March 2024 Newsletter | Celebrating Inspiring Women
My mission is to be the first woman in 4 generations to not develop Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). On my journey of discovering ways to mitigate my risk, I pass this information on to you in this Brain-Body-Health (BBH) Newsletter.
Hello BBH Citizen Scientists!
Women's History Month theme for 2024 is established by The National Women’s History Alliance and entitled: "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion." The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.
The medical profession has long accepted a gender disparity when it comes to brain health - one that was explained away by the fact that women tend to live longer than men. We know now that other things are going on that contribute to this. The lack of research inclusive of women is a major factor that has impacted women's health. Thankfully, we are bringing greater awareness to this disparity and including women in more research studies.
In celebration of National Women’s History Month, I am honoring women who are contributing to AD research, finding creative solutions to mitigate this disease while providing actionable steps we can take now and in the future to reduce our risk. These are the women who lift me up when the going gets tough. Like this month, when I heard of another cousin diagnosed with early cognitive impairment. ☹️ These women supply me with a new narrative. They are my heroines who give me HOPE!
Let me introduce you to some of my heroines in the field of prevention, intervention, and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.
I start first with my mother, Gladys Eblen Gleason because she had the chutzpah to be the first person in our family to test for the APOE4 gene. Witnessing her grandmother and mother struggle with AD once diagnosed, she chose to face into it and not back down. That same year, she announced in her annual holiday letter she had contracted the disease. Her trust in the power of science led her to participate in a memory impairment study at University of California (UCI). Although Mom died 4 years ago this month, her spirit continues to guide us! (My brother is part of the Lecanemab study at UCI.) She is in large part why I keep up health practices to mitigate genetic and lifestyle changes that can contribute to this disease. It’s why I write about AD and the inherited trauma that can be passed down through generations. My mom instilled in me a hope that I can make a difference in my life and the lives of others. Thank you, Mom!
“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done in the world and we need to have a lot of fun while doing it.” – Gladys Gleason
Julie Gregory, Founder and President of APOE4.info, an online site providing information to those interested in all things related to the APOE4 gene. When Julie speaks we listen… especially all of us with the APOE4 gene. BTW that is 20-25% of the world population. A reminder that we/you are not alone. Those of us who carry this genetic variation will be forever in her debt. I first met Julie at an International Brain Conference in 2016. I remember her telling the story of finding out she had two copies of the APOE4 gene. With two copies of the gene, one has a 10-12 times risk of dementia. When Julie asked her doctor what she should do he suggested “learn square dancing.” This set Julie on a journey to discover everything she could about this genetic conundrum. She is now the chef health liaison for the Apollo Health. Over the past decade, APOE4.info has provided information on a wide range of subjects, including research, best practices, conferences, and created safe spaces for APOE4 positive folks to meet up. Thank you, Julie!
Annie Fenn MD, who runs brainhealthkitchen.com, is an OB-GYN physician who changed careers to ‘Culinary Medicine’. She’s a professional chef inspired by the quote, “Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food.” This oft-quoted phrase spoken by Hippocrates around 400 BC has never been more relevant. Her new book, Brain Health Kitchen, is filled with information on how to prepare, shop, cook, bake, and make the most nutritious food for your brain and body. She has a weekly newsletter, BHKitchen Newsletter, that is chock full of interesting facts and beautiful photos of food glorious food. I am a subscriber! She leads cooking classes in the US, Mexico and Italy. Her mother is in the last stages of AD. I appreciate how she skillfully informs her readers periodically about her mother’s condition. She also is a subscriber to the Brain Body Health Newsletter. 😄 Thank you, Annie!
Annie’s facts: 5 food groups to avoid see here for information on why and how:
Red meat
Pastries
Fried foods and fast food
Butter
Cheese
Lisa Mosconi Ph.D: A neuroscientist and author of one of my favorite books, “The XX Brain”, the first book about how women can maximize their cognitive health and prevent AD. Having two X chromosomes in the title is reflective of the unique health challenges we face as women. While most of the medical profession has focused on the hallmarks of amyloid and tau, Dr. Mosconi thought metabolic health and sex hormones play significant roles in AD prevalence in women. Here is the science of why and what lifestyle changes are needed to lead healthier lives. She has witnessed several women in her family develop AD, while also seeing women carrying the brunt of caregiving. She works at the Weill Cornell Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Clinic in NYC. Thank you, Lisa!
