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Re-Think Aging with Cynthia Libert, M.D.
Where Science Meets Soul, and Midlife Becomes a Launching Point for Your Most Vibrant Years
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32. E32: You Found Out You Have the Alzheimer's Gene. Here's What to Do Next.
49:07||Season 1, Ep. 32Free Strategy Session with Dr. CindyIn this episode, Dr. Cindy welcomes back Carol McCarthy, certified brain health coach and functional genomics specialist at Caring for the Body, PLLC Center for Functional Medicine, to tackle one of the most emotionally charged conversations in brain health: what it means to carry the APOE4 allele, commonly called the Alzheimer's gene. With compassion and clinical clarity, they walk through what this gene actually does in the body, why having it is not a diagnosis, and why so many people who carry it never develop Alzheimer's disease at all.Dr. Cindy and Carol explain that APOE is not, first and foremost, an Alzheimer's gene. Its primary job is transporting cholesterol and fats throughout the brain, supporting neuronal repair, clearing debris, and maintaining the brain's internal environment. The APOE4 variant simply does this job a little less efficiently, and when combined with a modern lifestyle full of chronic stress, poor sleep, ultra-processed foods, and environmental toxins, that reduced efficiency can accumulate over decades into meaningful risk. Carol shares her memorable garbage truck analogy to bring this science to life, and both she and Dr. Cindy emphasize that the very lifestyle factors driving that risk are largely within our control.The episode closes with a rapid-fire Q&A covering the questions APOE4 carriers ask most: coffee, alcohol, creatine, fish oil, saturated fat, fasting, sauna, hormone therapy for women, strength training versus cardio, sleep apnea, and whether there is a supplement stack worth following. Dr. Cindy answers each one with her characteristic mix of nuance and practicality, always returning to the same core message: the goal is not a perfect protocol, it is a personalized, sustainable approach to building the healthiest brain possible.You'll learn:What the APOE Gene Actually Does in the Brain and Why APOE4 Affects Alzheimer's RiskWhy Carrying APOE4 Is Not a Diagnosis and Does Not Determine Your DestinyThe Evolutionary Reason APOE4 Survived and Why It Clashes with the Modern WorldWhat the Science Says About Coffee, Alcohol, Creatine, Fasting, and Hormone Therapy for APOE4 CarriersThe First Steps to Take If You Just Found Out You Carry the APOE4 AlleleYou are invited to join the Re-Think Aging Community to access resources for your journeyResources Mentioned In This Episode:Dr. Stacy Sims Dr. Dale Bredesen and the Pacific Neuroscience Institute The Re-Think Aging Community Free Strategy Session with Dr. Cindy CaringForTheBody.orgSubscribe now for new episodes on the first and third Mondays of each month, and receive inspiration to help you live with more clarity, peace, and purpose, from the inside out.Connect with Carol McCarthy: Caring For The Body LinkedInConnect with Dr. Cindy: Linktree Strategy SessionProduced by: Social ChameleonMedical Disclaimer: The Re-Think Aging Podcast features diverse expert perspectives. Statements made by guests represent their own views and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Libert, M.D., or Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine.Content shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health decisions.
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31. E31: Is There a Blood Test for Alzheimer's? What New Biomarkers Reveal Before Symptoms Appear
53:02||Season 1, Ep. 31Free Strategy Session with Dr. CindyIn this episode, Dr. Cindy is joined by co-host Carol McCarthy, functional genomics specialist and brain health coach at Caring for the Body, PLLC Center for Functional Medicine, for a conversation that is changing what is possible in Alzheimer's prevention. Together they unpack three emerging blood biomarkers, p-tau217, neurofilament light (NfL), and GFAP, that can reveal biological changes in the brain before significant cognitive symptoms ever appear. For the first time, a conversation that once had to wait until memory loss was obvious can now begin years, even decades, earlier.Dr. Cindy walks through what each biomarker measures and what it can and cannot tell us. P-tau217 looks for Alzheimer's-related pathology developing in the brain. NfL signals active neuronal injury, though from any cause. GFAP reflects whether the brain's support cells are responding to stress or damage. No single marker tells the whole story, and none of them delivers a diagnosis, but together and placed in the context of a patient's full history, genetics, lifestyle, and cognitive testing, they open a powerful window for proactive action.Carol brings the coaching perspective, addressing the fear, hypervigilance, and overwhelm that can follow an abnormal result. She shares how she helps patients shift from "Am I going to get Alzheimer's?" to "What can I do to build the healthiest brain possible?" and how sustainable change comes not from overhauling everything at once, but from finding the next best step, building a small win, and letting momentum carry the journey forward.You'll learn:➡️ What p-tau217, NfL, and GFAP Each Measure and What They Cannot Tell You➡️ Why These Biomarkers Open a Window for Prevention Before Symptoms Appear➡️ How to Hold Abnormal Results Without Fear, Catastrophizing, or Hypervigilance➡️ How Genetic Factors Like APOE4 Interact with Lifestyle to Shape Alzheimer's Risk➡️ Why Sustainable Brain Health Is Built on Small Consistent Steps, Not Overnight OverhaulsYou are invited to join the Re-Think Aging Community to access resources for your journeyResources Mentioned In This Episode:NeuroCode The Re-Think Aging Community Free Strategy Session with Dr. Cindy CaringForTheBody.orgSubscribe now for new episodes on the first and third Mondays of each month, and receive inspiration to help you live with more clarity, peace, and purpose, from the inside out.Connect with Carol:Caring For The Body LinkedInConnect with Dr. Cindy: LinktreeStrategy SessionProduced by: Social ChameleonMedical Disclaimer: The Re-Think Aging Podcast features diverse expert perspectives. Statements made by guests represent their own views and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Libert, M.D., or Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine.Content shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health decisions.
