Alzheimer's is a progressive condition that can begin subtly in your 60s or 70s, but its impact can be devastating if left unchecked. With an 87% increase in Alzheimer's deaths in the past decade, prevention is more crucial than ever. At QHC Wellness, we believe proactive, personalized care is key to protecting your cognitive health. By addressing factors like nutrition, lifestyle, and genetics, you can reduce your risk and secure a brighter, healthier future.
These symptoms can easily progress or evolve to Dementia or Alzheimer’s which can be confusing. However, here’s how we break down the symptoms
| DEMENTIA | Alzheimer's | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Can be caused by multiple conditions, including Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Parkinson's, and more. | Caused by abnormal protein buildup in the brain, including plaques (amyloid) and tangles (tau). |
| Symptoms | Varies by cause: includes memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language, mood changes, and impaired reasoning. | Early signs include memory loss, difficulty recalling recent events, confusion, and personality changes, worsening with time. |
| Brain Changes | Depends on the underlying cause, may involve different areas of brain damage. | Characterized by widespread brain atrophy, amyloid plaques, and tau tangles. |
| Onset | Can develop suddenly (e.g., after a stroke) or gradually, depending on the cause. | Gradual onset, typically appearing in people in their mid-60s and worsening over time. |
| Progression | Varies based on the underlying cause; progression may be rapid or slow. | Progressive and irreversible, typically lasts 8-10 years after diagnosis. |
| Age of Onset | Can occur at various ages, though more common in older adults. | Typically begins in mid-60s, though early-onset Alzheimer’s can occur in the 40s-50s. |
| Memory Loss | Common symptom but not always the first or most severe issue. | Memory loss is often the earliest and most prominent symptom. |
| Cognitive Function | Affects various cognitive functions, including attention, language, and problem-solving. | Initially affects memory and learning, later impacting language, problem-solving, and movement. |
| Diagnosis | Diagnosis focuses on identifying the underlying cause (e.g., Alzheimer's, stroke, etc.) through tests and imaging. | Based on cognitive tests, medical history, and brain imaging (MRI, CT) to detect specific changes. |
| Treatment | Depends on the type; can involve medications, lifestyle changes, and addressing underlying causes. | No cure, but medications (e.g., cholinesterase inhibitors) may help manage symptoms temporarily. |
| Life Expectancy | Varies by cause and progression rate; some forms of dementia are more rapidly fatal. | On average, 4-8 years post-diagnosis, though some may live longer with proper care. |
| Prevention | Focuses on managing risk factors like heart health, brain injury prevention, and diet. | Prevention includes managing cardiovascular health, staying mentally active, and a healthy lifestyle. |
Early identification is key to prevention and proactive care!
We begin with advanced genetic testing to identify risk factors like the ApoE4 gene, which can significantly increase your likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. This provides a clearer picture of your genetic predisposition.
A thorough blood analysis helps us measure inflammation, oxidative stress, glucose regulation, and lipid balance. These factors are critical in determining your body’s overall health and susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases.
Using advanced tools like EEG (electroencephalogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram), we assess brain health biomarkers and cognitive processing speed. This data helps us detect any early signs of neurodegenerative changes in the brain.
Based on your genetic profile and blood panel results, we create a personalized nutrition and supplement plan. These plans are tailored to reduce inflammation, support brain health, and mitigate the risks of developing Alzheimer’s.
Our Alzheimer's Prevention Program has delivered life-changing results to patients at various stages of cognitive health.
Early detection allows for personalized care that can slow the progression of cognitive decline.
Healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition and regular mental activity, are key to prevention.
