DeepSummary
The episode features an interview with Max Lugavere, author and filmmaker, discussing his new documentary 'Little Empty Boxes' which chronicles his mother's struggle with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Max talks about the rising rates of these conditions, the limitations of Western medicine in treating them, and the importance of lifestyle factors like diet and exercise in potentially reducing risk.
Max shares behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the film, which took 10 years and was a deeply personal project for him. He discusses the raw and intimate portrayal of dementia in the documentary, as well as the science behind prevention strategies highlighted in the film. The conversation also touches on topics like the role of pollutants, the benefits of strength training for brain health, and the potential of creatine supplementation.
Throughout the interview, Max emphasizes the complex and multifactorial nature of these conditions, noting that there are no easy answers or one-size-fits-all solutions. He stresses the need for a more preventative approach in the medical community and expresses hope that his film will provide solace and practical information to those affected by dementia.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Rates of dementia and Alzheimer's disease are skyrocketing worldwide, affecting people across all age groups.
- Western medicine has had very limited success in treating these conditions through pharmaceuticals.
- Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and avoiding environmental pollutants may play a key role in preventing or reducing risk.
- The documentary 'Little Empty Boxes' provides a raw, intimate look at living with dementia as well as exploring the latest science on prevention.
- Building muscle mass and strength through resistance training appears particularly beneficial for brain health.
- Supplements like creatine may help improve cognitive performance and reduce dementia risk.
- The film aims to provide solace to caregivers and those affected by these diseases, while educating on potential prevention strategies.
- A multifaceted, preventative approach is needed to address the complex nature of Alzheimer's and dementia.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “For me, it felt like it was a way to pay homage to what she was experiencing and to memorialize the trauma and the suffering and the pain that me and the rest of my family was experiencing and in a way, taking something painful and making meaning out of it and documenting it.“ by Max Lugavere
- “You know, Alzheimer's drug trials have a 99.6% fail rate. They're very controversial, the drugs that, you know, most recently, there were a few drugs that actually passed through the FDA approval process, and they were recently pulled because we realized that they were doing more harm than good for Alzheimer's sufferers.“ by Max Lugavere
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Episode Information
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, Doug Egge
7/1/24
Max Lugavere
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Max’s new film and the story behind it. (2:38)
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The troubling rise of dementia/Alzheimer’s. (5:39)
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What he learned about our medical system regarding this disease. (9:25)
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How these genes act with their environment. (15:49)
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Eastern vs. Western medicine. (17:55)
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Looking back, would he have done anything differently? (22:09)
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What prompted him to document everything? (25:16)
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The skills learned from being a journalist. (28:22)
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Giving a raw portrait of what it’s like to have dementia. (33:43)
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Did the storytelling change throughout the course of filming? (36:51)
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His stem cell experience with Dr. Khan. (41:04)
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The connection between certain pollutants and the risk of dementia. (41:57)
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Exercise, medicine for the brain. (48:08)
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Approaching your exercise with methodology. (56:39)
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His first experience seeing the film with an audience. (1:00:00)
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Releasing expectations and doing what you want to do. (1:02:55)
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A caregiver's disease. (1:09:18)
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The importance of creatine for the brain. (1:10:50)
Related Links/Products Mentioned
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Visit Xero Shoes for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Enter to win one of FIVE FREE pairs of Xero Shoes! **
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June Promotion: MAPS 15 Minutes | Bikini Bundle | Shredded Summer Bundle 50% off! ** Code JUNE50 at checkout **
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Type 3 diabetes is sporadic Alzheimer׳s disease: mini-review
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New Genetic Form of Alzheimer's Identified in People With Common Risk Factor
Featured Guest/People Mentioned
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Max Lugavere (@maxlugavere) Instagram
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Joe Rogan (@joerogan) Instagram
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Jordan Peterson (@jordan.b.peterson) Instagram
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Dr. Oz (@dr_oz) Instagram
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Adeel Khan, MD (@dr.akhan) Instagram
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Ray Dorsey, MD (@raydorsey01) Instagram
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Arthur Brooks (@arthurcbrooks) Instagram
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Darren Candow (@dr.darrencandow) Instagram