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    Early Alzheimer's & Cognitive Decline

    Early Alzheimer's and cognitive decline are increasingly viewed in functional medicine as a result of multiple metabolic, toxic, and inflammatory insults to the brain, rather than just a single disease process. Addressing these root causes early can often halt or reverse cognitive decline.

    Common Symptoms

    Memory loss that disrupts daily life
    Challenges in planning or solving problems
    Difficulty completing familiar tasks
    Confusion with time or place
    Changes in mood, personality, or withdrawal from social activities

    Causes & Triggers

    • Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction (Type 3 Diabetes)
    • Chronic inflammation and untreated infections
    • Toxins (mycotoxins, heavy metals)
    • Hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies
    • Vascular issues reducing blood flow to the brain

    Diagnosis

    Diagnosis combines cognitive testing, brain imaging (MRI, PET scans), and comprehensive functional lab testing to identify specific metabolic and toxic contributors to cognitive decline.

    Treatment Approaches

    Optimizing diet (often ketogenic or low glycemic) to improve brain metabolism
    Addressing insulin resistance and optimizing blood sugar
    Targeted supplementation (Omega-3s, B vitamins, antioxidants)
    Detoxification of heavy metals and biotoxins
    Brain training, regular exercise, and optimizing sleep

    Not Sure Where to Start?

    Take our free Root Cause Assessment to help identify whether your symptoms are primarily driven by genetics, environmental toxins, or nervous system dysregulation.

    Take the Free Assessment

    Top Early Alzheimer's Specialists

    View All
    Dr. Mark Hyman, MD

    Dr. Mark Hyman, MD

    Functional Medicine

    Lenox, MA
    Dr. Daniel Amen, MD

    Dr. Daniel Amen, MD

    Psychiatry, Brain Health

    Multiple Locations
    Telehealth
    Dr. Heather Sandison, ND

    Dr. Heather Sandison, ND

    Neurocognitive Medicine

    Encinitas, CA
    Telehealth
    Dr. Dale Bredesen, MD

    Dr. Dale Bredesen, MD

    Neurology, Cognitive Decline

    Novato, CA
    Telehealth
    View All Early Alzheimer's Specialists

    Research & Sources

    Reversal of cognitive decline: A novel therapeutic program

    Aging (Albany NY)View Source