đź§ Aging Doesn't Have to Mean Losing Your Mind. Literally.
The Not Old - Better Show
Paul Vogelzang
4.7 • 106 Ratings
🗓️ 15 January 2026
⏱️ 35 minutes
🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
đź§ Aging Doesn't Have to Mean Losing Your Mind. Literally.
The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series
In our latest episode of The Not Old Better Show for the Smithsonian Associates series, I sat down with neurologist and memory expert Dr. Barry Gordon—and let me tell you, this one stays with you.
You may remember Dr. Gordon from his previous appearances, where he captivated us with his rare blend of scientific clarity, wit, and heart. He's back today to talk about the facts—and fictions—surrounding Alzheimer's and other dementias. And, Dr. Gordon will be back at Smithsonian Associates for another excellent, thorough presentation coming up. Check out our show notes for more details, but we have a snapshot with Dr. Gordon today.
Dr. Gordon, who founded the Memory Clinic at Johns Hopkins, breaks down the fears surrounding Alzheimer's and dementia—and he doesn't sugarcoat it. But he also refuses to accept the tired narrative that memory loss is just a part of growing old. In fact, his message is clear: there's a lot you can do, and the earlier you start, the better.
From aerobic exercise (yes, it's that powerful) to managing chronic conditions like hypertension and sleep apnea, Dr. Gordon lays out practical, proven steps to support brain health. He also reveals when you should raise the red flag about memory changes in yourself or a loved one—and what to do if you suspect something deeper than "just aging."
He even goes after the status quo in Alzheimer's research—challenging the industry's overemphasis on plaques and tangles, and advocating for a broader, patient-centered approach that includes prevention, lifestyle changes, and early behavioral interventions.
If you've ever worried about your memory—or someone else's—this episode is a must-listen. It's not just informative. It's empowering.
Smithsonian Associate Dr. Barry Gordon—clear, candid, and compassionate, as always. You may remember Dr. Gordon from his previous appearances, where he captivated us with his rare blend of scientific clarity, wit, and heart. He's back today to talk about the facts—and fictions—surrounding Alzheimer's and other dementias. And, Dr. Gordon will be back at Smithsonian Associates for another excellent, thorough presentation coming up. Check out our show notes for more details.
https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/alzheimers-disease-and-dementias
🎙 Full episode here → Apple Podcasts:  https://notoldbettershow.info/4456zJi
#SmithsonianAssociates #AlzheimersAwareness #Neurology #HealthyAging #NotOldBetter #LeadershipInMedicine #CognitiveHealth #BrainHealthMatters
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Welcome to the Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast. |
| 0:12.2 | The show covering all things health, wellness, culture, and more. |
| 0:16.0 | The show for all of us who aren't old, were better. |
| 0:18.9 | Each week we'll interview superstars, experts, and ordinary |
| 0:22.6 | people doing extraordinary things, all related to this wonderful experience of getting better, |
| 0:28.3 | not older. Now here's your host, the award-winning Paul Vogelzang. Thank you and welcome to the Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast. |
| 0:43.1 | I'm Paul Volgling. |
| 0:44.0 | Today's episode is one that hits home for just about everyone. |
| 0:50.9 | Let's be honest. |
| 0:52.6 | Living longer is a gift, but it's not without worry. Alzheimer's disease and |
| 0:57.4 | dementia, those two words alone are enough to shake even the strongest among us. They challenge memory, |
| 1:05.7 | identity, and the very essence of who we are. But what if we're looking at it the wrong way? What if |
| 1:12.4 | memory loss isn't an unavoidable sentence, but a complex, sometimes preventable, often |
| 1:19.5 | misunderstood phenomenon? That's what today's returning guest and audience favorite renowned |
| 1:26.1 | neurologist, Smithsonian Associate, Dr. Barry Gordon, |
| 1:30.1 | is here to unpack. You may remember Dr. Gordon from his previous appearances here on the program, |
| 1:35.9 | and as I say, he is an audience favorite. He's captivated us with his rare blend of scientific |
| 1:42.8 | clarity, wit, and heart. |
| 1:45.5 | He's back today to talk about the facts and fictions surrounding Alzheimer's and other |
| 1:51.2 | dementias. |
| 1:52.3 | And Dr. Gordon will be back at Smithsonian Associates for another excellent thorough presentation |
| 1:58.2 | coming up. |
... |
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