#147-Hussein Yassine, M.D.: Deep dive into the “Alzheimer’s gene” (APOE), brain health, and omega-3s

ℹ️ EPISODE INFO

Released

February 1, 2021

Duration

2h 6m

Channel

Peter Attia MD

Watch on YouTube

▶ Open ↗

📝 EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://bit.ly/4c602k2 Hussein Yassine, M.D. is a physician and researcher who studies brain lipid utilization in the context of finding preventative measures for cognitive impairment, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Dementia. In my conversation with Hussein we begin with a fundamental coursework in brain biology—including its architecture and energy systems. We go on to discuss what these systems look like when something goes wrong and cognitive decline ensues. We talk about the evolutionary origins of the ApoE genotype, with specific attention to the ApoE4 allele and its association with AD. We spend time discussing ApoE4 implications for the brain’s fuel utilization, notably omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. We briefly pivot to the implications of recent omega-3 trials for cardiovascular disease and return to what we currently understand about EPA/DHA and brain health; we contemplate potential dietary interventions across the lifespan to preserve and prolong cognitive function. We discuss: 00:00:00- Intro 00:03:00 - Hussein’s Background and introduction to brain composition 00:08:00 - The blood-brain barrier and brain filtration 00:13:00 - Lipids and brain function 00:18:00 - How the brain utilizes energy 00:27:30 - Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) structure and function in the periphery 00:38:15 - ApoE function in the brain 00:43:45 - Evolutionary origins of ApoE isoforms 00:53:30 - ApoE4 variant and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) risk 01:03:00 - Dietary fuel preference with the ApoE4 allele 01:13:30 - The role of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain 01:21:45 - Comparing findings from the REDUCE-IT and STRENGTH trial 01:34:15 - The relationship between dietary omega-3 intake and brain health 01:42:30 - Preventing cognitive decline: A critical window for DHA in ApoE4 carriers? 01:54:00 - Hussein’s ongoing research and recommendations for E4 carriers Show notes page: https://peterattiamd.com/HusseinYassine/ About: The Peter Attia Drive is a weekly, ultra-deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing health, longevity, critical thinking…and a few other things. With over 30 million episodes downloaded, it features topics including fasting, ketosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, mental health, and much more. Peter is a physician focusing on the applied science of longevity. His practice deals extensively with nutritional interventions, exercise physiology, sleep physiology, emotional and mental health, and pharmacology to increase lifespan (delay the onset of chronic disease), while simultaneously improving healthspan (quality of life). Learn more: https://peterattiamd.com/ Subscribe to receive exclusive subscriber-only content: https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/ Sign up to receive Peter's email newsletter: https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/ Connect with Peter on: Facebook: http://bit.ly/PeterAttiaMDFB Twitter: http://bit.ly/PeterAttiaMDTW Instagram: http://bit.ly/PeterAttiaMDIG Subscribe to The Drive: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/TheDriveApplePodcasts Overcast: http://bit.ly/TheDriveOvercast Spotify: http://bit.ly/TheDriveSpotify Google Play: http://bit.ly/TheDriveGooglePlay

🎤 SPEAKERS

• Peter Attia

  host

  Physician and podcast host of The Drive, focusing on longevity, metabolic health, and preventative medicine.

• Dr. Hussein Yassine

  guest

  Physician-scientist at USC researching ApoE/Alzheimer’s risk, brain lipids, and omega-3 metabolism.

🧾 EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Peter Attia MD, featuring Peter Attia and Dr. Hussein Yassine, #147-Hussein Yassine, M.D.: Deep dive into the “Alzheimer’s gene” (APOE), brain health, and omega-3s explores apoE4, Brain Energy, and Omega-3s: Timing Matters for Alzheimer's Risk Yassine explains the brain as a lipid-rich, electrically driven organ protected by the blood-brain barrier, with neurons relying on astrocytes for lactate and preferring glucose over fat for energy.

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