Fighting for My Life: How to Thrive in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s

by Jamie TenNapel Tyrone, Marwan Noel Sabbagh MD FAAN, John Hanc (Primary Contributor)

A uniquely hopeful exploration of the impact of Alzheimer’s Disease. This book combines the compelling story of Jamie Tyrone - a self-proclaimed “lab rat” diagnosed with a 91 percent chance of contracting AD - with the medical expertise of Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, a leading authority on Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Jamie Tyrone was forty-nine years old when she learned she had a genetic predisposition toward Alzheimer’s disease—in fact, her genes translated to a 91 percent chance that she would contract the disease during her lifetime. Surprised by the way she learned of the diagnosis through genetic testing, and painfully familiar with Alzheimer’s because of her family history and her experience as a nurse, Jamie felt as if she had a ticking time-bomb inside her, ready to go off at any moment.

After an initial bout with depression, Jamie decided to take action rather than concede defeat. She started by founding B.A.B.E.S (Beating Alzheimer’s By Embracing Science) to raise money and awareness in the search for a cure. Energized by that community, Jamie teamed up with renowned neurologist Dr. Marwan Sabbagh to write Fighting for My Life as a practical, helpful guide for those who know they are at greater risk of contracting Alzheimer’s Disease.

This book is unique because it offers expert medical advice from Dr. Sabbagh alongside Jamie’s real-life experiences as a woman living in the shadow of Alzheimer’s. In addition, Fighting for My Life is one of the only books on the market that takes an honest look at the pros, cons, and possible dangers of genetic testing.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Medical, Medicine, Autobiography, Brain

256 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2019

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was a fun book, she says with sarcasm. I suppose you would only pick it up if you were terrified of developing Alzheimer's. Which I am. Apparently, having a first-degree relative doubles or triples my chances of also developing it. Tyrone shares the story of how she inadvertently found out that she has a 91% chance, based on certain genes, as she had participated in a study for something else. She goes through the shock, the depression, the clinical way she was treated (no genetic counseling was a big one), and then her decision to take action by participating in research, raising money and awareness, and helping others. Half of the book is hers, and the other half is Dr Sabbagh, a leading doctor in AD research. At least I gained some ways that I COULD help stave off symptoms by making lifestyle changes, and that there is good reason to have faith in research and treatment. I just hope some of the treatments come to light very, very soon...

[Sheri Freeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very informative regarding Alzheimer’s Disease. My husband found out he has the genotype APOE4/4 which means he has a 91% higher risk of getting AD at some point in his life. I am gathering information to help him with his diet and lifestyle. I heard Dr. Sabbagh on a recent podcast and he seemed to have a lot of insight into AD so I purchased this book. It is written by a patient of Dr. Sabbagh who learned about her APOE4/4 by accident and her journey as well as Dr. Sabbagh’s insights. He discusses what AD is, what’s going on in the research area, lifestyle issues such as diet and exercise, legal advice, caregiver advice and a great appendix state by state of centers that specialize in Alzheimers, dementia and memory care. I thought this book was a great resource for anyone that wants to know more about preventing or delaying Alzheimer Disease.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book that is part memoir and part information. The author was abruptly told that she had an extremely high risk of Alzheimer's (something like 93%) when she did genetic testing to try to find answers about an unrelated medical condition that she was struggling with, and the news sent her into a tailspin. She eventually moved on to create a charity to raise money for research and went public with her story. The book is co-authored by a doctor who has done extensive research on Alzheimer's.

The book talks somewhat about what people can do to minimize their risk of Alzheimer's and also about research. The doctor focuses a little too much on things like hope for a vaccine, which seems like a dubious goal in light of the nature of the disease and what we now know about it. There is some good advice from Ms. Tyrone in terms of lifestyle changes and also coming to terms with it when you learn that you have a high risk.

My rating system:

1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost

I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.

[Denise Millstine Millstine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing fluctuates between memoir and consumer driven non-fiction describing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) genetics, risk, risk reduction, and care giving. Authors are a woman stunned by the knowledge she is genetically predisposed to AD and a medical expert who studies and works with patients with AD. The book is resplendent with information but less engaging as memoir.

Particularly good areas include the expected associations made between lipids, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. More helpful are the associations with traumatic brain injury and the focus on the challenges of being a caregiver. Future medical developments in the field of AD are described thoughtfully and with hope.

People known to be at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease or in its very early stages will benefit from this book. I have already recommended it to a patient struggling with a diagnosis of early AD who had been feeling helpless. The book is empowering - and will lead to greater health for those who read it

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting. Im so glad I heard about it. As someone who got the short end of the stick in the gene department (I have a double copy of the APOE-4 gene discussed in this book), I had accepted that Alzheimer’s would be an inevitable part of my future. Although the worry of someday being dealt this diagnosis still looms, this book left me feeling empowered regarding my brain health with doable actions I can take. It also left me feeling less alone in the double APOE-4 world.
I wish I could be a part of one of Marwan Sabbagh‘s studies. I had a grade 2 diffuse glioneuronal tumor in my hippocampus and amygdala and had a large chunk of that area removed. I wonder if it has any connection with the APOE-4 gene, or if my chances of developing Alzheimer’s is effected by the removal of the memory center of my brain. I wish I could know more!
I am thankful for the knowledge provided in this book though.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was good, being a carer and potential sufferer myself, and gave me some modern and updated news, although American, about the disease and what is being done to 'fight' it. Also some good advice to help with trying to 'prevent' the disease as well as just being healthy both brain and body. Jamie's story was nice but perhaps a little long winded in places. Glad though she is doing her charity work and even getting the word out with this book. Although largely American, much of this book is easy to read and understand and relevant in most places to everyone outside the states. Well worth a read for anyone who is either or both carer and potential sufferer.

[Cynthia Edge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very informative book about Alzheimer's disease and the ways that it can possibly be prevented. I thought I was going to be more of a memoir and not as much of a non-fiction book, so I was not as thrilled with it as I could have been.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book

Part memoir and part science/informational. Lots of interesting info from a doctors point of view, mixed with an actual person who was diagnosed thru genetic testing to have 90%+ chance of getting AD.

[Hui Xiao · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative and easy to understand book on AD. Jamie’s personal journey is very inspiring.

[Paul Vogelzang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC. I enjoyed this book and was surprised and pleased by the story. A little outside my normal range, but this book is excellent.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information!

[Katherine Coble · Rating 3 out of 5]

You could throw a dart in a library, hit any book, and it would be a FAR better “preparing for Alzheimer’s” book than this.