Dr. Taylor Kuhn: PhD in psychology, board-certified neuropsychologist. Founder of Sanmai

Episode 79: Dr. Taylor Kuhn on Brain Health, Ultrasound Technology, and the Future of Neuropsychology

🎙 Episode Overview

In this episode of the BiohackerBlondie Podcast, Jenny Jones sits down with Dr. Taylor Kuhn, PhD, board-certified neuropsychologist, Harvard and Boston University fellow, postdoctoral fellow at UCLA, and founder of the cutting-edge brain technology company SanMai Technologies. Together, they dive deep into the present and future of brain health—from dementia and depression to advanced imaging and next-generation ultrasound treatments.

Key Topics Covered

• Dr. Taylor Kuhn’s Background

  
  

  • PhD in psychology, board-certified neuropsychologist.

  • Training at Harvard, Boston University, and UCLA.

  • Founder of SanMai, a company pioneering ultrasound-based brain modulation.

  • Research director at UCLA with a focus on brain-machine interfaces and cognitive neuroprosthetics.

    
    

• Mental Health & Neurological Conditions

  
  

  • Rising rates of depression, anxiety, isolation, and existential distress—especially post-pandemic.

  • Growing prevalence of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease in aging populations.

  • The difference between mental health struggles (e.g., anxiety) vs. neurologic disorders (e.g., dementia, tremors).

    
    

• Testing and Biomarkers for Dementia & Alzheimer’s

  
  

  • Cognitive testing: pen & paper and computer-based assessments of attention, processing speed, memory, and problem solving.

  • MRI & MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy): advanced imaging to study neurotransmitter levels, blood flow, structural connectivity, and neurovascular coupling.

  • Blood biomarkers: tau, APOE4, apolipoproteins, alpha-synuclein, and neurofilament light chain now testable via blood rather than spinal taps.

  • Genetics: SNP-based genetic testing beyond APOE4 to assess dementia risk.

  • Inflammatory markers and autoimmune components in plaques and tangles.

    
    

• Sleep & the Glymphatic System

  
  

  • Importance of deep/slow-wave sleep for clearing brain waste products.

  • How disrupted sleep accelerates dementia progression.

  • Sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (better than medications).

    
    

• Ultrasound in Brain Health

  
  

  • From diagnostics to treatment—targeting specific brain regions non-invasively.

  • Potential to increase memory and attention (hippocampus), or reduce anxiety (amygdala).

  • Advantages over TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): reaches deeper brain structures, painless, placebo-friendly, and more precise.

  • New headset technology with AI-powered targeting (funded by Reid Hoffman) to compensate for skull distortion.

  • Future potential: combining ultrasound with stem cells, exosomes, and anti-inflammatory therapies.

    
    

• Personal Biohacking & Results

  
  

  • Dr. Kuhn tested ultrasound + exosomes on himself:

    • Improved sleep and stamina.

    • Faster muscle recovery.

    • Hair darkening and regrowth.

    • Lower inflammation and improved TNF markers.

    • Biological age reduction (via DNA methylation and AI-based apps).

      
      

• Supplements & Peptides for Brain Health

  
  

  • NAD+, NMN, NR (nicotinamide riboside).

  • Glutathione.

  • BPC-157 for injuries.

  • Plasmalogens.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids.

  • Vitamin D & B-complex.

  • NAC, L-theanine, multivitamins.

  • Exosomes (annually or quarterly).

  • Antivirals like Valtrex to reduce viral load associated with dementia plaques.

  • Lifestyle additions like Tai Chi and Qigong for balance, mindfulness, and bone density.

    
    

• Mental Health & Alternative Therapies

  
  

  • Tailoring treatments to symptom profiles (apathy vs. anhedonia vs. anxiety).

  • Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, pain.

  • Ibogaine for substance withdrawal.

  • Stellate ganglion blocks for PTSD and trauma.

  • Medications as a “short-term buoy” to raise the floor while doing deeper therapeutic work.

    
    

• The Future of Brain Health

  • At-home devices for daily brain optimization.

  • Closed-loop ultrasound paired with real-time feedback.

  • AI integration with smartphones for passive cognitive tracking.

  • Moving beyond pharmaceuticals toward non-invasive neuromodulation + lifestyle integration.

    
    

Key Takeaways

• Brain health underpins hormones, sleep, emotions, and overall wellness—it must be prioritized.

• Alzheimer’s is multifactorial (inflammation, oxidative stress, neurovascular breakdown, autoimmune triggers)—no single “magic pill” will solve it.

• Ultrasound technology is revolutionizing brain diagnostics and treatment—non-invasive, precise, and scalable.

• Supplements like NAD, plasmalogens, omega-3s, glutathione, and B vitamins remain cornerstones of cognitive health.

• Lifestyle interventions (diet, sleep, exercise, mindfulness) are still foundational.

• The future of brain health is AI-driven, personalized, and preventative.n this episode of the BiohackerBlondie Podcast, Jenny sits down with Dr. Drew Taylor, CEO of Acorn Biolabs, to uncover how stem cells harvested from your own hair follicles are transforming approaches to hair regrowth, skin rejuvenation, and longevity. This groundbreaking conversation explores the science of stem cells, secretomes, and exosomes — and why your own cells may be the safest, most effective way to regenerate beauty and health.

🌍 Where to Learn More

• Follow Dr. Taylor Kuhn: @kuhn_cognitive Instagram

• Dr. Taylor Kuhn is Co-Founder & Chief Clinical Officer at Sanmai Technologies, PBC LinkedIn+1

• Sanmai official site: sanmai.tech

  
  

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• Disclaimer:

  
  

  This episode is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments or protocols.