Longevity by Design

Dr. Peter Franz, expert in mental health and suicide risk, joins the podcast to discuss the profound connection between aging, mental health, and suicide. Topics explored include the prevalence of mental health issues, raising awareness, interventions, social support, and the impact of isolation. The conversation sheds light on the importance of addressing mental health for longevity and healthspan.

Can we find ways to target human aging and extend healthspan? This ambitious premise is at the heart of XPRIZE Healthspan, a 7-year, $101 million global competition with an audacious challenge: to successfully develop a proactive, accessible therapeutic that restores muscle, cognitive, and immune function by a minimum of 10 years, with a goal of 20 years, in persons aged 65-80 years, in one year or less.In this episode of Longevity by Design, hosts Ashley Reaver and Dr. Gil Blander spoke with Dr. Jamie Justice, Executive Vice President of the Health Domain at XPRIZE, and Executive Director of XPRIZE Healthspan. The conversation sheds light on the emerging scientific evidence and paradigm-shifting concept for therapeutic interventions to extend healthspan and lifespan by targeting aging, rather than one age-related disease at a time. Dr. Justice also discusses her career journey and the XPRIZE Healthspan competition, in which she is leading international networks to drive innovative solutions to improve human health and aging that is affordable and accessible to all.The conversation also explores the intersection of art and science in Dr. Justice's work. She emphasizes the role of creativity in scientific discovery, suggesting that a holistic approach is essential for groundbreaking achievements in aging research. The episode wraps up with Dr. Justice emphasizing a holistic approach for good health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in aging and healthspan and the innovative work being done by XPRIZE.Episode timestampsIntroduction: 00:00-02:08What led Dr. Jamie Justice to become a scientist?: 02:09-06:55How did Dr. Jamie Justice get interested in aging, healthspan, and longevity research?: 06:56-13:14What kind of research did Dr. Jamie Justice do before becoming the EVP of the Health Domain at XPRIZE Foundation?: 13:15-26:09What is XPRIZE?: What is the mission of XPRIZE? Why did Dr. Jamie Justice join XPRIZE?: 26:10-35:36What is XPRIZE Healthspan?: 35:37-45:46How is XPRIZE uniquely positioned to advance and facilitate innovative solutions to improve human health and aging?: 45:47-49:54What are the phases of XPRIZE Healthspan?: 49:55-56:05Who can apply to be in the XPRIZE Healthspan competition?: 56:06-58:54What kind of trial designs does the XPRIZE Healthspan competition allow?: 58:55-01:02:38How is the winner of XPRIZE Healthspan decided?: 01:02:39-01:04:57Dr. Jamie Jusice’s top tip for improving health: 01:04:58-01:07:46

Dr. Nir Barzilai discusses genetics, lifestyle, and blood biomarkers influencing healthspan and lifespan, with a focus on targeting aging using metformin. The episode explores centenarians, factors affecting longevity, gender disparities in aging research, proteomic biomarkers, and future gerosarapeutic candidates. Actionable insights on personalized health strategies and the evolution of longevity medicine are shared.

Dr. Bartek Nogal discusses the impact of exercise on blood biomarkers and InsideTracker's new DNA Healthspan report. Topics include personalized health data, actionable guidance, running on blood biomarkers, genetics, DNA analysis, and technology bridging scientific research with everyday health practices.

Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver discuss the connection between oral health, healthspan, and longevity. They explain the importance of oral health for overall well-being and answer questions on the oral microbiome. They also explore how oral health relates to mortality, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The podcast provides tips for improving oral health through brushing techniques, diet, and nutrition.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Tony Wyss-Coray, a leading neurology professor at Stanford, shares insights from his groundbreaking research on brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. He reveals how young blood could potentially rejuvenate older brains, opening doors for new treatments. Dr. Wyss-Coray narrates his scientific journey from childhood farming dreams to pivotal discoveries in neurodegeneration. The conversation emphasizes the importance of blood proteomics in assessing cognitive decline risks, highlighting a fascinating intersection of science and longevity.

Dr. Joe Baur, a Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine, dives into the intriguing world of NAD+ and its connection to cellular health and longevity. He discusses how NAD+ levels decline with age, impacting metabolism and overall well-being. The benefits of resveratrol supplements for insulin sensitivity are explored, as well as strategies to combat declining NAD+ levels through natural interventions like exercise and dietary changes. Baur also sheds light on the complexities of NAD supplementation and the ongoing research into its potential for health optimization.

Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO of The Buck Institute, discusses the latest updates in longevity research including the future of anti-aging drugs, the question of whether aging is a disease, and the potential for a maximum lifespan. He also shares insights on senescence and senolytics, the impact of genetics and lifestyle on longevity, and the importance of optimizing lifestyle factors for a longer and healthier lifespan.

Dr. Nick Burd, a skeletal muscle physiologist, discusses the importance of muscle mass, protein intake, and exercise. He explains the optimal timing of protein consumption after exercise, the benefits of whole food protein over powders, and the significance of distributing protein throughout the day.

Dr. Sara Gottfried, MD from Harvard Medical School and completed residency at UCSF, talks about tracking data for precision medicine, impacts of birth control pills on women's health, erectile dysfunction as a warning sign, hormone replacement therapy for women, tracking cortisol levels, consequences of early menopause, sleep tracking with wearables, challenges of ketogenic diet, significance of testing for improved health outcomes, and the balance of weightlifting and cardio.