The five major “epochs” of human brain development, identified by a recent study, are Childhood(birth to age 9), Adolescence (9 to 32), Adulthood (32 to 66), Early Aging (66 to 83), and Late Aging (after 83). These epochs are characterized by distinct patterns of neural rewiring, with major turning points occurring at ages 9, 32, 66, and 83. The five epochs of brain developmentContinueContinue reading “Five major “epochs” of human brain development”
Category Archives: longevity
Longevity Update – Supplements
On my trip to Paris, I found myself in an extended conversation about longevity and health strategies with a lovely person I met on my first day! It reminded me how much interest (and confusion) exists around supplements to extend health span. I’ve been digging into the data for several years and offer this conciseContinueContinue reading “Longevity Update – Supplements”
A Tribute to my Mother
Phyllis Varipapa’s story began almost 103 years ago, in October of 1922, though even her birthday carried a bit of mystery and mischief. Her father swore it was the 22nd, her birth certificate claimed the 24th, and her baptismal record the 26th. That meant her loved ones never had just one day to celebrate her,ContinueContinue reading “A Tribute to my Mother”
The immune system offers a window into aging
“The immune system permeates and regulates organs and tissues across the body, and has diverse roles beyond pathogen control, including in development, tissue homeostasis and repair. The reshaping of the immune system that occurs during aging is therefore highly consequential. In this Focus issue, Nature Aging presents a collection of reviews of and opinions onContinueContinue reading “The immune system offers a window into aging”
Nicotinamide Riboside vs. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
Which NAD⁺ Booster Is Right for You? In recent years, two vitamin B3 derivatives—Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)—have emerged as leading contenders in the world of longevity science. Both are precursors to NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme essential for energy production, DNA repair, and healthy cell function. As we age, NAD⁺ levelsContinueContinue reading “Nicotinamide Riboside vs. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide”
Easy Creatine Supplement Exercise Plan
Welcome to my home workout plan for building muscle and strength—no gym required—along with creatine use and basic nutrition guidance. First, Creatine Explained: 5 Science-Backed Benefits Creatine isn’t just for athletes – it’s a powerhouse supplement that benefits people of all ages and activity levels. Join me to unpack the science behind creatine and exploreContinueContinue reading “Easy Creatine Supplement Exercise Plan”
Think Twice before you get that CAT Scan
CT scans, a widely used medical imaging technology to diagnose diseases, may be more harmful than previously thought, and account for about 5% of new cancer cases annually in the U.S. population, according to new research led by UCSF scientists. That puts CT (computed tomography) scans — which expose patients to ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen —ContinueContinue reading “Think Twice before you get that CAT Scan”
Best Dietary for Healthy Aging
A recent important study published in Nature Medicine examines the impact of long-term adherence to various dietary patterns on healthy aging. Utilizing data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study – over 100K people in their early fifties followed for 30 years – in the end, only 23% of them were free ofContinueContinue reading “Best Dietary for Healthy Aging”
Is Sulforaphane ‘Neuroprotective’?
Recently, the protective effects of sulforaphane on brain health were also considerably studied, where the studies have further extended to several neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. Animal and cell studies that employ sulforaphane against memory impairment and AD-related pre-clinical biomarkersContinueContinue reading “Is Sulforaphane ‘Neuroprotective’?”
Dr Bob, Brain Mechanic 