In this episode of The Neurochemistry Podcast, host Will Sanchez speaks with Dr. Ana Maria Cuervo about autophagy - the cell’s own cleaning and recycling system - and why it matters for brain health. Together, they explore how cells remove damaged components, what happens when this process slows down with aging, and how this can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The conversation also touches on lysosomes, cellular “garbage” and recycling, sleep, nutrition, diversity in science, women in research, and the importance of basic science in developing future treatments.
