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At 58, She Mistook Memory Lapses For Menopause Brain Fog, But Tests Revealed Alzheimer’s Risk

NBC News producer <span>Susan Kroll</span>, 58, initially attributed her occasional difficulty remembering words to menopause-related brain fog. However, tests revealed an elevated genetic risk of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/alzheimers-disease" data-type="tilCustomLink">Alzheimer’s disease</a> and abnormal <span>amyloid</span> levels in her brain.

Her journey began when she sought a diagnosis for her mother, who had started experiencing memory problems at 75. While helping her mother, <span>Kroll</span> decided to investigate her own risk after learning that Alzheimer’s risk can be genetic, she wrote on Today.com.

<h2>Genetic Testing Revealed An Elevated Alzheimer’s Risk</h2>

Testing showed that Kroll’s mother carried two copies of a gene called <span>APOE4</span>. Everyone inherits one APOE gene from each parent. The three common variants are APOE2, which may reduce Alzheimer’s risk; APOE3, the most common variant, which has a neutral effect; and APOE4, which increases the risk.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people with two copies of APOE4 are eight to 12 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

To understand her own risk, Kroll took a cheek-swab genetic test in October 2024.

"I had an APOE4 and APOE3 gene, making me two to three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. I was a bit relieved," Kroll wrote.

<strong>Also read</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/normal-ageing-or-alzheimers-doctors-explain-six-key-differences-to-watch-for-article-154962355" data-type="tilCustomLink">Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For</a>

<h2>Blood Tests And Brain Scans Revealed More</h2>

In May 2025, Kroll took a blood test developed to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, which had recently been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The test measures certain proteins, including a specific form of <span>tau</span>, that can indicate the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain. These protein deposits are considered a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

Kroll said her "results were well outside the normal range". She had also noticed occasional difficulty remembering words, which she had initially attributed to menopause-related brain fog.

She was given personalised recommendations covering diet, exercise, supplements and sleep.

<h2>Diet, Exercise And Sleep Changes To Support Brain Health</h2>

Kroll made several changes to her daily routine.

"I cut out artificial sweeteners and limited fried and processed foods, red meat, cheese, sweets and alcohol. Every day, I started eating leafy greens, whole grains, veggies and fruit, and every week multiple servings of fish, walnuts, almonds, avocado and berries."

She also intensified her workouts, doing 45–60 minutes of cardio three to four days a week, alongside strength training. She focused on three muscle groups, completing three sets of each exercise with eight to 10 repetitions. She also started going to bed earlier.

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/india-gets-its-first-alzheimers-drug-know-all-about-eli-lillys-lormalzi-article-154316399" data-type="tilCustomLink">India Gets Its First Alzheimer’s Drug: Know All About Eli Lilly’s Lormalzi</a>

<h2><span rel="noindex">Kisunla</span> Infusions Reduced Amyloid Levels In Her Brain</h2>

In December 2025, Kroll began treatment with Kisunla, an anti-amyloid infusion approved by the FDA in 2024.

A previous brain scan had shown elevated amyloid levels in every quadrant of her brain. Clinical trials have shown that Kisunla can slow cognitive and functional decline in eligible patients.

After six infusions, Kroll underwent another brain scan in May 2026 to assess her progress.

Her amyloid score dropped from 86 to four. The radiologist noted, "The amyloid issue has resolved."

Further blood tests showed that her tau levels were normal. Kroll suggested that her dietary changes may have contributed to this result.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Prevention Tips

<h2>Does She Still Have An Elevated Alzheimer’s Risk?</h2>

Kroll currently has neither Alzheimer’s disease nor mild cognitive impairment. However, she continues to have positive biomarkers and an elevated genetic risk. She believes the "early interventions helped slow down or potentially stop the progression of changes years before they could worsen".

Her journey is far from over. She continues to receive care at the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic, where her blood and biomarkers are monitored monthly.

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Memory Lapses

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Alzheimer's Disease

alzheimers prevention

APOE4

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kisunla

amyloid

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NBC News producer Susan Kroll, 58, initially attributed her occasional difficulty remembering words to menopause-related brain fog. However, tests revealed an elevated genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease and abnormal amyloid levels in her brain.Her journey began when she sought a diagnosis for her mother, who had started experiencing memory problems at 75. While helping her mother, Kroll decided to investigate her own risk after learning that Alzheimer’s risk can be genetic, she wrote on Today.com.Genetic Testing Revealed An Elevated Alzheimer’s RiskTesting showed that Kroll’s mother carried two copies of a gene called APOE4. Everyone inherits one APOE gene from each parent. The three common variants are APOE2, which may reduce Alzheimer’s risk; APOE3, the most common variant, which has a neutral effect; and APOE4, which increases the risk.According to the Mayo Clinic, people with two copies of APOE4 are eight to 12 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.To understand her own risk, Kroll took a cheek-swab genetic test in October 2024."I had an APOE4 and APOE3 gene, making me two to three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. I was a bit relieved," Kroll wrote.Also read: Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch ForBlood Tests And Brain Scans Revealed MoreIn May 2025, Kroll took a blood test developed to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, which had recently been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).The test measures certain proteins, including a specific form of tau, that can indicate the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain. These protein deposits are considered a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.Kroll said her "results were well outside the normal range". She had also noticed occasional difficulty remembering words, which she had initially attributed to menopause-related brain fog.She was given personalised recommendations covering diet, exercise, supplements and sleep.Diet, Exercise And Sleep Changes To Support Brain HealthKroll made several changes to her daily routine."I cut out artificial sweeteners and limited fried and processed foods, red meat, cheese, sweets and alcohol. Every day, I started eating leafy greens, whole grains, veggies and fruit, and every week multiple servings of fish, walnuts, almonds, avocado and berries."She also intensified her workouts, doing 45–60 minutes of cardio three to four days a week, alongside strength training. She focused on three muscle groups, completing three sets of each exercise with eight to 10 repetitions. She also started going to bed earlier.Read More: India Gets Its First Alzheimer’s Drug: Know All About Eli Lilly’s LormalziKisunla Infusions Reduced Amyloid Levels In Her BrainIn December 2025, Kroll began treatment with Kisunla, an anti-amyloid infusion approved by the FDA in 2024.A previous brain scan had shown elevated amyloid levels in every quadrant of her brain. Clinical trials have shown that Kisunla can slow cognitive and functional decline in eligible patients.After six infusions, Kroll underwent another brain scan in May 2026 to assess her progress.Her amyloid score dropped from 86 to four. The radiologist noted, "The amyloid issue has resolved."Further blood tests showed that her tau levels were normal. Kroll suggested that her dietary changes may have contributed to this result.   Does She Still Have An Elevated Alzheimer’s Risk?Kroll currently has neither Alzheimer’s disease nor mild cognitive impairment. However, she continues to have positive biomarkers and an elevated genetic risk. She believes the "early interventions helped slow down or potentially stop the progression of changes years before they could worsen".Her journey is far from over. She continues to receive care at the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic, where her blood and biomarkers are monitored monthly.

at 58, she mistook memory lapses for menopause brain fog, but tests revealed alzheimer’s risk

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At 58, She Mistook Memory Lapses For Menopause Brain Fog, But Tests Revealed Alzheimer’s Risk

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