What Causes Alzheimer's Disease - Types 3, 4, & 5

Alzheimers Disease is not a single thing.  Years of research show that you cannot point to 1 single thing as the cause of Alzheimers Disease.  For years the healthcare industry agreed that the unifying component of Alzheimers Disease was age.  Sadly, many groups still define Alzheimers Disease as an old age disease.  When in reality the most common person diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease is a 52-year-old female (example picture below).Alzheimers Disease is not something you will wake up with one day after you turn 80 (example picture below).  Most people slowly develop Alzheimers Disease over 20 30 years. The  52-year-old female we met in the previous paragraph was 22-32 when the beginning of Alzheimers Disease was triggered in her brain. When I look at the next 2 pictures below of a 22 and a 32-year-old female, it is upsetting to think that she could be unknowingly triggering Alzheimers Disease in her brain.  At this age, these women are usually busy establishing their careers or starting their families at this age.  They both have their entire life ahead of them. I find it easier to differentiate the types and symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease to address what caused it. They are:Type 1Type 1s primary characteristic is inflammation. Type 2Type 2s primary characteristic is low levels of nutrients, hormone factors, and/or trophic factors. Type 1.5Type 1.5s primary characteristic is insulin resistance (diabetesType 3Type 3s primary characteristic is exposure to toxins.Type 4Type 4s primary characteristic is low blood flow to the brain.Type 5Type 5s primary characteristic is brain damage.This week we will review what causes Alzheimers Disease in Type 1, Type 2 & Type 1.5 Alzheimers Disease.Type 1Type 1s primary characteristic is inflammation. What is inflammation?Harvard Medical School explains inflammation like this: Think of inflammation as the body's natural response to protect itself against harm. There are two types: acute and chronic. You're probably more familiar with the acute type, which occurs when you bang your knee or cut your finger. Your immune system dispatches an army of white blood cells to surround and protect the area, creating visible redness and swelling. The process works similarly if you have an infection like the flu or pneumonia. So in these settings, inflammation is essentialwithout it, injuries could fester and simple infections could be deadly.The inflammation could come from many different factors. It may start from a leaky gut, chronic sinusitis, a poor oral microbiome with chronic poor oral health. It can be a systemic infection or any number of other undiagnosed chronic infections. Any of these things can contribute to inflammation in your body.Types of InflammationAcute InflammationAcute inflammation is a healthy and necessary function that helps the body attack bacteria and other foreign substances in the body. Once the body has healed, the inflammation resolves. Acute inflammation can cause heat or warmth in the affected area. For example, an injured part of your body might feel warm to the touch. Sometimes, the heat is caused by a fever.A few examples of common conditions that can cause acute inflammation include:Acute bronchitis An infected body partA sore throat related to the flu or another viral infection Dermatitis Physical traumaSinusitis Skin cuts and scratches Chronic InflammationChronic inflammation may continue to attack healthy areas if it doesn't "turn off." It may not be as visible as acute inflammation. A few examples of chronic inflammatory conditions include:Inflammatory arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis)Asthma Periodontitis (inflammation of gums and other supporting teeth structures)Inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause signs of inflammation in the GI tract)Eczema  Issues with chronic inflammation tend to run in families as it is common in people who carry one or two ApoE4 alleles (ApoE in itself is considered an inflammatory gene). Type 2Type 2s primary characteristic is low levels of nutrients, hormone imbalances, and/or trophic factors. MalnutritionWhy would someone living in a wealthy first-world country experience low levels of nutrition? While most people in the US have plenty to eat. The food they chose does not provide the nutrition they need.  A steady diet of fast food will not provide you and your family with the nutrition you need.  But neither will the processed food we prepare at home.We consider a homemade meal something that is assembled with processed components, at home.  An example is your standard crock pot meal.  Many start with a protein, cans of processed soup, processed cream cheese, a packet or two of freeze-dried soup mix, or spice packets containing MSG.  Sometimes frozen vegetables are added.  This combination is left to cook for 6-8 hours.  About 30 minutes to an hour before mealtime, processed pasta and more processed cheese is added.  It smells great, fills your belly, and is considered a win for the entire family.  However, the original protein and vegetables have very little nutritional value after cooking for 8 hours. A steady diet of food with little to no nutrition will leave an individual hungry all the time.  Encouraging them to eat overly processed food all day and develop obesity.  