# Dr. Tommy Wood: Enhancing Brain Performance & Preventing Dementia

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/perform-with-dr-andy-galpin-6754078/dr-tommy-wood-enhancing-brain-performance-preventing-dementia
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/perform-with-dr-andy-galpin-6754078/dr-tommy-wood-enhancing-brain-performance-preventing-dementia.md
Podcast: [Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin](https://stenobird.com/podcast/perform-with-dr-andy-galpin-6754078)
Published: 2025-02-12T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://performpodcast.com/dr-tommy-wood-enhancing-brain-health-performance/
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/SCIM1764172585.mp3?updated=1739340629
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/perform-with-dr-andy-galpin-6754078/episodes/dr-tommy-wood-enhancing-brain-performance-preventing-dementia
Duration seconds: 11012

## Resource

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Thomas Wood, a UK-trained M.D. with a Ph.D. in physiology and neuroscience. He is a professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington. We discuss how both physical and mental challenges can enhance cognitive function in the short and long term. We also examine the crucial roles of nutrition, sleep, and other lifestyle factors in supporting overall brain health. Additionally, we explore the potential benefits of supplementation with creatine, caffeine, and certain vitamins and their impact on mental performance or recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). We explain the mechanisms by which different types of exercise—resistance, aerobic, and high-intensity training—positively affect brain health and longevity. We also discuss various behavioral approaches to combat brain fog and prevent age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This conversation explores many practical steps anyone can take to improve brain health, regardless of age or background. Read the full episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Renaissance Periodization: https://rpstrength.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Tommy Wood 00:02:31 Cognitive Performance & Brain Health, Structure & Function 00:08:12 Brain Function & Stimulus, Brain Volume 00:12:13 Improve Cognitive Function, Skill Development 00:15:22 Sponsor: AG1 00:17:03 Skills, Near- vs Far-Transfer 00:20:13 Assess Short-Term Cognitive Health, Tool: Blood Test; Nutritional Status 00:27:19 Long-Term Brain Health; Tool: Cognitively-Demanding Tasks, Dance, Novelty 00:35:00 Task-Switching, Kids vs Adults 00:41:20 Sponso…

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