Louisa Nicola is a neurophysiologist, performance specialist, and founder of Neuro Athletics, a company focused on brain optimization and neurophysiology for elite performers. A former professional triathlete, Nicola’s early career in endurance sport shaped her belief that peak performance is driven as much by the brain as by the body. Her transition from elite competition to neuroscience was fueled by a desire to understand the neurological foundations of reaction time, resilience, recovery, and long-term cognitive health. Through Neuro Athletics, she works with professional athletes, sports organizations, executives, and high performers to implement measurable brain-based training protocols. Her work includes cognitive performance testing, visual processing and reaction training, nervous system regulation, and concussion recovery strategies. Nicola emphasizes objective brain metrics over subjective feedback, bringing scientific rigor to performance optimization. She is also the host of The Neuro Experience podcast, where she interviews leading neuroscientists, physicians, and longevity experts. A significant focus of her public work centers on Alzheimer’s prevention and cognitive decline. Nicola advocates for early baseline testing, cardiovascular and metabolic health, strength and aerobic training to increase BDNF, sleep optimization, inflammation reduction, and lifelong cognitive engagement. She frequently highlights the disproportionate risk women face in Alzheimer’s disease and calls for greater awareness around hormonal and midlife cognitive vulnerability. Nicola frames brain health as a lifelong discipline, connecting elite performance principles with long-term cognitive resilience and positioning brain optimization not as a reactive measure, but as a proactive strategy beginning in early adulthood. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkoujZQZatbqy4KGcgjpVxQ/join Shawn Ryan Show Links SUBSCRIBE: http://www.youtube.com/@ShawnRyanShow Sign up: https://shawnryanshow.com/pages/newsletter Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shawn-ryan-show/id1492492083 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eodRZd3qR9VT1ip1wI7xQ?si=59f9d106e56a4509 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnryanshow Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/@shawnryanshow Follow on X: https://twitter.com/ShawnRyanShow SRS Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4pqo9Uoh0WuUKxw0BmaK1yrg9Kd7E4lk #vigilanceelite #shawnryanshow Lousia Nicola Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_ Website - https://www.neuroathletics.com.au X - https://x.com/louisanicola_ YT - https://www.youtube.com/@LouisaNicola LI - www.linkedin.com/in/louisanicola Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Head to https://Superpower.com and use code SRS at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence. 100+ biomarkers. Every year. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod If you’re serious about selling to the Department of War, go to https://SBIRAdvisors.com and mention Shawn Ryan for your first month free. Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at https://bubsnaturals.com/srs 00:00 Alzheimers Fears Rising 01:14 40 Hertz Brainwaves 04:44 Plaque Clearing Pathways 07:16 AI Brain Rot Debate 10:22 Olympic Crash Origin Story 20:29 Wearables Sleep Data Privacy 28:44 Alzheimers Basics Genes Lifestyle 38:42 Brain Anatomy Vessels Memory 47:55 Memory Lapses And TBI 53:01 Can You Reverse Alzheimer’s 58:51 Alzheimer’s Proteins Explained 01:17:20 Cognitive Reserve Building 01:28:42 Type 3 Diabetes Menopause Link 01:37:04 Dementia Risk Factors 01:49:34 Modifiable Risks List 02:21:18 Vaccines Nuanced View 02:35:33 Statins And Brain Protection 02:40:46 Psychedelics For Healing 02:52:10 Creatine For Brain Energy 02:56:20 Neuralink And Brain Stimulation 02:58:53 Marijuana Sleep Reality Check 03:03:36 Consulting And Final Thanks