Best Practices for Preventing and Improving Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s: A Functional Medicine Approach

Best Practices on Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s

As of June 2025, the global rise in neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s underscores the urgent need for effective prevention and management strategies. Functional medicine offers a holistic, personalized approach that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms. Drawing from the latest recommendations, this blog explores evidence-based practices to avoid or improve these conditions, empowering you to take charge of your brain health.

Understanding the Conditions

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease are progressive neurodegenerative disorders affecting millions worldwide. Alzheimer’s is marked by memory loss and cognitive decline due to amyloid plaques and tau tangles, while Parkinson’s involves motor symptoms like tremors due to dopamine neuron loss. Functional medicine views these as multifactorial, influenced by genetics, lifestyle, inflammation, and environmental factors. The goal is to optimize brain health through targeted interventions.

Key Functional Medicine Recommendations

• Nutrition as a Foundation

  • Mediterranean or MIND Diet: Emphasize whole foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish (rich in omega-3s), and olive oil. These diets are linked to reduced cognitive decline and lower dementia risk by combating inflammation and supporting brain cell integrity.

  • KetoFLEX 12/3 Approach: This plant-based, low-glycemic plan with healthy fats and fasting (12-hour eating window, 3-hour gap before sleep) may enhance cognition, particularly in mild cognitive impairment.

  • Nutrient Optimization: Address deficiencies in B vitamins (B9, B12, B1), vitamin E, and omega-3s, which are critical for nerve health and may reverse some dementia symptoms.

• Exercise for Brain Plasticity

  • Regular physical activity, such as structured exercise programs, improves cognitive function and reduces neuropsychiatric symptoms across all stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Studies suggest 150 minutes weekly of moderate aerobic exercise or strength training enhances brain plasticity and delays progression.

  • For Parkinson’s, exercises focusing on balance and coordination can mitigate motor decline.

• Sleep and Stress Management

  • Quality sleep is non-negotiable—aim for 7-9 hours nightly. Poor sleep exacerbates amyloid buildup in Alzheimer’s, while consistent sleep schedules and blue-light blockers (e.g., at night) support melatonin production, a potent antioxidant linked to reduced plaque accumulation.

  • Chronic stress accelerates neurodegeneration. Techniques like meditation and mindfulness reduce cortisol levels, protecting brain cells and improving quality of life.

• Gut-Brain Axis Support

  • A healthy gut microbiome influences brain health via inflammation and nutrient absorption. Probiotics and a diet rich in fiber and fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, kimchi) may boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), aiding neuron survival.

  • Functional medicine labs, like hair element analysis, can detect toxic metal exposure (e.g., mercury, lead) that disrupts gut and brain health, guiding detoxification protocols.

• Targeted Supplementation

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) support nerve cell membranes and reduce inflammation. Aim for 1.1-1.6 grams daily, ideally from fish or algae oil.

  • Antioxidants like CoQ10 and resveratrol combat oxidative stress, a key factor in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Lion’s mane mushroom shows promise for neurogenesis, though more research is needed.

  • Note: Evidence on supplements like ginkgo biloba or huperzine A remains inconclusive, so consult a healthcare provider before use.

• Lifestyle and Environmental Adjustments

  • Limit alcohol and avoid smoking, both of which heighten dementia risk. Manage glucose and lipid levels to protect vascular health, a critical factor in mixed dementias.

  • Reduce exposure to toxins (e.g., heavy metals, mold) identified through functional testing, as these can trigger inflammation and neuron damage.

• Cognitive and Sensory Stimulation

  • Engage in cognitive stimulation programs—puzzles, reading, or learning new skills—to maintain mental agility. Music, art, and acupuncture therapies show benefits for mood and cognitive function, particularly in dementia care.

  • For Parkinson’s, therapies like tai chi improve balance and reduce fall risk.

Early Detection and Personalized Care

Functional medicine emphasizes early intervention. Regular cognitive assessments and lab tests (e.g., for nutrient deficiencies or inflammation markers) can identify reversible causes before irreversible damage occurs. Collaborating with a functional medicine practitioner allows for a tailored plan, addressing your unique risk factors like family history or chronic conditions.

Critical Perspective

While pharmaceutical options like cholinesterase inhibitors and anti-amyloid drugs offer modest benefits, their clinical impact is extremely limited, and side effects are common. The establishment often prioritizes these over lifestyle interventions, yet emerging evidence suggests integrative approaches may outperform conventional treatments in preventing decline. Question the narrative that aging inevitably brings cognitive loss—proactive steps can shift the trajectory.

Conclusion

Preventing or improving dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s is within reach through a functional medicine lens. By adopting a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and personalized interventions, you can support brain resilience. Start today—your brain health depends on the choices you make now. Consult a healthcare professional to craft a plan suited to your needs, and embrace this empowering journey toward longevity.