The Healthy Life Approach Podcast

This video paints a poignant picture of a long marriage facing the challenges of dementia, as my father experienced memory concerns. We explore the early signs of cognitive decline and the heartbreaking reality of Lewy Body Dementia. Join me to understand how to prioritize brain health for healthy aging and overall wellness.
🎤 Book Kristen to Speak ➡ https://www.healthylifeapproach.com/speaker
Resources Mentioned:
Lewy Body Dementia Association - https://lbda.org/
McKeith Consensus Criteria for Lewy body dementia diagnosis - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6987529/
2024 Lancet Commission report on dementia risk factors - https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract
The FINGER Trial (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study) - https://fbhi.se/the-finger-study/
National Institute on Aging caregiving resources - https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Hallucinations in Lewy Body Dementia: A Daughter’s Story
0:41 - What Is The Healthy Life Approach Podcast
1:04 - Content Warning
1:28 - Early Warning Signs of Lewy Body Dementia
3:31 - REM Sleep Behavior Disorder & Lewy Body Dementia
4:19 - McKeith Diagnostic Criteria for Lewy Body Dementia
5:26 - Dangerous Medications for Lewy Body Dementia Patients
5:40 - My Father Gene Austin: NASA Engineer & LBD Diagnosis
6:46 - Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia Prevention
7:01 - 2024 Lancet Commission: 14 Dementia Risk Factors
8:07 - Medication Sensitivity in Lewy Body Dementia (Antipsychotics)
9:20 - Cognitive Fluctuations in Lewy Body Dementia Explained
10:07 - De-escalation Techniques for Dementia Caregivers
10:48 - Should You Correct Someone With Dementia?
11:41 - Dementia Crisis Care: What to Expect in the ER
12:16 - How to Choose a Memory Care Facility
12:45 - Early Signs of Lewy Body Dementia to Watch For
13:22 - Advice for Spouse Caregivers of Dementia Patients
14:11 - Why Lewy Body Dementia Is Often Misdiagnosed
14:55 - Long-Distance Caregiving for a Parent With Dementia
15:22 - Why Families Should Share Their Dementia Story
15:47 - Lewy Body Dementia Key Takeaways
16:18 - Practical Next Steps After a Dementia Diagnosis
16:48 - Next Episode: Hearing Loss & Dementia Risk
👉 Follow and subscribe for more evidence-based conversations on brain health, hormones, and thriving in midlife.
🛍️ Products I Use and Recommend
These are the tools I personally use and trust. Links are affiliate links — see disclaimer below.
🩸 Function Health — Test 100+ biomarkers twice a year — $25 off membership https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=KBEASLEY10&_saasquatch=KBEASLEY10&d=FHREF25
🌱 Adapt Naturals — Professional-grade foundational supplement stack — 20% off your first order https://www.adaptnaturals.com/KRISTEN80873
🌿 FullScript — My full professional dispensary for targeted supplements — special discount https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/healthylifeapproach
🔋 WHOOP 5.0 — Medical-grade recovery, strain and sleep tracking — free band + one month free https://join.whoop.com/us/en/9302C0E0/
💓 Pulsetto — Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV and parasympathetic recovery — special discount https://pulsetto.sjv.io/HealthyLife
☀️ Sunlighten — Infrared sauna therapy for detox, recovery, and cardiovascular health — special discount https://share.sunlighten.com/KristenBeasley
Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode helped you, the single best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 30 seconds, and it's how other women in perimenopause find this show. Then share it with one friend who needs to hear it.
Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before making medical or health decisions. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
#lewybodydementia #dementiaawareness #brainhealth #cognitivehealth #healthyaging #midlifewomen #womensbrainhealth #perimenopause #menopause #brainfog #dementiasupport #dementiaeducation

Ever had a moment where a name or word just vanished, making you fear the worst? In this video, we tackle those concerning instances of memory loss, especially as they relate to perimenopause and post menopause. We explore how these changes impact cognitive decline and offer insights for healthy aging to support midlife women.Book Kristen to Speak ➡ https://www.healthylifeapproach.com/speaker If you’re in your 40s or 50s navigating perimenopause or menopause, moments like this can feel scary. Hormonal changes during perimenopause can cause brain fog, memory lapses, and slower processing, but research suggests that for most women, these changes are temporary adjustments—not dementia.In this video, we break down the five most common types of dementia and explain how they differ from normal aging and menopause-related cognitive changes.Understanding the difference between perimenopause brain fog, normal aging, and true warning signs can help replace fear with clarity. If you want evidence-based conversations about brain health, hormones, and navigating midlife with confidence, subscribe to the channel and share this with another woman who might be worrying about her memory.🛍️ Products I Use and Recommend
These are the tools I personally use and trust. Links are affiliate links — see disclaimer below.
