The science behind BetterBrain
Emerging brain science offers more good news
than most realize
than most realize
Fact: You can dramatically improve your brain health.
There is no magic pill for brain health (yet) - but science has shown that through a personalized set of interventions, you can dramatically reduce your risk of dementia while immediately improving your cognitive function.
Explore the science using the links below
BetterBrain's promise is based in the findings from hundreds of scientific studies published in top tier journals. Some studies explore brain health holistically while others are targeted to specific risks factors or interventions.
Holistic studies
Research investigating a broad range of interventions
Targeted studies
Research analyzing a specific domain that influences brain health
Why haven't I heard this before?
In short, the medical system lags behind cutting edge science
- 2 out of every 3 studies related to "Alzheimer's prevention" have been published in the last 5 years
- Medical guidelines and clinical practice typically lag 10+ years behind new scientific research, even after a consensus is reached
- The first Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic was opened in 2013
- There are now ~6 such clinics in the US, but waitlists often reach 5+ years
Number of publications on PubMed for keywords "Alzheimer's prevention" over the last 25 years
Leading experts have come to the same conclusion
Hover your mouse over each of the neurologists, longevity experts, and functional health physicians to see what they say about brain health
Andrew Huberman, PhD
Tommy Wood, MD
Rhonda Patrick, MD
David Sinclair, PhD
Sanjay Gupta, MD
Although BetterBrain is not affiliated with any of the above physicians, our methodology is based on their pioneering research. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with their work, findings, and offerings.
We are well on the path to prevention
Our approach to brain health today is like our approach to breast cancer 40 years ago
Hover your mouse along the timeline to learn more
Breast cancer
Late stage intervention
Clinical Alzheimer's is diagnosed based on signs of irreparable damage that has already been occurred in the brain. This remains the case today.
Breast cancer is typically detected at Stage III+, often after metastasis already has occurred. Mastectomies, which were developed in 1882, remain the standard of care until the 1970s.
Genetic markers discovered
APOE was discovered in 1973 and linked to Alzheimer's in 1993. Testing for APOE gained popularity starting 2017, but testing is not yet common.
HER2 is discovered as a risk factor in 1984. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are linked to aggressive breast cancers in 1995. Genetic testing does not become commonly used until the mid-2000s.
Early days of prevention
Dr. Richard Isaacson started the first Alzheimer's prevention clinic in 2013. Today, only 5 such clinics exist , and no drug has yet been approved for AD prevention.
In 1998, a review study finds that Tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) reduces breast cancer risk by 50%, Today, Tamoxifen is one of several preventive therapies approved for breast cancer prevention by the FDA.
Early intervention is the norm
The standard of care for Alzheimer's remains late-stage treatment. This does not have to be the case. Early detection of risks and prevention are already possible.
In 2002, the US released guidelines recommending screening every 1-2 years from age 40. These guidelines continue to evolve today, stressing personalized strategies for women based on their risk.
Alzheimer's
BetterBrain brings you the latest and greatest
The evidence is constantly evolving
We stay up to date with the science so you don't have to
The science is complicated
We make it easy to grasp and action on
There is no one-size-fits-all approach