274. Dr. Courtney Conley: Dementia, 4,000 Steps, Big Toe & The 6th Vital Sign

I sat down with Dr. Courtney Conley and what she told me stopped me cold…your walking speed can predict dementia up to seven years before the first cognitive symptom appears, which is why scientists are arguing it should be added to blood pressure and temperature as the sixth vital sign. We got into the mechanism behind it: BDNF, hippocampal neurogenesis, and why 4,000 steps a day can cut dementia risk by roughly 50% and I walked away convinced this is the most under-prescribed medicine of the 21st century.

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Timestamps

00:00 - Intro of Show 01:25 - Same school, same degree: the human biology connection 04:29 - Pain to purpose: why modern shoes are built on a flawed premise 07:25 - Walking as the most under-prescribed medicine & the 7,000-step sweet spot 08:16 - Why your foot doesn't need arch support & can adult mechanics change? 13:10 - Micro walks: the 5-minute prescription for chronic pain & depression 18:21 - What gait analysis looks at & exchanging function for fashion 20:27 - The big toe chain reaction: how shoe width controls your knees, hips, and ankles 25:44 - Toe strength, foot awareness drills & preventing non-contact athletic injuries 31:54 - Where to start: building your walking baseline & post-meal blood sugar 37:00 - The 24-hour shoe clock: a realistic footwear rule 40:45 - Walking speed as the 6th vital sign, dementia risk & the soleus "second heart" 49:14 - Walking as a physiological necessity, ankle mobility & aging in place

58:55 - ​What does it mean to you to be an Ultimate Human?

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. It is not intended for diagnosing or treating any health condition. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making health or wellness decisions.

Gary Brecka is the owner of Ultimate Human, LLC which operates The Ultimate Human podcast and promotes certain third-party products used by Gary Brecka in his personal health and wellness protocols and daily life and for which Ultimate Human LLC and / or Gary Brecka directly or indirectly holds an economic interest or receives compensation.  Accordingly, statements made by Gary Brecka and others (including on The Ultimate Human podcast) may be considered. 

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