🩸 Function Health — Test 100+ biomarkers twice a year — $25 off membership https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=KBEASLEY10&_saasquatch=KBEASLEY10&d=FHREF25
🌱 Adapt Naturals — Professional-grade foundational supplement stack — 20% off your first order https://www.adaptnaturals.com/KRISTEN80873
🌿 FullScript — My full professional dispensary for targeted supplements — special discount https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/healthylifeapproach
🔋 WHOOP 5.0 — Medical-grade recovery, strain and sleep tracking — free band + one month free https://join.whoop.com/us/en/9302C0E0/
💓 Pulsetto — Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV and parasympathetic recovery — special discount https://pulsetto.sjv.io/HealthyLife
☀️ Sunlighten — Infrared sauna therapy for detox, recovery and cardiovascular health — special discount https://share.sunlighten.com/KristenBeasley
Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode helped you, the single best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 30 seconds, and it's how other women in perimenopause find this show. Then share it with one friend who needs to hear it.
Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before making medical or health decisions. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
Chapter Timestamps0:00 - Is This Dementia? When Menopause Brain Fog Feels Scary0:42 - Why Every Midlife Woman Needs to Understand Dementia1:26 - What This Episode Covers2:37 - Menopause Brain Fog vs Alzheimer's: How to Tell the Difference3:02 - The SWAN Study: Why Menopause Brain Fog Is Usually Temporary4:02 - Why Noticing Your Own Memory Changes Is Actually Reassuring4:40 - Dementia Risk Statistics: What the Numbers Actually Mean5:06 - Half of Dementia Cases May Be Preventable6:14 - What Is Dementia? (It's Not One Disease)7:02 - Type 1: Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms and Stages Explained8:08 - Type 2: Lewy Body Dementia — The Most Misdiagnosed Dementia9:07 - Type 3: Vascular Dementia and How to Prevent It9:52 - Type 4: Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Explained10:36 - Type 5: What Is Mixed Dementia?11:31 - Normal Aging vs Brain Fog vs Dementia: Know the Difference12:30 - Dementia Red Flags: When to See Your Doctor14:02 - Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk: The Overlooked Connection14:26 - 5 Steps to Protect Your Brain This Week16:31 - Preview: My Father's Lewy Body Dementia Story17:25 - Closing Thoughts#perimenopause #menopause #brainfog #menopausebrainfog #perimenopausesymptoms #womenshealthover40 #midlifewomen #brainhealth #dementiaawareness #alzheimersawareness #menopausesupport #hormonehealth #cognitivehealth #healthyaging #womensbrainhealth

Are you experiencing brain fog, forgetting words, or feeling emotionally off-balance?
Book Kristen to Speak ➡ https://www.healthylifeapproach.com/speaker
You're not losing your mind—something real is happening in your brain during perimenopause, and researchers can measure it. In this episode, I break down five research-backed brain changes that commonly show up during perimenopause, what's happening under the hood, and most importantly: your brain RECOVERS for most women.
What You'll Learn:
✅ Why brain fog isn't just a "vibe"—it's a measurable biological event
✅ How sleep disruption affects your brain's cleanup system
✅ The connection between mood shifts and hormonal changes
✅ Your brain's bioenergetic shift and metabolic health
✅ Neuroinflammation—the connector that amplifies everything
✅ Evidence that your brain adapts and recovers post-menopause
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - 5 Brain Changes in Perimenopause Every Woman Should Know
0:40 - What Happens to Your Brain During Perimenopause
1:13 - Why Brain Health Research Is Personal to Me
2:17 - Perimenopause Brain Fog: What's Actually Happening to Glucose Metabolism
4:33 - How Sleep Disruption Damages Your Brain's Glymphatic Cleanup System
6:13 - Mood Shifts in Perimenopause That Don't Match Your Life
8:39 - Your Brain's Fuel Strategy Changes When Estrogen Declines
11:08 - Neuroinflammation in Perimenopause: The Thread Connecting Everything
12:25 - Visceral Fat and Brain Inflammation: The Cycle Women Need to Break
13:08 - Exercise as Evidence-Based Brain Medicine
13:38 - Your Brain Recovers After Menopause: What the Research Shows
15:03 - 5 Perimenopause Brain Changes Recap
15:49 - Next Episode: Types of Dementia Explained
16:33 - You're Not Losing Your Mind: Closing Thoughts
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Brain fog during perimenopause = drop in glucose metabolism
• Deep sleep is crucial for clearing Alzheimer 's-related proteins
• Mood changes may be neurochemical, not character flaws
• Your brain adapts its fuel strategy when estrogen declines
• Inflammation connects all five changes—but it's addressable
• Most women's brains recalibrate and recover post-menopause
🛍️ Products I Use and Recommend
These are the tools I personally use and trust. Links are affiliate links — see disclaimer below.
