Can we protect our brains as we age—and even reduce the risk of dementia? 

In Episode 2 of The Vitals Health Span miniseries, guest host Dr. Shruti Naik explores the science of Brain Span with neurologist Dr. Fanny Elahi, neuroscientist Dr. Joseph Castellano, and geneticist Dr. Alison Goate. 

Together, they discuss what distinguishes normal brain aging from the earliest signs of cognitive decline, how genetics and lifestyle work together to shape brain health, and why resilience—not just disease—is becoming one of the biggest frontiers in neuroscience. The conversation also explores Alzheimer's biomarkers, cognitive reserve, environmental influences, and how the XPRIZE Healthspan Challenge is helping researchers measure brain health decades before symptoms appear. 

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