Obesity leads to insulin resistance (diabetes). Hormone ImbalanceHow do you know that your hormones are imbalanced?Hormonal imbalances can cause a variety of symptoms, including:Metabolism: Unexplained weight gain or loss, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, and irregular body fat distributionSkin: Dry, coarse, or thin skin, skin tags, and darkened skin in the armpits or neckMood: Mood swings, depression, anxiety, or irritabilityMenstrual cycle: Heavy or painful periods, irregular periods, or pain during menstruationFertility: Low libido or infertilitySleep: Insomnia or poor-quality sleepOther: Headaches, muscle weakness, joint pain, and blurred vision Hormonal shifts are normal at certain times of life, such as before and during menstruation, during pregnancy, or during menopause & andropause (male menopause). Also, some medications and health issues can cause hormonal shifts.  Trophic FactorsWhat are trophic factors?The NIH explains: The various neurotrophic factors influence a wide range of cell functions in the developing, mature, and injured nervous system. Recent studies have provided valuable insights on the receptors that mediate these effects and on the intracellular events that follow the binding of the ligand. Although growth factors were known to be expressed by non-neuronal cells in the targets and pathways of neuronal projections, it is now clear that the neurons themselves can also be a source of these molecules. A better understanding of the mechanisms of action of trophic factors on the survival and differentiation of neurons, coupled with advances in methods for the delivery of these molecules to the nervous system have provided an impetus for exploring their use as aids to the protection and regeneration of the injured nervous system.Simply put, trophic factors control the development and survival of specific groups of neurons.Trophic factors are small proteins that play crucial roles in the growth, survival, and function of neurons in the nervous system. They are also known as neurotrophic factors or growth factors.These factors are typically secreted by various cells, including neurons and glial cells (non-neuronal cells), and they act upon specific receptors on the surface of neurons.The main functions of trophic factors include:Promoting Neuronal Survival: They help neurons survive by preventing cell death (apoptosis) triggered by various factors such as lack of nutrients or injury.Supporting Neuronal Growth and Differentiation: Trophic factors can stimulate the growth of axons and dendrites, the long projections of neurons that form connections with other neurons.Modulating Synaptic Plasticity: They can influence the strength and efficacy of synaptic connections between neurons, which is important for learning and memory.Repairing and Regenerating Neurons: Trophic factors are involved in the regeneration of damaged neurons after injury or disease.Examples of trophic factors include nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Each of these factors acts through specific receptors on neurons to exert their effects.Overall, trophic factors are essential for the development, maintenance, and repair of the nervous system throughout life.  If your trophic factors have begun to fail, your brain begins to atrophy.Type 2 also occurs more frequently in those who carry one or two copies of the ApoE4 allele, but the symptoms tend to initiate about a decade later than the inflammatory Type 1.  Type 1.5Type 1.5s primary characteristic is insulin resistance (diabetes). Type 1 and Type 2 Alzheimers Disease can occur together often seen with neural inflammation in addition to the reduced support for brain synapses. What is diabetes?Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period. This condition arises either due to insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas or the body's cells becoming resistant to the action of insulin, or both.Here are the key points about diabetes:Types of Diabetes:Type 1 Diabetes: This results from the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections for survival.Type 2 Diabetes: This is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Initially, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, but over time, it may not be able to keep up with demand.Causes:Type 1 Diabetes: The exact cause is not fully understood, but it involves genetic predisposition and environmental factors that trigger an autoimmune reaction. Type 1 diabetes develops in children AND adults.Type 2 Diabetes: Risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and increasing age. Symptoms:Increased thirst and frequent urinationExtreme hungerUnexplained weight lossWeight gainFatigueBlurred visionSlow healing of woundsFrequent infectionsComplications:Long-term uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications affecting various organs:Cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke)Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)Nerve damage (neuropathy)Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy)Foot damage (diabetic foot)Skin conditionsHearing impairmentAlzheimer's diseaseManagement:Type 1 Diabetes: Requires daily insulin injections or use of an insulin pump, regular blood sugar monitoring, balanced diet, and exercise.Type 2 Diabetes: Initially managed with lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and may progress to oral medications or insulin therapy if blood sugar levels cannot be controlled sufficiently.Prevention:Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet.Diabetes requires lifelong management to prevent complications and maintain good quality of life. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, adherence to treatment plans, and lifestyle modifications are essential for effectively managing the condition.If you find that you are experiencing symptoms consistent with diabetes you must see an endocrinologist!  Much has changed in the world of diabetes management in the last 5 years.  Primary Care Providers are amazing doctors.  