🩸 Function Health — Test 100+ biomarkers twice a year — $25 off membership https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=KBEASLEY10&_saasquatch=KBEASLEY10&d=FHREF25
🌱 Adapt Naturals — Professional-grade foundational supplement stack — 20% off your first order https://www.adaptnaturals.com/KRISTEN80873
🌿 FullScript — My full professional dispensary for targeted supplements — special discount https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/healthylifeapproach
🔋 WHOOP 5.0 — Medical-grade recovery, strain and sleep tracking — free band + one month free https://join.whoop.com/us/en/9302C0E0/
💓 Pulsetto — Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV and parasympathetic recovery — special discount https://pulsetto.sjv.io/HealthyLife
☀️ Sunlighten — Infrared sauna therapy for detox, recovery and cardiovascular health — special discount https://share.sunlighten.com/KristenBeasley
Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode helped you, the single best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 30 seconds, and it's how other women in perimenopause find this show. Then share it with one friend who needs to hear it.
Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before making medical or health decisions. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
Hashtags #brainhealth #perimenopause #menopause #perimenopause #brainfog #brainhealth #womenshealth #menopause #cognitivedecline #brainscience #hormonalhealth #perimenopausesymptoms #brainchanges #neurologicalhealth #functionalnutrition #womensbrainhealth #perimenopausalwomen #hormonetransition

In this episode, we explore how wearable tech may unintentionally increase anxiety for some women during hormonal transitions. You’ll learn how cortisol, estrogen changes, and nervous system sensitivity can affect how you experience stress — and how to use health data in a way that supports your well-being instead of amplifying worry.
If you’re navigating perimenopause symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, sleep disruption, or mood shifts, you’re not alone — and you’re not “losing it.” If you’re in your 40s or 50s and suddenly feeling more anxious, wired, or hyper-aware of your heart rate… you’re not imagining it.
Book Kristen to Speak ➡ https://www.healthylifeapproach.com/speaker
During perimenopause and menopause, shifting hormones can impact brain health, stress response, and how your body interprets data — including what your fitness tracker shows you.
🛍️ Products I Use and Recommend
These are the tools I personally use and trust. Links are affiliate links — see disclaimer below.
🩸 Function Health — Test 100+ biomarkers twice a year — $25 off membership https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=KBEASLEY10&_saasquatch=KBEASLEY10&d=FHREF25
🌱 Adapt Naturals — Professional-grade foundational supplement stack — 20% off your first order https://www.adaptnaturals.com/KRISTEN80873
🌿 FullScript — My full professional dispensary for targeted supplements — special discount https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/healthylifeapproach
🔋 WHOOP 5.0 — Medical-grade recovery, strain and sleep tracking — free band + one month free https://join.whoop.com/us/en/9302C0E0/
💓 Pulsetto — Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV and parasympathetic recovery — special discount https://pulsetto.sjv.io/HealthyLife
☀️ Sunlighten — Infrared sauna therapy for detox, recovery and cardiovascular health — special discount https://share.sunlighten.com/KristenBeasley
Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode helped you, the single best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 30 seconds, and it's how other women in perimenopause find this show. Then share it with one friend who needs to hear it.
Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before making medical or health decisions. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust. Hashtags #brainhealth #perimenopause #menopause
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - When Your Sleep Score Ruins Your Day: Wearable Anxiety in Menopause 0:43 - Warning Signs That Health Tracking Has Become Compulsive
1:01 - Consumer Wearables vs Medical Monitoring: An Important Boundary
1:17 - The Monitoring Paradox: When Tracking Data Increases Anxiety
2:23 - Study: Wearables Increase Anxiety in Heart Patients
3:14 - Orthosomnia: When Sleep Tracking Makes Sleep Worse
4:27 - Stanford Study: How Fake Sleep Data Changed Real Bodies
5:07 - Health Anxiety and the Search-and-Check Cycle
5:46 - Your Body Doesn't Need Permission From a Wearable to Function
6:15 - What Is Interoception? How to Trust Your Body's Signals Again
7:32 - Should You Take a Break From Wearable Tracking?
8:15 - The Two-Week Tracking Break Protocol
8:35 - Phase 1: Preparation Before Removing Your Wearable
9:30 - Phase 2: The 14-Day Wearable Break
10:10 - Keystone Behaviors: What to Focus On Without Data
11:10 - Phase 3: Return and Reassessment After Your Break
12:09 - The Green Yellow Red System for Deciding What to Track
12:47 - "What If My Health Gets Worse Without Tracking?"
