Episode

#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
listen on Spotify
2:37:28
Published: Wed Jun 09 2021
Description

Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull | Brought to you by Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement, Oura smart ring wearable for personalized sleep and health insights, and Eight Sleep’s Pod Pro Cover sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating. More on all three below.Dr. Peter Attia (PeterAttiaMD.com) is a former ultra-endurance athlete (e.g., swimming races of 25 miles), a compulsive self-experimenter, and one of the most fascinating human beings I know. He is one of my go-to doctors for anything performance or longevity-related.But here is his official bio to do him justice: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 (how long you live), while simultaneously improving healthspan (how well you live).Peter trained for five years at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in general surgery, where he was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including Resident of the Year, and the author of a comprehensive review of general surgery. He also spent two years at NIH as a surgical oncology fellow at the National Cancer Institute where his research focused on immune-based therapies for melanoma. He has since been mentored by some of the most experienced and innovative lipidologists, endocrinologists, gynecologists, sleep physiologists, and longevity scientists in the United States and Canada.Peter earned his M.D. from Stanford University and holds a B.Sc. in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics.Peter also hosts The Drive, a weekly, deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing longevity and all that goes into that, from physical to cognitive to emotional health. It features topics including fasting, ketosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, mental health, and much more. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Please enjoy!This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system. Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and five free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.*This episode is also brought to you by Oura! Oura is the company behind the smart ring that delivers personalized sleep and health insights to help you optimize just about everything. I’ve been using it religiously for at least six months, and I was introduced to it by Dr. Peter Attia. It is the only wearable that I wear on a daily basis.With advanced sensors, Oura packs state-of-the-art heart rate, heart-rate variability, temperature, activity, and sleep monitoring technology into a convenient, noninvasive ring. It weighs less than 6 grams and focuses on three key insights—sleep, readiness, and activity.Try it for yourself. The Oura Ring comes in two styles and three colors: Silver, Black, and Matte Black. For $299, you can give or get the gift of health by visiting OuraRing.com.*This episode is also brought to you by Eight Sleep! Eight Sleep’s Pod Pro Cover is the easiest and fastest way to sleep at the perfect temperature. It pairs dynamic cooling and heating with biometric tracking to offer the most advanced (and user-friendly) solution on the market. Simply add the Pod Pro Cover to your current mattress and start sleeping as cool as 55°F or as hot as 110°F. It also splits your bed in half, so your partner can choose a totally different temperature.And now, my dear listeners—that’s you—can get $250 off the Pod Pro Cover. Simply go to EightSleep.com/Tim or use code TIM. *If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chapters
A product advertisement for 8 sleep Pod Pro Cover that helps to regulate temperature while sleeping, for better sleep quality.
00:00 - 01:07 (01:07)
listen on Spotify
8 sleep Pod Pro Cover
Summary

A product advertisement for 8 sleep Pod Pro Cover that helps to regulate temperature while sleeping, for better sleep quality.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The Aura smart ring, with advanced sensors and personalized insights, helps optimize sleep and health.
01:07 - 04:58 (03:50)
listen on Spotify
Sleep technology
Summary

The Aura smart ring, with advanced sensors and personalized insights, helps optimize sleep and health. Users of the 8 Sleep mattress report falling asleep faster, fewer sleep interruptions, and better overall rest.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Liquid biopsy is a method that draws blood and predicts the presence of cancer cells in the body at an early stage which is more curable.
04:58 - 10:38 (05:40)
listen on Spotify
Cancer Detection
Summary

Liquid biopsy is a method that draws blood and predicts the presence of cancer cells in the body at an early stage which is more curable. It is a useful tool for detecting cancer since there are no other great methods for detecting cancer early.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The use of cell-free DNA from broken down cells, such as red blood cells or monocytes, can detect cancer with high specificity and positive predictive value, despite the small amount of DNA captured, making it a promising early detection method.
10:38 - 15:50 (05:12)
listen on Spotify
Cancer Detection
Summary

The use of cell-free DNA from broken down cells, such as red blood cells or monocytes, can detect cancer with high specificity and positive predictive value, despite the small amount of DNA captured, making it a promising early detection method.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The guest speaker emphasizes the importance of catching cancer early and draws an analogy between the tires of a race car and a person's feet stating that stability begins with the feet.
15:50 - 24:25 (08:34)
listen on Spotify
Cancer
Summary

The guest speaker emphasizes the importance of catching cancer early and draws an analogy between the tires of a race car and a person's feet stating that stability begins with the feet. They also express skepticism about the idea of a cure for cancer.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
DNS aims to retrain the neurologic system via developmental movement patterns to do things in a more functional way, and ultimately provide rehab and prehab.
24:25 - 30:17 (05:52)
listen on Spotify
DNS
Summary

DNS aims to retrain the neurologic system via developmental movement patterns to do things in a more functional way, and ultimately provide rehab and prehab. DNS originated from the Prague School to guide children with cerebral palsy to move again by helping them with the movement patterns that were lost in the early years of life.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Fasting and intermittent ketosis can help optimize the use of endogenous fat stores, leading to more efficient zone two training.
30:17 - 34:37 (04:19)
listen on Spotify
Endogenous Fat Stores
Summary

Fasting and intermittent ketosis can help optimize the use of endogenous fat stores, leading to more efficient zone two training. Keeping lactate below two millimole is key to staying in the optimal training zone.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses his experience with combining fasting and lifting weights, including his concerns about muscle loss and the benefits of time-restricted feeding.
34:37 - 39:11 (04:33)
listen on Spotify
Fasting
Summary

The speaker discusses his experience with combining fasting and lifting weights, including his concerns about muscle loss and the benefits of time-restricted feeding.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
A cautious approach is required while applying time-restricted diets as people have different physiologies and should rely on technologies such as DEXA instead of following traditional ways.
39:11 - 45:32 (06:21)
listen on Spotify
Time-restricted diet
Summary

A cautious approach is required while applying time-restricted diets as people have different physiologies and should rely on technologies such as DEXA instead of following traditional ways.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
This podcast episode discusses the use of branched-chain amino acids during fasting for weight loss and their effectiveness in mitigating muscle loss.
45:32 - 49:47 (04:14)
listen on Spotify
Branched-chain amino acids, fasting, weight loss, longevity, supplements
Summary

This podcast episode discusses the use of branched-chain amino acids during fasting for weight loss and their effectiveness in mitigating muscle loss. The speaker also shares insights on the longevity benefits of fasting and the recommended intake of supplements.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
A head-to-head clinical trial compared the efficacy of psilocybin, a molecule found in magic mushrooms, with the well-known antidepressant Lexapro for treating major depressive disorder.
49:47 - 54:02 (04:15)
listen on Spotify
Psilocybin
Summary

A head-to-head clinical trial compared the efficacy of psilocybin, a molecule found in magic mushrooms, with the well-known antidepressant Lexapro for treating major depressive disorder. Patients in the psilocybin group received two doses of 25 milligrams spaced three weeks apart, while the Lexapro group received a standard SSRI dose.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about the importance of recording and sharing your practice's Journal Club to help others learn how to read and interpret scientific research better, especially in light of the recent confusion over anything COVID or vaccine-related.
54:02 - 59:55 (05:52)
listen on Spotify
Scientific Research
Summary

The speaker talks about the importance of recording and sharing your practice's Journal Club to help others learn how to read and interpret scientific research better, especially in light of the recent confusion over anything COVID or vaccine-related.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Understanding the magnitude of difference in effect sizes is important to determine the number of subjects needed to recruit for a study.
59:55 - 1:07:18 (07:23)
listen on Spotify
Effect sizes
Summary

Understanding the magnitude of difference in effect sizes is important to determine the number of subjects needed to recruit for a study. It's also essential to open up state and federal funding for this type of research from NIMH, NIH, etc.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast discusses the benefits and downsides of consuming substances such as Lexapro and MDMA for treating sexual malfunction and PTSD, respectively.
1:07:18 - 1:14:11 (06:52)
listen on Spotify
Drugs
Summary

The podcast discusses the benefits and downsides of consuming substances such as Lexapro and MDMA for treating sexual malfunction and PTSD, respectively. They also explore the impact of cholesterol on the body.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The ApoB family consists of VLDL, IDL, LDL, and LPa, which is the worst of them all, and lowering ApoB can lead to a decrease in cholesterol levels.
1:14:11 - 1:24:39 (10:28)
listen on Spotify
familial hypercholesterolemia
Summary

The ApoB family consists of VLDL, IDL, LDL, and LPa, which is the worst of them all, and lowering ApoB can lead to a decrease in cholesterol levels. This is important for people with familial hypercholesterolemia, who have very high levels of cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Lower APOB levels are linked to lower risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and mortality associated with diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's.
1:24:39 - 1:31:30 (06:50)
listen on Spotify
APOB
Summary

Lower APOB levels are linked to lower risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and mortality associated with diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's. Observational data has established the connection between APOB and Alzheimer's disease, meaning lower levels lead to a decreased risk of developing the disease.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Scientists Randy Strong and Rich Miller discovered Rapamycin's potential as a longevity drug through NIH-funded research.
1:31:30 - 1:38:21 (06:50)
listen on Spotify
Rapamycin
Summary

Scientists Randy Strong and Rich Miller discovered Rapamycin's potential as a longevity drug through NIH-funded research. This drug was originally introduced for organ rejection, but the ITP discovered it had the ability to enhance longevity.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The lack of good biomarkers for aging has made the study of aging uninteresting.
1:38:21 - 1:41:26 (03:05)
listen on Spotify
Aging
Summary

