For Brain Health, Your
Overall Health Matters
Regular medical care plays an important role in protecting brain health. See your primary care provider (PCP) at least once a year for a routine check-up to monitor your overall health and address risk factors early.
Several key measures are especially important for brain health: LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose, and body mass index (BMI).
Keeping these numbers in a healthy range can significantly lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Brain Health Targets
- LDL cholesterol: <100 mg/dL
- Blood pressure: <130 mmHg / <80 mmHg
- Blood glucose (fasting): 70-99 mg/dL
- Body Mass Index (BMI): <30 kg/m2 (Normal BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2)
What If Your Numbers Are Higher?
If your numbers are above these targets, don’t be discouraged. Many people can improve these measures with lifestyle changes, especially related to nutrition and physical activity.
Small, consistent healthy choices can improve these health markers over time.
In some cases, medication may also be needed. Work with your PCP to develop a personalized plan.
Other Medical Care For Brain Health
- Screen for depression and treat when indicated.
- Screen for vision loss and treat vision impairment.
- Screen for hearing loss and treat hearing impairment.
- Treat substance dependence including tobacco, vaping with nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs.
- Prevent and treat head injuries.
- Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations.
- Evaluate and treat sleep disorders including sleep apnea.
- Practice oral hygiene: brush and floss daily and see your dentist twice per year for a checkup and cleaning.
Recommended Lab Tests
Are you interested in being proactive about your brain health? The following lab tests can help your doctor assess different aspects of your health that influence cognitive function and dementia risk.
- Lipid panel
- Apolipoprotein B
- Lipoprotein (a)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Complete blood count
- Hemoglobin A1c
- Fasting insulin
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Homocysteine
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- Micronutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, ferritin, and zinc
APOE4 Lab Test
If any of your immediate family members have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you may wonder whether genetic testing is right for you.
APOE4 is a gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It is a risk factor, not a guarantee that Alzheimer’s will develop. Many people with APOE4 never develop the disease.
In the video, Amy Shealy, a genetic counselor at the Cleveland Clinic, explains what the APOE test can tell you, and how to interpret results in an informed and thoughtful way.