13:35 - Two Future Versions of Yourself
14:36 - Next Episode: Early Brain Changes in Perimenopause
14:49 - Disclaimer
#perimenopause #Menopause #MidlifeWomen #HormoneHealth #BrainHealth #MenopauseSupport #WomensHealthOver40 #PerimenopauseSymptoms #MenopauseAnxiety #HormoneBalance #MidlifeWellness #FitnessTracker #AnxietyRelief #HealthyAging #WomensBrainHealth

Loneliness isn’t just emotional — it can affect your brain health, especially in perimenopause and menopause.
Book Kristen to Speak ➡ https://www.healthylifeapproach.com/speaker
Research shows that chronic loneliness is linked to higher dementia risk, while strong social connections are associated with better cognitive resilience and long-term brain health.
For women over 40, this matters even more. As estrogen declines during perimenopause, the brain becomes more vulnerable to stress, inflammation, and cognitive shifts. And during this season, many women naturally withdraw — right when connection may be most protective.
In this episode of the Healthy Life Approach Podcast, we break down what the research says about social connection, dementia risk, estrogen decline, and why even introverts need meaningful human contact for optimal brain aging. If you’re navigating midlife changes and want practical, science-informed strategies to protect your brain, this conversation is for you.
You'll learn:
✅ Why chronic loneliness is linked to a 38% higher dementia risk
✅ How quality connections act like "fertilizer" for your brain
✅ The difference between solitude and loneliness (and why introverts still need connection)
✅ Practical, introvert-friendly strategies to build brain-protective relationships
🛍️ Products I Use and Recommend
These are the tools I personally use and trust. Links are affiliate links — see disclaimer below.
🩸 Function Health — Test 100+ biomarkers twice a year — $25 off membership https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=KBEASLEY10&_saasquatch=KBEASLEY10&d=FHREF25
🌱 Adapt Naturals — Professional-grade foundational supplement stack — 20% off your first order https://www.adaptnaturals.com/KRISTEN80873
🌿 FullScript — My full professional dispensary for targeted supplements — special discount https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/healthylifeapproach
🔋 WHOOP 5.0 — Medical-grade recovery, strain and sleep tracking — free band + one month free https://join.whoop.com/us/en/9302C0E0/
💓 Pulsetto — Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV and parasympathetic recovery — special discount https://pulsetto.sjv.io/HealthyLife
☀️ Sunlighten — Infrared sauna therapy for detox, recovery and cardiovascular health — special discount https://share.sunlighten.com/KristenBeasley
Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode helped you, the single best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 30 seconds, and it's how other women in perimenopause find this show. Then share it with one friend who needs to hear it.
Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before making medical or health decisions. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
Hashtags #brainhealth #perimenopause #menopause
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Loneliness and Dementia Risk: Why Social Connection Protects Your Brain 0:48 - Why Women Are at Higher Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
1:30 - Chronic Loneliness Linked to 38% Higher Dementia Risk
2:16 - How Social Connection Changes Your Brain
3:28 - The Chemistry of Connection: Oxytocin, Dopamine, and BDNF
4:14 - Why Your Brain Interprets Loneliness as a Stress Signal
4:46 - Solitude vs Loneliness: What Introverts Need to Know
5:50 - Quality Over Quantity: The Swedish Study on Social Connection
6:25 - 3 Introvert-Friendly Strategies to Build Brain-Protective Relationships
8:13 - A Realistic Weekly Social Plan for Midlife Women
9:50 - When More People Isn't Better for Your Brain 1
0:30 - Blue Zones and the Harvard Study on Longevity and Connection
11:15 - How to Rebuild Your Social Circle in Midlife
11:55 - Reflection Questions and Your Next Step
#Perimenopause #Menopause #WomenOver40 #BrainHealth #DementiaPrevention #CognitiveHealth #MidlifeWomen #HealthyAging #Loneliness #AlzheimersAwareness #HormoneHealth #Estrogen #IntrovertLife #WomenInMidlife #healthylifeapproach #cortisol

Many women in perimenopause are told their symptoms are “normal” — even when they feel anything but normal.
Book Kristen to Speak ➡ https://www.healthylifeapproach.com/speaker
Hot flashes. Brain fog. Anxiety. Sleep disruption. Mood changes. Fatigue. If you’ve ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling dismissed, confused, or unheard, you’re not alone.
In this episode of The Healthy Life Approach Podcast, Kristen Beasley explores why perimenopause symptoms are often minimized — and how women can advocate for themselves more effectively in medical appointments.
