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Newcomer introductions, personal anecdotes, caregiver issues, lab results, and n=1 experimentation.
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mjkenny
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New member

Post by mjkenny »

Hi, I’ve been browsing the forum for several weeks now and am finally getting around to introducing myself. My father had dementia, and now I’m watching my two oldest siblings - 16 and 18 years my senior - grapple with cognitive impairment. I am 59. Five months ago I tested myself and it was no surprise that I am apoe 3/4. Initially I felt strong and motivated to move forward, learn, and address my personal risk factors. I have a solid faith life. But now as the months go by I notice I feel very alone in this journey, and I’m starting to feel overwhelmed and depressed. It seems no matter what I do, inflammation lurks. I feel like I’ve been playing “whack-a-mole” with inflammation for the last 10 years. Which makes sense, now that I understand that the 4 allele pre-inflames me. My current battle is asthma; and it seems that the commonly used inhaled steroids are not good for the brain. I feel like my choice is asthma or dementia. I have a good functional medicine doctor, but I’m considering also doing Apollo because they seem very methodical in their approach. I appreciate this site - everyone is kind, which is not too common in online forums. Thank you for that and for helping people face the future with hope.
JulieMorris
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Re: New member

Post by JulieMorris »

mjkenny wrote: Mon May 27, 2024 7:25 pm Hi, I’ve been browsing the forum for several weeks now and am finally getting around to introducing myself. My father had dementia, and now I’m watching my two oldest siblings - 16 and 18 years my senior - grapple with cognitive impairment. I am 59. Five months ago I tested myself and it was no surprise that I am apoe 3/4. Initially I felt strong and motivated to move forward, learn, and address my personal risk factors. I have a solid faith life. But now as the months go by I notice I feel very alone in this journey, and I’m starting to feel overwhelmed and depressed. It seems no matter what I do, inflammation lurks. I feel like I’ve been playing “whack-a-mole” with inflammation for the last 10 years. Which makes sense, now that I understand that the 4 allele pre-inflames me. My current battle is asthma; and it seems that the commonly used inhaled steroids are not good for the brain. I feel like my choice is asthma or dementia. I have a good functional medicine doctor, but I’m considering also doing Apollo because they seem very methodical in their approach. I appreciate this site - everyone is kind, which is not too common in online forums. Thank you for that and for helping people face the future with hope.
Hi mjkenny-
Hello! I'm a support team intern, and I'd like to welcome you to this site! You have found a very supportive community here. Thank you so much for sharing part of your story. I applaud you for being proactive in getting tested and addressing risk factors. It can be hard to stay motivated, but other members on this site are so inspiring that you may find ideas here that motivate you. It would also be a great idea to find an accountability partner, perhaps a friend or family member, who can meet with you regularly to encourage you. You mentioned having a solid faith life. I am also a person of faith, and know the strength that comes from it. Perhaps someone in a faith community (church/group) would be supportive of your goals as you work toward greater health and less inflammation.

I, too, have asthma, and have been unable to wean off of my daily inhalers. Sometimes it is best to focus on what we can change right now (anti-inflammatory food? exercise? challenging brain activities?) and go ahead and continue on certain necessary medications. Regarding lifestyle changes, it would be a great idea to first take a look at our Primer. It is an incredible resource of information about the biochemistry of ApoE4. It offers researched-based prevention strategies and was written by a practicing M.D. with ApoE4. Do not become overwhelmed with all the information. Sometimes it is best to slowly read through it, decide which section resonates with you, and focus on that area first. Small changes can make a huge difference.

It is wonderful that you are already established with a functional medicine doctor who can support you. The Apollo PreCODE program is a great choice for structured help. You may already be familiar with it, but you can find it here:
PreCODE.

The How-To Guide will help you learn how to navigate this site. It includes topics such as navigating the forum, private messaging, and searching.

You can find other members' experiences in Our Stories. Sometimes reading the stories of others helps us realize that we are not alone.

I'm so glad you have joined us on this site. Please feel free to reach out anytime with questions or if you just need support. You are not alone. We are here for you.

