Preserving brain health is invaluable to living a long, happy life. While conventional medicine can address brain conditions after they appear, protecting your brain throughout life may keep these conditions from developing. 

Integrative medicine considers the body as a whole, considering physical, emotional, genetic, lifestyle, environmental, dietary, and other factors that impact your health. This multi-disciplinary perspective can prove invaluable in addressing brain health and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Integrative Modalities for Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Disease

An integrative approach to brain health combines several modalities to promote mental balance, stress relief, and disease prevention. It harnesses the benefits of both natural and conventional medicine to provide the best possible results for the patient. 

Integrative modalities for brain health and Alzheimer’s disease may include:

Supplements and Intravenous Therapy

Dietary and nutritional factors can play a significant role in overall brain health. Various nutrients, including B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin D, and NAD+, are known to support brain health throughout adulthood. Your integrative physician may recommend a personalized regimen of supplements and/or IV therapy to optimize your nutrient levels. 

In individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 may promote brain tissue regeneration. Glutathione, polyphenols, and curcumin have also proven beneficial in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. 

Meditation and Yoga

Meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices support brain health by:

• Calming the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “fight-or-flight” response
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Promoting neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt
• Boosting the brain’s working memory capacity

Lifestyle Adjustments

Lifestyle changes can provide lasting benefits for overall brain health and Alzheimer’s prevention. Key examples include:

• Sleep quality: Improving sleep quality may reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• Physical activity: Regular exercise is thought to lower dementia risk by approximately 28% and Alzheimer’s risk by 45%. This generally includes aerobic (also known as cardio) exercise, which boosts your heart rate. 
• Quitting smoking and drinking: Quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake can protect your brain health. Both smoking and heavy drinking can contribute to brain tissue damage. 

Reach out to The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine for a personalized integrative treatment plan to support your brain health.