Welcome back to What I’d Tell My Family. In today’s episode, Dr. Todd Levine explores a frequently misunderstood and commonly misdiagnosed condition: dementia with Lewy bodies. Affecting over a million Americans, this form of dementia stands out for its early visual hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, and symptoms that often mimic psychiatric disorders or even Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Levine breaks down how Lewy body dementia is different at a cellular level, the warning signs families should watch for, and why accurate diagnosis is critical, not just for effective treatment, but to avoid dangerous drug reactions. Whether you have a loved one struggling with memory loss or want to learn about the latest advances in diagnosis and care, this episode offers expert advice and hope for planning a better quality of life, even after a difficult diagnosis.

Timestamps:

00:00 Understanding Lewy body dementia

06:06 Early symptoms of Lewy body dementia

09:52 Link between REM disorder and brain diseases

11:59 Early signs of Lewy body dementia

15:11 Alzheimer's misdiagnosis risks

18:58 Initial dementia evaluation process

24:45 Planning for a fulfilling future

27:59 Medications for Lewy body dementia

31:02 Diagnosing and tracking dementia progress

33:15 Upcoming episode on skin tests

Dr. Todd Levine on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-levinemd/

Neuro Concierge - https://neuro-concierge.com/

Podcast - https://what-id-tell-my-family.beam.ly/

What I´d Tell My Family Podcast on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-id-tell-my-family/

Podcast Partner - https://www.tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Dementia is a word that often sparks fear and confusion, with many families immediately thinking of Alzheimer’s as the only form. But dementia is actually an umbrella term for several distinct diseases, each with its own causes, symptoms, treatments, and risks. In this episode of "What I'd Tell My Family," Dr. Todd Levine guides us through the essential differences between the four major types of dementia: Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia.

We'll explore how new diagnostic tools and FDA-approved treatments are making precision medicine possible, learn about the frequently missed or misdiagnosed forms like Lewy body dementia, and discover why getting the right diagnosis has never been more important. Whether you’re noticing early memory slips in a loved one or want to prepare for the future, Dr. Levine offers practical advice, discusses life-changing medication risks, and explains the importance of new biomarkers that could change how we fight these diseases. If you think all dementias are the same, this episode will give you the critical distinctions every family needs to know.

Timestamps:

00:00 Precision medicine in dementia care

04:40 Understanding Alzheimer's protein buildup

07:15 Understanding brain aging stages

11:09 Understanding Dementia with Lewy Bodies

16:38 Aggression in frontotemporal dementia

19:39 Addressing Cognitive Decline Risks

22:26 Understanding co-pathology in dementia

23:54 Precision medicine for dementia treatment

28:25 Diagnosing neurological conditions over time

32:20 Early diagnosis and intervention

33:35 Advancements in Alzheimer's diagnostics

Dr. Todd Levine on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-levinemd/

Neuro Concierge - https://neuro-concierge.com/

Podcast - https://what-id-tell-my-family.beam.ly/

What I´d Tell My Family Podcast on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-id-tell-my-family/

Podcast Partner - https://www.tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome back to "What I'd Tell My Family." In today’s episode, we take a deep dive into one of the least discussed, yet most powerful predictors in neurology: the APOE4 gene and its connection to Alzheimer’s disease. Joined by Dr. Todd Levine, we unravel what it means to carry APOE4, the difference between having one or two copies, and how genetic information can shape the way we approach risk, prevention, and family conversations about memory loss.

We address the big questions: Who should get tested for APOE4? What does a positive or negative result actually mean? How can lifestyle changes and new advances in blood-based biomarkers impact your long-term brain health? And how should families navigate the complex emotions and decisions that come with learning about genetic risk?

Whether Alzheimer’s is part of your family story or you just want to better understand the role of genetics in dementia, this episode provides grounded advice, expert insight, and the candid conversation most clinics skip. Grab a seat at the table; this is information every family should hear.

Timestamps:

00:00 Understanding genes and proteins basics

05:00 Understanding the APOE Protein Function

08:57 Answering the "so what" question

12:02 Discussing Alzheimer's risk and prevention

14:16 Discussing Alzheimer's risk and treatments

20:17 Understanding genetic risk and biomarkers

21:53 Discussing genetic testing decisions

25:16 Discussing APOE and Alzheimer's treatment

27:30 Ending the conversation

Dr. Todd Levine on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-levinemd/

Neuro Concierge - https://neuro-concierge.com/

Podcast - https://what-id-tell-my-family.beam.ly/

What I´d Tell My Family Podcast on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-id-tell-my-family/

Podcast Partner - https://www.tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”