Trauma, Inflammation, and Neurodegeneration: A New Framework for Alzheimer's | Dr. Caesar Hernandez, MS, PhD | The Metabolic Link Ep. 87
The Metabolic Link
Brain inflammation can be sequestered early
Caesar discusses sequestration of inflammatory receptors in brain and peripheral-protein relationships.
Roughly 90% of Alzheimer's patients develop neuropsychiatric symptoms including anxiety, persistent fear, and an inability to recognize safety — but little research is being done to investigate why. New data connecting PTSD, trauma, and accelerated brain aging may hold the answer.
Dr. Caesar Hernandez is a behavioral, molecular, and circuit neuroscientist and assistant professor in the Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics & Palliative Care at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His research program seeks to identify modifiable mechanisms that drive vulnerability to age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
In this conversation with Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, Dr. Hernandez walks through epidemiological evidence linking PTSD to increased Alzheimer's risk, the comorbidity cluster of metabolic syndrome, gut permeability, and neuropsychiatric disorders observed in veteran populations, and why ketogenic interventions may offer a unique therapeutic angle — reducing neuroinflammation and anxiety while making the brain more receptive to rewiring traumatic memories.
Questions Answered in This Episode:
- Could addressing PTSD in midlife meaningfully reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life?
- Why do veteran populations show such high comorbidity between PTSD, metabolic syndrome, and dementia?
- Could ketogenic therapy serve a similar function to pharmacologically-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD?
- How does the amygdala - the brain's "fear center" - play a role in Alzheimer's disease?
- What is the single biggest unanswered question driving Alzheimer's research right now — and why does it go beyond genetics and biochemistry?
Dr. Hernandez's driving question — why are negative life experiences associated with an increased the risk of neurodegeneration? — reframes brain aging as something shaped not just by genes and biology, but by the lives we live and the stress we carry.
Find more of Dr. Caesar Hernandez online:
Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:
✅ Genova Connect – Get 15% off any test kit with code METABOLICLINK here.
✅ Fatty15 – Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit with code METABOLICLINK here.
✅ Troscriptions – Get 10% off your first order with code METABOLICLINK here.
✅ ZocDoc - Find and instantly book a top-rated doctor here.
In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!
You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!
Find us on social:
Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.
The AI-powered Podcast Player
