#486: Unlocking Brain Plasticity: How Speed Training Can Help Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline With Dr. Henry Mahncke
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Henry Mahncke, an innovative neuroscientist and the CEO of BrainHQ, who has dedicated over two decades to uncovering the powerful ways targeted training can help the brain process information faster and more efficiently. In our conversation, Dr. Mahncke shares his deeply personal motivation behind this work, recalling early experiences with his grandfather’s cognitive decline and how witnessing that loss inspired a lifelong mission to challenge outdated beliefs about the aging brain.
Together, we dive into why the future of dementia prevention can’t rely on expensive pharmaceuticals alone, what sets real, science-backed brain training apart from crossword puzzles, and the crucial—yet often overlooked—role of processing speed in brain health. Dr. Mahncke breaks down the science of neuroplasticity, the key ingredients that make brain training effective, and how just a few hours of the right kind of training can spark long-lasting improvements in cognition, mood, and even daily function.
If you want to stay sharp, drive neuroplasticity, and learn what it really takes to build a resilient, healthy brain at any age, this episode is packed with actionable tips, stories, and a hopeful vision for the next frontier in longevity science.
Visit BrainHQ.com/nat, and register for free with no credit card and receive one exercise per day, plus access to the BrainHQ brain-health blog.
Learn more from Dr. Henry Mahncke below:
Website: http://BrainHQ.com/nat
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-mahncke-3b89072/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/brainhq
What We Discuss:
The brain is not a fixed organ ... 00:00:00
Personal story: family and early memories of dementia ... 00:06:06
Origins of the myth that adult brains can’t change ... 00:08:30
Breakthrough research on neuroplasticity at UCSF ... 00:09:29
How processing speed underpins healthy cognitive function ... 00:16:37
Noisy, slow processing as a hallmark of aging brains ... 00:18:14
Speed training to synchronize and strengthen neural networks ... 00:19:32
Brain training as underlying “strength training” for cognition ... 00:20:40
Problems with current dementia research funding priorities ... 00:21:33
ACTIVE study: speed training reduces Alzheimer’s risk ... 00:24:46
Everyday, real-world benefits of brain training ... 00:28:04
Why brain training isn’t just crosswords and games ... 00:30:00
Neurochemistry of attention, reward, and adaptive challenge ... 00:31:16
Scientific rigor and industry skepticism ... 00:56:53
Expanding use: from seniors to athletes and special forces ... 01:00:12
Personal evolution in thinking about brain health ... 01:03:29
Brain training as an essential pillar for longevity ... 01:06:42
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Some episodes of the Longevity With Nathalie Niddam podcast are supported by partners whose products or services may be discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation or earn a minor commission if you purchase through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are those of the host and guests, based on personal experience and research, and do not necessarily represent the views of any sponsor. Sponsorships do not imply medical endorsement or approval by any healthcare provider featured on this podcast.