Dementia is a group of medical conditions characterized by a deterioration of cognitive function.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) acts as a transitional phase to early dementia.

Common forms of Dementia include:

  1. Alzheimers Disease

Symptoms

  • Difficulty remembering things
  • Apathy and/or Depression
  • Trouble communication
  • Disorientation/confusion
  • Pooe judgement
  • Changes in behavior and personality
  • Difficulty speaking then swallowing and walking

Labs

Omega 3 panel, Vit D,

Genes

  • MTHFR: can lead to high levels of homocysteine and to low levels of folate which can affect mood, heart, and detox capacity. (recommend L-methylfolate supplement if there’s no COMT gene present which can worsen symptoms)
  • APOE4: whether you have one or two is going to increase the risk factor for the development of Alzheimers type dementia

Nutrition

MEND or Mediterranean diet

Bresden (MEND) protocol: optimize diet, enhance autophagy & ketogenesis, reduce stress, optimize sleep, exercise, brain stimulation, homocysteine levels < 7, serum B12 > 500,

insulin resistance in the brain: diabetes type 3 due to poor glycemic control,

Nutrients

folic acid/methylated folate, vitamin D, magnesium glycinate, omega 3s (higher DHA to EPA ratio to support cognitive health)

Supplements

Herbs

Exercise/Movement

  • One of the most important protective factors against dementia since it increased BDNF levels which promotes neuronal growth and hippocampal volume (where memories formed in the brain)

Hormones

The cortisol rhythm

Gut Microbiome

Sleep

The Sleep/Wake Cycle – The circadian rhythm – Exposure to light and dark

Higher quality sleep is linked to lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Emotional/Mental health

Mental Stimulation

  1. Brain games like crosswords or jigsaw puzzles. Creating new neural pathways by choosing a different parking spot than normal or choosing to drive a different route back home or to work. Reading, writing, have a social life, playing card or board games, meditation, exercise/staying active, constantly learning, thinking, doing novel activities, not doing the same work all the time,