Take care,
Julie
PhD in Speech-Language Pathology
Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach
Interested in all things brain-related
mike
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Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2018 4:55 pm
Location: CA - Sonoma County

Re: New member

Post by mike »

mjkenny wrote: Mon May 27, 2024 7:25 pm Hi, I’ve been browsing the forum for several weeks now and am finally getting around to introducing myself. My father had dementia, and now I’m watching my two oldest siblings - 16 and 18 years my senior - grapple with cognitive impairment. I am 59.
Welcome! Can you say a bit about your life style? How much and what kind of exercise are you doing now and in the past? What kind of diet? How about added sugar like corn syrup? Do you work around toxins? How about sleep and stress? Any other diseases besides the asthma like Diabetes? How does all this compare with your siblings?
Sonoma Mike
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mjkenny
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Re: New member

Post by mjkenny »

JulieMorris wrote: Mon May 27, 2024 8:07 pm
mjkenny wrote: Mon May 27, 2024 7:25 pm Hi, I’ve been browsing the forum for several weeks now and am finally getting around to introducing myself. My father had dementia, and now I’m watching my two oldest siblings - 16 and 18 years my senior - grapple with cognitive impairment. I am 59. Five months ago I tested myself and it was no surprise that I am apoe 3/4. Initially I felt strong and motivated to move forward, learn, and address my personal risk factors. I have a solid faith life. But now as the months go by I notice I feel very alone in this journey, and I’m starting to feel overwhelmed and depressed. It seems no matter what I do, inflammation lurks. I feel like I’ve been playing “whack-a-mole” with inflammation for the last 10 years. Which makes sense, now that I understand that the 4 allele pre-inflames me. My current battle is asthma; and it seems that the commonly used inhaled steroids are not good for the brain. I feel like my choice is asthma or dementia. I have a good functional medicine doctor, but I’m considering also doing Apollo because they seem very methodical in their approach. I appreciate this site - everyone is kind, which is not too common in online forums. Thank you for that and for helping people face the future with hope.
Hi mjkenny-
Hello! I'm a support team intern, and I'd like to welcome you to this site! You have found a very supportive community here. Thank you so much for sharing part of your story. I applaud you for being proactive in getting tested and addressing risk factors. It can be hard to stay motivated, but other members on this site are so inspiring that you may find ideas here that motivate you. It would also be a great idea to find an accountability partner, perhaps a friend or family member, who can meet with you regularly to encourage you. You mentioned having a solid faith life. I am also a person of faith, and know the strength that comes from it. Perhaps someone in a faith community (church/group) would be supportive of your goals as you work toward greater health and less inflammation.

I, too, have asthma, and have been unable to wean off of my daily inhalers. Sometimes it is best to focus on what we can change right now (anti-inflammatory food? exercise? challenging brain activities?) and go ahead and continue on certain necessary medications. Regarding lifestyle changes, it would be a great idea to first take a look at our Primer. It is an incredible resource of information about the biochemistry of ApoE4. It offers researched-based prevention strategies and was written by a practicing M.D. with ApoE4. Do not become overwhelmed with all the information. Sometimes it is best to slowly read through it, decide which section resonates with you, and focus on that area first. Small changes can make a huge difference.

It is wonderful that you are already established with a functional medicine doctor who can support you. The Apollo PreCODE program is a great choice for structured help. You may already be familiar with it, but you can find it here:
PreCODE.

The How-To Guide will help you learn how to navigate this site. It includes topics such as navigating the forum, private messaging, and searching.

You can find other members' experiences in Our Stories. Sometimes reading the stories of others helps us realize that we are not alone.

I'm so glad you have joined us on this site. Please feel free to reach out anytime with questions or if you just need support. You are not alone. We are here for you.

Take care,
Julie
Thank you, Julie. You said something I needed to hear: work on something I CAN change while I figure out the asthma. (It reminded me of the Serenity Prayer… “Grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.)
Thank you for the link to PreCode. I am checking it out and seriously considering it. And I’ve asked someone to be an accountability partner, an acquaintance who has been doing the Bredesen Protocol for 4 years.
Doing these little things has made me feel more encouraged and positive. God bless you.
JulieMorris
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Re: New member

Post by JulieMorris »

mjkenny-

You are very welcome - that's what we're here for! I have been navigating numerous health challenges for twenty years, so I know how discouraging it can be at times. You tapped into your strength of courage (as in the prayer) to take some steps this week. Now, celebrate those successes because these "little things" can result in big, positive changes. You are on your way to better health! May God bless you, too, as you continue forward. Feel free to post any questions you may have along the way.

