Assorted dietary supplements

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most from clients about our health coaching, medication reviews, and lifestyle programs. The topics below are organized so you can quickly find the information you need, whether you’re curious about how our services work or ready to get started. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out.

 

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ABOUT HEALTH COACHING

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Health coaching helps bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Together, we'll create realistic, sustainable habits that support your health goals and fit your everyday life.

Adults who want to take a proactive, functional medicine approach to preventing chronic disease and optimizing long-term health.

 

Whether you're reducing future health risks, managing early health concerns, exploring root-cause healing, or looking for guidance and encouragement to build lasting healthy habits, this group is designed to help you thrive.

This program is built for proactive adults who approach longevity with an open mind and a sense of discovery. The Cohort is an ideal fit if you want to optimize your long-term cognitive health through structured, real-world experimentation.

 

We specifically welcome those who are:

  • Curious self-experimenters eager to test evidence-based brain protocols.
  • Experiencing mild changes in daily focus, clarity, or memory.
  • Navigating mid-life hormonal transitions affecting the brain.
  • Managing genetic risks like a family history of dementia or APOE4 carrier status.
  • Looking for data-driven structure to build consistent, protective habits.

Unlike traditional support groups that focus only on open discussion, this group uses a “learning circle” approach—combining guided education with supportive conversation.

 

Each session centers on a specific topic, chapter, or short video from trusted dementia care experts, giving you a shared language and a practical toolkit you can use right away in daily caregiving.

Your sessions are fully personalized—designed around your unique health goals, symptoms, and priorities.

 

Working 1:1 allows us to go deeper than a group setting, uncovering root causes and building a plan that fits your real life.

 

Most clients choose to focus on one or more of the following areas:

 

1. Cognitive Health & Brain Clarity

  • Addressing brain fog, memory concerns, and mental fatigue
  • Personalizing your plan based on genetics (such as APOE status)
  • Designing a “brain-first” nutrition strategy
  • Tracking progress with cognitive assessments
  • Supporting neuroplasticity through targeted brain exercises

 

2. Metabolic & Hormonal Balance

  • Stabilizing blood sugar for steady energy and focus
  • Using tools like CGMs for real-time insight
  • Supporting metabolism, weight, and metabolic flexibility
  • Navigating perimenopause and menopause-related changes
  • Improving cellular energy (mitochondrial health)

 

3. Sleep, Stress & Daily Rhythms

  • Improving sleep quality and circadian rhythm
  • Identifying root causes of poor sleep or nighttime disruption
  • Building stress resilience through nervous system regulation
  • Incorporating sustainable movement for brain and body health

 

4. Gut & Environmental Health

  • Supporting the gut-brain connection and reducing inflammation
  • Identifying food sensitivities and digestive triggers
  • Reducing toxin exposure from food, home, and personal care products
  • Creating a healthier, lower-toxin living environment

 

5. Habits, Accountability & Follow-Through

  • Turning “knowing” into consistent action
  • Building realistic routines that fit your lifestyle
  • Identifying and overcoming roadblocks
  • Tracking progress and adjusting your plan over time

 

 

No matter where you start, the goal is the same:
to help you create sustainable changes that support long-term brain and body health.

Combining these two approaches gives you the best of both worlds: personalized precision and community support.

 

In your 1:1 sessions, we focus on you—your health history, goals, and unique challenges—creating a plan that is highly tailored and adaptable.

 

In the group setting, you gain something equally powerful:
connection, group accountability, and shared insight from others walking a similar path.

 

Many clients find that while 1:1 coaching provides clarity and direction, the group provides the motivation and momentum to stay consistent.

 

Together, they create a more supported, efficient, and sustainable path toward lasting health and cognitive resilience.

Yes—because lasting health changes are rarely a solo effort.
Involving your inner circle can improve accountability and help ensure everyone is aligned with your plan.

 

Having shared understanding often makes it easier to follow through between sessions. I simply ask that you let me know in advance.

We rotate through a curated set of highly respected resources:

 

Understanding the Changing Brain by Teepa Snow
Learn why behaviors happen based on brain changes—and see practical techniques like “Hand-Under-Hand” in action.

 

Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s by Joanne Koenig Coste
Discover the concept of habilitation—connecting with your loved one in their current reality to reduce distress.

 

Positive Caregiving by Sarah Teten Kanter
Shift from burnout toward moments of meaning, connection, and resilience.

 

The 36-Hour Day by Nancy Mace & Peter Rabins
A trusted guide for navigating medical, behavioral, and practical challenges.

 

Creative Engagement by Rachel Wonderlin
Learn simple, meaningful ways to keep your loved one engaged through creativity and connection.

No. Each session highlights key takeaways and practical strategies. You can benefit even if you only skim a section or watch a short clip.

Not at all. The goal is to reduce stress, not add to it. Many find that learning these approaches actually makes daily interactions easier and more meaningful. You’re always welcome to simply listen and take away what feels helpful.

The strategies we teach are designed to support all types of cognitive impairment, including vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia.

