Brain Defenders

Brain Defenders shows you how to calm this hidden inflammation, protect your brain’s future, and take action now.

Through the emerging science of immunometabolism, we now know that microglia are governed by their metabolic state. When metabolism is balanced, microglia remain supportive (M2). When disrupted, they turn destructive (M1). Because microglial metabolism mirrors our own systemic metabolism, our daily lifestyle choices directly determine their fate.

Brain Defenders provides readers with both the science and a detailed action plan. It identifies the threats, including poor diet, environmental toxins, polluted air, lack of restorative sleep, and shows how to counter them with practical, evidence-based strategies. It also explores cutting-edge research and technologies that target microglial function to protect and restore brain health.

This book is about empowerment: enabling each reader to become the architect of their brain’s future. Written by neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, six-time New York Times bestselling author and Fellow of The American College of Nutrition, Brain Defenders charts a path toward vibrant cognitive longevity.

Brain Defenders will be published in 15 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Romania, United Kingdom, South Korea, Brazil, China, Portugal, Hungary, Poland and Croatia.

"Prepare for David to compellingly reframe neurodegenerative diseases not as inevitable genetic fates but as preventable outcomes of metabolic and immune deregulation. His exploration of immunometabolism and practical strategies—from diet to emerging therapies—offers a grounded, evidence-based blueprint for sustaining cognitive vitality across your lifespan. This book is an essential resource for clinicians and informed patients who want to shift from crisis response mode to proactive brain stewardship."

Ben Greenfield

"Brain Defenders is a landmark work that puts the power of prevention in your hands. Dr. Perlmutter offers a toolkit of practical steps to reprogram microglia and tackle the root causes of cognitive decline, making this a truly groundbreaking read."

Uma Naidoo, MD, Nutritional Psychiatrist, Harvard Medical School
Author of National Bestseller, This is Your Brain on Food

"David Perlmutter consistently has his finger on the pulse of the newest and most important brain health research with every new book. Whether by lifestyle or future medicines, there is no doubt that therapeutically regulating our “brain defenders,” known as microglia, is our best bet for preserving and promoting brain health as we age!"

Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
New York Times Best Selling Author of Super Brain

"Brain Defenders is a breakthrough, showing how the metabolism of our microglia, the brain’s immune cells, not fate, drives neurodegeneration and offering a science-based, actionable blueprint to shift the brain from decline to repair."

Dr. David Sinclair, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
New York Times Best Selling Author of Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To

"Brain Defenders is an essential and timely work. Dr. Perlmutter masterfully integrates decades of neuroscience, metabolism, and clinical insight to reveal the mechanisms driving cognitive decline, and more importantly, how to defend the brain against them. As someone who studies the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of ketogenic metabolic therapy, I am deeply impressed by how clearly this book communicates the metabolic roots of brain resilience. Brain Defenders offers a powerful roadmap grounded in rigorous science and practical application."

Dominic D’Agostino, PhD,
Associate Professor Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, USF Morsani College of Medicine

"Brain Defenders is a groundbreaking guide to understanding and protecting brain health for life. Dr. David Perlmutter combines cutting-edge research with actionable strategies to empower readers to optimize cognitive function and safeguard mental well-being. From the critical role of microglia and gut microbiome to innovative therapies like hyperbaric oxygen and CRISPR advancements, this book offers a comprehensive approach to defending against neurodegeneration. Packed with science-backed insights, it is an essential read for anyone seeking to enhance mental clarity, longevity, and overall brain wellness."

Mark Sisson,
Founder of Primal Kitchen Foods and Author of The Primal Blueprint

“Think your brain is a black box? Think again. In Brain Defenders, Dr. David Perlmutter reveals how your brain’s own immune cells and metabolism form a shield against neurodegenerative. This book is a must read for anyone seeking a roadmap on how to shore up your brain’s resilience against diseases of aging."

William W. Li, MD,
New York Times bestselling author of EAT TO BEAT DISEASE and EAT TO BEAT YOUR DIET
President and Medical Director, the Angiogenesis Foundation

"Brain Defenders offers a clear, accessible look at how metabolism, inflammation, and immune function influence brain health. Dr. Perlmutter explains why lifestyle and metabolic factors matter for long-term cognitive resilience—insights that are increasingly important in today’s health landscape. Brain Defenders is a timely and must-read contribution to the conversation on brain health."

Christopher Palmer, MD,
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

"Brain Defenders reveals the breakthrough biology driving today’s brain health crisis—and why this research is our best shot for the future of brain health. From cutting-edge science to practical daily tools, it’s the perfect read for anyone invested in better brain health."

Dr. Austin Perlmutter

Brain Defenders is available in: