In this episode of The Neuro Experience, I sit down with Dr. Kellyann Niotis—one of the first fellowship-trained preventive neurologists—to reveal how you can protect your brain long before symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia appear. With Alzheimer’s cases expected to triple by 2050, Dr. Niotis explains the difference between dementia types, the real role of genes like ApoE4, and why lifestyle choices may be more powerful than genetics. If you want actionable tools to lower your risk, strengthen your memory, and understand the future of preventive neurology, this conversation delivers science-backed strategies you can start applying today. About Dr. Kellyann Niotis: Dr. Kellyann Niotis is the first fellowship-trained preventive neurologist focused on reducing risk for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lewy Body Dementia. She launched the nation’s first Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell and now leads early-detection and brain health research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases Florida. Her work appears in leading medical journals and has been featured by CNN. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode: Timeline: Head to⁠ http://timeline.com/neuro⁠ to get started. Beam: Visit ⁠http://shopbeam.com/TNE⁠ and use code TNE at checkout. Jones Road Beauty: Head to ⁠http://Jonesroadbeauty.com⁠ and use code NEURO at checkout. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you. NOCD: Head to ⁠http://learn.nocd.com/NEURO⁠ and book a free 15 minute call to get started. Eko Health: Go to ⁠http:/ekohealth.com/NEURO ⁠ for up to $50 off, plus a free chest piece cover.  *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ *** Topics discussed: 00:00 – Introduction 01:25 – Preventative neurology 02:23 – Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s & Other Types of Dementia 04:08 – What Is Alzheimer’s? 05:26 – Clinical Diagnosis: Imaging & Symptoms 07:07 – How Amyloid Disrupts Neural Communication 09:48 – Genetics vs. Lifestyle: Public Misunderstanding 12:02 – Role of Family History & Genetic Risk 14:04 – The ApoE4 Gene Explained15:07 – ApoE Variants 17:08 – ApoE4 and Lipid Transport in the Brain 18:35 – Immune Response & Infection Susceptibility 20:05 – Hormones: Key Role in Brain Health 21:08 – Genotypes & Risk Multipliers 23:01 – ApoE4 Not Always Deterministic: Population Studies 24:15 – Other Genetic Factors Beyond ApoE 25:13 – Biomarkers: Current Use & Limitations 27:13 – Risks of Self-Testing Biomarkers 28:45 – Why Two-Thirds of Patients Are Women 29:46 – Estrogen, Menopause & Neuroprotection 32:07 – Testosterone & Dementia Risk 35:01 – LDL, ApoB & Brain Health Debate 37:01 – Statins & Dementia: Myths vs. Evidence 39:08 – Fear & Misconceptions Around Cholesterol 41:09 – Lipoprotein(a) & Vascular Dementia Risk 44:39 – Brain Vasculature & Hypertension 49:15 – New Alzheimer’s Drugs & Risks 55:32 – Why Rates Keep Rising (Lifestyle & Stress) 58:11 – Early Signs 01:00:23 – Tau Protein, Tangles & Neuronal Damage 01:05:49 – Keto vs. Mediterranean 01:07:14 – Personalization & Preference for Mediterranean Diet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices