Dementia Prevention: What You Can Do Today to Protect Your Brain Tomorrow

As a board-certified family physician with fellowship training in both geriatrics and integrative medicine, I’ve spent years helping patients navigate the complexities of aging, especially when it comes to protecting brain health. Dementia is one of the most feared diagnoses, but what many people don’t realize is that we can evaluate risk and take action early.

Dementia is Not Inevitable

While age and genetics play a role, research shows that up to 40% of dementia cases may be preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors. This means we can lower risk by taking charge of certain aspects of our health and lifestyle, long before symptoms appear.

Key Areas That Influence Dementia Risk

At Healthspan Utah, my dementia risk evaluations look beyond surface-level screening. We take a deep dive into:

• Metabolic health: Insulin resistance and blood sugar levels can directly impact brain aging.

• Cardiovascular health: High blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation all affect brain blood flow.

• Sleep quality: Sleep apnea and fragmented sleep can accelerate cognitive decline.

• Hearing loss: One of the most overlooked—and treatable—risk factors for dementia.

• Social connection and purpose: Isolation and loneliness are measurable risk factors for brain aging.

• Mental health: Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can all impact cognitive resilience.

• Nutrient status: Deficiencies in B12, vitamin D, and omega-3s can impair brain function.

• Movement and strength: Physical activity helps preserve both brain volume and function.

What My Dementia Risk Evaluation Includes

My dementia risk assessment is part of a personalized, physician-led evaluation that includes:

• In-depth lifestyle and medical history

• Evidence-based cognitive screening

• Advanced lab testing, including inflammatory and metabolic markers

• Sleep screening (including in-home sleep study if indicated)

• Nutrition and supplement review

• Mental health and social connection evaluation

• Optional genetic testing

We work together to create a customized plan to support cognitive health, including lifestyle, nutrition, and supplement recommendations grounded in evidence.

You Deserve to Know Your Risk

If you’ve noticed changes in memory, have a family history of dementia, or simply want to be proactive, this evaluation is for you. Dementia prevention isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment.

📞 Ready to take control of your brain health? Visit www.healthspanutah.com or call our office to schedule your dementia risk evaluation today. Early action makes all the difference.