As we highlight Brain Awareness Month, it's essential to explore the powerful connection between hormones, aging, diabetes, and cognitive function. Understanding how hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance impact brain health can help prevent cognitive decline, memory loss, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Aging, Insulin Resistance & the Brain
Did you know that more than 34 million Americans have diabetes, and 88 million adults—over one-third—are classified as prediabetic? (CDC)
As we age, natural hormonal shifts during menopause and andropause increase the risk of insulin resistance and reduce insulin sensitivity. This change significantly affects brain
function, energy levels, and cognitive performance.
Menopause & Brain Health
For women, estrogen plays a vital role in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. During
menopause, estrogen declines, leading to:
✔ Higher blood sugar levels → Increased risk of prediabetes & Type 2 diabetes
✔ Insulin resistance → Impaired memory, focus, and cognitive function
✔ Increased visceral fat → Higher inflammation, which negatively impacts the brain
Andropause & Cognitive Function
In men, testosterone decline during andropause leads to:
✔ Lower insulin sensitivity → Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes & brain fog
✔ Abdominal fat accumulation → Higher risk of neuroinflammation & cognitive decline
✔ Metabolic changes → Slower brain function and energy metabolism
The Brain-Insulin Connection
Your brain depends on glucose for energy, but when insulin resistance develops, brain cells struggle to absorb glucose, leading to slower cognitive processing and memory issues.
A Mayo Clinic study identified Type III diabetes, a term describing insulin resistance in the brain, as a potential contributor to Alzheimer’s disease. This research suggests that when neurons can’t properly utilize insulin, memory and learning suffer, increasing
neurodegeneration risks.
How Stress, Cortisol & Adrenaline Impact the Brain
Chronic stress leads to excessive production of adrenaline and cortisol, which:
✔ Disrupt neurotransmitters like dopamine & serotonin, affecting mood and focus
✔ Cause brain inflammation, impairing memory and increasing anxiety
✔ Damage the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory
Individuals with high adrenaline levels often experience:
🔹 ADHD-like symptoms (trouble focusing, racing thoughts)
🔹 Anxiety, irritability & sleep disturbances
🔹 Memory issues & cognitive fog
Long-term cortisol elevation is linked to:
❌ Brain cell damage
❌ Increased risk of dementia
❌ Depression & mood disorders
How to Support Brain Function & Prevent Cognitive Decline
The good news? You can bio-hack brain aging and optimize cognitive function by
implementing these science-backed strategies:
1. Balance Blood Sugar & Reduce Insulin Resistance
✔ Prioritize low-glycemic foods: leafy greens, nuts, seeds, & lean proteins
✔ Avoid processed sugars & refined carbs to prevent blood sugar spikes
✔ Support metabolism with healthy fats: avocado, olive oil, & fatty fish
2. Optimize Brain-Boosting Nutrients
🧠 Essential fatty acids (DHA & EPA) support cognitive function & memory
🧠 Phosphatidylserine & Phosphatidylcholine improve neuron communication
🧠 B Vitamins & Magnesium enhance neurotransmitter balance
3. Reduce Stress & Cortisol Levels
✔ Practice mindfulness → Meditation & deep breathing regulate stress hormones
✔ Get quality sleep → Prioritize 7-9 hours per night to prevent cortisol spikes
✔ Move daily → Exercise enhances insulin sensitivity & brain plasticity
4. Fuel the Brain with Ketones
Research shows that D-beta hydroxybutyrate (DBH), a ketone body, is a "brain super fuel" that:
🔥 Improves memory & mental clarity
🔥 Reduces oxidative stress & neuroinflammation
🔥 Counters insulin resistance in the brain
Coconut oil & MCT oil are excellent sources of ketones, helping to support brain health and energy metabolism.
The Future of Brain Health: A Proactive Approach
Brain aging is not inevitable—it is largely influenced by lifestyle, diet, and hormone
balance. By taking preventative action, we can:
✅ Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s & dementia
✅ Improve cognitive function & focus
✅ Support long-term brain health & mental clarity
For a comprehensive guide to brain supplements, check out Dr. Platt’s book, "Adrenaline
Dominance - A Revolutionary Approach to Wellness."
🚀 Prioritize your brain health today—your future self will thank you!