August 2025 Newsletter | Better Brains
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 Brain Body Health Citizen Scientists
What if I were to tell you there is an online program that assesses your brain health risks, provides a personalized plan to keep your brain optimized, and coaching to get you there? Count me in. Today I’m going to talk about achieving better brain health through this unique online platform called Better Brain.
This is the first virtual brain check-up, created by world-leading scientists. It's here now, and it couldn’t happen at a better time. I’ve been exploring various programs for a while now. Since a number of you have been been waiting patiently to enter the doors of Brain Body Health. Fortunately, (and unfortunately) I have an ever growing waiting list. 😉 Overall, this is is a very good sign: we all want to keep our brains strong and optimized at all ages.
Better Brain is precision medicine-focused and affordable. I am impressed with this team of scientists, coaches, and tech-savvy entrepreneurs who have all been personally affected by dementia. When I talked with Cedric Gousseau, one of the cofounders, I found many similarities between Better Brain and Brain Body Health. Cedric worked with Peter Attia on the development of his premium digital product Early We share a mutual mission and vision of hope for a world without dementia.
Here’s what BETTER BRAIN offers:
Advanced testing: 50+ biomarker lab tests, a 15-minute digital cognitive test to assess brain health, and optional p-Tau testing.
75-Minute Consultation: One-on-one session with a dementia prevention specialist/coach to review your results.
Personalized Brain Health Plan: Science-backed plan tailored to improve brain health and lower dementia risk.
Unlimited Expert Support (1 year): Ongoing messaging support from a dedicated coach for expert guidance and accountability.
A Free Newsletter
Affordable: Use my code BETTY100 for $100 off.
I had to try this out for myself.
Here’s a snapshot of the health domains representing scientifically evidenced risk factors to dementia. This pie chart is based on biomarkers and the pre-assessment information you input.
Here’s what mine looked like:
I have 46 markers in the green (all optimized) YAY! The remaining 16 risk factors need some work: gut, vascular, metabolic health. The non-modifiable domains are based on genetics (APOE4 gene), sex (women at higher risk of dementia) and family history of dementia.
What I found out: My resting heart rate is a little high, at 70 BPM. According to my brain health coach I might need more High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in combo with activities that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, yoga, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong. Like many baby boomers, an estimated 90%, I have a history of herpes simplex HSV which is another risk factor for dementia. I mitigate this risk by taking a prophylactic dose of Valacyclovir each month to keep it at bay. I have had a high LDL, APOB, and slightly elevated Lp(a) all of which put me at risk for vascular problems. Remember vascular disease (aka small vessel disease) is the #2 cause of dementia after Alzheimer's Disease. I can work on my cognitive reserve by adding BrainHQ. This was part of the regimen in a recent JAMA study which showed a reduction in dementia.
Here are some of the actions I can to take to improve my brain health:
Because all our BRAINS ARE DIFFERENT, the Brain Arsenal section contains all science based tools individualized to YOU!
Here's what I'm working on:
The entire pre-assessment typically takes under an hour. A big plus was that within a week of obtaining my labs, I had an appointment with a coach for consultation, who had reviewed my assessment, labs, and provided me with actionable ways to reduce my risk of dementia. The average wait to see a neurologist is currently 3 - 6 months. Why wait when you can get started today? Remember: the earlier the better, and the greater chance of improving your brain health.
I almost forgot to mention Bebe, an AI tool for you to ask questions, like tell me the research on cognitive reserve. Although you can also access a variety of human coaches via email.
As all Brain Body Health Citizen Scientists, the Better Brain coaching and follow-up is a valuable asset because the real work begins after the initial appointment: processing the information and discovering the changes you need to make, and how you will make them!
Spread the word about the Better Brain Virtual Brain Check-up.
Better Brain is my top choice to assess your risk of dementia and guide you with individualized, actionable goals towards better brain health.
Schedule a 15-minute consultation with Better Brain at https://app.betterbrain.com/signup.
As a Brain Body Health Citizen Scientist, you are eligible for a discount. Use my code BETTY100 for $100 off!
Lessons in Coaching:
Last month we addressed the importance for cognitive health via testing. Many of you tried the online testing or are following through with asking your health care provider for a MoCa or MMSE test. Good for you! Let’s keep going with monitoring our brain health.
Have you all heard about the ‘Village Movement’. It is a national movement designed to empower older adults to stay active, connected, and independent in the place they call home, while enhancing their quality of life and the community. They do this by hiring a Coordinator to recruit volunteers and develop a referral list for services for hire. A monthly fee is required.
I was asked to give a brain health talk by the nearby Anderson Valley Village group. It was exciting and wonderful to see so many in attendance at the senior center. The biggest group they have had, according to those in attendance. It does my heart good to know people are interested in learning about brain health and preventing dementia.
Check out the Village Movement online to find out more
Lessons in Science:
It is important to note that the results from these studies show cognition is associated with resting heart rate, not caused by resting heart rate. This is where more research is needed. The results do confirm elevated resting heart rate may be a sign of a health risk.
Higher risk of Alzheimer's Disease with Herpes Simplex Virus.
In this randomized clinical trial of 2111 older adults at risk of cognitive decline and dementia, a structured lifestyle intervention of regular moderate- to high-intensity physical exercise, adherence to the MIND diet, cognitive challenge and social engagement, and cardiovascular health monitoring led to a statistically significant greater improvement in global cognition over 2 years relative to a lower-intensity self-guided intervention.
A landmark study of over 111,000 participants (from the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study) found that even when adopted in mid-to-late life, making five simple lifestyle changes—eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation—can extend life expectancy by up to 10 years for women and 8 years for men.
Thanks for all your contributions to further Alzheimer’s Disease research. Our family will be on the Alzheimer’s Association Walk, September 21st in San Diego. Its not to late to add to this worthy cause.
Attention: Brain Body Health is now on Substack. You can download it on your mobile device or computer.
My most recent talk on, “The Dementia Dilemma”, is now available to view.
I put a huge amount of time and effort into each newsletter to keep you up-to-date on current research and brain healthy practices. Consider supporting my work on Venmo or Paypal:
Venmo: @bettyglacy
PayPal: @bettylacy
My most recent talk on, “The Dementia Dilemma”, is now available to view.
To optimal health and peace for all!
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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!