Protecting Your Mind: Alzheimer's Disease Prevention and Early Action

By Marva Edwards-Marshall, DNP, ANP-BC

Founder, MEM Health Promotion Services

Have you noticed increased forgetfulness, difficulty remembering conversations, or trouble managing daily tasks? While occasional memory lapses are a normal part of aging, persistent changes in memory and thinking may signal something more serious.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and affects millions of Americans. In Texas alone, nearly 400,000 people are living with Alzheimer's disease, in Florida alone approximately 580,000 people age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease. Research suggests that healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and support long-term brain health.

At MEM Health Promotion Services, we help adults throughout Texas and Florida understand their cognitive health and take proactive steps toward protecting their memory.

Stay physically and mentally active, manage chronic conditions, maintain social connections.

What Is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities.

Although age is the greatest risk factor, Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging.

Scientists believe that a combination of genetics, vascular health, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences contributes to disease development.

Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease

Some risk factors cannot be changed:

• Increasing age

• Family history

• Genetic factors such as APOE-ε4

However, several risk factors can be modified:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol

• Obesity

• Physical inactivity

• Smoking

• Poor sleep quality

Managing these conditions may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Early Signs of Cognitive Change

Recognizing symptoms early allows individuals and families to seek evaluation and support sooner.

Warning signs may include:

• Forgetting recent conversations

• Repeating questions frequently

• Difficulty managing finances or bills

• Misplacing items regularly

• Missing appointments

• Trouble finding words during conversations

• Increased confusion with familiar tasks

• Changes in judgment or decision-making

Family members often notice these changes before the individual recognizes them.

Normal Aging vs. Possible Alzheimer's Disease

Some memory changes occur naturally with age.

Normal Aging

• Occasionally forgetting names

• Misplacing keys once in a while

• Needing reminders occasionally

Possible Alzheimer's Disease

• Repeatedly forgetting important information

• Frequently losing items and being unable to retrace steps

• Difficulty performing familiar tasks

• Increased confusion or disorientation

If symptoms interfere with daily life, a medical evaluation is recommended.

Five Brain-Healthy Habits That May Reduce Risk

1. Move Your Body

Regular aerobic exercise improves blood flow to the brain and may help preserve memory function.

Examples include:

• Walking

• Swimming

• Cycling

• Dancing

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.

2. Feed Your Brain

Research supports a Mediterranean-style eating pattern that includes:

• Fish

• Olive oil

• Nuts

• Leafy green vegetables

• Fruits

• Whole grains

These foods may help reduce inflammation and support brain health.

3. Keep Learning

Mental stimulation strengthens cognitive reserve, helping the brain adapt to age-related changes.

Consider:

• Reading

• Crossword puzzles

• Learning a new language

• Taking classes

• Developing new hobbies

4. Prioritize Sleep

Quality sleep plays an important role in memory consolidation and brain health.

Most adults should aim for 7–8 hours of sleep each night.

5. Control Chronic Health Conditions

Managing blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and obesity may significantly reduce dementia risk.

Regular healthcare visits can help identify and address these conditions early.

Virtual Cognitive Health Services

At MEM Health Promotion Services, we provide convenient virtual cognitive health evaluations for adults throughout Texas and Florida.

Services include:

• Memory screenings

• Cognitive health assessments

• Laboratory testing referrals

• Chronic disease management

• Personalized brain-health action plans

• Lifestyle counseling

• Ongoing follow-up care

Our goal is to help patients maintain independence, optimize brain health, and identify concerns as early as possible.

When Should You Seek an Evaluation?

Consider scheduling a cognitive health assessment if you or a loved one is age 65 or older or experiences:

• Increasing forgetfulness

• Repeated questions

• Difficulty managing medications or finances

• Confusion with familiar activities

• Changes in thinking or judgment

Early identification provides the greatest opportunity for intervention and planning.

Take the First Step Toward Better Brain Health

Protecting your memory begins with understanding your risk factors and making healthy choices today.

If you are concerned about memory changes or want to take a proactive approach to cognitive wellness, MEM Health Promotion Services is here to help.

Book your first visit here and invest in lifelong cognition.