The brain is always active, even during sleep. However, certain activities can engage the brain in new ways, potentially leading to improvements in memory, cognitive function, or creativity. Although the brain gets plenty of exercise daily, certain activities may help boost brain function and connectivity. This, in turn, may help protect the brain from age-related degeneration.   Today, Dr. Tommy Wood joins us to talk about his beginnings and what got him where he is now. He talks about the factors that affect or cause cognitive decline and also shares a few recommendations on what food, exercise, or mental activity can help you avoid it.   Tommy Wood is a Senior Fellow in the Pediatrics Department at the University of Washington, and Chief Scientific Officer of Nourish Balance Thrive, an online-based company using advanced biochemical testing to optimize performance in athletes.   Tommy was born in the US to Icelandic and British parents. He was predominantly raised in the UK but also spent periods of time at school in Iceland, Germany, and France. Tommy received a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge before studying medicine at the University of Oxford. He worked as a junior doctor in central London for two years after medical school and then moved to Norway to complete a Ph.D. in physiology and neuroscience at the University of Oslo.   Follow Dr. Tommy at: IG: https://www.instagram.com/drtommywood/     Show notes: [0:45] What’s Dr. Tommy’s background, and how he got to where he is today? [4:41] Principles of rehabilitating after traumatic brain injury versus avoiding cognitive decline [6:26] What are the factors that can affect cognitive decline? [14:48] What food can Dr. Tommy recommend to help avoid cognitive decline? [18:03] What type of exercise does he recommend? [24:12] Health as a priority [26:40] How can you get better sleep? [36:06] Brain training and how to keep your mind active [40:52] Where to follow Dr. Tommy [42:16] Outro     Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram