Your Health, Your Wealth

Dr. Eddie Patton
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

In Your Health, Your Wealth, renowned neurologist Dr. Eddie Patton exposes the hidden forces driving up medical costs for millions of Americans. From the fragmented healthcare infrastructure to hospital billing practices and pharmaceutical pricing, Dr. Patton provides an exhaustive examination of why the U.S. spends significantly more on healthcare than other nations. "The US healthcare system emphasizes autonomy and choice for patients,” said Dr. Patton during episode one. "Accessibility is a key term that will be important in healthcare as we move forward."  Dr. Eddie Patton is a recipient of Texas Monthly Magazine's SuperDoctors®, Houstonia Magazine's Top Doctors awards, and was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. These accolades, along with his decades of experience, make him the ideal host for a podcast like this. The podcast is a must-listen for anyone grappling with skyrocketing premiums, outrageous medical bills, or lack of access to quality care. Dr. Patton encourages listeners to "Increase your mindset, health set, and heart set as it pertains to your health and the healthcare system.”

  1. APR 27

    Cognitive Impairment 101: Why All Dementia Isn’t the Same

    Not every memory slip is Alzheimer’s. Dr. Patton explains the full spectrum of memory loss, from normal aging to Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia, including reversible causes and how an accurate diagnosis protects both your brain and your wallet.  Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE. Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Key Takeaways 1. Dementia is an umbrella term, and “cognitive impairment” better captures the many different conditions that can affect memory and thinking. 2. Normal memory loss of aging is common, while mild cognitive impairment sits between normal aging and dementia and can have several different, often treatable causes. 3. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, but blood, spinal fluid, and PET scan biomarkers now allow for earlier and more accurate diagnosis. 4. Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia each affect the brain differently and require tailored treatment, safety, and planning. 5. Reversible causes like B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, sleep apnea, and normal pressure hydrocephalus can mimic dementia but often improve with proper treatment. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode starts and Dr. Patton explains why he prefers “cognitive impairment” over “dementia” and outlines the spectrum of memory loss. 03:30 Normal memory loss of aging and mild cognitive impairment are defined, with examples and common causes. 06:30 Cognitive impairment progressing to dementia is described, and the importance of identifying the specific underlying disease is introduced. 07:40 Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, risk factors, and new diagnostic biomarkers are explained in everyday language. 11:50 Vascular dementia, white matter disease on MRI, stepwise decline, and prevention through risk-factor control are discussed. 15:30 Lewy body dementia symptoms—Parkinsonism, hallucinations, fluctuating alertness—and frequent misdiagnosis as Alzheimer’s are reviewed. 18:00 Frontotemporal dementia is covered with real-world examples of personality change, impulsivity, and financial risk. 20:20 Mixed dementia, with overlapping Alzheimer’s, vascular, and Parkinson’s pathology, is described as a complex but common reality. 21:30 Reversible causes such as normal pressure hydrocephalus, B12 deficiency, and thyroid problems are highlighted with treatment options. 24:25 Dr. Patton explains why accurate diagnosis matters for treatment choices, prognosis, legal planning, and family decision-making. 28:30 The connection between misdiagnosis, unnecessary tests, missed prevention, and higher long-term healthcare costs is explored. 30:30 Key warning signs—money problems, missed medications, getting lost, and scams—are outlined as reasons to seek evaluation. 33:30 Sudden gambling, overspending, and other impulsive behaviors are reframed as possible signs of brain disease rather than character flaws. 35:00 Practical brain-protection steps—exercise, brain games, social activity, and risk-factor control—are summarized. 37:00 Episode closes with encouragement to seek a thorough workup, reassurance that you’re not alone, and a reminder that protecting brain health also protects wealth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  2. APR 13

    Menopause and Your Brain: How Hormones Shape Memory, Mood, and Migraines

    Menopause is not the end of your story; it can be the start of a better informed one. In this episode of Your Health, Your Wealth, I sit down with Dr. Terri Samuels to explain perimenopause and menopause in plain language, from symptoms like brain fog, insomnia, hot flashes, palpitations, joint pain, and sexual changes to the deeper impacts on heart, brain, and bone health. We break down the new science on hormone therapy, safer delivery methods, non hormonal options, and how pregnancy and family history should shape your plan. You will hear practical ways to talk with your clinician, protect your long term health, and avoid unnecessary medications and medical bills as you move through this transition. Connect with Dr. Terri-Ann Samuels HERE, and subscribe to her podcast The Menopod on YouTube. Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE. Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Key Takeaways 1. Perimenopause often begins 8 to 10 years before the final period with irregular cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, sleep problems, anxiety, and joint pain that can easily be misdiagnosed as stress, depression, or simple aging. Recognizing this as a hormonal transition instead of a personal failing is the first step toward better care and fewer unnecessary tests and medications. 2. Updated data on hormone therapy shows that estradiol can lower breast cancer mortality and significantly reduce cardiovascular risk when started within 10 years of menopause, especially when delivered through the skin rather than as an oral pill. The main risks in earlier studies were linked to certain synthetic progestins and first pass liver effects, which is why modern treatment leans toward transdermal estradiol and more natural progesterone preparations when appropriate. 3. Not every woman needs hormones and some cannot safely take them, but regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, managing blood pressure, and evaluating thyroid function can ease symptoms and protect long term brain, heart, and bone health. Non hormonal medications such as Veozah can help with hot flashes, especially for women with a history of breast cancer or surgical menopause. 4. Pregnancy history is an important but often overlooked piece of menopause risk assessment because conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and growth restricted babies are linked to a higher risk of later cardiovascular disease and stroke. Women with these histories should have more proactive conversations about heart health, hormone therapy, and prevention as they approach midlife. 5. Finding a clinician who truly understands menopause medicine can be the difference between being told to tough it out and having a tailored plan that addresses sleep, mood, sexual health, and long term prevention. You deserve to have your symptoms taken seriously, to understand your options, and to treat menopause as a strategic health and financial decision point rather than something you quietly endure. Timestamped Overview 00:33 Dr. Patton introduces Dr. Terri Samuels and explains that listener feedback prompted a deep dive on menopause and perimenopause. 03:35 Dr. Samuels explains perimenopause and menopause using the puberty analogy and describes the 8 to 10 year hormonal transition leading up to 12 months without a period. 06:23 Discussion of neurological and systemic symptoms including insomnia, brain fog, palpitations, anxiety, depression, joint pain, frozen shoulder, and sexual health changes that often go unrecognized as menopausal. 16:14 Conversation shifts to hormone replacement therapy history, early fear after the Women’s Health Initiative, and newer evidence about breast cancer and cardiovascular outcomes with estradiol. 21:17 Dr. Samuels explains why transdermal estradiol is preferred over oral estrogen, the role of progesterone and testosterone, and how delivery method affects clotting risk. 24:28 Exploration of lifestyle strategies, non hormonal options such as Veozah for hot flashes, and why exercise and healthy weight improve the menopause transition. 26:13 Dr. Samuels highlights pregnancy related risks like preeclampsia and growth restricted babies as red flags for future cardiovascular disease in midlife women. 29:02 Final guidance on when to seek specialized menopause care, how to recognize that symptoms are affecting quality of life, and encouragement to see menopause as a season to be informed and supported rather than afraid. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  3. MAR 23

    Myasthenia Gravis: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You

    Dr. Patton breaks down myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular condition most people have never heard of, covering symptoms, causes, early warning signs, and the new class of treatments giving patients their lives back. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Patton HERE. Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.  Key Takeaways 1. Myasthenia gravis occurs when the immune system attacks acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, disrupting the signal between nerves and muscles 2. Fatigable weakness is the hallmark symptom — patients may feel fine in the morning and experience drooping eyelids, double vision, or slurred speech by afternoon 3. MG is not primarily genetic; it can develop at any age and affects both men and women across a wide age range 4. Early symptoms are frequently mistaken for aging, deconditioning, or even intoxication, delaying diagnosis by a year or more 5. Treatment has evolved dramatically — from steroids alone to tailored therapies including FcRn inhibitors, complement inhibitors, B cell therapy, and thymectomy 6. Hospitalization rates for myasthenic crisis have dropped significantly with modern treatment options Timestamped Overview 00:00 Intro and guest welcome 01:08 What myasthenia gravis is and how it affects the neuromuscular junction 04:00 Early visual symptoms including ptosis and double vision 05:13 What happens when MG progresses beyond the eyes 06:54 Causes, genetics, and who is most at risk 08:27 Early warning signs and when to see a neurologist 10:22 Why MG goes undiagnosed and how symptoms fluctuate throughout the day 11:22 Vision loss, the Lighthouse of Houston, and what double vision means for MG patients 12:43 Lesser known symptoms including shortness of breath and slurred speech 15:19 The evolution of MG treatment and why Dr. Patton is optimistic 19:55 Closing thoughts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min

  4. MAR 9

    Rural Hospital Closures, AI, and Burnout: What Healthcare’s Future Means for Your Health and Wealth

    The future of healthcare is being decided in rooms most patients never see. In this solo episode, I share fresh takeaways from the 2026 ACHE Congress: how hospital finances, rural hospital closures, AI innovation, and workforce burnout are reshaping your access, your experience, and your out-of-pocket costs. You'll hear what higher premiums, narrow networks, telehealth, and digital tools actually mean for your day-to-day life, and how to better understand your benefits, use technology wisely, and plan ahead so you can protect both your health and your wealth in a system under real pressure. Schedule an appointment HERE. Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.  Key Takeaways 1. Healthcare systems are operating under intense financial strain, especially in rural communities where hospital closures can turn a short drive for care into a life‑or‑death journey. 2. Consolidation, narrow networks, and higher deductibles mean many patients have fewer options, longer travel times, and more out‑of‑pocket expenses, which makes it crucial to understand your insurance benefits, in‑network providers, and covered preventive services. 3. AI and digital health tools are already changing care through smarter documentation and telehealth; when implemented thoughtfully, they can reduce errors and help manage chronic diseases while potentially lowering long‑term costs. 4. Workforce burnout and poor brain health among nurses, physicians, and staff create safety, quality, and cost problems, so culture directly shows up in your wait times, the continuity of your care, and how you’re spoken to. 5. As a patient or caregiver, you’re not powerless: using telemedicine where appropriate, preparing for visits with clear questions, asking about lower‑cost alternatives, and reviewing last year’s healthcare spending to make one smarter change this year are all practical ways to protect your health and your wallet. Timestamped Overview 03:30 Hospital finance, inflation, and the rise of rural hospital closures 06:25 How rural hospital shutdowns and physician shortages affect everyday patients07:40 Consolidation, narrow insurance networks, and higher deductibles: what they mean for your insurance and access09:10 AI in healthcare: documentation, triage, ICU monitoring, and chronic disease management11:56 Telemedicine, rural access, and using digital health tools to save time and money14:06 Healthcare workforce burnout, brain health, and patient safety16:02 Leadership development, psychological safety, and diversity in healthcare organizations17:29 Reading clinic culture as a patient: wait times, rushed visits, and staff turnover20:25 How hospital economics and AI adoption show up in your premiums, co‑pays, and coverage choices21:48 Using telehealth, patient portals, and remote monitoring to avoid ER visits and lost wages23:25 From passive patient to active advocate: lowering healthcare costs with better planning24:02 One simple annual exercise to align your health, your budget, and your benefits See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min

  5. FEB 23

    Why It’s So Hard to See a Doctor: Inside America’s Physician Shortage

    Physician pay has lagged far behind inflation while costs to run a practice keep rising, creating a silent crisis in access to care. Medicare and private insurer cuts, growing physician burnout, and an aging population are driving a worsening doctor shortage that will mean longer waits, rushed visits, and fewer choices for patients unless payment, training, and burnout are addressed now.​ Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE. Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.  Key Takeaways 1. Medicare has increased physician pay only about 11% from 2001–2021 while practice costs rose ~39% and overall inflation ~51%.​ 2. Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities have seen 60%+ Medicare payment increases over the same period, widening the gap for doctors.​ 3. To stay open, many practices see more patients in less time, cut staff, consolidate, or stop taking Medicare/low-paying plans.​ 4. The U.S. may face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, especially in primary care, psychiatry, and neurology.​ 5. Policy changes aligning physician payments with inflation, expanding training slots, easing debt, and reducing administrative burden are critical to protect access and quality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min

  6. FEB 9

    The Economic and Social Impact of Dementia Caregiving

    How can society better support dementia caregivers facing immense challenges? In this episode, Dr. Patton and Dr. Dona Murphy discuss the limited treatment options and cultural influences on dementia care decisions. Dr. Patton emphasizes counseling caregivers and addressing the psychological toll. Dr. Murphy highlights the lack of culturally tailored resources through the Area Agency on Aging.  Support groups, including virtual sessions led by members of disproportionately impacted communities, serve as helpful resources. The hosts discuss the emotional and physical stress faced by caregivers, particularly women, and the impact on their health.  Dr. Murphy shares her personal experiences with family members affected by dementia, leading her to found Prognosus, a platform providing education, support, and community. Dr. Patton stresses involving family in diagnoses and the need for counseling, endorsing Prognosus' approach. Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE. Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.  Key Takeaways 1. Cultural factors significantly impact dementia diagnosis, treatment decisions, and family involvement in caregiving. 2. Caregiving for loved ones with dementia can have a profound impact on the caregiver's own health and well-being, with gender disparities in caregiving roles. 3. Caregivers need access to resources, support groups, and educational tools to prevent isolation and cope with the challenges of caring for someone with dementia. 4. The financial burden of dementia care is significant, affecting both society and individual caregivers, who often have to make personal sacrifices to provide care. 5. There is a lack of culturally specific resources for dementia caregivers, highlighting the importance of developing support systems and educational materials that consider diverse cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic factors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min

  7. JAN 26

    When Failure Becomes Your Superpower: Ari Rastegar on Health, Wealth, and Getting Back Up

    Failure is not the end of the story—it’s the training ground for your next chapter in health, wealth, and life. In this episode of Your Health, Your Wealth, Dr. Patton speaks with bestselling author and real estate investor Ari Rastegar to unpack the “gift” inside failure and why your health is the most important investment you will ever make. They connect Ari’s journey from community college and minimum-wage jobs to building billion‑dollar projects with the same principles Dr. Patton uses in clinic: learn from setbacks, trust the process, and keep showing up for yourself. You’ll hear concrete ways Ari rebuilt his life through nutrition, meditation, and consistent habits—and how those same choices directly fueled his business results and family life. Order Ari's book The Gift of Failure HERE. Learn more about Rastegar Capital HERE. Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE. Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.  Key takeaways 1. Failure is a universal human experience, but most of us were taught to fear it instead of using it as data and direction. Ari describes failure as “learning how to win,” comparing it to a child learning to walk or a hitter in baseball—if you keep getting back up, refining your process, and trying again, those “losses” become the foundation of real mastery and resilience. 2. Both Ari and Dr. Patton share personal stories—community college detours, missed medical school on the first try, a speech impediment, low‑wage jobs—that looked like dead ends in the moment but ended up being the exact preparation needed for the next level. When you zoom out, those hard seasons often become the “golden thread” that connects where you were to where you’re called to go. 3. Ari’s Dallas skyscraper story is a living example of long‑game thinking: he once couldn’t get past the nightclub bouncer on McKinney Avenue, and 15 years later he bought that same building and is now developing the tallest tower in Uptown. That arc is less about luck and more about time, persistence, relationships, and a willingness to have hundreds of uncomfortable conversations with city leaders, neighbors, and stakeholders. 4. Your body is your primary asset—if you burn it out, everything else eventually follows. Ari talks candidly about years of poor sleep, extreme stress, and trying medications for anxiety and attention issues, and how his physiology changed when he cut sugar, cleaned up his diet, lifted his vitamin D levels, moved his body, and treated meditation like medication. At 43, he feels better than he did in his twenties and can clearly see his health curve and his business curve rising together. 5. Health doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated; it has to be intentional. From salmon, chicken, sweet potatoes, and frozen vegetables to a solid multivitamin and daily walking, the biggest “biohack” in this episode is consistency, not fancy technology. Ari frames meal prep and movement as part of his workday and investing strategy—not a side hobby—because when he feels clearer and calmer, he shows up better for his kids, his clients, and his deals. Timestamped overview 00:00 – A billionaire, a neurologist, and the truth about failure 02:50 – Redefining failure: from shame to skill 06:10 – Community college, speech therapy, and the slow road to “overnight success” 13:30 – From denied at the door to owning the block: the McKinney Avenue skyscraper 18:40 – Why Texas—and especially Dallas—is positioned for explosive growth 22:20 – Designing community: schools, green space, and thousand‑home projects 26:30 – “Meditation is medication”: stress, inflammation, and brain health 29:45 – Costco, sweet potatoes, and $9 vitamins: health on a real‑world budget 31:50 – Labs, hormones, and why this 43‑year‑old feels better than at 25 33:10 – Sugar, labels, and treating food like an investment portfolio 34:40 – Pizza with the kids and the 80/20 rule of real life 36:00 – When your health and wealth curves finally line up 37:10 – The little things are the big things: closing encouragement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min

  8. JAN 12

    How 2026 Healthcare Premium Increases Will Affect You

    Premiums rise. Artificial intelligence expands. Dr. Eddie Patton looks at the impact of expiring ACA subsidies, projected healthcare premium increases, and possible changes to Medicare Part B. He outlines artificial intelligence’s role in health systems, regulatory challenges, and how changes might affect patients, providers, and insurers.  Learn more about Dr. Eddie Patton HERE. Subscribe to Your Health, Your Wealth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.  Key Takeaways 1. Dr. Patton explains that significant premium hikes are expected in 2026, particularly for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. The expiration of federal subsidies could lead to double- or even triple-digit increases in monthly costs, resulting in more people being uninsured and higher overall healthcare expenses. 2. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare is rapidly accelerating, with AI impacting everything from clinical support tools to claims automation. While AI has the potential to drive efficiency and enhance patient-provider relationships, it also introduces challenges around transparency ("black box" algorithms) and regulation, which will be crucial to address in 2026. 3. The future of healthcare premiums is closely tied to decisions made by Congress and the Senate regarding subsidy extensions for ACA plans. Policy changes have a cascading effect on the cost and accessibility of care for all insurance types, not just those in the marketplace. 4. With rising premiums and the possible expiration of ACA subsidies, more individuals may drop their health coverage, leading to a larger uninsured population. This shift increases the burden on emergency care centers and drives up costs throughout the healthcare system. 5. Dr. Patton highlights ongoing issues with stagnant Medicare reimbursement for physicians, which has not kept pace with inflation. This economic challenge contributes to workforce shortages, particularly in fields like pediatrics and psychiatry, and needs to be addressed to maintain the quality and accessibility of healthcare. Timestamped Overview 00:00 2026 Premium Hikes & AI 03:15 "Healthcare Costs and AI Impact" 09:07 Rising Healthcare Costs Explained 12:41 Medicare Costs and Changes 2026 15:12 AI and Healthcare: Upcoming Impacts 17:19 "AI's Promise and Risks in Healthcare" 21:46 AI Enhancing Healthcare Efficiency 26:32 Healthcare Innovations and Physician Support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

In Your Health, Your Wealth, renowned neurologist Dr. Eddie Patton exposes the hidden forces driving up medical costs for millions of Americans. From the fragmented healthcare infrastructure to hospital billing practices and pharmaceutical pricing, Dr. Patton provides an exhaustive examination of why the U.S. spends significantly more on healthcare than other nations. "The US healthcare system emphasizes autonomy and choice for patients,” said Dr. Patton during episode one. "Accessibility is a key term that will be important in healthcare as we move forward."  Dr. Eddie Patton is a recipient of Texas Monthly Magazine's SuperDoctors®, Houstonia Magazine's Top Doctors awards, and was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. These accolades, along with his decades of experience, make him the ideal host for a podcast like this. The podcast is a must-listen for anyone grappling with skyrocketing premiums, outrageous medical bills, or lack of access to quality care. Dr. Patton encourages listeners to "Increase your mindset, health set, and heart set as it pertains to your health and the healthcare system.”

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