Alzheimer’s disease has increased 134% since 2000, while cardiovascular disease—the #1 killer of men and women—has decreased by nearly 4%. So why do we still treat Alzheimer’s like an inevitability instead of a potentially preventable lifestyle disease?
In this episode, Dr. Chris Motley sits down with integrative nurse practitioner, author, and Alzheimer’s prevention advocate Dani Williamson for an urgent conversation about what may be driving the dementia epidemic—and what we can do to protect our brains.
Dani’s perspective is deeply personal. Her grandmother died with Alzheimer’s, and her mother was diagnosed at 73 and died at 78. Yet genetic testing during her mother’s final months revealed zero copies of APOE4, a major genetic risk marker for Alzheimer’s. This led Dani to look beyond genetics and examine the lifestyle and environmental factors that may have contributed to her mother’s disease.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why Alzheimer’s has risen 134% while heart disease has declined—and what this reversal may reveal
• Why genetics may not tell the whole Alzheimer’s story
• How trauma, smoking, alcohol, poor sleep, chronic stress, and environmental exposures may contribute to cognitive decline
• The potential connection between mold, mycotoxins, inflammation, and brain health
• How viruses such as HSV-1, Epstein-Barr, and HHV-6 may affect neurological health
• The thyroid-brain connection, including Hashimoto’s, brain fog, and memory problems
• Why perimenopause and menopause can sometimes mimic cognitive decline
• The potential role of inflammation, hormones, and reproductive health in brain function
• Why Dani emphasizes resolvins, omega-3s, and other anti-inflammatory strategies
• The potential role of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in inflammation and Alzheimer’s prevention
• Dani’s six foundational principles: **eat well, sleep well, move well, poop well, de-stress well, commune well**
• Why ballroom dancing and boxing may support cognitive health
• Early warning signs of cognitive decline to watch for in aging loved ones
• How sleep supports the brain’s glymphatic system and waste clearance
With more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, understanding modifiable risk factors and taking action early may be more important than ever.
Whether you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, are noticing changes in yourself or a loved one, or simply want to protect your brain for decades to come, this episode offers a powerful conversation about prevention, lifestyle, and healthy aging.
Products and Testing Mentioned:
Resolvins (SPM Ultra) — ask your integrative practitioner
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) — prescription required; discuss with your doctor
MicrogenDX genetic and bacterial testing
DesBio Mold SSR Homeopathic
Immunolytics mold testing — immunolytics.com
Squatty Potty — squattypotty.com
Organic pads and tampons — available at most health food stores
======================
Want more of The Ancient Health Podcast? Subscribe to Doctor Motley’s channel.
Instagram:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Tik-Tok:
Website:
Follow Dani Williamson
Book: Wild and Well —
Clinic: Williamson Wellness, Brentwood, Tennessee
====================
*Join Doctor Motley’s newsletter for TCM insights and regular podcast updates
*Do you have a ton more in-depth questions for Doctor Motley? Check out his course on emotions and the body in his membership. You’ll find other courses full of his expertise and clinical wisdom, plus bring all your questions to his weekly lives! To try risk-free for 15 days click here
DISCLAIMER
Please remember that the information shared in this podcast is for education purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice.
No doctor-patient relationship is formed through this podcast, and the use of information here or materials linked from this podcast is at your own risk.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen, and do not disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any condition you may have.
Our content may include sponsorship and affiliate links, through which he earns a small commission on sales made through those links.
source