Description

Imagine being able to detect Alzheimer's disease 10-30 years before the first symptoms appear—when interventions could potentially prevent cognitive decline entirely.

In this second episode of our four-part series on Alzheimer's prevention, I explore the revolutionary blood biomarker tests that are changing our approach to brain health. Learn how these simple blood tests can detect Alzheimer's-related changes with 90% accuracy, why they're not yet widely available despite their promise, and what this means for your prevention strategy.

What to Listen For

• [01:00] The three phases of Alzheimer’s disease and why early detection is critical.
• [02:30] How amyloid plaque accumulation starts 10-30 years before symptoms appear.
• [04:15] The role of tau tangles and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s progression.
• [07:00] The cancer staging analogy: why we're currently waiting until the equivalent of "stage 3" to diagnose Alzheimer's 
• [08:30] How new blood biomarker tests detect Alzheimer’s in its “stage 0 or 1.”
• [10:45] The surprising role of amyloid beta—why it’s not all bad.
• [12:00] The critical tipping point in amyloid accumulation—why timing matters.
• [14:15] Alternative pathways to Alzheimer’s: traumatic brain injuries, infections, vascular issues and metabolic dysfunction.
• [18:30] The connection between sleep and amyloid clearance—why quality sleep is essential for brain health.
• [21:00] Why blood biomarker tests are a game changer compared to PET scans and spinal taps.
• [24:00] Four key biomarkers these tests measure: amyloid beta, tau proteins, neurofilament light chain, and inflammatory markers 
• [28:00] Why these tests cost $1,500 and aren't covered by insurance despite their potential 
• [31:00] Three practical steps you can take now if you're concerned about your risk 

While our healthcare system is still catching up to the revolutionary potential of blood biomarker tests for Alzheimer's detection, these tests represent an unprecedented opportunity to identify the disease in its earliest stages.

Even with current limitations in accessibility, knowing your risk factors empowers you to take preventive action decades before symptoms might appear. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore pharmaceutical interventions that could change the course of Alzheimer's treatment.

If you found this episode valuable, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend, and check out last week’s episode on early prediction and genetics to build a full understanding of Alzheimer’s prevention.

RESOURCES:

• Register for the FREE Masterclass: 5 Keys to Protecting Your Brain Health
• Book a FREE Discovery Call with Amy Lang
• Order Amy's book Thoughts Are Habits Too: Master Your Triggers, Free Yourself From Diet Culture, and Rediscover Joyful Eating.
• Follow Amy on Instagram @habitwhisperer