Take care,
Julie Morris
PhD in Speech-Language Pathology
Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach
Interested in all things brain-related
mjkenny
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Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2024 4:32 am

Re: New member

Post by mjkenny »

mike wrote: Tue May 28, 2024 11:47 am
mjkenny wrote: Mon May 27, 2024 7:25 pm Hi, I’ve been browsing the forum for several weeks now and am finally getting around to introducing myself. My father had dementia, and now I’m watching my two oldest siblings - 16 and 18 years my senior - grapple with cognitive impairment. I am 59.
Welcome! Can you say a bit about your life style? How much and what kind of exercise are you doing now and in the past? What kind of diet? How about added sugar like corn syrup? Do you work around toxins? How about sleep and stress? Any other diseases besides the asthma like Diabetes? How does all this compare with your siblings?
Hi, Mike! Thank you for your reply. Once a junk food junkie, I have cleaned up my lifestyle gradually yet significantly in the last four years. Now I eat low glycemic, plant heavy, some animal protein, high fat, no alcohol. For exercise, I really love to play pickleball! Right now with the asthma flaring I can’t play, and I’m wondering if I should just stick to walking and weights. I get some form of exercise every day. I am working on my sleep, it’s okay (not great, not terrible). Thankfully I do not currently have any other major problems besides the asthma. My brother has asthma, too, but worse than mine, and he has been on so many antibiotics and steroids over the years, which I have not. Both my sister and my brother drink alcohol, and I do think it’s a factor. It was very hard for me to quit but I’m glad I did. I can tell the difference. As far as stress goes, I don’t generally feel stressed but it seems my body says otherwise. Hmmm. Thank you again for the reply. It really does make me feel less alone. It’s hard to live so differently from the rest of the world, even your family, and people don’t always understand.
mike
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Re: New member

Post by mike »

mjkenny wrote: Tue May 28, 2024 7:33 pm For exercise, I really love to play pickleball! Right now with the asthma flaring I can’t play, and I’m wondering if I should just stick to walking and weights. I get some form of exercise every day.
It sounds like you are doing the right kinds of changes. Walking and weights is not a bad way to go. Something else that might get your heart going but does not trigger your asthma would also be good... Maybe walk fast for a bit and then slow and repeat?
Sonoma Mike
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Re: New member

Post by TCHC »

mjkenny wrote: Mon May 27, 2024 7:25 pm Hi, I’ve been browsing the forum for several weeks now and am finally getting around to introducing myself. My father had dementia, and now I’m watching my two oldest siblings - 16 and 18 years my senior - grapple with cognitive impairment. I am 59. Five months ago I tested myself and it was no surprise that I am apoe 3/4. Initially I felt strong and motivated to move forward, learn, and address my personal risk factors. I have a solid faith life. But now as the months go by I notice I feel very alone in this journey, and I’m starting to feel overwhelmed and depressed. It seems no matter what I do, inflammation lurks. I feel like I’ve been playing “whack-a-mole” with inflammation for the last 10 years. Which makes sense, now that I understand that the 4 allele pre-inflames me. My current battle is asthma; and it seems that the commonly used inhaled steroids are not good for the brain. I feel like my choice is asthma or dementia. I have a good functional medicine doctor, but I’m considering also doing Apollo because they seem very methodical in their approach. I appreciate this site - everyone is kind, which is not too common in online forums. Thank you for that and for helping people face the future with hope.
Hi Mjkenny
I wondered if you'd found a breathing coach - someone who works with buteyko breathing or some such. I can thoroughly recommend my colleague Tony Winyard. He's in the UK, but with zoom that means nothing. His website doesn't major on breathing, but I know he's had success with clients with asthma. https://tonywinyard.com
And I was looking at this for my Dad (who has COPD) it's a device to improve breathing with Asthma, etc.: https://www.airofit.com/health/?_gl=1*6 ... GQQAvD_BwE

Good luck, let us know how you get on
Lindsey
TCHC - Lindsey Byrne - The Cognitive Health Coach - UK
Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC)
Certified Re:CODE 2.0 Health Coach
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