Chasing Life: What It’s Like to Take an Alzheimer’s Test

Podcast Information:

• Title: Chasing Life
• Host/Author: CNN
• Episode: What It’s Like to Take an Alzheimer’s Test
• Release Date: November 15, 2024

Dr. Sanjay Gupta embarks on a deeply personal journey in this episode of Chasing Life, exploring the landscape of Alzheimer’s disease testing, prevention, and the transformative impact of lifestyle changes. Through poignant narratives, expert insights, and his own experiences, Gupta delves into how individuals can potentially reverse or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, offering hope and actionable strategies for listeners.

Introduction: A Personal Quest Against Alzheimer’s

The episode opens with Dr. Gupta reflecting on his previous exploration of patients who exemplify hope in combating Alzheimer’s. These individuals have implemented lifestyle changes that not only slow the disease's progression but, in some cases, reverse its effects.

[00:03] Host: "Last week, I introduced you to patients around the country who symbolized hope in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. They showed us a series of lifestyle changes that were able to slow and in some cases even reverse the course of their disease."

Gupta, motivated by a family history of Alzheimer's, decides to assess his own risk, setting the stage for a deeply personal and revealing narrative.

Mike Carver’s Journey: From Diagnosis to Transformation

Early Diagnosis and Initial Struggles

Mike Carver, a 71-year-old from Berkeley, California, becomes the focal point of Gupta's exploration. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2017, Carver possessed the APOE4 gene, increasing his risk tenfold.

[00:17] Mike Carver: "I mean, how many people five years into dementia get to go outside and go for a walk by themselves every day? Not very many."

Carver recounts the initial diagnosis experience, highlighting the lack of actionable guidance provided by healthcare professionals.

[01:37] Mike Carver: "Not really. Just kind of go home and, you know, start putting things away."

Joining Dr. Dean Ornish’s Clinical Trial

Desperate for answers, Carver’s wife discovers Dr. Dean Ornish’s clinical trial, mirroring the experience of Chi Chi Zirbe, another participant. Carver describes the pivotal moment when he noticed a halt in his repetitive questioning, indicating cognitive improvement.

[02:20] Mike Carver: "It was probably only maybe three or four months into the study that I realized Mike wasn't asking repetitive questions the way he had been. And those stopped, and those have kind of stayed away."

Despite initial dietary challenges, transitioning to a vegan diet becomes a cornerstone of his strategy to combat Alzheimer’s.

[02:48] Mike Carver: "Yep. I'm from Kansas City. There's me there."

Remarkable Improvements and Long-Term Impact

After 40 weeks in the Ornish study, Carver’s cognitive tests showed improvement, astonishing even his neurologist.

[03:25] Mike Carver: "Our neurologist said, honestly, he has never had a patient actually show an improvement on a score. He was pretty amazed about that and actually it was kind of shocking."

Seven years post-diagnosis, Carver and his wife maintain significant health improvements solely through lifestyle changes, without new medications or therapies.

[04:20] Mike Carver: "I know that there's going to be other bad things happen down the road and I'm working hard to make that longer."

Reflections on early intervention underscore the importance of educating others about lifestyle impacts on health.

[04:41] Mike Carver: "If we can find ways to educate people to help them understand what they're putting inside their bodies, how they're responding to life, there's hope."

The Poynter Study: Emphasizing Diversity in Alzheimer’s Research

Gupta introduces the Poynter study, an Alzheimer’s prevention initiative involving 2,000 participants across five American cities, focusing on older adults from diverse backgrounds.

[05:05] Mike Carver: "Our study is a two year long intervention in older adults. The goal of the study is to prevent cognitive decline."

Addressing Diversity and Representation

Carver emphasizes the critical need for diverse representation in Alzheimer’s studies to ensure findings are applicable to varied populations.

[05:47] Mike Carver: "In many of the studies that have been done over the years, there's no African American representation. I was saying to myself, how can the data be collected correct for a person like me if they're not people like me?"

Study Parameters and Personal Transformation

Participants, including Carver, undergo significant lifestyle transformations, adopting plant-based diets and increasing physical activity.

[05:30] Host: "These individuals are at higher risk for cognitive decline and dementia. We wanted to make sure that they were adequately represented in our study."

Carver shares his personal transformation from a fast-food enthusiast to someone committed to a healthier lifestyle to support his longevity and family.

[05:30] Mike Carver: "Before I started a Poynter study, I was a fast foodaholic. I would say I was allergic to exercise."