ABOUT MEDICATION & SUPPLEMENT REVIEWS

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I offer Medication Reviews for New York residents and Health Coaching (lifestyle and education) for clients across the globe.

Most health coaches can only help with habits, but your health is more complex than that. As a licensed NY pharmacist, I identify the hidden 'missing links' in your care—like medication side effects or supplements that clash with your prescriptions. We’ll align your unique lab results with your current regimen to ensure your plan is safe, effective, and tailored entirely to you.

I perform a comprehensive cost-analysis of your medications. In New York, pharmacists are experts in generic substitution laws and can help you identify therapeutic alternatives or assistance programs that could save you hundreds of dollars annually.

Yes. Through a process called deprescribing, we identify "polypharmacy" issues—such as duplicate therapies or medications that are no longer necessary for your current health goals.

 

While I do not discontinue prescriptions myself, I provide you with a clinical summary to take to your doctor to safely discuss scaling back.

This is one of the most critical parts of our review.

 

Many over-the-counter supplements can dangerously interact with or diminish the effectiveness of your prescribed medications.

 

I create a "Master List" that ensures every vitamin, herb, and prescription works together safely.

It is possible. Many common medications for sleep, blood pressure, or allergies have side effects like confusion or dizziness that mimic early cognitive symptoms.

 

I evaluate your regimen to see if "medication-induced cognitive impairment" is a factor and discuss safer alternatives for your brain health.

Yes, if you choose. I can provide a professional Medication Action Plan for you to share with your healthcare team, ensuring your primary care provider and specialists are all aligned on your current regimen.

ABOUT THE BREDESEN PROTOCOL® (ReCODE PROGRAM™/PreCODE™)

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The Bredesen Protocol® (offered through Apollo Health) identifies and addresses the underlying factors that contribute to cognitive decline, such as inflammation, insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, toxins, and poor sleep.

Depending on your needs, you may participate in:

 

ReCODE – A comprehensive program for individuals with early cognitive symptoms or those seeking an in-depth assessment of brain health.

 

PreCODE – A prevention-focused program for proactive adults who want to optimize cognitive health and reduce future risk.

 

Both programs are built on the Bredesen Seven (B7): nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress management, brain training, targeted supplements, and detoxification. Together, these pillars support brain function, resilience, and healthy aging.

Your Apollo Health subscription includes a personalized ReCODE or PreCODE report based on your health history, labs, genetics, and biomarkers, along with BrainHQ brain training, cognitive assessments, the ReCODE app, educational resources, community support, and monthly Q&A sessions with Dr. Dale Bredesen. (Lab costs are separate.)

 

My coaching helps you put your results into action. Together, we'll prioritize your next steps, create a realistic plan based on the Bredesen Seven (B7), interpret your progress, integrate tools like Keto-Mojo, BrainHQ, and Cronometer, and provide the accountability and support you need to stay on track and improve your brain health.

Brain training plays an important role in strengthening memory, attention, and processing speed. Through BrainHQ™ and regular cognitive assessments, we objectively track your progress over time—not just how you feel.

 

As your coach, I'll help you interpret your results, adjust your plan when needed, and keep your brain training both effective and achievable.

The program is less about adding more to your schedule and more about improving the habits you already have.

 

During the first few weeks, you'll spend a few hours learning the program, reviewing your personalized plan, and setting up new routines.

 

Once established, most participants focus on:

  • Following the KetoFLEX 12/3 nutrition plan
  • 30–45 minutes of exercise most days
  • 30 minutes of BrainHQ® training 3 days per week
  • About 8 hours of sleep and 10 minutes of daily stress management

 

You'll also spend about 1–2 hours per month with your coach to review progress, adjust your plan, and overcome challenges. Most people find the routines become a natural part of daily life, and coaching helps them avoid months of trial and error.

No. While developed for Alzheimer's disease, its principles may also benefit other neurodegenerative conditions by addressing the root causes of brain dysfunction. Many participants experience improved memory, mental clarity, energy, and overall health, helping them maintain cognitive vitality and age gracefully.

 

It uses advanced testing to find your unique cognitive drivers (like inflammation, toxins, metabolic issues) and creates a personalized plan to reduce those triggers, optimize nutrients, balance hormones, and rebuild neural networks.

SCI (Subjective Cognitive Impairment): You notice memory or thinking changes, but cognitive testing is normal and daily life isn't affected.

 

MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment): Cognitive changes are measurable, but you remain independent in daily activities.

 

Dementia: Cognitive decline interferes with daily functioning and independence. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause.

 

Identifying these stages early can help guide treatment, prevention, and support strategies

Results vary based on your stage of cognitive health, underlying causes, and how closely you follow the program. In general, earlier intervention leads to better outcomes. Based on Dr. Dale Bredesen's clinical experience and published research:

 

Prevention: The goal is to support long-term brain health and healthy aging before MCI develops. In Dr. Bredesen's reported clinical experience, participants without measurable cognitive impairment who followed the protocol have not progressed to dementia.