I believe they do not have the experience and training required to treat diabetes. I confidently say this from my own experience.  I was officially diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic in 2019.  When I was diagnosed my blood sugar was out of control!  I had highs that would startle you!  The truth is, I had those highs for years I just did not know it.  I did not have health insurance and denied the truth to myself.  Once diagnosed I found a very well-respected primary care doctor.  He and his nurses worked with me to teach me the importance of checking my blood sugar twice a day.  I was instructed to begin injecting a long-acting insulin every night about 2 hours after I ate.  My blood sugar came down and I was encouraged to keep my A1C at or about 7.  My doctor and his staff were following the current protocols.  Then Covid hit and the world fell apart.My primary care provider was not accepting appointments, returning calls, or refilling prescriptions.  Two weeks of lockdowns were quickly extended to months of lockdowns.  For me, that was months of lockdowns without the medication I needed.  I left that provider and started working with another.  This time a much more respected doctor and his staff of PAs.  Both providers assumed that since I am an adult in my 50s, I am a type 2 diabetic.  They carefully evaluated me changed my medication and added Ozempic to the mix. Again, following the appropriate protocols they researched and were confident were the best solutions for type 2 diabetes.Over the next 6 months, I experienced unbelievable GI pain and constant issues.  I begged for referrals to a GI doctor but was denied.  I only lost 7 pounds on Ozempic, my blood sugar was steadily inching up, I had COVID-19, and was simply miserable. Until one day after not being able to keep anything down for a few days and unbelievable pain, I went to the ER.  Finally, with the results from the CT scan, I found a new primary care doctor.  This guy was horrible and mismanaged my diabetes worse than ever before.  However, he did not deny the referral to a GI doctor. I waited months to get in and even longer to get the tests I needed to learn what was going on inside of my gut. But he was the one who said I needed an Endocrinologist and demanded that my doctor write the referral to the doctor I work with now.Between the GI doctor and my Endocrinologist, I learned that I am not a Type 2 diabetic.  I am a Type 1.5 diabetic or an adult with Type 1 diabetes.  My GI issues have been resolved with lifestyle and nutritional changes.  I was prescribed an OmniPod 5 insulin pump and a constant glucose monitoring device (gcm).  My blood sugar ranges between 95 and 105 all day except after I eat my 1 meal a day. But the highs after I eat are much lower than my lowest reading before I started receiving the appropriate care. I tell you this to say your Primary Care Provider is not a bad doctor.  They are providing the care they are told to provide.  However, they are not experts in diabetes management.  My research and personal experience say:If you look down and cannot see your toes, you need a very thorough evaluation for insulin resistance. If you have skin tags, you need a very thorough evaluation for insulin resistance. If you are always thirsty, you need a very thorough evaluation for insulin resistance. If you crave sugary food, you need a very thorough evaluation for insulin resistance. If you get up to pee more than once at night, you need a very thorough evaluation for insulin resistance. Fasting glucose tests or a simple A1C test are not enough.  You need to wear a constant glucose monitoring device for at least 10 days.  Your doctor will see your accurate highs and lows and have better information to diagnose you and create a treatment plan.Demand your primary care provider provide you with the referral.  Your brain health depends on it!I still encourage you to purchase Dr. Dale Bredesens books.  Or go to his website and read through everything. If not for yourself, for a friend or family member. 1 in 3 people will die from Alzheimers Disease. We all must do what we can to reduce those numbers. Here are the links to purchase the books on Amazon and the link to Dr. Bredesens website.THE END OF ALZHEIMERS 2 BOOKS COLLECTION SET BY DALE BREDESEN PAPERBACK OCTOBER 26, 2023LINK:https://amzn.to/462LcY3 The End of Alzheimer's Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at AnyAge Paperback September 6, 2022LINK:https://amzn.to/3xNcrctDr. Bredesens WebsiteLINK: https://www.apollohealthco.com/

The integration of purposeful physical activities in brain injury rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in fostering recovery and enhancing cognitive functions. This article looks at the evidence-based techniques and scientific principles underpinning brain injury rehabilitation, shedding light on the specific physical activities that have shown efficacy in aiding brain injury recovery.By exploring the intersection of physical activities and brain injury rehabilitation, we aim to highlight the innovative approaches that contribute to effective recovery and empower individuals undergoing rehabilitation.TAILORED PHYSICAL REHABILITATION EXERCISES FOR EFFECTIVE RECOVERYIn brain injury rehabilitation, the incorporation of tailored physical exercises stands as a cornerstone in empowering individuals and facilitating effective recovery. By focusing on personalized physical activities, rehabilitation programs can address the specific needs of each individual, promoting targeted progress and overall well-being. This tailored approach not only enhances physical strength and mobility but also plays a crucial role in cognitive and emotional rehabilitation.Importance