Cognitive Issues
Did you ever wonder, “where did my mind go?” Are you forgetting names, having trouble finding words, or noticing a loved one having these problems? Losing our memory and brain function is a big fear for most adults as they age, especially when they have family members who have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Did you know that we actually can impact how our brain ages? Our lifestyle choices can trump the genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s!
Our medical director, Rebecca Hunton, MD has a special interest in proactive, personalized brain health! She stays up-to-date with the latest research and protocols to help not only our patients but also family members. Did you know that the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s can be found up to 20 years before symptoms appear! Adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can prevent that degeneration from progressing, and some research shows reversal! At Radiantly Healthy MD, we assess genetics, lifestyle, and validated biomarkers to create a comprehensive personalized plan for patients wanting to be proactive about their brain health.
Located in Indialantic, our board-certified medical director Rebecca Hunton, MD, and the team at Radiantly Healthy is dedicated to helping you become radiantly healthy and creating a brain health plan! Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about our exciting treatment options.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is the umbrella term for brain degeneration in 3 major areas:
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Memory
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Cognitive thinking
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Personality and behavior.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia with over 5.7 million people carrying that diagnosis. It, like most chronic diseases, is increasing rapidly. Although deaths from heart disease have decreased 11% in the last 15 years, deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased 123%. As the 6th leading cause of death, Alzheimer’s currently kills more people than prostate and breast cancer combined! Unfortunately, women are the most impacted both in susceptibility to the disease AND they are 2.5 times more likely to be providing direct care to someone with dementia.
Causes
Several factors increase your risk of dementia and other brain degenerative diseases:
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Genetics and family history of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) including concussions
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Alcohol or substance abuse
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Obesity
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Cardiovascular disease
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Pre-diabetes or diabetes
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Cancer chemotherapy
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Sleep apnea
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Female sex
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Chronic infections
Symptoms
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Mood changes (often precede other symptoms)
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Difficulty learning new things and resistance to change
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Physical changes in gait, balance, and dexterity
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Word finding difficulty
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Memory loss
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Difficulty with previously mastered tasks (such as a checkbook)
Contact Us
Here at Radiantly Healthy MD, we understand the importance of maintaining overall well-being for optimal cognitive health. Our caring professionals are trained to properly identify and treat a variety of health concerns that could cause decreased brain function. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, reach out to us at Radiantly Healthy MD to learn more about our unique and effective approach for achieving your best brain health. Contact us today and schedule your consultation!