I am the son of two parents suffering varying levels of cognitive decline and a caregiver for one of them. Both of my parents were highly respected practicing physicians and now sadly suffer from the consequences of a lifetime of high-risk lifestyle. Since this is an issue near and dear to me, interviewing Dean Sherzai, MD, PhD, was a true pleasure that left me inspired. Dr. Sherzai is a co-director of the Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He is co-author – with his wife and clinical partner, Ayesha Sherzia, MD – of two books on cognitive health (The Alzheimer’s Solution and the new 30 Day Alzheimer’s Solution). He is also a fellow True Health Initiative Council Member.

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr. Sherzai shares his own journey and history behind why he and Dr. Ayesha Sherzai are so passionate about dementia prevention. He also gives us information about the family’s roots in Afghanistan, the “why” behind their common interest and zeal for dementia prevention, and their path to Loma Linda, which – not ironically – is in the middle of the only Blue Zone in the United States. His passion for humanity and engagement as a partner and listener in both clinical and community care comes through loud and clear in this interview.

In our conversation, we discuss the four main physiological factors driving dementia as well as Team Sherzi’s acronym, NEURO, which they developed to help us remember the areas of lifestyle that are so potent that they may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 90%.

Reasonable and flexible (and dare I say, flexitarian friendly!), Dr. Dean shares his tips on how to get started with manageable, actionable behavior changes that can help us maintain brain health, memories that last a full lifetime, and the joy that accompanies this healthy lifestyle.

My guess is this is an interview you won’t want to forget.