January 28, 2025

Comprehensive Testing for Early Alzheimers and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Introduction

Inspired by the innovative work of Dr. Dale Bredesen, our approach to supporting our patients with Alzheimer’s Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), emphasizes a comprehensive assessment for the many potential contributors.

It’s important to know that cognitive decline is not a given with aging. With early detection and a well-rounded treatment plan, there is real potential to enhance cognitive function and quality of life.

Vive Integrative Health Group and our doctors are here to support you in this journey. We can recommend the appropriate tests, interpret the results, and help design a personalized plan to support your cognitive health, with the expectation being to stop and reverse the process of cognitive decline.

This guide highlights key tests that help identify the underlying contributors to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Dementia.

Comprehensive Blood Panels:

1. Full Male or Female Hormone Panel: Assesses hormonal imbalances that may affect cognitive function
2. Thyroid Panel: Evaluates thyroid function, which can impact cognitive health
3. Advanced Cardio-Metabolic Panel: Checks for metabolic imbalances, blood sugar dysregulation, risk for blood flow disorders that could contribute to cognitive decline
4. Nutrient Levels: Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Homocysteine and other essential nutrients for brain health
5. Inflammatory Markers: C-reactive protein (CRP) and other indicators of systemic inflammation

Toxin Screening:

7. Heavy Metals Test: Checks for toxic metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic
8. Environmental Pollutants Screening: Assesses exposure to various environmental toxins that may impact brain health
9. Glyphosate: Assesses for exposure and accumulation of glyphosate, a particularly harmful herbicide found in foods
10. Mycotoxin Assessment: Tests for the toxic metabolites of mold that have been implicated in neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment

Digestion and Microbiome Assessment:

11. Stool Analysis: To evaluate the gut microbial composition, detect harmful organisms, and assess digestive function
12. Assessment of Gastrointestinal Permeability: Commonly known as “leaky gut” testing, to determine the integrity of the intestinal barrier

Chronic Stealth Infections:

13. Chronic Viral and Bacterial Infections: Testing for the presence of certain viruses and bacteria that have been implicated in the development of dementia will guide treatment accordingly.

Cognitive Assessments:

12. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A widely used screening tool for detecting cognitive impairment. Assesses various cognitive domains including memory, attention, and executive function. Takes about 10-15 minutes to complete

Why Comprehensive Testing Matters:

Early detection of cognitive decline is crucial for several reasons:

1. Improved Outcomes: Early intervention, guided by comprehensive testing, holds the potential to halt or even reverse cognitive decline by addressing risk factors before symptoms worsen. Detecting and managing these factors early provides a window of opportunity to implement interventions that may preserve brain health and enhance long-term cognitive function. By prioritizing early testing, clinicians can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
2. Personalized Treatment: Comprehensive testing provides a detailed view of each individual’s health profile, allowing clinicians to design a tailored, multimodal treatment approach for cognitive impairment. Personalized treatment plans can address specific needs, such as dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted therapies, that align with the patient’s unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This customized approach increases the likelihood of effective, meaningful results.
3. Addressing Underlying Causes: Factors such as hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, an accumulation of environmental toxins, and stealth infections can significantly contribute to cognitive decline. Comprehensive testing identifies these underlying issues, enabling targeted treatments that address the root causes rather than just managing symptoms. This focused approach enhances treatment efficacy and may improve cognitive health in a more lasting, sustainable way.
4. Monitoring Progress: Regular testing allows clinicians to track the patient’s response to treatment and make necessary adjustments to optimize outcomes. Ongoing monitoring provides valuable data on improvements, helping to refine treatment plans and ensure they remain effective over time. By adapting the plan based on progress, clinicians can better support the patient’s cognitive health journey, fostering continued improvement.

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