Happy & Healthy with Amy

Hosted by Amy Lang

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361

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Oct 2026

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Do you want to protect your brain from Alzheimer's disease so you can be sharp and stay sharp for life? This podcast is for you. Your host, Amy Lang, master certified health coach and founder of Moxie Club will be sharing with you the lessons learned and insights gained from 20+ years as a health club owner and Alzheimer's prevention coach. For more information, visit www.moxie-club.com

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October 21, 2026Episode 6332 min

Alzheimer's Diagnosis: The 5 Questions to Ask

If your mom or dad has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), does that mean they have Alzheimer's disease? Not necessarily. MCI and dementia describe changes in memory and thinking. But neither diagnosis, by itself, tells you what's causing those changes. And Alzheimer's isn't the only possibility. So how do doctors figure out whether it's actually Alzheimer's? What can memory tests, MRIs, and the newer Alzheimer's blood tests tell us? And what questions should you be asking along the way? In this episode, I'll walk you through the Alzheimer's diagnosis process, explain why getting an accurate diagnosis matters, and share five questions that can help you advocate for someone you love. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR [00:00] Why an MCI diagnosis doesn't automatically mean your parent has Alzheimer's disease [05:08] The critical difference between MCI, dementia, and Alzheimer's—and why it matters [06:34] Why getting an early, accurate Alzheimer's diagnosis matters for treatment options [11:42] What else could be causing memory problems besides Alzheimer's? [13:32] Why your observations about a parent's memory and behavior are so valuable to doctors [14:45] What cognitive screening tests like MoCA, MMSE, and SLUMS can—and cannot—tell you [15:29] When neuropsychological testing may be needed and what it reveals [17:41] What a brain MRI can reveal about cognitive decline—and what it can help rule out [19:36] How Alzheimer's biomarkers, including PET scans, spinal fluid testing, and newer blood tests, are changing the diagnostic process [23:06] Why Alzheimer's biomarkers don't always tell the whole story—and how an accurate diagnosis helps families plan for the future Want to know exactly what to ask at your parent's next appointment? Download my free Alzheimer's Diagnosis Checklist If your mom or dad has been diagnosed with MCI or dementia, remember that the most important question isn't necessarily how to treat Alzheimer's—it's what's actually causing the symptoms? Understanding the diagnosis can help you make informed decisions about treatment, care, and the road ahead. Listen to the full episode, then download my free Is It Really Alzheimer's? A Diagnosis Checklist for Families to bring to your next doctor's appointment. And be sure to follow Happy & Healthy with Amy so you don't miss the next episode, when we'll take a closer look at Alzheimer's biomarker testing. RECOMMENDED COMPLEMENTARY EPISODES Alzheimer's Early Diagnosis: When Should You See a Neurologist? Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The Conversation to Start Early with Sandra Newsome Early Signs of Alzheimer's That Aren't Memory Loss Leqembi or Kisunla? 8 Questions Before You Decide Alzheimer's Prevention: What You Can Do Before Symptoms Start RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @ amylangcoaching and on Facebook @ amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy

October 14, 2026Episode 6254 min

How to Raise Resilient Kids in a Stressful World with Dr. Yolanda Rivera-Caudill

What if protecting your kids from failure is actually making it harder for them to succeed? As parents, we want to make life easier for our children. We often step in when they're struggling, solve problems before they get too big, and try to spare them from disappointment. After all, isn't that what good parents do? But what if... When we constantly rescue our kids, we unintentionally rob them of the very experiences they need to develop confidence, independence, and resilience. In this episode of Happy and Healthy with Amy Lang , I'm joined by pediatrician Dr. Yolanda Rivera-Caudill to explore how to raise resilient kids in a world filled with stress, uncertainty, and pressure to succeed. We discuss why failure isn't something to fear, how to help your children manage difficult emotions, and why learning to tolerate discomfort is an essential life skill. And perhaps most importantly, you'll discover why building resilience in your children starts with how you manage your own emotions. Whether you're raising teenagers, preparing your kids for college, or wondering if you've been doing too much for them, this conversation will give you practical ways to help your children become capable, confident adults. What to Listen For (01:29) What resilience actually means—and why being flexible like a palm tree is more valuable than being unbreakable. (02:45) Why protecting your kids from struggle may be preventing them from developing the very skills they'll need as adults. (03:41) The surprising problem with telling your child "It's okay" when they're upset. (10:57) Why emotional regulation starts with parents, and how your response to stressful situations teaches your children how to handle their own. (12:38) How helicopter and lawnmower parenting can backfire—and why natural consequences are essential for building confidence. (17:00) Why asking "What do you think?" instead of immediately offering a solution builds problem-solving skills—and how boredom encourages independence. (20:08) The critical difference between punishment and consequences, and why one creates better opportunities for learning. (23:40) How to help children distinguish manageable stress from overwhelm—and turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth. (27:13) A simple hand-breathing exercise you can teach your children to help them manage frustration and stressful emotions. (37:44) What Dr. Rivera-Caudill wishes she'd done differently when raising her three children—and the one parenting practice she's especially glad she embraced. Raising resilient kids doesn't mean protecting them from every disappointment. It means giving them opportunities to struggle, solve problems, manage emotions, and discover what they're capable of. Listen to this episode of Happy and Healthy with Amy Lang to discover practical ways to build resilience in your children, and be sure to follow the show so you don't miss future conversations about creating a healthier, happier life. Important Links and Resources Learn more about Purpose & Plants — Dr. Rivera-Caudill's lifestyle medicine and family wellness initiative Dr. Rivera-Caudill on Instagram — @thedoctorbeet Discover more about Dr. Rivera-Caudill’s practice https://tinybeet.com/ The Compass Method — Dr. Rivera-Caudill's podcast Study Referenced Bureau JS, Mageau GA. Parental autonomy support and honesty: the mediating role of identification with the honesty value and perceived costs and benefits of honesty. J Adolesc. 2014 Apr;37(3):225-36. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2013.12.007. Epub 2014 Jan 28. PMID: 24636683. RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @ amylangcoaching and on Facebook @ amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy

October 7, 2026Episode 6128 min

Leqembi or Kisunla: How Early Can You Get Treatment?

If Alzheimer’s starts in the brain years—sometimes decades—before symptoms appear, why wait until memory problems begin to treat it? That’s the question behind today’s episode. The newer Alzheimer’s drugs Leqembi and Kisunla appear to offer the most promising results when treatment starts early. But “early” doesn’t currently mean before symptoms. So how early can you take them? In this episode, Amy explains where the treatment window begins today, why these anti-amyloid drugs aren’t currently approved for people with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, and what researchers are studying to determine whether that could change. You’ll also learn why having amyloid in your brain does not guarantee that you’ll develop dementia—and why being too early for medication doesn’t mean you’re too early to take meaningful action to protect your brain. In this episode, you’ll learn: How early you can currently start Leqembi or Kisunla The difference between MCI, mild dementia, and preclinical Alzheimer’s disease Why doctors need to confirm that amyloid is present before prescribing an anti-amyloid treatment Why earlier treatment within the current treatment window may produce more promising results How amyloid, tau, inflammation, and neurodegeneration fit into Alzheimer’s progression Why removing amyloid later in the disease process may have less impact What the AHEAD 3-45 and TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 3 prevention trials are trying to discover Why amyloid in the brain does not automatically mean dementia is inevitable The risks and treatment burden that must be weighed against the potential benefits of earlier treatment What you can start doing today if your goal is to prevent or delay cognitive decline Download Amy’s free RESTORED Protocol: amylangcoaching.com Use it to assess the major lifestyle areas that support brain health and identify the next step you can take toward building an Alzheimer’s-resistant brain. Related episodes: Listen to Amy’s Leqembi and Kisunla series, including: Leqembi or Kisunla? 8 Things You Need to Know Before You Decide Understanding ARIA: How Risky Are Leqembi and Kisunla? Alzheimer’s Early Diagnosis: When Should You See a Neurologist? Memory and thinking problems do not automatically mean Alzheimer’s disease. There are multiple possible causes of cognitive impairment, including conditions that may be treatable or potentially reversible. And if Alzheimer’s is the cause, the disease-modifying treatments available today are designed specifically for the early symptomatic stages. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional or ask for a referral to a neurologist. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @ amylangcoaching and on Facebook @ amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy

September 30, 2026Episode 6037 min

Alzheimer’s Prevention: What You Can Do Before Symptoms Start

If Alzheimer’s runs in your family, you may find yourself wondering: Is this going to happen to me? You may worry about losing your memory, your independence, or your ability to make your own decisions. And every forgotten name or misplaced pair of glasses can suddenly feel a little more loaded. But here’s what I want you to know: your genes are not your destiny. We now know that the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s can begin 10, 20, or even 30 years before noticeable symptoms appear. And while that may sound scary at first, there’s another way to look at it: that long runway may give us an important window for Alzheimer’s prevention. In this episode, I’m breaking down what prevention actually means in real life. We’ll talk about preclinical Alzheimer’s, amyloid and tau, the prevention trials testing whether treating earlier can protect cognitive function, and a finding involving people in their 50s and early 60s that I found particularly encouraging. Because the goal isn’t simply to avoid an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It’s to stay sharp, curious, independent, and fully engaged in your life for as long as possible. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 00:00 — What Alzheimer’s prevention really means in real life. It’s about more than keeping a blood test negative. It’s about protecting your memory, independence, judgment, relationships, and ability to live life on your terms. 03:47 — Myth #1: “Alzheimer’s runs in my family, so I’m probably going to get it.” Learn why family history and APOE4 can affect risk without determining your future. 06:11 — Myth #2: Alzheimer’s is a disease of old age. The symptoms may appear later in life, but Alzheimer’s-related brain changes can begin 10, 20, or even 30 years earlier. 07:18 — What “preclinical Alzheimer’s” actually means. You can have Alzheimer’s-related biological changes while still thinking normally, working, driving, and managing everyday life. 09:03 — Amyloid vs. tau: the wildfire analogy. Amyloid may act more like kindling, while the spread of tau appears to track more closely with brain-cell loss and cognitive decline. 13:33 — Are we treating Alzheimer’s too late? Learn what the AHEAD and TRAILBLAZER-ALZ prevention trials are testing in people who are still cognitively normal. 15:42 — The midlife finding I found especially encouraging. Researchers stopped screening 55- to 64-year-olds for one major prevention trial because so many weren't reaching the required p-tau217 blood-test cutoff. 18:07 — Why “earlier treatment” doesn't automatically mean “better choice.” Anti-amyloid drugs can have serious risks, which means preventing or delaying the need for treatment remains an important goal. 20:14 — Prevention vs. cure vs. reversal. These words aren't interchangeable. Learn what each would actually mean for Alzheimer's disease—and where medicine stands today. 27:00 — Why I want us to aim higher than “not getting dementia.” Meet the “superagers” and consider a new goal: building a brain that stays sharp, curious, resilient, and engaged as you age. Alzheimer’s prevention doesn’t have to begin with a brain scan, blood test, or prescription. For most healthy people, it can begin much earlier—with the daily choices that support a stronger, more resilient brain. So instead of asking only, How do I avoid dementia? , let’s aim higher: How do I give myself the best possible chance of staying cognitively strong as I age? Listen to the full episode, subscribe to Happy & Healthy with Amy , and download my free RESTORED Protocol to learn the eight essential protective factors you can start working on now. Episode about ARIA and anti-amyloid treatment risks: https://youtu.be/sjof-a6ow6M Anti-Amyloid Treatment Checklist: https://www.amylangcoaching.com/treatmentchecklist National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @ amylangcoaching and on Facebook @ amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy

