Episode #31
E31: Is There a Blood Test for Alzheimer's? What New Biomarkers Reveal Before Symptoms Appear
Free Strategy Session with Dr. Cindy In this episode, Dr. Cindy is joined by co-host Carol McCarthy, functional genomics specialist and brain health coach at Caring for the Body, PLLC Center for Functional Medicine , for a conversation that is changing what is possible in Alzheimer's prevention. Together they unpack three emerging blood biomarkers, p-tau217, neurofilament light (NfL), and GFAP, that can reveal biological changes in the brain before significant cognitive symptoms ever appear. For the first time, a conversation that once had to wait until memory loss was obvious can now begin years, even decades, earlier. Dr. Cindy walks through what each biomarker measures and what it can and cannot tell us. P-tau217 looks for Alzheimer's-related pathology developing in the brain. NfL signals active neuronal injury, though from any cause. GFAP reflects whether the brain's support cells are responding to stress or damage. No single marker tells the whole story, and none of them delivers a diagnosis, but together and placed in the context of a patient's full history, genetics, lifestyle, and cognitive testing, they open a powerful window for proactive action. Carol brings the coaching perspective, addressing the fear, hypervigilance, and overwhelm that can follow an abnormal result. She shares how she helps patients shift from "Am I going to get Alzheimer's?" to "What can I do to build the healthiest brain possible?" and how sustainable change comes not from overhauling everything at once, but from finding the next best step, building a small win, and letting momentum carry the journey forward. You'll learn: ➡️ What p-tau217, NfL, and GFAP Each Measure and What They Cannot Tell You ➡️ Why These Biomarkers Open a Window for Prevention Before Symptoms Appear ➡️ How to Hold Abnormal Results Without Fear, Catastrophizing, or Hypervigilance ➡️ How Genetic Factors Like APOE4 Interact with Lifestyle to Shape Alzheimer's Risk ➡️ Why Sustainable Brain Health Is Built on Small Consistent Steps, Not Overnight Overhauls You are invited to join the Re-Think Aging Community to access resources for your journey Resources Mentioned In This Episode: NeuroCode The Re-Think Aging Community Free Strategy Session with Dr. Cindy CaringForTheBody.org Subscribe now for new episodes on the first and third Mondays of each month, and receive inspiration to help you live with more clarity, peace, and purpose, from the inside out. Connect with Carol: Caring For The Body LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Cindy: Linktree Strategy Session Produced by: Social Chameleon Medical Disclaimer: The Re-Think Aging Podcast features diverse expert perspectives. Statements made by guests represent their own views and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Libert, M.D., or Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine. Content shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