You’ll learn:
• Why perimenopause symptoms are frequently overlooked
• Common reasons women feel dismissed in healthcare settings
• How to prepare for a doctor’s appointment during perimenopause
• Questions to ask when symptoms are brushed off
• How to communicate concerns clearly and confidently
• Practical advocacy strategies that protect your long-term health
This episode is about empowerment — not medical advice — and is designed to help women navigate perimenopause with greater clarity and confidence. If you’re navigating perimenopause and want to feel heard, informed, and supported, this conversation is for you.
🛍️ Products I Use and Recommend
These are the tools I personally use and trust. Links are affiliate links — see disclaimer below.
🩸 Function Health — Test 100+ biomarkers twice a year — $25 off membership https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=KBEASLEY10&_saasquatch=KBEASLEY10&d=FHREF25
🌱 Adapt Naturals — Professional-grade foundational supplement stack — 20% off your first order https://www.adaptnaturals.com/KRISTEN80873
🌿 FullScript — My full professional dispensary for targeted supplements — special discount https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/healthylifeapproach
🔋 WHOOP 5.0 — Medical-grade recovery, strain and sleep tracking — free band + one month free https://join.whoop.com/us/en/9302C0E0/
💓 Pulsetto — Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV and parasympathetic recovery — special discount https://pulsetto.sjv.io/HealthyLife
☀️ Sunlighten — Infrared sauna therapy for detox, recovery, and cardiovascular health — special discount https://share.sunlighten.com/KristenBeasley
Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode helped you, the single best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 30 seconds, and it's how other women in perimenopause find this show. Then share it with one friend who needs to hear it.
Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before making medical or health decisions. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
Hashtags #brainhealth #perimenopause #menopause
Timestamps:
0:00 - Why Perimenopause Symptoms Get Dismissed by Doctors
0:42 - What You'll Learn About Advocating for Your Health
1:21 - Why Doctors Downplay Perimenopause Symptoms
1:55 - The Window of Opportunity for Hormone Therapy (HRT)
3:27 - When to Start Hormone Therapy: Why Timing Matters
4:39 - Alternatives When Hormone Therapy Isn't an Option
5:22 - My Journey Finding a Provider Who Listened
6:45 - Hearing Loss and Dementia Risk: What Your Doctor Won't Tell You
8:40 - What Is Cognitive Reserve and How to Build It
9:31 - 45% of Dementia Cases May Be Preventable
10:32 - The SQG Framework: How to Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment
12:04 - How to Advocate for Yourself at Your Doctor's Appointment
12:57 - How to Find a Menopause-Informed Provider
13:16 - How to Evaluate Health Information as a Patient
14:31 - Small Health Actions That Lead to Big Results in Midlife
15:02 - Next Episode: Social Isolation and Brain Health
16:01 - How to Support The Healthy Life Approach Podcast
16:38 - Disclaimer
#Perimenopause #WomensHealth #HormoneHealth #MidlifeHealth

This bonus episode addresses a current social media phenomenon impacting viewers, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy. The speaker aims to quickly share important information and personal experiences related to the topic, highlighting the impact of phone addiction and endless scrolling. It's a call for digital minimalism and increased social media awareness to support mental health awareness.In this episode, you'll learn:• How short-form video hijacks your dopamine system• What the largest study on this topic found about attention and working memory• Why "brain rot" was named Oxford's Word of the Year• How graphic content impacts your hippocampus and memory• The connection between short-form video, ADHD symptoms, and menopause• 5 strategies to take back control of your feed and focusBook Kristen to Speak ➡ https://www.healthylifeapproach.com/speaker
🛍️ Products I Use and RecommendThese are the tools I personally use and trust. Links are affiliate links — see disclaimer below.
🩸 Function Health — Test 100+ biomarkers twice a year — $25 off membershiphttps://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=KBEASLEY10&_saasquatch=KBEASLEY10&d=FHREF25🌱 Adapt Naturals — Professional-grade foundational supplement stack — 20% off your first orderhttps://www.adaptnaturals.com/KRISTEN80873🌿 FullScript — My full professional dispensary for targeted supplements — special discounthttps://us.fullscript.com/welcome/healthylifeapproach🔋 WHOOP 5.0 — Medical-grade recovery, strain and sleep tracking — free band + one month freehttps://join.whoop.com/us/en/9302C0E0/💓 Pulsetto — Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV and parasympathetic recovery — special discounthttps://pulsetto.sjv.io/HealthyLife☀️ Sunlighten — Infrared sauna therapy for detox, recovery and cardiovascular health — special discounthttps://share.sunlighten.com/KristenBeasleyEnjoyed This Episode?If this episode helped you, the single best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 30 seconds, and it's how other women in perimenopause find this show. Then share it with one friend who needs to hear it.