of Individualized Physical ActivitiesTailored physical exercises cater to the unique challenges and goals of each individual undergoing brain injury rehabilitation. These activities are designed to address specific cognitive and physical impairments, promoting targeted recovery and functional independence. By customizing physical exercises, rehabilitation programs can adapt to the evolving needs of individuals, ensuring a dynamic and responsive approach to recovery.Empowerment Through Purposeful EngagementTailored physical activities empower individuals by providing a sense of agency and control over their rehabilitation journey. Engaging in personalized exercises fosters a positive and proactive mindset, contributing to a holistic approach to recovery. The individualized nature of these activities promotes a sense of ownership and motivation, driving individuals to actively participate in their rehabilitation process.In essence, the role of physical activities in brain injury rehabilitation extends beyond mere physical rehabilitation; it encompasses a personalized and purposeful approach that empowers individuals to navigate their recovery journey with resilience and determination.HARNESSING NEUROPLASTICITY FOR RECOVERYNeuroplasticity, the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, plays a pivotal role in brain injury rehabilitation. Specific physical activities can leverage neuroplasticity to promote recovery and enhance cognitive functions in individuals with brain injuries, offering a pathway to regain lost abilities and adapt to new challenges.Adapting to Neural Changes Through Physical ActivitiesNeuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt and rewire itself in response to learning, experience, and injury. Tailored physical exercises capitalize on neuroplasticity, facilitating the formation of new neural pathways to compensate for damaged areas of the brain. By engaging in purposeful physical activities, individuals can harness neuroplasticity to enhance cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.Promoting Functional Recovery and AdaptationThe plastic nature of the brain enables individuals to regain lost functions and develop compensatory strategies through targeted physical activities. Physical exercises that challenge and stimulate the brain contribute to functional recovery and adaptation, fostering resilience in the face of cognitive impairments. Harnessing neuroplasticity through purposeful physical activities offers a pathway for individuals to adapt to their evolving cognition, promoting independence and quality of life.Understanding and leveraging neuroplasticity through tailored physical activities provides a foundation for promoting recovery and enhancing cognitive functions in individuals undergoing brain injury rehabilitation. By embracing the adaptive potential of the brain, rehabilitation programs can offer a proactive and empowering approach to recovery.PERSONALIZED AND ENGAGING PHYSICAL REHABILITATION ACTIVITIESThe practical implementation of purposeful physical activities is paramount to fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for individuals undergoing rehabilitation. By incorporating personalized and engaging physical exercises into rehabilitation programs, a supportive and empowering environment can be cultivated, promoting holistic well-being and functional progress.Tailoring Activities to Individual NeedsRehabilitation programs customize physical activities to address the unique cognitive and physical challenges faced by each individual. Personalized exercises are designed to align with the specific goals and capabilities of the individual, ensuring targeted and meaningful engagement. By tailoring activities to individual needs, rehabilitation programs can create a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures progress and independence.Fostering Independence and Well-beingEngaging in purposeful physical activities empowers individuals to actively participate in their rehabilitation journey, fostering a sense of autonomy and accomplishment. Personalized and engaging exercises contribute to a positive and fulfilling rehabilitation experience, promoting emotional well-being and a sense of purpose.The incorporation of purposeful physical activities into rehabilitation programs fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, where individuals can thrive and make meaningful strides in their recovery journey.The integration of personalized and engaging physical exercises within rehabilitation programs serves as a catalyst for promoting independence, resilience, and overall well-being for individuals undergoing brain injury rehabilitation. By embracing a tailored and purposeful approach, rehabilitation programs can create an environment where individuals feel empowered and supported in their journey toward recovery.TAILORED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PLANS FOR HOLISTIC RECOVERYThe development of personalized physical activity plans tailored to individuals undergoing brain injury rehabilitation is instrumental in promoting recovery and enhancing overall well-being. These personalized plans are designed to address the specific needs and goals of each individual, fostering a proactive and targeted approach to rehabilitation.Customizing Plans for Targeted ProgressPersonalized physical activity plans are tailored to align with the unique cognitive and physical requirements of individuals undergoing brain injury rehabilitation. These plans are developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, ensuring that they cater to the specific goals and capabilities of each individual. By customizing activity plans, rehabilitation programs can