Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline doesn’t start with memory loss—it starts silently, often years or even decades earlier. At East West Wellness, we help you understand the earliest signs of brain aging and how to intervene before symptoms become irreversible. Whether you're experiencing mild memory issues, family history, or have a diagnosis of early cognitive impairment, we’re here to help you think clearly, age wisely, and protect your brain .
Understanding Alzheimer’s as a Metabolic and Mitochondrial Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is often thought of as a condition of aging. But research has shown it is far more complex—and, in many cases, far more preventable—than previously believed. While genetics may play a role, the real drivers of Alzheimer’s are metabolic, mitochondrial, and inflammatory imbalances that accumulate silently over time.
What Research Shows:
Studies from leaders in the field, including Dr. Dayan Goodenowe, reveal that cognitive decline often begins decades before diagnosis, when key molecules like plasmalogens—essential fats that protect neurons—begin to decline. Without enough plasmalogens, the brain’s ability to resist oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction breaks down.
In addition, Alzheimer’s is now considered by many experts to be "Type 3 diabetes", due to the role of insulin resistance and blood sugar instability in damaging neurons.
Early Signs of Cognitive Decline
Symptoms can vary depending on the stage and underlying cause, but early signs often include:
Forgetting words or names more frequently
Losing items or getting lost in familiar places
Trouble focusing, especially under stress
Difficulty with planning, multitasking, or decision-making
Feeling mentally “foggy” or fatigued
These may seem subtle—but they’re often the first sign that deeper neurological shifts are underway.
Our Approach
At East West Wellness, we believe the earlier we intervene, the more powerfully we can support brain resilience. Our integrative approach draws from functional neurology, mitochondrial medicine, prodrome science, and nutrition-based interventions.
Your personalized plan may include testing for inflammatory markers, mitochondrial function, essential fatty acid and nutrient status, insulin resistance and plasmalogen levels (based on the work of Dr. Goodenowe. Plasmalogens when appropriate help support cellular membrane integrity, reduce oxidative damage, and protect neuronal function.
We will guide you in the Mind Diet, a Mediterranean-style, low-inflammatory, brain-focused diet that supports glucose stability and promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Diet and supplements are important to enhance your brain’s energy production and for resilience to stress. It is important to work on stress reduction, sleep quality, sensory stimulation, and cognitive retraining exercises to maintain and improve neural pathways.
Alzheimer’s Isn’t Inevitable—Prevention Is Possible
Alzheimer’s does not begin with a diagnosis. It begins years earlier with subtle metabolic shifts that can be measured and can be addressed. Whether you're concerned about your own memory, have a strong family history, or want to take a proactive approach to aging, our team is here to help.
The earlier we start, the more brain function we can protect—and in some cases, even restore.