After years of tracking my own biomarkers as an APOE4/4 carrier, I finally decided it was time for my first p-tau blood test - and I wanted experts I trusted to help me interpret the results.
I don't have a strong family history of cognitive decline. My mother lived alone until she was 90, then developed poor memory - died at 96 without ever forgetting who she loved and where she came from. She was APOE2/4.
Excited to read follow up. At what age did you start implementing all the changes in lifestyle and where were you at at the start of the journey lifestyle wise
There were relatively few changes I had to make after learning of my APOE4/4 status in 2018. Fortunately, I've always been health-conscious, have never been overweight, and my diet didn't require many adjustments either. The one significant change was giving up my daily glass (sometimes 2!) of red wine, a ritual I genuinely enjoyed and looked forward to each evening. When I purchased an Oura ring and saw how dramatically it reduced my deep sleep, the decision became an easy one.
I have my appointment in August, it was so exciting for me to read this! It makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing. There is absolutely no price that we can put on being a part of his clinic. I truly feel like the answers are going to come from their work.
I’m very interested in the home-based fingerprick development. I’m 71, 4/4, and cast adrift at the bottom of the world in New Zealand, where opportunities for any testing are pretty much zero. When is this scheme likely to be launched do you think?
Thank you SO MUCH for all this incredible and up to date information you shared with us.
The value is immense for all of us with this genetic marker. My ptau from Labcorp is mildly elevated and my GFPA AND NFL are normal. I follow Retain My Brain site and all information that it provides. Looking forward to your updates.
I have been a 4/4 patient of Dr Isaacson’s for a number of years and he is an exceptional practitioner and friend. No one sees the future of ALZ prevention like he does. A realist and a dreamer all built into one caring doc!
Thanks Karen for all your wonderful info. I think Dr Isaacson is the best. I Attend all his live talks Just signed up to participate in the testing. I am 72 with ApOE 4/4. Will look forward to seeing your test results. I just retook the PTau 217 , NFL and GFAP. My PTau went down from .71 to .55 NFL and GFAP still normal. Proves following all the recommended life styles can work.
I’ve been using the Neuronic Photomodulation helmets for the last 6 months. Started taking Urilithin A about 4 months ago ( No science behind it for Ptau effect but does work on mitochondria) I’ve been eating a lot more recently omega 3 foods daily ( my omegaquant test is 10% that without any fish oil supplements). I also used AI to make suggestions in preparation for the test. AI recommended no vigorous exercise 48 hr before the test. I did do that for my last test so that could be it.
Fellow apoe4/4. Really enjoy reading your posts! Do you have a family history as well?
I don't have a strong family history of cognitive decline. My mother lived alone until she was 90, then developed poor memory - died at 96 without ever forgetting who she loved and where she came from. She was APOE2/4.
Would be wonderful when this becomes available in Australia.
Excited to read follow up. At what age did you start implementing all the changes in lifestyle and where were you at at the start of the journey lifestyle wise
There were relatively few changes I had to make after learning of my APOE4/4 status in 2018. Fortunately, I've always been health-conscious, have never been overweight, and my diet didn't require many adjustments either. The one significant change was giving up my daily glass (sometimes 2!) of red wine, a ritual I genuinely enjoyed and looked forward to each evening. When I purchased an Oura ring and saw how dramatically it reduced my deep sleep, the decision became an easy one.
This is wonderful, Karin! I look forward to hearing about your results!
I have my appointment in August, it was so exciting for me to read this! It makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing. There is absolutely no price that we can put on being a part of his clinic. I truly feel like the answers are going to come from their work.
I’m very interested in the home-based fingerprick development. I’m 71, 4/4, and cast adrift at the bottom of the world in New Zealand, where opportunities for any testing are pretty much zero. When is this scheme likely to be launched do you think?
Thank you
Thank you SO MUCH for all this incredible and up to date information you shared with us.
The value is immense for all of us with this genetic marker. My ptau from Labcorp is mildly elevated and my GFPA AND NFL are normal. I follow Retain My Brain site and all information that it provides. Looking forward to your updates.
Thank you so much for writing this, Karin. You are asking the right questions!
It is great to see on the RetainMed website that they will begin telemedicine this summer.
I wish I could visit them in Boca Raton but it's not practical.
I have been a 4/4 patient of Dr Isaacson’s for a number of years and he is an exceptional practitioner and friend. No one sees the future of ALZ prevention like he does. A realist and a dreamer all built into one caring doc!
Amazing info! Thanks for sharing.
This is great information! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Karen for all your wonderful info. I think Dr Isaacson is the best. I Attend all his live talks Just signed up to participate in the testing. I am 72 with ApOE 4/4. Will look forward to seeing your test results. I just retook the PTau 217 , NFL and GFAP. My PTau went down from .71 to .55 NFL and GFAP still normal. Proves following all the recommended life styles can work.
did you do anything specific to target PTau reduction? Over what time frame was that? I'm not sure what fluctuations are considered normal.
Hi Karen,
I’ve been using the Neuronic Photomodulation helmets for the last 6 months. Started taking Urilithin A about 4 months ago ( No science behind it for Ptau effect but does work on mitochondria) I’ve been eating a lot more recently omega 3 foods daily ( my omegaquant test is 10% that without any fish oil supplements). I also used AI to make suggestions in preparation for the test. AI recommended no vigorous exercise 48 hr before the test. I did do that for my last test so that could be it.
I have the Vielight and use several times a week too!
Awesome you actually are doing the Isaacson thing! 💪