Dr. Gundry Podcast

416: Why Alzheimer’s Drugs Are Failing (And What Actually Protects Your Brain) — With Dr. David Perlmutter

Dr. Steven Gundry | August 18, 2026

Big Pharma bet billions on one theory: clear the amyloid, cure Alzheimer’s.

A new Cochrane review of 20,000+ patients just proved them wrong — these drugs don’t work, and they may be putting your brain at risk. So what’s really driving this epidemic?

My guest today, six-time New York Times bestselling author and board-certified neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter, says the answer lies in a set of cells most people have never even heard of — and he lays it all out in his new book, Brain Defenders.

The good news is, you already have more control over them than any drug could ever give you.

We’re talking about microglia, the brain’s immune cells, and why the choices you make today may matter more than anything a prescription pad can offer.

On this episode, you’ll learn:

All about the new study that found leading Alzheimer’s drugs deliver almost no benefit (02:09)
Why the so-called enemy in your brain is not what we thought at all (07:34)
What microglia are, and why these overlooked immune cells may be the real gatekeepers of your brain’s health (05:15)
How everyday metabolic issues like blood sugar and insulin resistance can affect your brain (09:30)
Why one in nine Americans over 65 is already living with dementia (and most don’t know it) (14:08)
The surprising connection between Parkinson’s, depression, and even autism spectrum conditions (15:11)
How THIS lifestyle program helped 70% of Alzheimer’s patients stabilize or even improve their cognitive function — no drugs required (17:09)
The one mindset shift Dr. Perlmutter says has to happen before any diet or exercise plan will actually work for your brain (22:17)
Why getting quality sleep does more for your brain than you think (27:49)
The simple blood test you should request NOW to gauge your Alzheimer’s risk (33:25)
Why women make up two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients (35:29)
The critical window for starting hormone replacement therapy (40:08)
The truth about antibacterial mouthwash, and why it might be quietly working against your brain health (58:14)
A 25-year-old flossing study that predicted exactly what today’s top neurology journals are just now confirming (01:00:05)
Dr. Perlmutter’s honest answer to whether you should take the newer Alzheimer’s drugs your doctor may be recommending (01:05:31)

More about Dr. David Perlmutter:

Dr. David Perlmutter’s website

Dr. David Perlmutter’s Instagram

New book: Brain Defenders: Harness the Power of Your Immune Cells to Protect Your Brain for Life by Dr. David Perlmutter

Research:

Cochrane Review

Tanzi Study

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