30. E30: Why Is My Brain So Foggy? 5 Root Causes and How to Clear Them
18:49||Season 1, Ep. 30Free Strategy Session with Dr. CindyBrain fog is one of the most common complaints Dr. Cindy hears in her clinical practice, and one of the most misunderstood. In this focused, practical episode of Re-Think Aging, she draws on more than two decades of functional medicine experience to walk through the five most common root causes of brain fog, and why so many of them are reversible with the right approach.Dr. Cindy reframes brain fog not as an inevitable part of aging, but as a meaningful signal worth investigating. She walks through each of the five root causes with clinical clarity, explaining how poor sleep, blood sugar swings, hormonal shifts, missing nutrients, and hidden inflammation can quietly rob the brain of its sharpness. Drawing on her own experience with brain fog during a season of chronic stress and sleep deprivation, she brings both the perspective of a physician and the honesty of someone who has lived it.Rather than offering quick fixes, Dr. Cindy presents a root-cause roadmap that empowers listeners to ask better questions, work with their healthcare providers, and take meaningful action. The message throughout is one of hope: brain fog is often a signal, not a sentence, and understanding what your body is communicating is the first step toward getting your clarity back.You'll learn:Why Sleep Quality Matters More Than Sleep Quantity for Brain FunctionHow Blood Sugar Instability and Insulin Resistance Cloud Mental ClarityThe Role of Thyroid and Sex Hormone Decline in Midlife Brain FogWhich Key Nutrients the Brain Needs to Function at Its BestHow Chronic Inflammation and Medications Can Quietly Impair CognitionViewers are invited to join the Re-Think Aging Community to access resources for their journeyResources Mentioned In This Episode:Free Strategy Session with Dr. Cindy The Re-Think Aging Community CaringForTheBody.orgSubscribe now for new episodes on the first and third Mondays of each month, and receive inspiration to help you live with more clarity, peace, and purpose, from the inside out.Connect with Dr. Cindy: Linktree Strategy SessionProduced by: Social Chameleon
29. E29: Ann Huntington, M.D. — The Hormone Mistakes Keeping Women Tired, Stressed & Aging Faster
43:41||Season 1, Ep. 29Free Strategy Session with Dr. CindyIn this enlightening episode, Dr. Cindy welcomes Ann Huntington, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician, founder of Digna Whole Health, and an expert in women's health, functional medicine, longevity, and bioidentical hormone therapy. Together, they unpack one of the most misunderstood seasons of a woman's life, perimenopause, and explain why understanding hormonal changes early can dramatically improve long-term health and quality of life.Dr. Ann shares how declining progesterone often marks the beginning of perimenopause, why anxiety, insomnia, and brain fog frequently appear years before menopause, and how hormones influence far more than reproductive health. Their conversation explores the profound effects hormones have on the brain, heart, metabolism, bones, muscles, and longevity while addressing common misconceptions surrounding hormone replacement therapy.The discussion also moves beyond hormones into the foundational lifestyle practices that support healthy aging, including restorative sleep, strength training, nutrition, stress reduction, community, and simplifying modern life. Dr. Ann offers practical guidance to help women become proactive, and not reactive, as they navigate midlife with confidence and vitality.You are invited to join the Re-Think Aging Community to access resources for your journey Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Digna Whole Health Xella Health Worldlink MedicalAmerican College of Lifestyle MedicineSubscribe now for new episodes on the first and third Mondays of each month, and receive inspiration to help you live with more clarity, peace, and purpose, from the inside out.Connect with Dr. Ann & Digna Whole Health:Website LinkedInInstagram Facebook Connect with Dr. Cindy: LinktreeStrategy SessionProduced by: Social ChameleonMedical Disclaimer:The Re-Think Aging Podcast features diverse expert perspectives. Statements made by guests represent their own views and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Libert, M.D., or Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine.Content shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health decisions.
