In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft speaks with Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford, a Mayo Clinic neurologist and co-author of the new edition of the Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias. They discuss how Alzheimer’s disease begins 20 years before symptoms appear, what can be done to prevent or delay it, and what Health and fitness professionals working with people over 50 need to know now.

Dr. Radford shares powerful new insights on early detection tools, Lifestyle factors like Exercise and hearing loss, and how fitness protocols can support cognitive health. You'll also hear how dual-tasking workouts, VO2 max, and neuroplasticity play a role in long-term brain health.

If you serve older adults in health, fitness, or wellness, this is a must-listen.

👤 Guest: Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford

Bio:
Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford is a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic and co-author of Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias. His research focuses on early detection, prevention, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Resources & Links:

• Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer’s: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/mayo-clinic-on-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/
• Mayo Clinic Brain Health Tips: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/brain-health-tips/art-20555198
• Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Resources: https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/alzheimers-disease-research-center/research-activities/mayo-clinic-study-aging/patients-families/resources

🧠 Topics Covered

What Is Alzheimer’s Really?

• Difference between Alzheimer’s and general dementia
• Amyloid and tau proteins in the brain

Why Prevention Starts Now

• Alzheimer’s can start 20 years before symptoms
• 40–45% of dementia may be preventable

Lifestyle Factors That Matter

• Exercise, Diet, Sleep, Stress, and social connection
• Hearing loss as a major (and treatable) risk factor

How Exercise Affects the Brain

• Growing the hippocampus with aerobic exercise
• VO2 max and brain resilience studies

The Role of Neuroplasticity

• How the brain adapts and rewires itself
• Dual-tasking in fitness for cognitive engagement

New Tools and Treatments

• Blood tests with 90% accuracy
• Two new FDA-approved drugs slow progression
• Early detection through the Ahead & Trailblazer studies

📱 Follow Jay Croft
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croftjay

🌐 Website: https://primefitcontent.com

📬 Contact: [email protected]

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Jay Croft Fitness Content Creator

Jay Croft is the host of Optimal Aging, a show about fitness, health and wellbeing for people over 50 that concentrates on marketing, content, and making powerful connections. A longtime former newspaper journalist, he is the creator of Prime Fit Content, which provides premium marketing materials to help gyms and studios reach people over 50. Prime Fit Content is used by fitness professionals across the US and Canada, and in other countries around the world. He contributes regularly to CNN and WebMD.