Metabolic Therapies and Brain Health: Why Dr. Michael Hoffmann Says the Future of Neurology Begins in San Diego

“You can change the trajectory of your brain health. The science is there—and the hope is real.”

That’s the message Dr. Michael Hoffmann is bringing to the 10th Annual Symposium for Metabolic Health in San Diego, where he’ll be organizing a full day focused on metabolic therapies for neurological conditions—and delivering two key presentations himself.

A globally respected neurologist and stroke specialist with 230 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Hoffmann has seen firsthand how modern medicine gets it wrong—and how powerful the results can be when patients take a metabolic approach to brain health.

Why Focus on Neurology? Because the Stakes Have Never Been Higher

“The majority of strokes, heart attacks, and dementias are preventable,” Dr. Hoffmann told me during our recent interview. “But people don’t just need to be told to live healthy. They need a blueprint.”

That’s exactly what this special Neurology Day is about.

Practitioners and individuals alike will get an evidence-backed deep dive into how nutrition, sleep, exercise, socialization, and cognitive engagement affect the brain—backed by real science and clinical experience.

The Neurological Conditions in Focus

Dr. Hoffmann emphasized that the day will cover a broad range of neurological conditions, with particular attention to:

  • Stroke and cerebrovascular disease

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

  • Migraine and related disorders (“Migraine is the most common neurological disorder in the world—and the earliest sign of a failing brain,” says Hoffman.)

  • Mild cognitive impairment and the full spectrum of dementias (that includes Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal disorders, Parkinson’s, vascular dementia, and lesser-known causes like medication-related and autoimmune-triggered dementias). 

And here’s the part that turns heads: “At least 30% of all cases of dementia are reversible,” said Dr. Hoffman. “We find some kind of reason—like a vitamin deficiency, a covert infection, a vascular cause—something that can be reversed. People either get better or go back to normal. But too often, someone’s labeled with a diagnosis that’s wrong to begin with. And once you’ve been labeled, you can go down a rabbit hole from which you may never escape.”

The Problem: A Pharmaco-Centric System

“Our medical model is still built on a magic bullet fantasy,” Dr. Hoffmann warned. “We’ve created a pharmaco-centric world that pushes new drugs with limited benefit while ignoring the root causes.”

He’s especially critical of the hype surrounding recent Alzheimer’s drugs: “They cost a fortune and don’t actually improve outcomes. Meanwhile, we overlook simpler, safer, more effective tools that reduce inflammation, improve cognition, and restore quality of life.”

The Solution: The Five Brain Fitness Rules

In San Diego, Dr. Hoffmann will outline what he calls his Five Brain Fitness Rules—a simple, science-based framework anyone can follow:

  1. Sleep Hygiene – “Your brain is metabolically active. It needs eight hours to flush out waste and reboot.”
  2. Exercise – “It’s the single most powerful anti-inflammatory intervention we have.”
  3. Nutrition – “Avoid processed food and vegetable oils. Eat whole foods, favoring protein and natural fat.”
  4. Cognitive Stimulation – “Use your brain daily. Read, play games, learn. Build cognitive reserve.”
  5. Socialization – “We are social creatures. Real, in-person connection rewires the brain.”

“People don’t need platitudes. They need specifics. A go-to handout. Coaching. Direction,” he said.

Why Attend In Person?

Dr. Hoffmann is quick to point out that the real value of the Symposium isn’t just in the presentations—it’s in the conversations that happen between sessions.

“You hear stories that never make it into journals. People share what’s worked for them—what’s really changed their lives,” he said. “And they ask questions they’re not comfortable raising in a room full of people.”

There’s also the chance to learn directly from world-class experts who might never make it to mainstream media or medical conferences controlled by pharma advertising budgets. “This event gives a platform to voices that matter,” he said. “That alone is worth showing up for.”

Dr. Hoffmann’s Presentations

Dr. Hoffmann will present two sessions at the Symposium:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury: 2025 Update – New Developments and Management Plans
  • Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementias: 2025 Update – Root Causes, Reversals, and Hope

He’ll cover everything from vagal nerve stimulation for migraine and PTSD, to nutritional protocols for improving cognitive function, to strategies for better diagnostic accuracy.

“Too many patients are misdiagnosed,” he said. “And once they’re labeled, they’re often stuck. My goal is to help people think critically, question more, and treat more effectively.”

Final Word: A Message of Hope

“There’s a lot of reason to be hopeful,” Dr. Hoffmann concluded. “We have more tools than ever—diet, lifestyle, diagnostics, non-invasive therapies. If you want to know what’s possible, and how to do better for yourself or your patients, come to San Diego. This is where the conversation is happening.”

The 10th Annual Symposium for Metabolic Health takes place August 14–17, 2025 in San Diego.
Join Dr. Hoffmann and dozens of other expert speakers for a transformational four-day experience.

  • CME credits available
  • World-class low-carb meals
  • Time to connect, learn, and grow

👉 Register now and save 20% through April 30 with code SPRINGSAVINGS

Want to learn more about Dr. Hoffmann’s work? View his bio on the event page for the 10th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health or visit www.drmichaelhoffmann.com.

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