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
Sarcopenia After 40: Dr. William Evans on Muscle and Aging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:41
In your later decades, how can strength training reverse muscle loss? In this episode, I spoke with Dr. William Evans, the scientist who first described sarcopenia, to unpack why muscle loss—not aging itself—is the bigge…
Exercise Myths That Sabotage Metabolism After 40 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:49
How can outdated workout myths keep you exhausted and inflamed? I’m calling out the exercise myths that once worked for me—but quietly stopped serving women after 40. In this episode, I break down why harder workouts, fa…
Understanding How Your Brain ACTUALLY Works with Bizzie Gold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:20
Are the invisible emotional patterns from your past the real reason you're stuck in your health or relationships? In this episode, Bizzie Gold and I explore why so many of us stay stuck in patterns that no longer serve u…
My Facelift Story: What Went Wrong and Right [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
What questions should you ask a surgeon before committing to a facelift? In this episode, I’m sharing the full, unfiltered story of my facelift, including what went wrong, what saved my recovery, and why I’d still make t…
The Real Goal After 40 Is Building Muscle, Strength & Power [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
Why does cardio stop working for fat loss after 40? Also, what types of exercise best protect strength and independence as you age? In this episode, I break down why the goal of exercise after 40 is no longer burning cal…
The Next Big Longevity Conversation Is Stem Cells with Dr. Dan Pardi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:00
How can you activate your own stem cells without costly medical procedures? In this episode, Dr. Dan Pardi and I break down the real science behind stem cells and why they’re central to aging powerfully. We also explore…
I've Been Lifting for 40 Years. Here's the Truth About Getting "Bulky" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:37
What actually causes the “bulky” look people blame on lifting? I’ve been lifting weights for over 40 years, and I want to finally put the fear of getting “bulky” to rest. In this episode, I break down what really happens…