28. E28: What I Wish Every Adult Over 40 Knew About Preventing Dementia
27:28||Season 1, Ep. 28Free Strategy Session with Dr. CindyIn this episode of Re-Think Aging, Dr. Cindy answers one of the most common questions she receives in clinical practice: How do you prevent cognitive decline? After more than two decades of caring for patients, her answer has become surprisingly simple. Rather than relying on one miracle supplement or the latest health trend, she explains why protecting your brain begins with consistently investing in everyday habits that strengthen your entire body and mind.Dr. Cindy explores the powerful connection between emotional health, physical fitness, sleep, relationships, and purpose, showing how each influences brain function and healthy aging. She also explains why muscles are one of our most important longevity organs, how chronic stress physically changes the brain, and why laboratory testing should complement—not replace—the foundational lifestyle habits that support lifelong cognitive health.Whether you're hoping to prevent dementia, improve your energy, or simply age with greater vitality and purpose, this episode offers practical, evidence-based guidance to help you build a healthier future.You'll learn:➡️ Why Emotional and Spiritual Health Are the Foundation of Brain Health➡️ How Strength Training and Muscle Preservation Protect Cognitive Function➡️ Why Quality Sleep Is Essential for Memory, Brain Repair, and Longevity➡️ How Purpose, Relationships, and Stress Resilience Influence Healthy Aging➡️ The Daily Habits That Deliver the Greatest Return for Preventing Cognitive DeclineYou are invited to join the Re-Think Aging Community to access helpful resources for your journey.Resources Mentioned In This Episode:The Re-Think Aging CommunityFree Strategy Session with Dr. CindyCaringForTheBody.orgSubscribe now for new episodes on the first and third Mondays of each month, and receive inspiration to help you live with more clarity, peace, and purpose, from the inside out.Connect with Dr. Cindy: LinktreeStrategy SessionProduced by: Social Chameleon
27. E27: Dr. Regina Druz — Precision Cardiology, Brain Health, and the Science of Flourishing
56:40||Season 1, Ep. 27Free Strategy Session with Dr. CindyIn this fascinating episode, Dr. Cindy welcomes Dr. Regina Druz, M.D., MBA, FACC, integrative cardiologist, founder of Holistic Heart Centers, a pioneer in precision cardiovascular medicine, and author of the upcoming book, Longevity Switches. Together, they explore the powerful connection between heart health, brain health, metabolism, and longevity, revealing why vascular health sits at the center of healthy aging.Drawing from decades of experience in conventional and functional medicine, Dr. Druz explains how genetics influences risk but does not determine destiny. She shares how genomics, lifestyle, advanced diagnostics, and precision medicine can dramatically alter health outcomes and why insulin resistance and cardiometabolic dysfunction are among the biggest drivers of chronic disease.The conversation dives into the emerging role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, the impact of stress on blood vessels and inflammation, and how wearable technology can help us better understand resilience and recovery. Dr. Druz also offers a candid look into her own longevity practices and the mindset shifts that helped her reverse years of chronic stress.Listeners will discover how small, personalized interventions can create profound changes in cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and overall vitality.You are invited to join the Re-Think Aging Community to access resources for your journey.Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Holistic Heart CentersAmerican Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine Oura RingWHOOPThe Let Them Theory by Mel RobbinsDr. Mark HoustonSubscribe now for new episodes on the first and third Mondays of each month, and receive inspiration to help you live with more clarity, peace, and purpose, from the inside out.Connect with Dr. Regina and Holistic Heart Centers:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramConnect with Dr. Cindy: LinktreeStrategy SessionProduced by: Social ChameleonMedical Disclaimer:The Re-Think Aging Podcast features diverse expert perspectives. Statements made by guests represent their own views and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Libert, M.D., or Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine.Content shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health decisions.
26. E26: Dr. Shannan Crawford — The Psychology of Flourishing: How to Heal What’s Secretly Aging You
55:57||Season 1, Ep. 26Free Strategy Session with Dr. CindyIn this deeply insightful episode, Dr. Cindy welcomes Dr. Shannan Crawford, psychologist, executive coach, founder of Crawford Clinics, and host of the Psychology of You Podcast. Together, they explore why so many successful, faith-filled individuals still struggle with burnout, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, chronic stress, and a lingering sense of disconnection.Drawing from two decades of clinical experience and her own personal healing journey, Dr. Crawford explains how unresolved grief, emotional suppression, and spiritual bypassing create internal fragmentation that impacts not only mental and emotional health but also physical well-being and the aging process itself.The conversation examines the powerful connection between chronic stress, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, nervous system dysregulation, and healthy aging. Dr. Shannan shares how healing hidden emotional wounds, integrating disowned parts of ourselves, and developing authentic intimacy with God can restore harmony within the body, soul, and spirit.Listeners will discover practical tools for identifying hidden stress, addressing emotional pain with compassion, and creating what Dr. Shannan calls an “internal board meeting” to begin the process of self-cohesion and true flourishing.You are invited to join the Re-Think Aging Community to access resources for your journey.Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Crawford ClinicsRestoring Self-Cohesion CourseThe Body Keeps the ScoreUnreasonable HospitalityJohn EldredgeBill JohnsonChris VallottonDanny SilkSubscribe now for new episodes on the first and third Mondays of each month, and receive inspiration to help you live with more clarity, peace, and purpose, from the inside out.Connect with Dr. Shannan:Website LinkedInFree Strategy Session LinktreePodcastConnect with Dr. Cindy: LinktreeStrategy SessionProduced by: Social ChameleonMedical Disclaimer:The Re-Think Aging Podcast features diverse expert perspectives. Statements made by guests represent their own views and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Libert, M.D., or Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine.Content shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health decisions.