Foods Suddenly Hurt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:57
Why do healthy foods suddenly cause bloating and pain? In this episode, I share how one of the most stressful seasons of my life completely changed my gut and forced me to rethink foods I’d eaten for years without issue.…