September 23, 2026Episode 5931 min

Alzheimer’s Prevention: The 3 Levels You Need To Know

You hear the phrase Alzheimer’s prevention all the time. But what if the disease process has already started before you know it? What if Alzheimer’s-related changes are already happening in your brain—but you have no memory problems, no cognitive symptoms, and no idea anything is going on? Can we still call that prevention? And here’s another question: As Alzheimer’s testing gets earlier and more sensitive, is knowing sooner always better? In this episode, we’re unpacking what Alzheimer’s prevention really means, why timing changes the goal, and the surprising reason more testing isn’t automatically better. Because depending on where someone is in the disease process, we may be trying to prevent very different things. And understanding that distinction can completely change the way you interpret the next Alzheimer’s headline you see. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 00:00 — Why “Alzheimer’s prevention” may not mean what you think it means. The distinction that changes the entire conversation. 01:11 — What cancer can teach us about Alzheimer’s prevention. Why Amy uses screening, early detection, and treatment as a surprisingly useful analogy. 03:00 — When prevention really does mean preventing disease. Where blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise, sleep, diabetes, hearing loss, and other modifiable risk factors fit. 05:15 — The problem with the “45% preventable” statistic. What that number does—and does not—mean for your personal Alzheimer’s risk. 07:30 — What if Alzheimer’s has already started in the brain? The point where the definition of prevention gets much murkier. 10:00 — Three versions of “Alzheimer’s disease” that are easy to confuse. Why pathology, clinical disease, and dementia aren’t interchangeable. 13:00 — Could treating Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear actually work? The research question scientists are now trying to answer. 16:00 — When prevention starts looking a lot more like treatment. What changes once cognitive symptoms appear. 19:15 — The fourth kind of prevention most people have never heard of. And why it could become increasingly important as Alzheimer’s testing gets earlier. 21:00 — Should you get tested just because a test exists? The question Amy believes matters more than simply asking, “Can I?” The most important takeaway from this episode is that there may be something you can do at every stage—but the stage changes the goal. What we’re trying to prevent at age 52 with no signs of disease may be very different from what we’re trying to prevent once Alzheimer’s-related pathology or cognitive symptoms are present. Listen to the full episode to understand where primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary prevention fit—and why these distinctions may become even more important as Alzheimer’s testing and treatment continue to evolve. And if this episode helps you think differently about Alzheimer’s prevention, follow Happy & Healthy with Amy and share it with someone who has been wondering what they can actually do to protect their brain. RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @ amylangcoaching and on Facebook @ amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy

September 16, 2026Episode 5828 min

Early Signs of Alzheimer's That Aren’t Memory Loss

You probably already know that memory changes can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. But what about taking twice as long to finish familiar tasks? Or becoming more withdrawn? Those are the kinds of changes most people never connect to brain health. And that creates a problem: if you’re only watching for memory loss, you may be overlooking other changes worth paying attention to. In the previous episode, we talked about why early diagnosis matters . Today, we’re answering the question that comes next: What exactly should you be looking for? What to Listen For 00:00 — When does a frustrating memory lapse become something worth paying attention to? One forgotten word isn’t the issue. Amy explains what matters more. 03:30 — The 4 questions to ask before assuming the worst. This simple filter can help you separate an isolated “brain glitch” from a pattern that deserves a closer look. 07:10 — The memory distinction that changes how you think about forgetting. There’s an important difference between struggling to retrieve information and not retaining it in the first place. 11:00 — Misplacing something isn’t necessarily the red flag. What happens after you realize it’s missing may be much more revealing. 13:30 — An early change that can show up while driving or navigating. It may begin far more subtly than getting lost somewhere familiar. 14:45 — Why being able to complete a familiar task doesn’t always mean nothing has changed. Sometimes the clue is hidden in how much harder your brain has to work. 17:05 — The signs the people around you may notice before you do. Some early changes have surprisingly little to do with memory. 18:30 — The unexpected sense that may offer clues about brain health. It’s not diagnostic, but it’s one most people would never think to mention to their doctor. 20:00 — When several small changes start becoming a pattern. Amy explains when it may be time to stop monitoring on your own and start a conversation with a healthcare professional. 23:30 — What can you actually do with this information? Amy shares what a major lifestyle study found about cognition—and why your next step shouldn’t be trying to change everything at once. If you haven’t listened to the previous episode on why early diagnosis matters , listen to that one next. Then download the free RESTORED Protocol, choose one small action you can take today to support your brain health, and share this episode with someone who may be wondering about changes in themselves or someone they love. Recommended Complimentary Episodes Alzheimer’s Early Diagnosis: When Should You See a Neurologist? Why getting answers sooner matters. Do Leqembi and Kisunla Work? The 2 Key Factors. Start here for Part 1 of Amy’s three-part anti-amyloid series. Learn why the stage of Alzheimer’s disease and tau burden can influence how meaningful treatment benefit may be. Understanding ARIA: How Risky Are Leqembi and Kisunla? Part 2 explains the brain swelling and bleeding risk that comes with anti-amyloid treatment, why ARIA exists on a spectrum, and why individual risk factors matter. Leqembi or Kisunla? 8 Questions Before You Decide. The natural next listen after Episode 356. Amy walks families through the questions to consider when a neurologist says someone with MCI or early Alzheimer’s may qualify for treatment. Alzheimer’s Drugs: Why Amyloid Removal May Not Be Enough. Learn why successfully clearing amyloid from the brain doesn’t necessarily translate into meaningful improvements in memory or daily function, and how tau, neuroinflammation, and timing factor into the Alzheimer’s disease process. RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @ amylangcoaching and on Facebook @ amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy

September 9, 2026Episode 5730 min

Alzheimer’s Early Diagnosis: When Should You See a Neurologist?

You forget a word you’ve known forever. Miss an appointment you normally would never forget. Or maybe your mom tells the same story three times during dinner. And suddenly the thought appears: What if this is Alzheimer’s? Then comes the question that can keep people stuck for months—or even years: Do I really want to know? In this episode of Happy & Healthy with Amy , we’re talking about why so many people delay getting memory changes evaluated, what that waiting period may quietly be costing you, and why seeing a neurologist doesn’t necessarily mean getting the answer you fear most. You’ll also learn why timing matters more now than it did just a few years ago, the mistake families often make when trying to convince a reluctant parent to get checked, and one potential outcome of an evaluation that rarely gets talked about. If you’ve been wondering whether you—or someone you love—should see a neurologist, this episode will help you understand what may be at stake before you decide to wait. What To Listen For [00:00] The kitchen moment that can instantly trigger the fear: “What if this is how Alzheimer’s starts?” [06:22] What Amy means by a meaningful cognitive change—and why a change from your personal baseline matters more than an occasional forgotten word [07:09] Five thoughts that can keep you from making the appointment, including “It’s just normal aging” and “There’s nothing you can do” [12:53] Why avoiding an Alzheimer’s evaluation may temporarily preserve hope—but can also prolong chronic stress and uncertainty [14:54] Other conditions that can look like cognitive decline, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems, depression, medication effects, vascular disease, and menopause-related changes [15:42] The possibility almost nobody talks about: your neurologist may be able to tell you that you don’t have Alzheimer’s [17:42] Why an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis can preserve access to newer treatment conversations—including Leqembi and Kisunla [19:06] How getting answers earlier can protect your voice in decisions involving treatment, finances, driving, living arrangements, and medical preferences [21:40] How to approach a parent or partner who refuses to see a neurologist without creating even more resistance [25:11] The difference between investigating symptoms now and the “hidden window” before symptoms—and what prevention studies such as AHEAD are trying to learn Fear may tell you that avoiding the appointment protects you from bad news. But not knowing doesn’t eliminate the uncertainty—and an evaluation may bring answers, options, or even relief. If you’ve noticed a meaningful cognitive change in yourself or someone you love, listen to the full episode and consider making that next appointment. Then subscribe to Happy & Healthy with Amy so you don’t miss future episodes on Alzheimer’s prevention, early diagnosis, and the choices families may face after a diagnosis. Recommended Complimentary Episodes Do Leqembi and Kisunla Work? The 2 Key Factors. Start here for Part 1 of Amy’s three-part anti-amyloid series. Learn why the stage of Alzheimer’s disease and tau burden can influence how meaningful treatment benefit may be. Understanding ARIA: How Risky Are Leqembi and Kisunla? Part 2 explains the brain swelling and bleeding risk that comes with anti-amyloid treatment, why ARIA exists on a spectrum, and why individual risk factors matter. Leqembi or Kisunla? 8 Questions Before You Decide. The natural next listen after Episode 356. Amy walks families through the questions to consider when a neurologist says someone with MCI or early Alzheimer’s may qualify for treatment. Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The Conversation to Start Early with Sandra Newsome. A strong companion for listeners who receive a diagnosis and immediately wonder what conversations need to happen with the people they love. Alzheimer’s Drugs: Why Amyloid Removal May Not Be Enough. Learn why successfully clearing amyloid from the brain doesn’t necessarily translate into meaningful improvements in memory or daily function, and how tau, neuroinflammation, and timing factor into the Alzheimer’s disease process. RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @ amylangcoaching and on Facebook @ amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy

September 2, 2026Episode 5633 min

Leqembi or Kisunla? 8 Questions Before You Decide

Your mom or dad has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s, and the neurologist says Leqembi or Kisunla may be an option. Now comes the harder question: Just because they qualify, does that mean treatment is actually worth it? There are a few pieces of information that can meaningfully change that answer. Some are obvious. Others are easy to misunderstand. And one commonly discussed Alzheimer’s biomarker may not tell you nearly as much about treatment benefit as you might assume. In this final episode of my three-part series, I’ll show you how to put benefit, risk, treatment burden, and your parent’s priorities into the same decision. And I’ll give you one question to ask the neurologist that may reveal more than almost anything else you ask during the appointment. What to Listen For [00:00] Why being eligible for Leqembi or Kisunla is only the beginning of the decision [02:15] The first thing that needs to be established before treatment is even considered [07:00] The Alzheimer’s biomarker that sounds more predictive than it actually is [09:15] Why a small-looking trial result may—or may not—matter more over time [11:34] The five factors that can shift ARIA risk higher or lower [16:15] Why ARIA risk factors can guide the conversation without predicting exactly what will happen [21:21] The practical differences between Leqembi and Kisunla that may matter to your family [23:15] Why comparing their headline trial percentages can lead you to the wrong conclusion [24:25] The medical question versus the personal question [29:00] The one neurologist question that may reveal more than almost anything else you ask Listen to the full episode, download the free decision-making checklist , and bring it to your next neurology appointment so you can ask better questions and participate more confidently in the conversation. And if this three-part series has helped your family, please subscribe to Happy and Healthy with Amy and share it with the brother, sister, spouse, or friend who is navigating this decision with you. Recommended Complimentary Episodes Part 1: Do Leqembi and Kisunla Work? The 2 Key Factors Start here for the efficacy data and why disease stage and tau burden matter. Part 2: Understanding ARIA: How Risky Are Leqembi and Kisunla? The essential companion to this episode, covering brain swelling, bleeding, APOE4 and MRI monitoring. Is Alzheimer's Really Hereditary? What you need to know about APOE4 and your genetic risk. How to Prevent Cognitive Decline: What the U.S. POINTER Study Reveals. RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @ amylangcoaching and on Facebook @ amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy

August 26, 2026Episode 5531 min

Understanding ARIA: How Risky Are Leqembi and Kisunla?