Here's is Lisa's TED Talk How menopause affects the brain:
“For a woman over 60, the risk of developing AD is 2x that of developing breast cancer.” – Lisa Mosconi
Maria Shriver, an award-winning journalist, and best-selling author, begins many of her talks with “I am a daughter of Alzheimer’s Disease.” By her own account, she is on the front line of the fight against the disease. As an activist, she has produced the Oscar-winning film, ‘Still Alice’ the story of a woman beset with dementia, testified to Congress, founded the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement (WAM), and written a children's book on AD. The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement has a newsletter that will keep you up to date on AD research and news. Maria’s focus is on moving with physical exercise, which has a multitude of studies that support this is the best way to reduce AD risk. Thank you, Maria.
“Every 65 seconds another person develops Alzheimer’s Disease. WOMEN MAKE UP 2/3rds of PEOPLE LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE… and we still don’t know why. With risks this steep, why isn’t anyone and everyone talking about this crisis?” – Maria Shriver
I bet you too have been inspired by women in your life. Feel free to email me your heroines and what you find inspiring about them.
Lessons from Coaching:
Last month BBH addressed sexual health which brought a number of comments.
Ellen wrote: “Please keep in mind that there is a legion of old ladies out here who positively revel in being done with sex altogether, and this deserves acknowledgment as a healthy and joyous benefit of elderhood!” Another reader approached me on my neighborhood walk to share similar sentiments.
My response: Hi Ellen, We are in total agreement with the joy of reveling in sex no matter how much sex one is having or not having. Regardless of the amount, zero to infinity 😊, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) affects women’s health irrespective of whether you are sexually active or not. The urinary symptoms of incontinence, urgency, and urinary infections increase as we age and can lead to major health problems including death in older women. If you are having any of these problems consult a health care practitioner and/or Pelvic Floor Specialist. May you continue reveling in the healthy and joyous benefits of elderhood!
Fact: Urinary tract conditions present more often in females, and sexually transmitted diseases can cause more harm to women.
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are on the rise for seniors now with a recent outbreak of syphilis. So if you are sexually active or have a new partner, get tested regularly.
This month, I have been advising clients on an individual basis when and what tests to obtain in their Brain-Body-Health program workup. This could include checking laboratory work, MoCa (Montreal Cognitive Testing), APOE4 testing, and Calcium scores. After discussing the pros and cons of testing for the APOE 4 gene, if clients decide to proceed they have been using Empower DX which allows the consumer to order these tests themselves. I’ve just completed the SLEDSSS resource page with all of the labs that I recommend. These tests should be part of your annual exam and conversation with your healthcare provider. Early intervention is most important if we are going to prevent AD and reduce its occurrence. Remember the signs of AD begin 10-20 years before actual symptoms.
I continue to offer a 15-minute consultation service to those who have any questions about AD or Dementia.
Lessons from Science:
The X chromosomes contain approximately 800-900 genes coded to provide instructions for proteins, whereas, the Y chromosome contains approximately 50-60 genes. More genes have the possibility of benefits but also the downside of increasing autoimmune disorders, which women are at greater risk for.
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. Despite this, only half (56%) of women recognize that heart disease is their number one killer. As we acknowledge the disparities in our healthcare system, keep in mind what my mother said: “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done in the world and we need to have a lot of fun while doing it.” – Gladys Gleason
Heart Disease symptoms affect women differently than men, obtaining a Calcium Score to evaluate for plaque in the coronary arteries can be a tool for evaluating risk. Here’s more information on calcium scans.
TO ALL THE WOMEN WHO INSPIRE US!
To our optimized health!
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“If you want to go FAST, go alone. If you want to go FAR, go together."
- African proverb
To our optimized health!