promote targeted progress, functional independence, and overall well-being for individuals on their recovery journey.Enhancing Overall Well-being and Quality of LifePersonalized physical activity plans contribute to a holistic approach to recovery, addressing not only physical rehabilitation but also emotional well-being and cognitive enhancement. These plans are designed to engage individuals in purposeful and meaningful activities, fostering a sense of fulfillment and purpose during the rehabilitation process. By enhancing overall well-being and quality of life, personalized physical activity plans play a pivotal role in empowering individuals to navigate their recovery journey with resilience and determination.The development of personalized activity plans within brain injury rehabilitation programs offers a proactive and targeted approach to recovery, promoting holistic well-being and functional progress for individuals undergoing rehabilitation. By embracing a tailored and purposeful strategy, these plans empower individuals to actively participate in their recovery journey and make meaningful strides toward independence and overall well-being.The integration of purposeful activities within brain injury rehabilitation programs stands as a cornerstone in fostering recovery, promoting independence, and enhancing overall well-being for individuals undergoing rehabilitation. By leveraging tailored physical exercises and personalized activity plans, rehabilitation programs can create a supportive and empowering environment that nurtures progress and resilience.

Growing older comes with outward signs of aging that you might find difficult to accept. Spotty skin, graying hair, and an achy body arent exactly perks of aging. But changes are unavoidable, even when it comes to your brain.Did you realize that your brain shrinks with age? This process begins as early as your 30s and 40s. This shrinkage also affects your learning and memory center, known as the hippocampus. Age-related decline also decreases blood flow to your brain while increasing inflammation. Communication between nerve cells (neurons) becomes less effective as you age.While you might not look or feel as well as you once did, your brain is also experiencing changes. While this might all seem bleakits just a normal part of aging most of the time. Age-related cognitive decline happens gradually for most people.Sometimes neurodegenerative changes arent arent so normal in older adults. Cognitive screens at the right time can help you catch declines early and even address underlying causes to slow or reverse these negative changes.What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?MCI is an early stage of declining cognitive (thinking) function. It usually involves some degree of memory or language loss that is greater than expected at someone's age or health. When you have MCI, you can function in daily life without help, but symptoms can progress until theyre no longer mild. You may eventually require assistance with daily tasks.Although MCIs exact cause isnt known, its apparent that certain processes in the brain trigger toxic clumps of proteins to collect, allowing other toxic proteins to damage and kill neurons. For some, this decline is connected to the early stages of dementia or Alzheimers, which are considered more advanced cognitive impairment that includes functional impairment (or loss of abilities).Of course, age increases your risk of MCI but so does a genetic predisposition to Alzheimers. Other medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression are also MCI risk factors.The Benefits of Cognitive ScreeningEarly detection can be key to stopping or reversing neurodegeneration. Cognitive screening can help you catch negative changes before they cause serious problems. Often, abnormal cognitive decline has underlying causes that can be addressed, such as medication side effects or nutritional deficiencies. And both lifestyle changes and new medications can slow the progression of dementia if detected in the early stages.What Is Cognitive Screening?Cognitive screening includes testing assesses different aspects of your mental functions with the purpose of detecting any problems with thinking, memory, problem solving, language, and other cognitive abilities.This type of screening is usually brief, like a questionnaire. But its not used to diagnose a condition and is instead a means of determining if you need further evaluation to make a diagnosis. It's evaluating whether youre experiencing difficulty with mental functions before you or those close to you notice there is a problem. Think of it as a pre-assessment or preliminary step.When Is the Best Time for Cognitive ScreeningBest rule of thumb: dont wait. Once youre noticing memory problems that are disrupting your life, youre already past the screening stage. At that point, its time for diagnostic testing to determine the specific cause and treatment. You should get a screening to make you aware of what is not yet noticeable, something that might be lurking but correctable, something to be addressed to prevent further decline.You might wonder when to get your first assessment. Its reasonable and worthwhile to get one at age 65 when you enroll in Medicare. It should be included in your annual wellness checkup, but be sure to confirm this or ask your doctor. This is especially if you havent had any symptoms prior to age 65. But if youre in tune with your body and feel like something is off, even without obvious symptoms, its reasonable to get screened prior to 65.Your primary care physician can perform a cognitive screening if there is no reason why you should see a specialist.What Is the Cognitive Screening Process?Its