June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

Did you know there are steps that you can take now to protect your brain against dementia and Alzheimer’s? Dementia and Alzheimer’s are not inevitable processes of aging or your genetics; rather, they are manifestations of specific pathological change in the brain that, when properly identified, can be reversed with targeted lifestyle and supplemental support. Dr. Powell is a certified provider of the Bredesen Program for Preventing Cognitive Decline (PreCODE) aim to identify and eliminate the true root cause of cognitive decline. 
 
Like all chronic disease, the changes in the brain that cause dementia develop over many decades. Unfortunately, we don’t typically see symptoms until far into the disease process, so by the time significant memory changes appear there is already advanced inflammation and damage in the brain. Preventative care is crucial to stopping dementia, as we have the best chance of halting this disease when we intervene before enough damage to generate symptoms has occurred.
 
Luckily, there are ways that we can detect problems in the brain early – long before cognitive changes begin – with the correct screening tools. Screening for all individuals should start at age 45 to have the best chance of reversing any abnormalities that are identified. This screening, called a Cognoscopy, should be conducted annually, just like your routine lab testing and cancer screenings. Individuals with any of the following conditions are at increased risk for dementia and may need screening more frequently or starting at an earlier age: 
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• Prediabetes or diabetes
• Heart disease or high blood pressure
• Obesity
• Daily alcohol use
• Current or past tobacco use
• Low physical activity (less than 150 minutes per week)
• Low cognitive activity/mental engagement
• History of head injury or depression
• History of chemical exposure from mercury dental amalgams, pesticides, certain chemotherapies, indoor molds, or repeated general anesthesia
• While family history is NOT a significant predictor of dementia risk, in those with a family member with disease onset earlier than age 60, earlier screening is recommended

 
Cognoscopy involves two simple tests, one conducted with your medical provider in office, and one conducted on your computer at home. More in-depth testing may be conducted to identify treatable risk factors for high-risk individuals, those with a family history, or those with abnormalities identified on the Cognoscopy.