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.”

Welcome to What I'd Tell My Family. In today’s episode, Dr. Todd Levine demystifies the latest advances in Alzheimer’s diagnosis, specifically, the new blood tests that can spot warning signs years before symptoms appear. These groundbreaking tests are creating buzz everywhere from the New York Times to CNN, but what do they actually mean for you and your family? Dr. Todd Levine will walk us through the science behind these biomarkers, explain who should consider getting tested, and share the honest guidance he’d give his own loved ones when faced with tough decisions. No hype, no sugarcoating, just practical information and real talk to help you navigate the new era of Alzheimer’s prevention and care.

Timestamps:

00:00 FDA approves Alzheimer's blood test

04:12 Detecting Alzheimer's with P Tau 217

10:26 Understanding Alzheimer's Risk Factors

12:36 Determining Alzheimer's with blood tests

15:18 Emerging Alzheimer's treatments and trials

18:25 Advantages of P Tau 217 test

23:38 Discussing Alzheimer’s treatment options

25:48 Discussing genetics and dementia testing

28:21 Value of proactive health testing

31:35 Discussing Alzheimer's blood 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.”

Have you ever left a neurologist’s office with more questions than answers? Or struggled with a diagnosis that felt like the end of the road instead of a new beginning? On this premiere episode of What I’d Tell My Family, host and renowned neurologist Dr. Todd Levine to uncover the philosophy that drives his uniquely patient-centered approach to care. Drawing on decades of experience and his own journey as a patient—Dr. Todd Levine explains why every recommendation he gives starts with two fundamental questions: what does the science say, and what would I do if this were my own family? Together, they explore the challenges in today’s medical system, the importance of meaningful conversation and connection, and practical ways both patients and doctors can work as a team—especially when facing difficult neurologic diseases like ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. Whether you’re seeking hope, better answers, or a more personal approach to brain health, this episode sets the stage for an enlightening look at what compassionate, individualized neurology truly means.

00:00 Personal health journey insights

04:20 Honoring patient's final wishes

09:14 Early detection in concierge medicine

13:33 Comprehensive patient health evaluation

17:49 Importance of gradual physical activity

18:56 Improving Health Through Exercise and Nutrition

24:39 Experiences as patient and caregiver

25:27 Simplifying complex neurologic diseases

29:31 Improving patient outcomes in neurology

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.”