Into: RN/coach w/E4/E4 allele. Where do go from here?

[jilldrathburn]

Hello friends,
What an interesting site full of camaraderie, cutting-edge information, and amazing coaches. I appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself to this amazing group and feel at home here because I am one of you— a person navigating a significant risk factor (homozygous APOE4) AD.

For those of you who are coaches, nurses, or nurse practitioners working in this field, I would love to hear from you. Please take a look at my comments at the end of this email.

My Background: I’m a lifelong nurse with recent work in mental health and substance use, emphasizing holistic health, wellness, and behavioral change. I’m enrolled in a virtual DNP program for psych-mental health to become a nurse practitioner in this field. Additionally, I’m a recovery coach for women overcoming dysfunctional alcohol use, and support this process by fostering mind/body/spirit habits that lead to transformative growth and a sustainable alcohol-free life. I love working and consider myself a lifelong learner.

APOE4/E4 discovery: While reviewing a classmate's presentation on the APOE4 gene, I revisited a 2018 genetic testing report for my methyl detox pathways. To my SHOCK, this report confirmed that I carry two copies of the APOE4 allele. Equal to my shock was disappointment that I was not alerted. There was no indication in my report that APOE4 was correlated with AD; it only mentioned the risk of hyperlipidemia (Empire City Labs/Kashi Clinical Labs). My practitioner only focused on my methylation pathways—nothing on APOE4.

My 2018 healing journey: Naturally, I wish I had been informed of the AD risk six years ago. However, the universe had my back since I found a similar healing path through my recovery from a decades-long unhealthy relationship with alcohol. During this time, I worked with numerous alternative practitioners (naturopaths, functional medicine doctors, and Ayurvedic practitioners) and studied yoga in Rishikesh, India. My 3 prominent symptoms were brain fog, fatigue, and poor sleep. Fortunately, many of the strategies and biohacks I learned to heal my body from alcohol use perfectly aligned with Dr. Bredesen’s protocol, such as the anti-inflammatory diet filled with organic, gluten-free whole foods (primarily vegetables), blood sugar control, HRT, intermittent fasting, detox protocols, sleep hygiene (circadian rhythm), mindfulness practices, gut health, and oral health. I added supplements (or ate therapeutic levels of) selenium, turmeric, NAC, ALA, vitamin B, magnesium, ubiquinol, Vit D, and Indian herbs. Within 3-6 months, my brain fog lifted, fatigue subsided, and my sleep dramatically improved.

Where do I go from here (suggestions welcome)?
I have symptoms or known causation for AD Type 1, 2, and 3. While it would be helpful to narrow the focus of etiology, I’m most interested in my stage of development. To that end, the BrainScan blood test is in process.

1) Treatment Regimens: I’m interested in exploring additional treatment options such as rapamycin, injectable Klotho peptides, and injectable NAD. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations if there is evidence supporting their correlation with cognitive improvement.

2) Practitioner Support: I'm looking for a practitioner (or coach) trained w/Dr. Bredesen’s plan is knowledgeable with other emerging treatments. Any suggestions are welcome.

3) Career Path: As I turn 63 in October, I’m also reconsidering my career trajectory. My DNP program concludes when I’m 65, and I’m starting to second-guess this path in light of this new reality. It occurred to me that I should pivot and study AD and then work as an RN or coach specializing in AD. I would love to discuss this career path with an AD coach or clinician (especially an RN).

Love and light to all!
Jill

[JulieMorris]

Hello friends,
What an interesting site full of camaraderie, cutting-edge information, and amazing coaches. I appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself to this amazing group and feel at home here because I am one of you— a person navigating a significant risk factor (homozygous APOE4) AD.

For those of you who are coaches, nurses, or nurse practitioners working in this field, I would love to hear from you. Please take a look at my comments at the end of this email.

My Background: I’m a lifelong nurse with recent work in mental health and substance use, emphasizing holistic health, wellness, and behavioral change. I’m enrolled in a virtual DNP program for psych-mental health to become a nurse practitioner in this field. Additionally, I’m a recovery coach for women overcoming dysfunctional alcohol use, and support this process by fostering mind/body/spirit habits that lead to transformative growth and a sustainable alcohol-free life. I love working and consider myself a lifelong learner.

APOE4/E4 discovery: While reviewing a classmate's presentation on the APOE4 gene, I revisited a 2018 genetic testing report for my methyl detox pathways. To my SHOCK, this report confirmed that I carry two copies of the APOE4 allele. Equal to my shock was disappointment that I was not alerted. There was no indication in my report that APOE4 was correlated with AD; it only mentioned the risk of hyperlipidemia (Empire City Labs/Kashi Clinical Labs). My practitioner only focused on my methylation pathways—nothing on APOE4.

