When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, the first images that come to mind are often hand tremors, muscle stiffness, and trouble walking. But what if the story starts long before those classic symptoms, sometimes decades earlier, with subtle clues like constipation, loss of smell, or unusual sleep disturbances? In this episode of “What I’d Tell My Family,” Dr. Todd Levine unveils the hidden early signs of Parkinson’s that often go unnoticed, reveals the latest research on how the disease can quietly begin in the gut or body before reaching the brain, and shares what he’d want his own loved ones to know about early risks, prevention, and the groundbreaking ways we can now detect Parkinson’s before it ever affects movement. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one, curious about cutting-edge science, or just want to demystify this complex disease, this conversation brings practical advice and hope for the future.

Timestamps:

00:00 Theories on Parkinson's disease origins

04:36 Early signs of Parkinson's disease

08:55 Constipation linked to Parkinson's research

10:18 Early diagnosis and preventative neurology

16:11 Detecting proteins linked to Parkinson's

18:10 Speeding up Parkinson's drug trials

21:54 The era of preventative neurology

24:20 Early warning signs of Parkinson's

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

FOX10 Talks: World Alzheimer’s Day - Part 1 & Part 2

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/

Book - Your Brain's Second Chance by Dr. Todd Levine

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

Welcome back to What I'd Tell My Family, the show where renowned neurologist Dr. Todd Levine answers your most pressing questions about brain and nerve health, the same way he would for his loved ones. In this special episode, Dr. Levine discusses his new book, Your Brain's Second Chance, co-authored with his wife Samantha, which challenges the idea that cognitive decline is inevitable. You'll hear how the latest advances in preventative neurology, lifestyle choices, and emerging biomarkers are reshaping our ability to protect and even optimize our brains as we age. Dr. Todd Levine shares insights from decades of experience, practical advice on sleep, diet, exercise, and stress management, and reveals why taking an active role in our brain health matters now more than ever. Whether you're concerned about family history or simply want to boost your cognitive health, this conversation offers hope and actionable steps for every listener.

Timestamps:

00:00 Preventative neurology and biomarkers

03:59 Father-in-law's health journey

08:44 Maintaining brain health as we age

11:39 Importance of REM sleep for brain health

15:30 Brain health and social interaction

18:04 Book offers tools for healthy lifestyle

21:01 Wrapping up the episode

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

FOX10 Talks: World Alzheimer’s Day - Part 1 & Part 2

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/

Book - Your Brain's Second Chance by Dr. Todd Levine

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

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/

FOX10 Talks: World Alzheimer’s Day - Part 1 & Part 2

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/

Book - Your Brain's Second Chance by Dr. Todd Levine

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