Do you think that it’s inevitable that the function of your brain will decline as you get older? Or, do you believe that there are simple things you can do each day to preserve, protect and enhance it?

Today’s guest is neurophysiologist and brain health researcher, Louisa Nicola. Louisa is founder of Neuro Athletics, where she works with high-performing individuals to optimise their cognitive function. Nine years ago, Louisa was training to go to the Olympics to represent Australia in the triathlon when she was hit by a car and suffered seemingly insurmountable injuries.

Desperate to accelerate her recovery, she integrated brain training into her approach to physical health and made a near-miraculous recovery. Since then, she has helped many elite performers perform better, think faster and live longer by leveraging neuroscience, exercise physiology, sleep science and nutrition.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How our brain works as an intricate network – with 87 billion neurons making approximately 5000 connections each

• The latest research about Alzheimer’s disease, including why it affects more women than men.
• Why a combination of regular aerobic exercise, high-intensity training, and resistance sessions can help protect brain function
• The importance of consistent, quality sleep to support your brain’s natural cleaning processes
• And, how supplements like creatine monohydrate and omega-3 fatty acids can support brain health, alongside the right nutrition.

One of the key themes in this conversation is that our daily habits compound over time to either protect or compromise the health of our brains – and, throughout, Louisa shares a variety of practical strategies we can all adopt  – suitable for every age and fitness level.

Louisa’s message is both urgent and hopeful: while our modern lifestyles may be contributing to rising rates of cognitive decline, we have more control over our brain health than we might think.

Watch the video version of this interview – click below.