Please expect delays in shipping until January 5th.
Please expect delays in shipping until January 5th.
Have you walked into a room and forgotten why you went there? Struggled to remember a name you’ve known for years? Found yourself reading the same paragraph three times before it sinks in?
If you’re nodding along, you’re in good company. These moments happen to all of us. But when they start happening more frequently, it’s worth paying attention. According to recent data, 1 in 9 U.S. adults over the age of 45 report worsening memory or confusion.
Here’s the thing: cognitive decline doesn’t have to be your destiny. The majority of neurodegenerative conditions are connected to things we can actually change—lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, metabolic health. At Blum Center for Health, we believe your brain deserves better than resignation. It deserves answers.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) sits in that uncomfortable middle ground. Your thinking has changed enough that you notice it, maybe your loved ones notice it too. But you’re still managing your daily life. You’re still you.
MCI can show up in different ways: trouble remembering recent conversations, difficulty focusing on tasks, challenges learning new information, or problems with language and problem-solving. It’s more than normal aging, but it’s not dementia. Think of it as your brain sending up a flare, asking for help.
Traditional medicine often stops at ruling out a few obvious problems like hypothyroidism and B12 deficiency. At our clinic, we try to understand which physiologic systems are impaired, and look for drivers of cognitive impairment beyond the basics. Because here’s what we’ve learned: cognitive decline rarely happens in isolation. It’s connected to inflammation, hormones, nutrient deficiencies, gut health, and sometimes hidden infections your conventional doctor may never think to look for.
When we test comprehensively, we’re not just checking boxes. We’re becoming medical detectives, hunting for the root causes that are stealing your mental clarity.
We start by establishing a baseline. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a 30-point test that evaluates how your brain handles executive function, memory, language, attention, and visual-spatial tasks. We also use CNS Vital Signs, a computerized tool that gives us detailed insights into different cognitive domains like visual memory, executive function, and verbal memory, and helps us track your progress over time.
We may also look at blood biomarkers like GFAP, pTau217, amyloid beta 42/40, and others during initial screening. We often use Intellxx genetics to understand your unique risk factors for cognitive decline, because prevention is so much easier than reversal.
Hormones are chemical messengers, and when they’re off, your brain feels it. We consider testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone, because these shift dramatically as we age. Estradiol, in particular, can preserve cognitive function when given during the right window of time.
Since hypothyroidism can masquerade as cognitive decline, we may work to optimize thyroid function. Cortisol, an important stress response hormone, can be either too high or low, both of which can affect mental performance.
Your brain is metabolically demanding. It needs fuel, and it needs the right building blocks. We test vitamin B12 and folate levels because deficiencies in these nutrients can directly cause cognitive impairment. We measure omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health. And we look at insulin resistance through various biomarkers because blood sugar problems don’t just affect your body—they affect your mind. Other targeted supplements for neurotropic support are individualized, and will be discussed at your appointment.
Yes, your gut health influences your brain. We analyze your gut microbiome to identify imbalances (dysbiosis) that may be contributing to cognitive issues. We also assess intestinal permeability, often called leaky gut, which can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress that reaches your brain.
Chronic inflammation is like a slow fire burning in your body, and your brain feels the heat. We measure C-reactive protein (CRP) to assess systemic inflammation and check oxidative stress markers like 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine to see how much cellular damage free radicals are causing.
We also test for environmental toxins and heavy metals because your toxic burden matters. These exposures accumulate over time and can interfere with brain function.
Poor sleep does not just make you tired—it directly contributes to long term cognitive impairment. We often arrange sleep studies to evaluate your sleep quality, duration, and patterns. We also test melatonin and cortisol rhythms to understand if your circadian rhythm is supporting or sabotaging your brain health.
Here’s where we’re different. Testing reveals the problems, but lifestyle creates the solutions. At Blum Center for Health, every patient visit includes lifestyle guidance tailored to your results.
You’ll optimize your sleep. You’ll learn intentional relaxation techniques. Depending on your test results, you might also evaluate your microplastic and heavy metal exposure, improve your indoor and outdoor air quality, or address oral health issues that can contribute to inflammation.
This isn’t about overwhelming you with a massive to-do list. It’s sequential. We tackle one thing at a time, building momentum as you go. Over months and years, these changes compound into something powerful: a personalized brain protection regimen that’s uniquely yours.
When we catch mild cognitive impairment early and address it comprehensively, you can:
You don’t have to accept cognitive decline as inevitable. You have the power to protect your brain, and we have the tools to help you do it.
If you’re experiencing memory changes or cognitive concerns, don’t wait. The earlier we intervene, the better your outcomes. Speak with our New Patient Coordinator to learn how Blum Center for Health’s comprehensive approach can help you reclaim your mental clarity and protect your cognitive future.