Disclaimer⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before making medical or health decisions. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.Hashtags#brainhealth #perimenopause #menopauseTimestamps:0:00 - Social Media Is Damaging Your Brain: Why This Episode Couldn't Wait0:22 - My Wake-Up Call With Short-Form Video Scrolling1:46 - The Science Behind "Brain Rot" and Cognitive Decline2:27 - Welcome to The Healthy Life Approach Podcast2:47 - Why Facebook Blocked My Post About This Research3:23 - Brain Rot: Why Oxford Named It 2024 Word of the Year5:05 - 2025 Study of 98,000 People: Short-Form Video and Brain Health6:05 - This Isn't Just a Teen Problem: Adults Are Equally Affected7:13 - Why Short-Form Video Is Worse for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause9:05 - Graphic Content on Social Media and Its Effect on Your Brain11:22 - How Scrolling Destroys Your Memory and Focus12:47 - 5 Strategies to Protect Your Brain From Social Media13:05 - Strategy 1: The Pomodoro Timer Method13:35 - Strategy 2: How to Set App Time Limits13:59 - Strategy 3: Curate Your Feed Ruthlessly14:59 - Strategy 4: The 3-2-1 Sleep Rule for Better Rest15:32 - Strategy 5: Retrain Your Brain With Long-Form Content15:59 - Why Brain Health Matters More Than You Think17:08 - Your 7-Day Brain Health Challenge Starts Now17:28 - What's Coming Next Week#brainrot #socialmediaeffects #shortformvideo #dopamine #brainfog #ADHD #attentionspan

Health tracking can be empowering — until it becomes a cage. After watching her father's decline from Lewy Body Dementia, Kristen Beasley spent three years wearing a continuous glucose monitor — and the data that once empowered her slowly took over her life. She shares how she broke free and found a healthier relationship with her numbers.
This is the Know Your Numbers pillar of the Build Your Base framework: Measure Your Progress — without losing your joy.
⚠️ This episode focuses on consumer wellness devices (Oura, Fitbit, Apple Watch, CGMs). If your doctor has prescribed a monitoring device, those decisions should be made with your care team.
⭐ What you'll learn:
• How health tracking shifted from empowerment to obsession
• The mantra: "Data fuels, obsession fools."
• Signs your tracking relationship has become unhealthy
• How to use data as a tool, not a tyrant
• A practical three-tier framework for balanced health measurement
Book Kristen to Speak ➡ https://www.healthylifeapproach.com/speaker
🛍️ Products I Use and Recommend
These are the tools I personally use and trust. Links are affiliate links — see disclaimer below.
🩸 Function Health — Test 100+ biomarkers twice a year — $25 off membership https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=KBEASLEY10&_saasquatch=KBEASLEY10&d=FHREF25
🌱 Adapt Naturals — Professional-grade foundational supplement stack — 20% off your first order https://www.adaptnaturals.com/KRISTEN80873
🌿 FullScript — My full professional dispensary for targeted supplements — special discount https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/healthylifeapproach
🔋 WHOOP 5.0 — Medical-grade recovery, strain and sleep tracking — free band + one month free https://join.whoop.com/us/en/9302C0E0/
💓 Pulsetto — Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV and parasympathetic recovery — special discount https://pulsetto.sjv.io/HealthyLife
☀️ Sunlighten — Infrared sauna therapy for detox, recovery, and cardiovascular health — special discount - https://share.sunlighten.com/KristenBeasley
Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode helped you, the single best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 30 seconds, and it's how other women in perimenopause find this show. Then share it with one friend who needs to hear it.
Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before making medical or health decisions. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Data Fuels, Obsession Fools: When Health Tracking Goes Too Far
0:39 - My Father's Lewy Body Dementia and Why I Started Tracking Everything
1:20 - My CGM Journey: From Pre-Diabetes Diagnosis to Obsession
1:59 - Important Note: Consumer Devices vs Medical Monitoring
2:28 - When Health Tracking Shifts From Empowerment to Anxiety
3:04 - The Wake-Up Call: "You've Stopped Living"
3:43 - Life After Removing the CGM
4:45 - Learning to Check In With Your Body Before Your Data
6:08 - Data Fuels, Obsession Fools: The Paradox of Health Optimization
6:54 - You Can't Optimize Away Grief
7:32 - Orthosomnia: When Your Sleep Score Ruins Your Sleep
8:31 - My Husband's Sleep Story: When Wearable Data Reveals Something Real
10:29 - 5 Warning Signs Your Health Tracking Has Become Unhealthy
12:20 - The Three-Tier Measurement Framework
12:44 - Tier 1: Comprehensive Blood Work and Biomarkers
14:02 - Tier 2: Functional Markers (Balance, Grip Strength, VO2 Max)
15:08 - Tier 3: Wearable Data as Supplemental Not Primary
16:23 - Free Functional Health Tests You Can Do at Home
17:49 - The Zoom Out Approach: How to Measure Without Micromanaging
19:13 - Measuring Progress When You Have a Chronic Condition
21:00 - Your Challenge This Week and What's Coming Next
21:35 - Disclaimer
#BrainHealth #HealthTracking #WomenOver40 #OuraRing #CGM #Perimenopause #Orthosomnia #MidlifeHealth #KnowYourNumbers

Kristen Beasley, a certified functional medicine, nutrition, and brain health coach, discusses the challenge of making daily movement consistent on The Healthy Life Approach podcast. She emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle and offers valuable health tips for healthy living. This episode focuses on practical advice for daily exercise and overall wellness. You've been told to hit 10,000 steps a day. But that number came from a 1960s Japanese marketing campaign — not science.In this episode, Kristen Beasley breaks down a major 2025 Lancet meta-analysis and shares what the latest evidence reveals about how many steps truly lower your risk of dementia, cognitive decline, and early death. You'll also learn why balance, BDNF, and accessible movement matter more than hitting an arbitrary step goal.This episode is designed to be inclusive — whether you walk 3,000 steps or 10,000, there are meaningful brain health benefits at every level.Book Kristen to Speak ➡ https://www.healthylifeapproach.com/speaker ⭐ What you'll learn:• The real origin of the 10,000-step goal (marketing gimmick!)• What a 2025 Lancet meta-analysis found about steps and mortality• How BDNF from exercise builds new brain connections• Balance as a biomarker: the one-leg stand test• Inclusive, accessible movement strategies for everybody🛍️ Products I Use and RecommendThese are the tools I personally use and trust. Links are affiliate links — see disclaimer below.
🩸 Function Health — Test 100+ biomarkers twice a year — $25 off membershiphttps://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=KBEASLEY10&_saasquatch=KBEASLEY10&d=FHREF25 🌱 Adapt Naturals — Professional-grade foundational supplement stack — 20% off your first orderhttps://www.adaptnaturals.com/KRISTEN80873 🌿 FullScript — My full professional dispensary for targeted supplements — special discounthttps://us.fullscript.com/welcome/healthylifeapproach 🔋 WHOOP 5.0 — Medical-grade recovery, strain and sleep tracking — free band + one month freehttps://join.whoop.com/us/en/9302C0E0/ 💓 Pulsetto — Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV and parasympathetic recovery — special discounthttps://pulsetto.sjv.io/HealthyLife ☀️ Sunlighten — Infrared sauna therapy for detox, recovery, and cardiovascular health — special discounthttps://share.sunlighten.com/KristenBeasley Enjoyed This Episode?If this episode helped you, the single best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 30 seconds, and it's how other women in perimenopause find this show. Then share it with one friend who needs to hear it.Disclaimer⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before making medical or health decisions. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.#BrainHealth #10000StepsMyth #ExerciseAndBrainHealth #BDNF #VO2Max #WomenOver40 #TheHealthyLifeApproach #WalkingForHealth #HealthyAgingTimestamps:0:00 - The 10,000 Steps Myth: What Science Actually Says About Brain Health0:37 - The Surprising Origin of 10,000 Steps (1960s Japanese Marketing)2:09 - How Many Steps Actually Protect Your Brain? The Real Research3:00 - 7,000 Steps Reduces Death Risk by 47%4:31 - Harvard Study: Steps That Delay Alzheimer's by 7 Years6:00 - The 10-Second Balance Test: A Brain Health Biomarker7:12 - Silent Strokes and Balance: The Hidden Connection7:48 - How to Improve Balance at Any Age9:11 - The Sitting-Rising Test: Predict Your Longevity at Home10:33 - How to Score Your Floor-to-Stand Ability12:27 - Is a Low Score a Death Sentence? (Important Context)13:59 - How to Practice and Improve Your Sitting-Rising Score16:57 - Why Strength Training Is Brain Fertilizer (BDNF Explained)18:21 - Muscle Loss After 30: The Cognitive Decline Connection18:40 - At-Home Strength Exercises for Brain Health (No Equipment)19:14 - Why Grip Strength Predicts Cognitive Decline Better Than Blood Pressure21:04 - How to Improve Grip Strength With Everyday Exercises22:45 - Grip Strength Benchmarks by Age24:06 - The 3 Tests That Predict How You'll Age25:42 - Brain Health Without Step Counts: Movement for Non-Walkers26:24 - Water Exercise Improves Brain Function in 12 Weeks28:05 - Seated Exercise, Chair Yoga, and Adaptive Sports for Brain Health30:23 - Your Personal Health Dashboard: Final Takeaways31:29 - Next Episode: Know Your Numbers (What to Track vs Obsess Over)

Did you know researchers have described Alzheimer’s disease as “Type 3 Diabetes”? Book Kristen to Speak ➡ https://www.healthylifeapproach.com/speakerThe connection between blood sugar, insulin resistance, and brain fog is one of the most important — and underreported — stories in women’s health.In this episode, Kristen Beasley explores metabolic brain health: how your body’s ability to process glucose directly affects your memory, mood, energy, and word-finding. You’ll learn why estrogen’s role in insulin signaling makes perimenopause a critical window for brain-protective nutrition — and exactly what to eat to support cognitive function.⭐ What you’ll learn:• Why Alzheimer’s is called Type 3 Diabetes in research literature• How insulin resistance starves your brain of fuel• The role of estrogen in glucose transport (GLUT4)• Why brain fog in perimenopause isn’t just “normal aging.”• Mediterranean diet principles for brain health• Anti-inflammatory foods that support cognition  
🛍️ Products I Use and Recommend
These are the tools I personally use and trust. Links are affiliate links — see disclaimer below.