Dr. Richard Isaacson and the Frontiers of Preventive Neurology

Advancements in Predictive Testing

Dr. Richard Isaacson, a renowned neurologist, pioneers a comprehensive approach to Alzheimer’s testing, integrating blood biomarkers and personalized assessments.

[10:20] Dr. Richard Isaacson: "This is what I do, yeah."

Case Study: Simon Nichols

Simon Nichols, a participant in Isaacson’s study, showcases the potential of lifestyle interventions. Initially at high genetic risk, his biomarkers improved significantly over a year of disciplined lifestyle changes.

[12:37] Mike Carver: "Do not talk or move during the test."

[12:40] Dr. Richard Isaacson: "He came to Join our study in January 27, 2023. We would treat his cholesterol. We would treat his sleep. We would change his nutrition. We kept checking everything out."

Simon’s brain volumes not only stabilized but showed growth, a promising indicator of reversing Alzheimer’s markers.

[13:31] Host: "So not only has he not lost more volume, he's actually grown."

Host’s Personal Testing Experience

Gupta undergoes his own Alzheimer’s risk assessment, revealing no increased genetic risk and no elevated blood markers for Alzheimer’s, providing personal relief and actionable recommendations.

[15:09] Host: "I am a walking modifiable risk factor."

Preventive Strategies: Practical Steps to Enhance Brain Health

Lifestyle Modifications

Dr. Isaacson outlines actionable strategies to reduce Alzheimer’s risk, grounded in the FINGER (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) framework.

[08:29] Mike Carver: "We had five fingers, easy to remember, healthy phalanx diet... cognitive activity... social activity and even relaxation... take care of all vascular metabolic risk factors."

Innovative Tools and Future Directions

The integration of technology, such as continuous glucose monitors and grip strength assessments, provides accessible ways to monitor and improve cognitive health.

[16:05] Dr. Richard Isaacson: "Take a brisk walk, possibly with a weighted vest. Wear something called a continuous glucose monitor... Check your grip strength."

Scalability and Future Research

While individualized interventions show promise, scaling these strategies for broader public health implementation remains a challenge. Ongoing research aims to develop user-friendly software and at-home testing to facilitate widespread adoption.

[17:18] Dr. Richard Isaacson: "Can't do this at scale just yet, but using software and at home testing, this is the way to get people off the road to Alzheimer's disease."

Listener Engagement: Answering Jesse’s Question on Alzheimer’s Screening

When to Get Tested

Gupta addresses a listener’s inquiry about the necessity and timing of Alzheimer’s screening for those with a family history, advocating for early testing given the evolving landscape of treatment and prevention.

[14:15] Host: "Between new medications and, frankly, great evidence around the benefit of lifestyle changes alone, there is a lot you can do."

Identifying Symptoms

Differentiating between normal age-related memory lapses and Alzheimer’s symptoms is crucial. Gupta emphasizes seeking medical advice if cognitive impairments interfere with daily life.

[15:09] Dr. Richard Isaacson: "Four out of every 10 cases of dementia may be preventable if that person does everything right."

Conclusion: Embracing a Proactive Approach to Alzheimer’s Prevention

Dr. Gupta wraps up the episode by reinforcing the power of everyday decisions in maintaining brain health. From diet and exercise to social engagement and cognitive activities, small changes accumulate, leading to significant health benefits.

[17:48] Host: "All those little decisions we make every day... can, can, and it will add up to better brain health."

Listeners are encouraged to explore more resources on CNN Health to stay informed about the latest scientific advancements and practical strategies to lower Alzheimer’s risk.

Key Takeaways:

1. Early Intervention Matters: Engaging in lifestyle changes soon after diagnosis can slow or even reverse Alzheimer’s progression.
2. Diverse Research is Crucial: Ensuring diverse participant representation in studies enhances the applicability of findings across different populations.
3. Personalized Prevention Strategies: Comprehensive assessments, including genetic testing and biomarker analysis, can guide individualized prevention plans.
4. Scalable Solutions Needed: Developing accessible tools and interventions is essential for widespread Alzheimer’s prevention.
5. Empowerment Through Knowledge: Understanding risk factors and implementing proactive measures can significantly impact long-term brain health.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Carver [01:48]: "Early onset can be very, very fast decline for some people."
• Dr. Richard Isaacson [15:13]: "Four out of every 10 cases of dementia may be preventable if that person does everything right."
• Host [17:48]: "All those little decisions we make every day... can, can, and it will add up to better brain health."

For more insights and detailed discussions on Alzheimer’s prevention and healthy living, visit CNN Health.