Clinics are popping up around the country, offering patients the opportunity to take proactive steps to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. These specialized clinics focus on identifying individual risks for cognitive decline and providing personalized recommendations for lifestyle changes that may help stave off the disease. The programs are typically targeted at patients in their 40s to 60s, but some clinics even accept patients as young as 18. While insurance may cover certain services, patients should be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for tests and visits that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
The clinics go beyond the recommendations provided during a routine check-up with a primary-care doctor. Physicians at these dementia prevention clinics thoroughly assess individual risks and catch problems that patients may not be aware of. The goal is to provide patients with actionable advice long before symptoms of cognitive decline may appear.
Doctors at these clinics may suggest personalized lifestyle changes, such as incorporating resistance training into workouts and increasing the consumption of leafy greens. They may also recommend medications to treat conditions linked to an increased risk of dementia, such as statins for high cholesterol. However, it’s important to note that there is no guarantee that these interventions will prevent the disease or other forms of dementia.
While some doctors are skeptical of these clinics and argue that the evidence for lifestyle changes reducing the risk of cognitive impairment is mixed, researchers are increasingly discovering links between modifiable factors and cognitive decline. A 2020 report commissioned by the Lancet medical journal suggests that approximately 40% of dementia cases worldwide could be delayed or prevented by addressing lifestyle and environmental factors.
The need for dementia prevention and risk reduction clinics is growing as the population ages. The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to double by 2060, reaching over 13 million individuals. With age being the greatest risk factor for dementia, and a significant portion of the population projected to be over 65 years old by 2030, preventative measures are becoming crucial.
One such clinic, the Memory & Healthy Aging Program at Cedars-Sinai, accepts patients over the age of 65, as well as individuals as young as 40 with at least two risk factors for dementia. Patients at these clinics undergo a comprehensive assessment that includes physical, cognitive, and neurological exams. Genetic testing and the calculation of a polygenic risk score, which predicts an individual’s likelihood of developing the disease based on their genes, may also be offered.
Chrissy Goodman, a 51-year-old patient at Cedars-Sinai’s clinic, joined because of her family history of Alzheimer’s disease. Despite showing no signs of cognitive impairment, she wanted to take proactive steps to ensure her long-term brain health. Following her visit, Goodman received recommendations from her physician to take longer walks with her dog and cut back on sweets as part of the brain-healthy MIND diet.
While these clinics aim to fill a gap in preventive care, it’s essential to approach them with caution. Some experts argue that the evidence for lifestyle changes and other preventive measures is still inconclusive. Additionally, the cost may be a barrier for some, as not all clinics accept private health insurance. While some insurance plans may cover certain services as preventive care, others may require patients to pay out-of-pocket, ranging from $250 for genetic testing to $400 for a two-visit assessment.
Despite the skepticism and potential financial hurdles, individuals like Andy Davis, a 41-year-old who discovered he has an elevated risk of Alzheimer’s disease through genetic testing, are interested in joining these clinics. Davis believes that knowledge is power and wants to make the necessary lifestyle changes to improve his long-term brain health.
As the number of Americans affected by dementia continues to rise, these clinics offer a proactive approach to addressing cognitive decline. By identifying individual risks and providing personalized recommendations, they strive to empower patients to take control of their brain health. While the evidence for some interventions may still be evolving, these clinics represent a growing trend towards a preventive approach to dementia care.
