The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka: Episode 178 Summary

Title: Max Lugavere: First Alzheimer’s Creatine Trial Shows Shocking Results!
Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 178 of The Ultimate Human, host Gary Brecka engages in a profound conversation with renowned health advocate Max Lugavere. The discussion centers around groundbreaking research on creatine’s potential in combating Alzheimer’s disease, the pervasive issues within the Alzheimer's research field, and the broader implications for functional medicine and preventative healthcare.

Creatine and Cognitive Function

The episode opens with an intriguing exploration of creatine beyond its popular reputation as a bodybuilding supplement. Both Gary and Max delve into the cognitive benefits of creatine, emphasizing its role in mental health and neurological function.

Max Lugavere ([00:00]): "There's now a bounty of evidence that creatine actually also supports cognitive function."

Gary Brecka ([00:04]): "I think creatine is something right now that's widely thought of as like the bodybuilding supplement."

They discuss how current perceptions of creatine limit its acceptance in broader health contexts, particularly among women over 40 who could significantly benefit from its cognitive and hormonal advantages.

Groundbreaking Creatine Clinical Trial for Alzheimer’s

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to a newly published clinical trial investigating creatine’s efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s disease. This trial marks the first of its kind and presents promising, albeit preliminary, results.

Max Lugavere ([03:59]): "The first ever clinical trial testing creatine in the setting of Alzheimer's disease was just published. ... it's incredible."

The trial involved 20 patients with Alzheimer’s, administered a high dose of 20 grams of creatine daily over eight weeks. Despite the small sample size and lack of a placebo group, the results were notably positive, with significant improvements across various cognitive metrics.

Gary Brecka ([07:04]): "When patients... saw a statistically significant improvement across pretty much every cognitive score."

Max highlights the potential of creatine as a safer alternative to current pharmaceutical treatments, which often come with severe side effects and questionable long-term benefits.

Max Lugavere ([04:42]): "So it's about four times what they would recommend."

Corruption and Challenges in Alzheimer’s Research

The conversation takes a critical turn as Gary addresses the rampant fraud and gatekeeping in Alzheimer's research. Both hosts express frustration over the focus on symptomatic treatments rather than addressing the disease's root causes.

Gary Brecka ([09:00]): "The Alzheimer's field has been rife with fraud."

Max Lugavere ([09:29]): "It's corrupt that people would want the public to be gatekept from this kind of information."

They argue that the prevailing narrative in Alzheimer’s research focuses excessively on amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which are symptoms rather than the genesis of the disease.

Max Lugavere ([09:17]): "The genesis of it, and if we know what the genesis is, how can we reverse it?"

This critique underscores the need for a paradigm shift towards treatments that target neuronal energy deficiencies, with creatine emerging as a promising candidate.

Shift Towards Functional Medicine and Preventative Healthcare

Gary and Max passionately discuss the growing movement towards functional medicine, which emphasizes prevention, lifestyle changes, and nutritional supplementation over conventional pharmaceutical approaches. They reflect on their personal journeys and motivations for championing this shift.

Max Lugavere ([12:53]): "My whole message has been to try to get this to the masses... People can feel a little out of control with their healthcare choices."

Gary Brecka ([13:27]): "It's corrupt that people would want... to help people live happier, healthier, longer, more fulfilling lives."

The hosts advocate for common-sense health strategies such as whole foods, exercise, adequate sleep, and targeted supplementation. They believe that empowering individuals with knowledge and control over their health can lead to significant societal benefits.

Max Lugavere ([14:56]): "The pendulum's going to swing back into reasonable thought based care that actually is sensical, just common sense."

Personal Motivations and Reflections

Gary shares a deeply personal story about his mother’s diagnosis with a neurodegenerative condition, which fueled his dedication to advancing preventative health measures. This personal connection adds emotional weight to the discussion, highlighting the real-world impact of their work.

Gary Brecka ([02:03]): "12 years ago now, when my mom was first diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition, I was completely in the dark, totally lost."

Max echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of accessible and effective treatments that could have altered his mother's health trajectory.

Max Lugavere ([11:51]): "I would have loved to have explored creatine as an option with my mom."

Future Outlook and Call to Action

As the episode concludes, Gary and Max express optimism about the future of healthcare, driven by technological advancements and increased public awareness. They stress the importance of collective action in shaping public policy and fostering a culture that prioritizes preventative health.

Gary Brecka ([13:58]): "We have access to PubMed. We have access to AI. ... seize the reins of your health."

Max Lugavere ([14:10]): "Generational changes, our children's children... benefit from it."

They encourage listeners to stay informed, advocate for transparency in research, and adopt lifestyle changes that enhance long-term well-being.

Conclusion

Episode 178 of The Ultimate Human offers a compelling exploration of creatine’s potential in Alzheimer’s treatment, shedding light on both scientific advancements and systemic challenges within the medical research landscape. Through candid dialogue and personal anecdotes, Gary Brecka and Max Lugavere inspire listeners to take proactive steps towards optimal health and advocate for meaningful changes in healthcare practices.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Max Lugavere ([00:00]): "There's now a bounty of evidence that creatine actually also supports cognitive function."

• Gary Brecka ([03:59]): "The first ever clinical trial testing creatine in the setting of Alzheimer's disease was just published. ... it's incredible."

• Max Lugavere ([09:29]): "It's corrupt that people would want the public to be gatekept from this kind of information."

• Max Lugavere ([14:56]): "The pendulum's going to swing back into reasonable thought based care that actually is sensical, just common sense."

• Gary Brecka ([13:58]): "We have access to PubMed. We have access to AI. ... seize the reins of your health."

Resources:

For more information on Gary Brecka and his work, visit Gary Brecka’s Website.