Treating Alzheimer’s with Light and Sound | Christian Howell

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🧠 Stay ahead with the latest in science, nutrition, and wellness by subscribing to Dr. Perlmutter’s newsletter at: www.drperlmutter.com. ✉️🌱 Over the last several decades, it’s been interesting to watch the progression of ideas for treating Alzheimer’s change from focusing on brain chemistry to targeting the accumulation of proteins in the brain associated with the disease. Recently, there’s been exciting interest in studying how the brain’s electrical circuits and rhythms change in Alzheimer’s and other brain degenerative disorders. The human brain operates in rhythms, with gamma frequencies playing a critical role in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and learning. In neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, these gamma oscillations are disrupted, contributing to the accumulation of harmful proteins such as amyloid-beta and tau. Cognito Therapeutics has developed a pioneering approach using non-invasive light and sound stimulation to restore these rhythms and trigger natural mechanisms for clearing these toxic proteins. In preclinical and early clinical trials, this method has demonstrated remarkable potential. By stimulating gamma oscillations, the therapy has shown the ability to reduce inflammation, enhance synaptic function, and activate microglia—immune cells responsible for clearing debris and maintaining brain health. For families battling cognitive decline, these results offer hope for improving quality of life and potentially slowing disease progression. Cognito’s research focuses on safety, accessibility, and scalability. Unlike pharmaceutical interventions, this approach avoids invasive procedures or systemic side effects, making it an attractive alternative or complementary treatment for Alzheimer’s. As the company advances its clinical trials, the implications extend far beyond Alzheimer’s. Cognito’s technology could pave the way for treatments for neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, and traumatic brain injury. On our podcast today, we are joined by Christian Howell, CEO of Cognito Therapeutics. Howell is committed to advancing the understanding of brain health and delivering groundbreaking therapeutic solutions to improve patient outcomes. Under his leadership, Cognito Therapeutics has made significant strides in the development of gamma-frequency neuromodulation technologies, leveraging light and sound stimulation to address the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders. Howell is a strong advocate for translating cutting-edge research into real-world applications and has spearheaded the company’s efforts to validate its therapies through rigorous scientific studies and clinical trials. Howell holds advanced degrees in neuroscience and bioengineering and has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and patient care. His work reflects a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by cognitive decline and to shaping the future of brain health through innovation and collaboration. ==== 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Optogenetic Light & SoundTherapy 05:08 Clinical Trials showing Reduced Cognitive Decline and Preserving Brain Volume in Neurodegenerative Disorders; 11:28 Innovations in Light and Sound Therapy at 40Hz Interval; Generating Neuroplasticity 17:48 Rethinking Alzheimer’s Treatment and Gamma Wave Stimulation’s Impact on Proteins 20:43 Overview of Cognito Therapeutics at Home Device 25:30 Usage for Therapeutic, Preventative, and Performance Enhancement. 28:37 Disease States: Dysregulation of Microglia; Long Covid, Chemo Brain, Sepsis 30:45: Breakthrough Designation from FDA For the Device 33:51 Where Can Viewers Find More Information For The Hope Study 38:07 FDA Approval, Distribution, and Insurance Approval; Economic Burdens of Alzheimer’s 44:30 Closing Insights on Revolutionary Therapies ==== Christian brings more than 20 years of expertise in medical devices, with experience in business development, commercial leadership, product management, market development, and strategy. Prior to joining Cognito, he was Senior Vice President and General Manager of Aetion’s Medical Device and Diagnostic Group, responsible for commercializing Aetion’s real-world evidence platform in the medical device and diagnostics industry. During his nearly 15 years at Medtronic, Christian led Medtronic’s Value-Based Health Care Partnerships organization and had P&L responsibility for the Integrated Health Solutions program to improve care delivery and patient experience with partner health systems. Recognized as a forward-thinking leader in value-based healthcare, Christian is also former United States Navy officer and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tulane University. ___________________________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com/ Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRl_UAXxbHyOOjklnA0dxQ/?sub_confirmation=1