David PerlmutterPresident,, Perlmutter Health Center · Board-Certified Neurologist | Functional Medicine Pioneer | #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author | International Speaker | Host of The Empowering Neurologist Podcast

Alzheimer’s Risk Isn’t Only About Genetics

31 Jul 2026 · 1 min

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In this segment of his YouTube presentation, Dr. David Perlmutter warns that Alzheimer’s disease cases in the United States are projected to triple by 2050. He highlights that this rise mirrors the surge in metabolic disorders such as type‑2 diabetes and hypertension, suggesting a strong link between metabolic health and neurodegeneration. Perlmutter argues that unlike genetic risk, metabolic risk is modifiable: controlling blood sugar through diet, increasing physical activity, prioritizing restorative sleep, and managing blood pressure can all lower Alzheimer’s risk. He emphasizes that preventive actions are most impactful when started in the 30s and 40s, the period when the disease’s “seeds” begin to form.

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The rate of Alzheimer's is increasing dramatically, with cases predicted to triple in terms of the number of cases here in America by the year 2050. What could possibly be the good news? The good news is that we are seeing the increase in Alzheimer's be in lockstep with the increase in metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension. We can modify these issues by making lifestyle changes. We can control our blood sugar by changing our diets, getting more exercise, getting more restorative sleep, a powerful tool that relates to improving metabolism, and we can certainly keep our blood pressure under control. So the good news for all of you, especially you guys in your 30s and 40s where the seeds for Alzheimer's begin to germinate, is that we can make these changes right now and really improve our odds.