If your mom or dad has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s, you may be weighing whether one of the newer treatments— Leqembi or Kisunla —could be worth considering. And then you hear the words brain swelling and bleeding . For a lot of families, that’s the moment the conversation stops. But here’s the problem: those words don’t tell you the whole story. The ARIA rates reported in Alzheimer’s drug trials can sound alarming when you hear them on their own. What they don’t tell you is what those cases actually looked like, how often symptoms occurred, why some people are at higher risk than others, or how doctors monitor for problems before they become more serious. That’s what we’re unpacking in Part 2 of this three-part series. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what ARIA—amyloid-related imaging abnormalities—actually means , why it happens, how it differs from an infusion reaction, and why the top-line percentages may not tell you nearly enough about your loved one’s individual risk. We’ll also look at an important question that doesn’t get enough attention: Why can two people taking the same Alzheimer’s drug have very different risk profiles? And there’s one more piece of the story that matters if you’re comparing Leqembi and Kisunla. The numbers from the original clinical trials are not necessarily the whole picture today. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR [00:00] Why hearing “brain swelling and bleeding” can make these treatments sound scarier than the full data suggests [05:05] How to tell the difference between an infusion reaction and something happening specifically in the brain [10:18] What the ARIA spectrum actually looks like—and why one percentage can hide very different outcomes [14:17] Why comparing the headline ARIA rates for Leqembi and Kisunla may lead you to the wrong conclusion [16:48] The blood-vessel condition that may help explain why ARIA happens in the first place [20:53] Why APOE4 status can dramatically change the risk conversation [20:53] What a baseline MRI can reveal before treatment even begins [20:53] Why blood thinners make the risk-benefit discussion more complicated [20:53] How ARIA can mimic a stroke—and why that matters in an emergency [25:57] Why anti-amyloid drugs are only one piece of a much bigger Alzheimer’s treatment strategy BEFORE YOU DECIDE THE RISK IS TOO HIGH The big takeaway from this episode is that a clinical-trial ARIA percentage is not the same thing as your loved one’s individual risk . The type of ARIA matters. Whether symptoms are present matters. Genetics matter. Baseline MRI findings matter. Other medications matter. And even the way the drug is dosed may matter. That’s why this decision deserves more than a scary headline or a single percentage. In Part 1, we looked at the potential benefits of these newer anti-amyloid treatments. In this episode, we’re looking at the risks. And in Part 3, we’ll put both sides together and walk through a framework you can use to have a more informed conversation with your neurologist. If this episode helps you better understand the questions worth asking, follow or subscribe to Happy and Healthy with Amy so you don’t miss Part 3. And please share this episode with someone who is trying to make sense of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or treatment decision. Because the more you understand what the numbers actually mean, the better prepared you’ll be to ask the questions that matter. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please work with a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment decisions. RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @ amylangcoaching and on Facebook @ amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy

August 19, 2026Episode 5433 min

Do Leqembi and Kisunla Work? The 2 Key Factors

If your mom or dad has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease, you may suddenly be facing a decision you never expected to make: Should they take Leqembi or Kisunla? And if you’ve already read headlines saying anti-amyloid drugs offer little to no clinically meaningful benefit, that decision gets even more confusing. In this episode, I’m taking a closer look at the newer FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drugs—specifically lecanemab and donanemab—and an important question that can get lost when we look only at the averages: Does the stage of Alzheimer’s disease and the amount of tau already in the brain change how well these treatments work? The answer appears to be yes. In Part 1 of this three-part series, I’ll walk you through the evidence, explain why tau may be one of the most important pieces of this conversation, and help you understand who appears most likely to benefit from the newest Alzheimer’s treatments. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR: [00:00] The question families face after an MCI or early Alzheimer’s diagnosis? [03:39] Why the conclusion from the Cochrane review deserves another look [05:47] Why pooling data may hide an important treatment signal. [09:06] The main criticism of the Cochrane review [15:48] Why “early is everything” when it comes to Alzheimer’s treatment [15:00] Amyloid vs. tau explained [20:12] Why removing amyloid may have far less impact once tau levels are high [26:46] What the donanemab data shows when researchers separate people based on their tau burden and stage of disease. [27:17] What the lecanemab data really says [29:57] The two questions Amy recommends asking a neurologist before deciding The biggest takeaway from this episode isn’t that the Cochrane review was “wrong.” It’s that averages can hide important differences between patients. In Part 2, we’re talking about the risks , including ARIA, brain swelling and bleeding, and the factors that may make someone more vulnerable. Listen to the episode, subscribe to Happy & Healthy with Amy , and share this series with someone who is trying to make sense of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment options. RECOMMENDED EPISODES BrightFocus Foundation – Let’s Talk Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Prevention: What the Cochrane Review Means Alzheimer’s Drugs: Why Amyloid Removal May Not Be Enough After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: A Family Checklist My Mom Was Diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Am I Next? RESOURCES: Take the Quiz: Is It Just Brain Fog? Download After Mom’s Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The First 8 Things to Know and learn how to support her with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Download the RESTORED Protocol: Eight Essential Protective Factors to Build an Alzheimer's-Resistant Brain Download the FREE Excerpt of Thoughts Are Habits Too Schedule your Breakthrough Roadmap session with Amy Follow Amy on Instagram @ amylangcoaching and on Facebook @ amylangcoaching Subscribe to Amy's YouTube channel @happyandhealthywithamy