My 2018 healing journey: Naturally, I wish I had been informed of the AD risk six years ago. However, the universe had my back since I found a similar healing path through my recovery from a decades-long unhealthy relationship with alcohol. During this time, I worked with numerous alternative practitioners (naturopaths, functional medicine doctors, and Ayurvedic practitioners) and studied yoga in Rishikesh, India. My 3 prominent symptoms were brain fog, fatigue, and poor sleep. Fortunately, many of the strategies and biohacks I learned to heal my body from alcohol use perfectly aligned with Dr. Bredesen’s protocol, such as the anti-inflammatory diet filled with organic, gluten-free whole foods (primarily vegetables), blood sugar control, HRT, intermittent fasting, detox protocols, sleep hygiene (circadian rhythm), mindfulness practices, gut health, and oral health. I added supplements (or ate therapeutic levels of) selenium, turmeric, NAC, ALA, vitamin B, magnesium, ubiquinol, Vit D, and Indian herbs. Within 3-6 months, my brain fog lifted, fatigue subsided, and my sleep dramatically improved.

Where do I go from here (suggestions welcome)?
I have symptoms or known causation for AD Type 1, 2, and 3. While it would be helpful to narrow the focus of etiology, I’m most interested in my stage of development. To that end, the BrainScan blood test is in process.

1) Treatment Regimens: I’m interested in exploring additional treatment options such as rapamycin, injectable Klotho peptides, and injectable NAD. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations if there is evidence supporting their correlation with cognitive improvement.

2) Practitioner Support: I'm looking for a practitioner (or coach) trained w/Dr. Bredesen’s plan is knowledgeable with other emerging treatments. Any suggestions are welcome.

3) Career Path: As I turn 63 in October, I’m also reconsidering my career trajectory. My DNP program concludes when I’m 65, and I’m starting to second-guess this path in light of this new reality. It occurred to me that I should pivot and study AD and then work as an RN or coach specializing in AD. I would love to discuss this career path with an AD coach or clinician (especially an RN).

Love and light to all!
Jill

Hi Jill-
Thanks for posting again and telling us more of your story! I apologize for my delayed response, as I moved yesterday and don't yet have internet service. It sounds like you are doing wonderful, compassionate work in assisting others towards a better life. I am impressed by your knowledge and motivation for change. You have made such excellent progress with your nutritional changes and gut/oral health. I have personally found a gluten-free, low-sugar anti-inflammatory diet to work wonders for my six autoimmune diseases (and accompanying brain fog). What we put on our fork definitely changes our brains/bodies!

Regarding your questions:

1) Personally, I have had NAD shots, which helped some with energy, but I couldn't tell much with cognition. I have had injectable peptides, but not Klotho, so I'm hoping someone with experience will chime in here.
2) Here is a list of Apoe4-aware practitioners: Practitioners who can formulate a lifestyle prescription for brain health. In addition, as you mentioned, a health coach can support, encourage, and guide you with the changes you want to make toward maintaining cognitive health. Here is a list of Apoe4-aware health coaches: Health Coaches .
3) I would highly recommend that you continue your schooling. Taking courses is an excellent way to challenge your brain, and that's something we need to do every day. Your brain loves learning new, difficult concepts. Plus, research has shown that the more eduction we have, the more cognitive reserve we have. This means that we are then less prone to cognitive decline.

You asked where to go from here, and it sounds like you're on a good path as far as nutrition goes, although there may be some additional modifications (ketogenic) if you choose to follow Bredesen's ReCODE program: ReCODE. Here is a summary: Summary. You are challenging your brain with school, which is wonderful, but Bredesen also recommends the app BrainHQ. There is research behind this brain-training app, and it learns where your skill levels are and adjusts to make things more challenging for you. My clients often say it's too hard, but I remind them that our brains love a challenge!

I'm so glad you're instituting a daily mindfulness practice, as stress management is extremely important for good brain balance. I don't believe you mentioned an exercise routine. This is the most research-backed lifestyle change for better cognition, even increased BDNF (protein that helps neurons grow) in the brain. It is recommended that you get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate cardio. You can get away with a bit less if it's intensive. You also need strength-training at least twice a week, and some flexibility training. You get a brain boost if you figure out a way to exercise while also challenging your brain. One easy way to do this is by learning new dances, but you could also walk briskly while listen to a challenging book/podcast.

