Brain Health & Dementia Prevention with Dr. Tommy Wood

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Your brain is your most valuable asset - yet most athletes spend more time maintaining their bikes than protecting their cognitive health. In this episode, Simon sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Tommy Wood to explore how endurance athletes can future-proof their brains and maintain sharp cognitive function well into their later years.

Dr. Wood, who has also worked with professional athletes in multiple sports including several Olympians and world champions and is releasing his book "The Stimulated Mind" in March 2026, shares his groundbreaking "3-S" model and explains why up to 70% of dementia cases may be preventable through lifestyle choices we make today.

Quote of the Episode

"The brain is essentially the same as your body - if you want bigger biceps, you need to do bicep curls. If you want a stronger brain, you need to challenge it with complex, novel activities throughout your life."
Dr. Tommy Wood

Key Talking Points

The Preventable Nature of Dementia – Why 45-70% of dementia cases could be avoided through lifestyle interventions
The 3-S Model – Stimulus, Supply, and Support as the foundation of brain health
Cognitive Stimulation Beyond Crosswords – Languages, music, complex motor skills, and social connection
The Athlete's Advantage – Why complex sports like orienteering beat simple endurance for brain health
Nutrition for Neuroplasticity – Omega-3s, B vitamins, and the critical role of energy availability

Key Takeaways

Challenge your brain like you challenge your body – Novel, complex activities drive neuroplasticity
Social connection is medicine – Isolation and loneliness are major dementia risk factors
Energy availability matters – Under-fueling affects brain health as much as physical performance
Sleep is when adaptation happens – Both physical and cognitive improvements occur during rest
It's never too late to start – Even in your 60s and 70s, the brain responds to new challenges

Dr. Tommy Wood's Book (Pre-order now):

The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age (Release: March 24, 2026)

Connect with Dr. Tommy Wood:

Book Recommendations:

Attention Span by Gloria Mark - how to find focus for a fulfilling life.

The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter - embrace discomfort to reclaim your wild, happy, healthy self.

Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode. If you enjoyed the conversation, please share it with a friend or training partner who might find it inspiring.

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