 

SCI (Subjective Cognitive Impairment): People with early memory lapses or word-finding difficulties often experience the greatest improvements, especially when underlying contributors such as inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, infections, or toxins are identified and addressed.

 

MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment): In a 2022 study, 84% of participants with MCI or early Alzheimer's disease showed cognitive improvement after nine months on the Bredesen Protocol. Improvements ranged from modest gains to a return to normal cognitive scores for some participants.

 

Dementia: While reversal is not expected, some individuals experience meaningful improvements in daily function and quality of life, such as greater awareness, recognizing loved ones, or regaining certain abilities.

 

The greatest benefits are typically seen with consistent participation and support from your healthcare team, coach, and family. However, starting the protocol at any stage can still be a meaningful way to optimize health, support brain function, and improve quality of life.

Starting early is the ultimate 'insurance policy' for your mind. You'll build long-term resilience while feeling the immediate benefits of sharper focus, better energy, and healthy aging. 

Costs vary based on your individual needs and typically include:

 

  • Apollo Health membership (required for the program)
  • Laboratory testing
  • Practitioner and/or health coaching fees

 

Most participants spend a few thousand dollars in the first year, with costs generally decreasing over time. For current membership pricing and a detailed cost breakdown, please visit the Apollo Health website.

  • Enroll in ReCODE or PreCODE through Apollo Health.
  • Choose your certified practitioner and select me as your pharmacist health coach.
  • Schedule a Discovery Call to discuss your goals and determine if we're a good fit.
  • Create your personalized plan based on your ReCODE Report®.
  • Implement, monitor, and adjust your plan together with ongoing coaching and collaboration with your healthcare team.

ABOUT SIMPLE, FRESH FOOD PLANS

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A functional medicine food plan uses evidence-based nutrition to support brain, metabolic, and overall health. Rather than a one-size-fits-all diet, it considers your health history, labs, symptoms, and goals to address root causes, improve energy and clarity, and create sustainable eating habits.

 

Functional medicine food plans are for anyone who wants to improve their health through nutrition. They are especially helpful for those who:

  • Want to reduce inflammation and support brain, metabolic, or digestive health
  • Are managing chronic conditions with a root-cause approach
  • Want more energy and overall wellness
  • Hope to prevent future health problems

 

You don't have to be sick to benefit. Your certified health coach will help you create a practical, step-by-step plan tailored to your goals.

Functional medicine doesn't use a one-size-fits-all diet. Your food plan is chosen based on your health goals and may include:

 

Core Food Plan: Whole-food nutrition for overall wellness

Cardiometabolic Plan: Supports heart health, blood sugar, and cholesterol

Detox Plan: Supports the body's natural detoxification processes

Mito Food Plan: Improves cellular energy and brain health

Elimination Plan: Identifies food sensitivities

Low-FODMAP Plan: Reduces IBS symptoms, bloating, and gas

Anti-Candida Plan: Supports a healthy gut microbiome

Phytonutrient Plan: Increases colorful, nutrient-rich plant foods

 

Your certified health coach will help you choose the food plan that best fits your health needs and goals.

Functional medicine food plans aren't one-size-fits-all. Instead of following strict diet rules, they're tailored to your unique health needs, symptoms, and goals. Your plan may include elements of keto, paleo, or other approaches, but the focus is on what works best for you long term.

Not always. Some, like the Core Food Plan, are designed for long-term wellness. Others, such as elimination plans, are short-term tools used to identify food sensitivities before transitioning to a personalized eating plan.

Yes. Functional medicine food plans can be adapted to fit vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, cultural, and religious preferences while still supporting your health goals and nutritional needs.

A dietitian or clinician develops the medical nutrition plan based on your health history and labs. A health coach helps you put that plan into action by breaking it into manageable steps, supporting meal planning and healthy habits, and helping you stay consistent over time.

 

Together, they provide both expert clinical guidance and practical day-to-day support.

 

Yes. Functional medicine food plans are based on research showing how nutrition affects inflammation, metabolism, brain health, and chronic disease. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all diet, the recommendations are personalized to your health history, symptoms, and goals.

The right food plan depends on your health history, symptoms, and goals. A functional medicine provider can help you choose and tailor the best plan for your needs.

A pharmacist brings medication and nutrition expertise to help ensure your food plan is safe and effective. They can identify food–drug interactions, support nutrient optimization, reduce side effects, and help your nutrition, medications, and supplements work together.

We don’t just provide a menu—we help you make it work in daily life. Your health coach helps adapt your plan to your lifestyle, budget, and goals, while providing ongoing support, progress reviews, and strategies to build lasting healthy habits.

 

For New York clients, pharmacist oversight adds an extra layer of support to help ensure your nutrition plan aligns with medications, supplements, and health goals.

 

Yes. These plans are designed to fit real life with simple meals, grocery guidance, flexible options, and time-saving strategies like batch prep. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating healthy habits that are realistic and sustainable.