In addition to nutrition, stress management, and exercise, sleep and connection are really important for your brain. You mentioned that you have optimized your sleep hygiene, which is excellent. I'm wondering if you have taken a look at your weekly connection/socialization moments. Having deep connections and frequent socialization with those we care about is extremely important. In addition, meeting and conversing with new people is a wonderful way to challenge your brain, as people are difficult to figure out at first. Finally, the community of brain-forward people you are connected to on this site is a healthy addition to your life.

Of course, please don't forget to take a look at our Primer: Primer for excellent ideas on where to go from here.

Thank you for your insight and questions. Please continue to engage with the community. We are here for you.

Take care,
Julie

[Dany_ele]

Hi Jill,

Welcome to the community! Your background in nursing and holistic health is impressive. Sorry to hear about your APOE4 discovery, but it's great that your previous healing journey has already set you up for success.

[TCHC]

Hello friends,
What an interesting site full of camaraderie, cutting-edge information, and amazing coaches. I appreciate the opportunity to introduce myself to this amazing group and feel at home here because I am one of you— a person navigating a significant risk factor (homozygous APOE4) AD.

For those of you who are coaches, nurses, or nurse practitioners working in this field, I would love to hear from you. Please take a look at my comments at the end of this email.

My Background: I’m a lifelong nurse with recent work in mental health and substance use, emphasizing holistic health, wellness, and behavioral change. I’m enrolled in a virtual DNP program for psych-mental health to become a nurse practitioner in this field. Additionally, I’m a recovery coach for women overcoming dysfunctional alcohol use, and support this process by fostering mind/body/spirit habits that lead to transformative growth and a sustainable alcohol-free life. I love working and consider myself a lifelong learner.

APOE4/E4 discovery: While reviewing a classmate's presentation on the APOE4 gene, I revisited a 2018 genetic testing report for my methyl detox pathways. To my SHOCK, this report confirmed that I carry two copies of the APOE4 allele. Equal to my shock was disappointment that I was not alerted. There was no indication in my report that APOE4 was correlated with AD; it only mentioned the risk of hyperlipidemia (Empire City Labs/Kashi Clinical Labs). My practitioner only focused on my methylation pathways—nothing on APOE4.

My 2018 healing journey: Naturally, I wish I had been informed of the AD risk six years ago. However, the universe had my back since I found a similar healing path through my recovery from a decades-long unhealthy relationship with alcohol. During this time, I worked with numerous alternative practitioners (naturopaths, functional medicine doctors, and Ayurvedic practitioners) and studied yoga in Rishikesh, India. My 3 prominent symptoms were brain fog, fatigue, and poor sleep. Fortunately, many of the strategies and biohacks I learned to heal my body from alcohol use perfectly aligned with Dr. Bredesen’s protocol, such as the anti-inflammatory diet filled with organic, gluten-free whole foods (primarily vegetables), blood sugar control, HRT, intermittent fasting, detox protocols, sleep hygiene (circadian rhythm), mindfulness practices, gut health, and oral health. I added supplements (or ate therapeutic levels of) selenium, turmeric, NAC, ALA, vitamin B, magnesium, ubiquinol, Vit D, and Indian herbs. Within 3-6 months, my brain fog lifted, fatigue subsided, and my sleep dramatically improved.

Where do I go from here (suggestions welcome)?
I have symptoms or known causation for AD Type 1, 2, and 3. While it would be helpful to narrow the focus of etiology, I’m most interested in my stage of development. To that end, the BrainScan blood test is in process.

1) Treatment Regimens: I’m interested in exploring additional treatment options such as rapamycin, injectable Klotho peptides, and injectable NAD. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations if there is evidence supporting their correlation with cognitive improvement.

2) Practitioner Support: I'm looking for a practitioner (or coach) trained w/Dr. Bredesen’s plan is knowledgeable with other emerging treatments. Any suggestions are welcome.

3) Career Path: As I turn 63 in October, I’m also reconsidering my career trajectory. My DNP program concludes when I’m 65, and I’m starting to second-guess this path in light of this new reality. It occurred to me that I should pivot and study AD and then work as an RN or coach specializing in AD. I would love to discuss this career path with an AD coach or clinician (especially an RN).

Love and light to all!
Jill

Hi Jill

I'm a Re:CODE Health Coach and I would absolutely encourage you to think about retraining as either a practitioner or health coach with Apollo. We need more people helping the cause! I'm not an RN, but if you want to chat about the Apollo training, I'm more than happy to discuss and share my experience.

Just private message me if you'd like to talk more.

Lindsey