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Dementia, Cognitive Impairment & Memory Health
Predict Early. Intervene Intelligently. Preserve Function.
Most people think dementia begins when memory fails.
In reality, cognitive decline starts decades earlier—long before a diagnosis, and long before traditional medicine looks for it.
At James Clinic, we approach brain health as a preventable, measurable, and optimizable system, not an inevitable outcome of aging.
We focus on early detection, vascular and metabolic drivers, and proactive intervention—before symptoms appear and while change is still possible.
Dementia Is Not a Sudden Event
It Is a Long, Silent Process
Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and cognitive impairment do not begin with forgetfulness.
They begin with:
- Microvascular dysfunction
- Metabolic instability
- Hormonal decline
- Chronic inflammation
- Poor oxygen and nutrient delivery
- Thyroid and lipid mismanagement
By the time memory loss becomes obvious, pathology has often been developing for 10–20 years.
That is the window we target.
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Our Brain Optimization Philosophy
We do not wait for dementia. We do not rely on symptom checklists alone. We do not accept “normal aging” as an explanation.
Instead, we ask:
- Is the brain being adequately perfused?
- Is metabolism stable?
- Are hormones supporting neural function?
- Is thyroid signaling optimized?
- Are lipids being interpreted correctly—or oversimplified?
- Is cognitive processing changing subtly before daily function is affected?
This is brain health as systems medicine.
State-of-the-Art Cognitive & Brain Testing
Brain Function Testing: Beyond Memory Screens
We use Cortical Metrics Brain Gauge® testing to objectively assess how the brain is processing information, not just whether someone can remember words.
Brain Gauge evaluates:
- Neural processing speed
- Sensory integration
- Cortical timing and precision
- Early changes in cognitive efficiency
This allows us to identify subclinical cognitive decline—often years before dementia or mild cognitive impairment is diagnosed.
Importantly, Brain Gauge data is not static. It becomes a baseline for brain training and improvement.
Microvascular Health: The Missing Link in Dementia
The brain is one of the most vascularly dependent organs in the body.
We assess microcirculatory health using GlycoCheck, which evaluates the glycocalyx and capillary function.
Why this matters:
- Dementia is strongly linked to microvascular disease
- Poor capillary flow impairs oxygen and glucose delivery
- Endothelial dysfunction precedes cognitive decline
- Vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s often overlap
If blood flow is compromised, cognition suffers—regardless of memory exercises or medications.
Metabolic & Lipid Drivers of Cognitive Decline
Advanced Lipid Testing (Not Statin Reflexes)
The brain is a cholesterol-rich organ.
Oversimplified lipid management—especially reflexive statin use—can negatively impact cognition in some patients.
At James Clinic, we:
- Use advanced lipid panels to assess particle number, particle size, and inflammatory risk
- Evaluate true cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk
- Avoid one-size-fits-all statin prescribing
- Individualize lipid strategies based on brain, heart, and vascular health
Dementia is not prevented by suppressing a single cholesterol number.
Metabolic Stability & Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is one of the strongest predictors of cognitive decline.
We assess:
- Glucose regulation
- Insulin dynamics
- Metabolic flexibility
This is why Alzheimer’s is increasingly referred to as “type 3 diabetes.” Stabilizing metabolism is brain protection.
Thyroid Optimization & Cognitive Health
Thyroid hormones directly regulate:
Suboptimal thyroid function—especially when missed by TSH-only testing—can mimic or worsen:
Thyroid optimization is foundational brain medicine, especially in midlife.
Regulation
Neuronal energy production
Synaptic signaling
Cerebral blood flow
Mood and cognition
Can Worsen
Brain fog
Memory loss
Depression
Cognitive slowing
Optimize
Comprehensive thyroid testing
Clinical symptom correlation
Combination hormone strategies when appropriate
Hormone Optimization
Prevention Starts in the 50s and 60s
Hormonal decline is not cosmetic. It is neurologic.
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
We emphasize early, thoughtful hormone optimization—before symptoms occur—to reduce dementia risk and preserve cognitive resilience.
Influence
Synaptic density
Cerebral blood flow
Inflammation
Amyloid and tau dynamics
FAQ
Brain Optimization Is Not Passive
Brain health is trainable, measurable, and responsive—when addressed early.
The goal is not reassurance. The goal is trajectory change.
Our approach integrates:
• Objective brain testing
• Microvascular optimization
• Metabolic stabilization
• Hormonal and thyroid support
• Targeted brain training strategies
• Ongoing reassessment
Who This Program Is For?
Brain Optimization at James Clinic is ideal for:
- Adults concerned about dementia or memory loss
- Individuals with family history of Alzheimer’s disease
- Patients with vascular risk factors
- People experiencing brain fog or cognitive slowing
- High performers wanting cognitive longevity
- Patients told “everything looks normal” despite symptoms
What Makes Our Approach Different?
We do not treat dementia as a single disease.
We treat the systems that drive cognitive decline.
That includes:
- Brain function
- Blood flow
- Metabolism
- Hormones
- Thyroid signaling
- Lipid interpretation
This is preventive neurology, not reactive diagnosis.
What types of dementia and memory conditions do you treat?
We provide comprehensive care for a range of dementia and memory-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and mild cognitive impairment. Our treatment plans are tailored to address the specific needs of each condition, focusing on both symptom management and overall cognitive health improvement.
How do you approach the treatment of dementia and memory issues?
We use a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, nutritional guidance, and cognitive therapies designed to slow the progression of dementia and improve quality of life. Each treatment plan is personalized, based on thorough diagnostic evaluations and research in neurology and geriatric medicine.
Can lifestyle changes improve symptoms of dementia with your treatment plan?
We believe that lifestyle changes can significantly impact the management of dementia symptoms. We support our patients with tailored advice on diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and stress reduction, which have all been shown to contribute to cognitive health. Our team works closely with patients and their families to implement these changes effectively, enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of our clinical treatments.