typically about 10 minutes or less and covers three assessments:Montreal Cognitive AssessmentMini-Mental State ExamSaint Louis University Mental State ExamYou can expect to be asked brief questions without any prior preparation. For example, during the Mini-Mental State Exam, you will be given three words and are asked to repeat them after a few minutes. You will also need to draw a circular clock and position the hands at a specified time. Other tests assess your orientation to ensure you know the date, your name, and where you are. These tests include questions to evaluate your:Attention spanShort-term learning abilitiesBoth short- and long-term memoryConcentrationLanguage abilitiesThese screenings are designed to assess different areas of brain function.Can You Do Online Screenings at Home?The most reputable, do-it-yourself, online cognitive screening is the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE). Its a short, written exam that can be taken at home and doesnt require a trained professional to administer. It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. It measures a range of abilities like reasoning, memory, language, and orientation.However, you dont get immediate results, because you dont determine the results yourself. There is no answer key or way to score it on your own. Its designed to be completed and given to your primary care physician who will score it and interpret the results. It will be up to your doctor to determine if you need further examination.What Happens After Cognitive Testing?For many people, cognitive testing yields positive results and requires no further evaluation. But you may need further testing if the screening indicates a degree of cognitive impairment. If this is you, dont panic. Not everyone with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has or will develop dementia.According to the Mayo clinic, only about 10-15% of people with MCI later develop dementia. Many underlying causes can be addressed, like thyroid problems, sleep issues, and vitamin deficiencies like B12. When you treat these causes, your brain impairment is likely to improve.Sometimes a brain scan is necessary to determine if you have inflammation, tumors, or small strokes. It can also detect infection and structural problems in the brain.What Does an MCI Diagnosis Mean?If you get an MCI diagnosis, you can think of it as the stage between normal cognitive decline (due to aging) and more concerning decline like dementia. But remember, MCI doesnt mean that dementia is inevitable. As mentioned previously, most people with MCI dont move into the more serious state of cognitive decline, known as dementia.But its not easy to distinguish between MCI and the typical effects of aging on the brain. Its not uncommon for doctors to completely miss an MCI diagnosis. While having MCI is a risk factor for dementia or Alzheimers disease, these conditions arent inevitable. Its possible for your MCI symptoms to remain the same or improve.Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that can help slow declining mental function.Recommended Lifestyle Changes for Improved Brain HealthBoosting brain health means taking steps that improve your health in general. In fact, youve probably heard most of these recommendations before.Quality and sufficient sleepExerciseNutritious dietSocializationThis is not headline news, but adopting these healthy habits can have a notable impact on your cognitive health. For instance, sleep is crucial, because during this time your body removes toxins from your brain, which is key to preventing dementia and Alzheimers.Concerning diet, experts recommend a Mediterranean-style diet for brain function. This would include diets like the original Mediterranean Diet, the MIND Diet, and the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay). These eating plans involve less red meat and more produce. People who eat according to these plans have fewer signs of Alzheimers according to a study sponsored by the National Institute on Aging.Despite the importance of all these lifestyle factors, the addition of exercise has the strongest evidence for improving various cognitive functions. This is according to a review of 65 research studies.What If You Need Medication for MCI?Sometimes, it takes more than lifestyle changes to effectively battle MCI and stave off early on-set Alzheimers disease. Medications can help slow both MCI and Alzheimers, but this is a decision for you to make with your doctor.Medication to consider include:aducanumab (Aduhelm)lecanemab (Leqembi)donanemab (likely to be approved soon)You and your doctor can weigh the benefits of medication against the side effects.Cognitive Screening Is a Tool Worth UsingWhen you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare you can take advantage of cognitive screening during your annual wellness visit. The cost should be included in the annual exam. But not all seniors get their annual physical and miss this free cognitive screening. And some who do get an annual physical through Medicare claim they never got the screening. Be sure to ask about cognitive screening when you schedule your annual physical with your Medicare plan.You can be proactive in preventing mild cognitive impairment and the onset of dementia but there are no guarantees. Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimers have a genetic component that you cannot change. But you may be able to delay the onset with good lifestyle habits like regular exercise, good sleep, socialization, and a Mediterranean-style diet.TYE Medical offers premium incontinence products in a variety of sizes and absorbency levels. Shop our online store for free and discreet shipping on all orders!