The lack of good biomarkers for aging has made the study of aging uninteresting. Effective tools are needed to expose the biology and physiology of aging so longevity can be better understood.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Study reports that the group given five milligrams of rapamycin once a week had the best response and fewest side effects.
1:41:26 - 1:44:51 (03:24)
listen on Spotify
Rapamycin
Summary

Study reports that the group given five milligrams of rapamycin once a week had the best response and fewest side effects. A 2014 study found that people in rapamycin, a derivative called everolimus, developed a better immune response, which was contrary to expectations.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
An overview of the benefits of the drug Kanagaflozin in treating diabetes and heart failure, along with a discussion of the traditional method of diabetes diagnosis involving urine tasting.
1:44:51 - 1:53:31 (08:39)
listen on Spotify
Diabetes
Summary

An overview of the benefits of the drug Kanagaflozin in treating diabetes and heart failure, along with a discussion of the traditional method of diabetes diagnosis involving urine tasting.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The advantages and disadvantages of sauna use are discussed, including potential health benefits and the socioeconomic factors involved in who can afford and access saunas.
1:53:32 - 1:57:27 (03:54)
listen on Spotify
Saunas
Summary

The advantages and disadvantages of sauna use are discussed, including potential health benefits and the socioeconomic factors involved in who can afford and access saunas.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The MED (minimum effective dose) to improve health through heat is four sessions of 20 minutes at 80 degrees Celsius.
1:57:27 - 2:00:47 (03:19)
listen on Spotify
Heat therapy
Summary

The MED (minimum effective dose) to improve health through heat is four sessions of 20 minutes at 80 degrees Celsius. While this may not be suitable for those with health conditions, using heat can activate heat shock proteins and provide health benefits.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
While consuming protein may slightly increase fasting insulin levels, it can also increase muscle insulin sensitivity and decrease postprandial insulin levels.
2:00:48 - 2:06:52 (06:04)
listen on Spotify
Protein, Insulin Sensitivity
Summary

While consuming protein may slightly increase fasting insulin levels, it can also increase muscle insulin sensitivity and decrease postprandial insulin levels. This, in combination with glucagon like peptide, may reduce appetite and lead to weight loss.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast discusses the benefits and risks of prescription drugs, including how to balance potential side effects with desired outcomes, and the importance of correctly interpreting statistics.
2:06:52 - 2:11:21 (04:28)
listen on Spotify
Prescription Drugs
Summary

The podcast discusses the benefits and risks of prescription drugs, including how to balance potential side effects with desired outcomes, and the importance of correctly interpreting statistics.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The importance of knowing absolute risk versus relative risk is discussed in various contexts, such as in precision shooting and understanding medical studies.
2:11:21 - 2:14:30 (03:09)
listen on Spotify
Risk Management
Summary

The importance of knowing absolute risk versus relative risk is discussed in various contexts, such as in precision shooting and understanding medical studies.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
A study compared the mitochondrial health of professional cyclists, fit people, and people with type 2 diabetes, finding that the cyclists had the highest mitochondrial function.
2:14:30 - 2:23:30 (08:59)
listen on Spotify
Mitochondria
Summary

A study compared the mitochondrial health of professional cyclists, fit people, and people with type 2 diabetes, finding that the cyclists had the highest mitochondrial function. The inner workings of mitochondria were also explained, with emphasis on the importance of pyruvate and the electron transport chain in generating ATP.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The minimum effective dose of exercise is three hours per week, and figuring out your zone two heart rate can help you track your heart rate for effective exercise without the need for expensive lactate meters.
2:23:30 - 2:30:13 (06:43)
listen on Spotify
Exercise
Summary

The minimum effective dose of exercise is three hours per week, and figuring out your zone two heart rate can help you track your heart rate for effective exercise without the need for expensive lactate meters.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Dr. Peter Atia has developed advanced health sensing technology that can monitor heart rate, heart rate variability, temperature, activity and sleep in a convenient non-invasive ring.
2:30:13 - 2:35:24 (05:10)
listen on Spotify
Health Technology
Summary

Dr. Peter Atia has developed advanced health sensing technology that can monitor heart rate, heart rate variability, temperature, activity and sleep in a convenient non-invasive ring. In addition, Five Bullet Friday is a short email that shares the coolest things and ideas of the week, including the importance of being able to run on both glucose and fat.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The 8 Sleep PodPro Cover can help enhance sleep up to 32%, reduce sleep interruptions up to 40% and improve overall restfulness by regulating temperature.
2:35:24 - 2:37:18 (01:54)
listen on Spotify
Sleep
Summary

The 8 Sleep PodPro Cover can help enhance sleep up to 32%, reduce sleep interruptions up to 40% and improve overall restfulness by regulating temperature. Heat is considered one of the major causes of poor sleep, and the PodPro Cover can help overcome this issue by maintaining an optimal temperature throughout the night.

Episode
#517: Dr. Peter Attia on Longevity Drugs, Alzheimer's Disease, and the 3 Most Important Levers to Pull
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show