D.C.’s celebrity chef Carla Hall on carrying the Alzheimer’s gene, staying healthy and self-advocacy

Although there have been advancements in treatments for dementia-related diseases, a cure remains elusive. This cause is personal for the D.C.’s very own Food Network and Top Chef star Carla Hall who carries the gene for late onset Alzheimer’s. Her grandmother battled Alzheimer’s before she passed away at the age of 96 and her 84-year-old mother has dementia.  

In this episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, a podcast brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ, Hall and Dr. Usman Akhtar, internal medicine physician and chief medical informatics officer at VHC Health, explore Alzheimer’s, including their family histories and the importance of nutrition, hydration, exercise and self-advocacy. 

When Hall visits the doctor, she’s armed with information, ready to actively participate in her health journey. She works alongside her doctor as a “co-pilot.” Akhtar encourages families to get involved. “Have a family member either join a call or be part of the visit. Your family member is one of the strongest advocates for you — that's a superpower.”

Listen to this episode to learn about:

• Reaching the age of 60 (or “sexty” as Hall likes to say) and what she’s doing to stay healthy 
• How Hall preps her body before she consumes a lot of sugar on baking shows like Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking on the Food Network
• A possible link between Alzheimer's and menopause
• Practical tips for diet and exercise to boost cognitive and physical health  
• Understanding Alzheimer's risk factors and the connection between gut, brain and heart health
• Advice and resources for caregivers

Learn about VHC Health’s support groups for Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers, which provide a safe space for patients and caregivers to share experiences, learn coping strategies, discover helpful resources and find a sense of community.

VHC Health also offers a Healthy Aging program, creating opportunities for individuals to thrive in their later years. Visit the VHC Health Senior Health Department for outstanding services and programs designed to help you age safely and independently while staying informed and engaged.

VHC Health is becoming the region’s preferred community health system. With a teaching hospital and multiple primary and specialty care locations, we offer exceptional patient-centered care close to where our patients live and work. Consistently recognized for excellence, VHC Health is dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse community.

Disclaimer
This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not create a patient-provider relationship. Seek the advice of your personal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding the information presented and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Unless specifically stated in the podcast, the views expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views of VHC Health. Participation in this podcast should not be implied as an endorsement of VHC Health or any particular organization, product or service.