Grandparent caregiving and cognition

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 3-12-2026:

• Dr. Dawn discusses Michael Pollan's critique of MAHA dietary recommendations, agreeing that ultra-processed foods should be avoided but noting the lack of science supporting high saturated fat intake. She acknowledges extra virgin coconut oil as an exception that doesn't raise LDL, and pushes back on the social Darwinism embedded in anti-vaccine, anti-welfare MAHA thinking.
• Dr. Dawn expresses serious concern about Surgeon General nominee Casey Means, a Stanford-trained physician who dropped out of residency to become a wellness influencer. She objects to Means hawking supplements and glucose monitors for personal profit—conduct she considers unethical for a physician giving medical advice.
• An emailer from Switzerland shares success managing histamine intolerance by avoiding aged meats, shellfish, fermented foods, and cross-reactive pollens during hay fever season. The game-changer was taking DAO (diamine oxidase) supplements before meals to break down histamine in the gut.
• Researchers found that blood from pediatricians who worked in children's hospitals for over a decade contains powerful antibodies against RSV—up to 25% more effective than existing treatments—built up through years of constant exposure.
• Dr. Dawn critiques a study finding 2.5 times more microplastics in prostate tumor tissue than surrounding healthy tissue, noting that fast-growing cancers develop extra blood vessels and would naturally incorporate more circulating plastics. She attributes the 6% rise in late-stage prostate cancer to discontinued PSA screening rather than microplastics.
• An emailer asks what to do about microplastics already in our bodies. Dr. Dawn says there's no way to remove them, and advises avoiding microwaving in plastic, limiting breaded processed foods, and rinsing well after brushing teeth with plastic bristles.
• AI analysis of mammograms can now detect breast artery calcification as a marker for cardiovascular disease risk, with severe calcification indicating 3.3 times greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. This could identify high-risk women years before cardiac events.
• Dr. Dawn questions a non-peer-reviewed study presented at an orthopedic meeting found five years of GLP-1 drug use associated with 30% higher osteoporosis risk, 150% higher osteomalacia risk, and increased tendon ruptures—likely from reduced food intake and vitamin D consumption.
• Twin studies now estimate genetics account for 55% of lifespan variation when separating internal biological causes from external factors. Separately, fathers who showed warmth and responsiveness to 10-month-old babies had children with lower inflammation and better blood sugar regulation at age 7—an effect not seen with mothers' parenting.
• Grandparents actively involved in childcare showed slower cognitive decline than non-caregiving grandparents. Dancing emerged as the standout physical activity for dementia prevention—combining aerobic exercise, social interaction, music, and motor coordination—with three hours weekly showing observable benefits.