Alzheimer's: Could it Be Prevented?

Precision Medicine Made Simple

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Stanford and Taylor Cu to explore neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's. It's a particularly personal discussion as Dr. Stanford shares his own genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, linked to the APOE4 gene. Dr. Stanford explains what neurodegenerative diseases are and dives into the specifics of Alzheimer's, including how genetics play a role in its risk. We wrap up the episode by looking at lifestyle changes that could make a significant impact in prevention.

Timestamps:

[00:04:50] Degenerative diseases share commonality in brain shrinkage. Alzheimer's is most common, starts early.

[00:09:24] APOE Epsilon four leads to abnormal function in cholesterol transport, amyloid plaques and tau proteins play a role in Alzheimer's disease progression.

[00:14:03] Alzheimer's disease is complex and mysterious.

[00:18:00] Lifestyle impacts neurodegenerative disease risk.

[00:22:37] Difference between Alzheimer's and general dementia.

[00:27:07] Inflammation bad for heart and brain.

[00:32:23] Genetic testing can predict future health.

[00:37:44] Prevent dementia with lifestyle changes.

[00:43:01] Improve brain health with exercise, socialization.

Dr. William Stanford MD PHD FACP

Dr. William Stanford is co-founder of Biography Health. He began his career as a mechanical and aerospace engineer at Texas Instruments in 1982 while also pursuing his interest in aviation as a flight instructor and commercial pilot. In 1991, he pivoted into biomedical science and subsequently completed the combined M.D./Ph.D. physician-scientist training program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1998 and an internal medicine residency at UCLA in 2001. He is board-certified in internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

A pioneer in the field of hospital medicine, Dr. Stanford founded and led a 25-physician group of private practice hospitalists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 2002. After an extensive clinical career as the attending physician for over 100,000 patients, he was elected by his peers at Cedars-Sinai to be clinical chief of general internal medicine, serving in this capacity from 2017 to 2018. Inspired by recent advancements in biomedical science and medicine, Dr. Stanford completed professional certification through Stanford University’s Department of Genetics in 2018, further advancing his role as a true physician-scientist.

Sponsored by: Biography Health

Biography Health, where healthcare meets personalization. With their DNAbled™ Blueprint, Biography Health empowers you with a health plan based on your unique DNA, aiming to prevent disease and extend your life. Take control of your health journey with a plan as unique as you. Visit BiographyHealth.com and start your personalized healthcare journey today.