🩸 Function Health — Test 100+ biomarkers twice a year — $25 off membership https://my.functionhealth.com/signup?code=KBEASLEY10&_saasquatch=KBEASLEY10&d=FHREF25
🌱 Adapt Naturals — Professional-grade foundational supplement stack — 20% off your first order https://www.adaptnaturals.com/KRISTEN80873
🌿 FullScript — My full professional dispensary for targeted supplements — special discount https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/healthylifeapproach
🔋 WHOOP 5.0 — Medical-grade recovery, strain and sleep tracking — free band + one month free https://join.whoop.com/us/en/9302C0E0/
💓 Pulsetto — Vagus nerve stimulation for HRV and parasympathetic recovery — special discount https://pulsetto.sjv.io/HealthyLife
☀️ Sunlighten — Infrared sauna therapy for detox, recovery and cardiovascular health — special discount https://share.sunlighten.com/KristenBeasley
Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode helped you, the single best thing you can do is subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes 30 seconds, and it's how other women in perimenopause find this show. Then share it with one friend who needs to hear it.
Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare provider before making medical or health decisions. Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust. #BrainHealth #BrainFogNutrition #Perimenopause #InsulinResistance #MediterraneanDiet #WomenOver40 #TheHealthyLifeApproach #MetabolicHealth #AlzheimersAwarenessTimestamps:0:00 - Why Your Brain Feels Foggy in Perimenopause (It's Not Just Hormones)0:20 - Sponsor: FullScript Supplements1:58 - Alzheimer's as Type 3 Diabetes: The Blood Sugar Brain Connection3:05 - How Insulin Resistance Starves Your Brain of Fuel3:51 - Can Insulin Resistance Be Reversed?4:28 - How Estrogen Affects Metabolism and Brain Function4:56 - Warning Signs: Weight Gain, Brain Fog, and Cravings in Perimenopause6:25 - Keto, Mediterranean, or Something Else? Cutting Through Diet Confusion7:05 - Why Protein Is the #1 Nutrition Priority for Women Over 408:52 - What 100 Grams of Protein Actually Looks Like10:37 - Simple Habit: Eat Protein First at Every Meal12:04 - Why Fiber Matters for Blood Sugar and Brain Health12:33 - The Gut-Brain Connection Explained13:37 - Phytonutrients: Eating the Rainbow for Brain Protection14:38 - Simple Meal Blueprint: Protein + Fiber + Color15:01 - Keto Flex 12-3: Dr. Bredesen's Brain Health Nutrition Protocol15:43 - Low-Carb Mediterranean Diet for Brain Health16:58 - My Wake-Up Call: When Lab Results Showed High Insulin18:00 - Know Your Numbers: Essential Lab Tests for Metabolic Brain Health18:23 - Fasting Glucose, HbA1C, and Fasting Insulin Explained20:02 - Additional Labs: CRP, ApoB, Thyroid, and Hormones21:06 - Budget-Friendly Lab Testing Strategy22:04 - Should You Use a Continuous Glucose Monitor?22:54 - How to Use CGMs as Learning Tools, Not Anxiety Triggers25:19 - Healthy Blood Sugar Targets to Aim For26:08 - Free Strategy: 10-Minute Post-Meal Walks for Blood Sugar28:14 - The Blood Sugar Roller Coaster vs Steady Energy29:41 - Key Takeaways: What to Do This Week30:52 - Next Episode: Movement and Brain Health31:05 - Free Download: Brain Fog Solution Guide31:45 - Disclaimer