20 Comments
User's avatar
Shay's avatar
Jun 9Edited

Love your Substack and really appreciate your research and sharing with us fellow apoe4/4’s

Trissa Elkins's avatar

I had the impression that you were a postdoc doing biomedical research on the west coast! I was once a biomed postdoc on the west coast and felt like I was reading a scientific mind in your posts. Thanks for the clear well supported timely articles.

James H. O'Keefe MD's avatar

Karin, you are a unique and valuable source of reliable scientific insights on Alzheimer's disease, and especially the Apo E4 story. I love your story, and the honesty and vulnerability you bring to this important issue. The open-minded curiousity you have is key, along with your determined nature and VERY strong intellect. This quote reminds me of you: "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?" John Maynard Keynes, legendary economist.

Alexander MacInnis's avatar

Thank you so much for writing this Karin! In addition to being a great and helpful approach to APOE4/4, yours is an inspiring approach to important scientific questions about many aspects of life. Your story is remarkably similar to my health science story, which came directly from my first child's severe autism. I will also restack your post to my other Substack @autismloveandscience.

Susan Maphis's avatar

Thank you, Karin, I am APOE 4/4 and very anxious about the future. Sometimes it's nice to read that others share some of my thoughts and feelings (and fears).

Karin Dee's avatar

I understand completely. I felt much the same way when I first learned I was APOE4/4. What gives me hope today is that we know far more than we did even a decade ago, and the pace of research is accelerating rapidly. There is also so much we can do to retain vitality and good health.

Atif Hashmi, MD's avatar

Very well written, thank you for sharing!

Atif Hashmi, MD's avatar

Jagust et al., 2023 (Lancet Neurology)

1. “Genetically driven increases in amyloid β deposition in the brain might not be the only pathway through which genetic factors operate in Alzheimer’s disease.”

2. “The presence of amyloid β and tau in the brains of healthy older people has been shown to be a very strong predictor of cognitive decline.”

3. “Behavioural, lifestyle, and genetic variables can modify relations between a biomarker (eg, amyloid β) and an outcome (eg, cognitive decline or brain atrophy).”

Ossenkoppele et al., 2022 (Nature Medicine)

4. “A proportion of the A+T+ group remained cognitively intact… highlighting the variable rates of cognitive decline even among individuals who are at the highest risk of deterioration.”

Sharing these quotes for general awareness, not personal medical advice.

Lisala's avatar

Thank you! I've learned so much from reading your posts. I have two copies as well. If you had to pick a handful of things to do what's at the top of your list?

Cindy's avatar

Thank you for sharing! You are my first ‘go to’ when I open Substack!

Peggy Martin's avatar

I can remember opening the 23Me results. I was devastated. Now I am hopeful, about to celebrate my 69th birthday with (mostly!) my memory in tact. I exercise daily and try to stay within moderation in my diet. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and research. Great Substack!

Hussein Yassine's avatar

Love it!

Bblazerphd's avatar

How do I follow you? You sound solid and an independent talented thinker.

Kevin Smith's avatar

You are an adventurous person. I'm the curious person. I always wonder why things are the way they are. I have listened to many podcasts on YouTube about cardiovascular disease with William Cromwell MD, Ronald Krauss MD and Dr. Thomas Dayspring. I had a discussion with James O'Keefe MD about APOE4 and how carrying this gene effects lipid profiles and consumption of saturated fats. I'm APOE4/APOE3. Dr. O'Keefe recommended I follow you on Substack. I never heard of Substack before. I'm enjoying Substack. I focus only on health and medical discussions on it. I'm glad I found you.

Kevin Smith's avatar

Follow Tom Dayspring on X @Drlipid He speaks about lipids like he wrote the book on them.....because he did. He is a great educator on lipids.

Nurse Jeannie Capone's avatar

I’m connected with him on LinkedIn. He has a soft spot for medical professionals (like me), so he fields my questions when I DM him. ❤️❤️❤️

Kevin Smith's avatar

He answers my questions on X. It's great that he makes himself accessible.

CB's avatar

Well done and think just the same way!

Justin William Lusty's avatar

Thank you Karin! Justin Apoe4/4