11/18/2025
When we talk about preventative medicine, this is exactly what we mean.
We have strong research showing that many of the same factors that increase cardiovascular risk also increase long-term risk for cognitive decline, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia. AND most of these factors are modifiable.
Here’s what we know:
• Consistently elevated BP can damage the small vessels that supply the brain. Studies show that midlife hypertension is one of the strongest predictors of cognitive decline later on.
• Cholesterol doesn’t just affect the heart. Higher ApoB and LDL levels contribute to atherosclerosis everywhere, including the vessels that nourish the brain. Improved lipid profiles are linked with lower vascular dementia risk.
• Constant hyperglycemia increases inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular injury, all of which impact brain health. Insulin resistance is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to cognitive changes over time.
• Smoking & low physical activity reduce circulation and oxygen delivery. Regular movement improves blood flow to the brain, supports neuroplasticity, and helps regulate BP, glucose, and lipids simultaneously.
• Poor sleep…sleep is when the brain clears metabolic waste through the glymphatic system. When sleep is consistently disrupted, this clearing system is less effective, and it shows up in research as worse cognition over time.
This is why early action matters. We don’t wait for symptoms to appear before supporting your heart, brain, and metabolic health because the changes start decades earlier.
Preventative care lets us identify risks, make small sustainable changes, and protect long-term wellbeing before problems develop.
