By now, it’s safe to say we’re all aware that as we age, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias increases. However, current research has provided promising insights into dementia and Alzheimer’s disease prevention. This is welcome info the Restore Wellness Centre team wants to share, so here we’ll touch on the latest findings — including the ReCODE Protocol developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen, which we follow, and the impact of metabolic disorders on the development of Alzheimer’s.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Before diving into prevention research and strategies, let’s ensure we understand the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Simply put, dementia is an umbrella term for several types of cognitive function decline severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s in 2024. This accounts for 60-80% of American dementia cases, according to the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).
Can You Prevent Dementia?
Two of the most asked questions we’re asked are, “Can you prevent dementia?” and “Can you cure dementia or Alzheimer’s?” While there isn’t a complete cure for Azheimer’s disease, various lifestyle changes and interventions show promise in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and slowing its onset. These efforts focus on a holistic combination of nutrition, exercise, cognitive training, and management of metabolic issues. As a functional medicine provider, Drs. Ken and Sheila Patterson address all these factors, taking a holistic approach to helping patients with dementia or signs of cognitive decline.
And if you’re wondering about medications, certain medications do exist, though some aren’t recommended for mild symptoms related to subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). So, what can medications do? They can help slow cellular degeneration, contributing to quality of life. Medications also exist for managing anxiety or behavior that can arise from experiencing dementia.
The ReCODE and PreCODE Protocols: Multifaceted Approaches
Dr. Dale Bredesen’s ReCODE (Reversal of Cognitive Decline) Protocol and PreCODE Protocols are comprehensive approaches to Alzheimer’s disease reversal and prevention. ReCODE addresses multiple underlying factors contributing to subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and those with early-stage Alzheimer’s.
ReCODE addresses factors such as:
- Inflammation
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Toxins — both environmental and within your body’s systems
- Glycemic control
- Hormone balance
- Physical fitness
- Metabolic issues
A study looking into the efficacy of the ReCODE program showed that participants experienced improvements in brain health and a lessening or stabilization of cognitive decline.
And how about prevention? Dr. Bredesen’s PreCODE protocol is a preventative strategy that includes resources and tools to help stop symptoms before they begin. It suggests that it’s possible to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease through personalized and targeted interventions. In other words, by addressing the root causes of cognitive decline, you can improve brain health and potentially prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
The Role of Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, are strongly linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions contribute to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance in your body — all of which are detrimental to brain health. Sometimes genetics play a part in these issues, although lifestyle choices like substance abuse or smoking, or issues with mental health like depression can contribute.
How Changing Metabolic Health Can Contribute To Dementia Prevention
Improving metabolic health is a key strategy in dementia prevention. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and a healthy weight are essential. Exercise, in particular, has been shown to decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This 2021 study found that regular exercise lowered a participant’s risk of cognitive decline. Whether a participant was a generally inactive person that made light exercise a habit during the study or was a very active person continuing their high-intensity activities, the outcome was a reduced risk of dementia over those who were completely inactive.
Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Strategies
As mentioned, Alzheimer’s currently doesn’t have a cure, but lifestyle changes can help with dementia prevention, not to mention improve your health and well-being as a whole. At Restore Wellness Centre, we follow Dr. Bredesen’s holistic approach to address the daily habits and routines that can affect your brain health. In your personalized treatment plan, we may recommend changes like the following:
1. Nutrition: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
2. Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, including both aerobic and resistance training.
3. Cognitive Training: Keeping the brain active through learning, puzzles, and other mentally stimulating activities.
4. Social Engagement: Staying socially active and connected with others can lift our spirits and allow us to experience the benefits of feeling happy and purposeful, warding off depression.
5. Sleep: Prioritizing good sleep hygiene and ensuring adequate rest is crucial for brain health.
Make Strides in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Prevention with Your Abilene Doctors
Our functional medicine approach at Restore Wellness Centre can help you prevent or lessen cognitive decline as you age. It’s never too early to start making changes that benefit your brain health, so contact us for a consultation.