Summary
The Drive podcast episode features a discussion on Alzheimer's disease, with a focus on personalized care and prevention. The host, Peter Etia, interviews Lauren Miller Rogan, co-founder of Hilarity for Charity, and Richard Isaacson, director of the Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital. Lauren shares her personal journey with Alzheimer's disease, including her family history, her experience with her grandmother and mother's diagnosis, and how it changed her life with respect to how she treats prevention. The conversation covers various topics, including genetics, epigenetics, and preventative measures for Alzheimer's disease. The podcast emphasizes the importance of knowledge and taking control of one's health to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
The conversation discusses the ApoE4 gene and its role in increasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The gene codes for a protein related to cholesterol, which increases vascular risk and the likelihood of amyloid protein accumulation in the brain. However, personalized care can help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The conversation then shifts to Lauren's mother, who has Alzheimer's disease, and how it affects her daily life. The disease is characterized by changes in short-term memory, behavior, and executive function. The podcast also mentions the importance of organizations that provide support to families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
The podcast discusses the link between perimenopause and the risk of Alzheimer's disease in women. While perimenopause does not necessarily mean a woman will develop Alzheimer's, it is a risk factor for those who are susceptible. The conversation also touches on the importance of body composition in women and how abdominal obesity increases the risk of dementia. The discussion then moves to the importance of knowing one's apoe status, which can help individuals take preventive measures to reduce their risk of Alzheimer's. The podcast also mentions the importance of starting early with preventative measures, such as consuming omega-3 fatty acids, to protect the brain.
The speaker discusses a clinical trial published in the Journal of Alzheimer's and Dementia that focused on individualizing care for Alzheimer's prevention. The study found that on average, participants received 21 different interventions, including body composition measures, blood-based biomarkers, and cognitive function assessments. The speaker also talks about the importance of regular follow-up and refining interventions based on results. The study participants, including Lauren, were given personalized interventions based on their risk factors, such as Lauren's ApoE4 gene, which led to a focus on exercise and high-intensity interval training, as well as specific supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and B complex vitamins.
The podcast also discusses the Hilarity for Charity organization, which provides support and care for those affected by Alzheimer's disease. The organization focuses on activating young people in the fight against Alzheimer's and provides personalized support groups and caregiver training. The organization also encourages people to share their stories and raise funds through events. Overall, the organization aims to provide hope and control to those affected by Alzheimer's disease.
