TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH WITH THE EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE OF A DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN
TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH WITH THE EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE OF A DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN
What if we could finally uncover a cure for Alzheimer’s by learning from the families who’ve lived through it? In this episode, I interview Jennie Erin Smith, author of “Valley of Forgetting”, to discuss the realities of clinical trials, the human element behind the research, and the hope that still drives the fight for an Alzheimer’s cure.
Jennie shares heartfelt stories of resilience and the challenges faced by both families and researchers. We also dive deep into the cutting-edge genetic research showing how some may be naturally protected from Alzheimer’s and what this could mean for treatment options.
Tune in to hear how science, hope, and resilience are paving the way toward a cure!
“I would call the book intimate. The reason it's intimate is that the cover features the family in their own home. That's how the researchers see the families, right? They went to their homes.”
In this Episode
01:25 – Introduction to Jennie Erin Smith and her book
06:04 – Impact of Alzheimer’s on families with the Paisa gene mutation
08:37 – Behind the scenes: Alzheimer’s clinical trial in Colombia
17:01 – Genetic protection and natural resistance to Alzheimer’s
21:11 – Challenges faced by researchers and families
27:42 – Diet and its impact on Alzheimer’s predisposition
32:15 – The role of pharma companies in Alzheimer’s research
36:35 – Jennie’s thoughts about the research
40:42 – Public perception and its implications for research
44:28 – Infectious disease, infection agents, and Alzheimer’s connection
49:44 – Jennie’s aspiration for her book
55:23 – A unique and intimate book for everyone
Resources:
– Top Supplements for Alzheimer’s Guide
– Valley of Forgetting by Jennie Erin Smith
– NY Times
Connect with Jennie Erin Smith:
Connect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:
– TikTok
– YouTube
– Others
Disclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.
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READ THE COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE:
Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative condition, continues to challenge the medical community. Despite years of research and countless clinical trials, a definitive cure remains elusive. In this blog post, we delve into the world of Alzheimer’s clinical trials, the search for genetic protection, and unexpected resilience, drawing on insights from Jennie Erin Smith’s book, Valley of Forgetting: Alzheimer’s Families and the Search for a Cure. This fascinating narrative not only chronicles the personal stories of those affected by Alzheimer’s but also explores the science behind groundbreaking research in Colombia.
Alzheimer’s has long been associated with genetic mutations, with the paisa mutation in a large Colombian family becoming a critical focal point for researchers. This genetic mutation causes early-onset Alzheimer’s, making the family an invaluable subject for scientific studies. For decades, researchers like Dr. Francisco Lopera studied these individuals, offering insights into how Alzheimer’s develops in those with this genetic predisposition.
However, Jennie Erin Smith’s book reveals more than just scientific data. Through her in-depth reporting, she captures the personal stories of the families involved in these trials. The experiences of the families are interwoven with the science, providing a human touch to the often cold and clinical discussions about Alzheimer’s genetics.
Takeaway: The importance of genetic research cannot be understated, but Smith’s narrative shows that Alzheimer’s research is as much about the people as it is about the science.
One of the most surprising revelations in Smith’s book is the story of a woman named Aliria, a member of the paisa family who carried the same genetic mutation but did not develop Alzheimer’s symptoms. At 76, Aliria was living an independent life, defying expectations set by her genetic profile. Her case sparked new enthusiasm within the research community and has since been viewed as a potential clue in the search for genetic resilience against Alzheimer’s.
While the scientific community is still debating the exact cause of Aliria’s resilience, some speculate that a second genetic mutation could have protected her brain from the harmful effects of amyloid buildup. This case, along with others like it, is helping shift the focus of Alzheimer’s research from simply targeting amyloid plaques to understanding the complex interactions of genes that may provide resilience against the disease.
Takeaway: Resilience in Alzheimer’s is not a rare exception but a crucial area for research. Aliria’s case is a beacon of hope, showing that even in genetic predisposition, resilience can be found.
As with any clinical trial, ethical concerns are ever-present, and Smith does not shy away from addressing them. In Colombia, the large number of people involved in these Alzheimer’s trials created both a unique opportunity for research and a challenging ethical landscape. Issues like informed consent, the use of placebo treatments, and the lack of guarantees for access to experimental drugs after the trials raised important questions.
Smith highlights the struggles of patients who, despite participating in these trials, were not promised long-term access to any successful treatments that emerged. This issue is compounded by the cultural and economic realities of conducting trials in a developing country, where participants are often from rural areas and may not fully understand the implications of participating in such trials.
Takeaway: The ethical landscape of clinical trials must evolve alongside medical advancements. Researchers must ensure transparency and fairness, particularly when working with vulnerable populations.
Despite the promising data from earlier studies, many experimental treatments for Alzheimer’s, particularly amyloid-targeting drugs, have failed to yield meaningful results. The frustration within the scientific community is palpable, as researchers hoped these drugs would stop or even reverse Alzheimer’s progression. But the failure of these treatments has not deterred the field; rather, it has pushed researchers to consider alternative explanations for the disease.
One of the key turning points discussed in Smith’s book is the shift from focusing solely on amyloid plaques to investigating other aspects of Alzheimer’s, such as tau protein buildup and genetic resilience. Researchers are increasingly looking at individuals like Aliria as case studies in genetic resilience, hoping to replicate her success and uncover other genetic factors that could protect the brain.
Takeaway: The failure of amyloid-targeting drugs doesn’t mark the end of Alzheimer’s research but a shift towards more nuanced approaches that consider genetic resilience and multi-factorial causes.
The search for an Alzheimer’s cure is ongoing, with scientists and families alike facing numerous challenges. However, stories of resilience, like Aliria’s, offer hope and a new direction in the fight against the disease. Smith’s book Valley of Forgetting provides a deeply personal look at this struggle, reminding us that behind every research paper and clinical trial are real people—families, patients, and researchers—working tirelessly to find a cure.
If you found this exploration of Alzheimer’s research insightful, check out our previous podcast episode on How Fasting and Autophagy Can Reverse Alzheimer’s for more groundbreaking discussions on brain health.
What are your thoughts on the search for an Alzheimer’s cure? Do you believe genetic resilience could be the key? Let me know in the comments!
DISCLAIMER: This is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with your physician first.
*The statements (appearing on this website) have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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