Protecting Cognitive Health with Functional Medicine

Millions of people are affected by Alzheimer’s and other conditions of cognitive decline every year. In fact the NIH puts the number at about 36 million worldwide, and predicts this number will triple by 2050.

Here in Israel, Statista’s most recent analysis (in 2020) puts the number at 150,000 Israelis. Though genetics plays a factor – researchers are beginning to understand that environmental factors and lifestyle play a significant role in exacerbating or minimizing onset.

As such, you have more control over your cognitive health than you might think. Taking early, proactive steps can truly make a difference.

What Functional Medicine Offers

In this article we discuss ways to protect your cognitive health and keep your mind sharp for years to come using the principles of functional and integrative medicine, a unique board certification that positions physicians to do more than treat symptoms – but to get to the root causes of cognitive health decline.

Dr. Dinner’s approach to protecting cognitive health and preventing cognitive decline includes several pillars.

First, Dr. Dinner emphasizes a well-rounded approach to healing the body that includes:

Lifestyle Medicine: Finding meaning and purpose in your daily life is essential to emotional and cognitive resilience. A fulfilled life often translates to a healthier brain.
The Mediterranean Diet: Rich in healthy fats, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, the Mediterranean diet is scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and support neural function.
Exercise: Both aerobic and strength training exercises boost blood flow to the brain and support the formation of new neural pathways.
Targeted Supplementation: Instead of guessing which supplements you need, our personalized testing ensures that you only take supplements proven to benefit your unique biology.
Stress Reduction: Chronic stress damages brain cells over time.

But, unlike many other physicians, Dr. Dinner includes another factor in overall healing. He calls it, Value Medicine.

Value Medicine is when one includes, in their approach to medicine, learning about and helping their patient to prioritize their most nourishing relationships, mindfulness practices and a range of activities that bring joy as vital ingredients in fostering cognitive resilience.

Practicing “Values Based Medicine” is What Makes Dr. Dinner’s Approach Unique

Many physicians can list the importance of the factors above in achieving wellness, but simply telling people what to do, as we all know, is ineffective. The truth is, all patients come to the table with a different set of skills, capacities and resources for handling the challenges of their life and health.

Dr. Dinner believes it’s a physician’s responsibility to work together with a patient to understand these key areas and to integrate – in a way that’s unique for every patient – these different pillars.

With each patient he explores:

What are the patient’s strengths? Where do they shine? What comes easy to them? And how can those assets be tapped in service of healing?
What resources does the patient bring to the table? While one patient might be retired and have a home gym, another one might have a demanding job and young babies. No two people are the same, and neither are their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to health. Discerning what someone can do is key.
What kind of inner resilience does the patient possess? While some can endure the climb to the peak of Everest, others might be taxed by a trip to the grocery store. Both are acceptable, and our different resiliencies – physical, emotional and mental – play a role in how we heal.

Patients get the opportunity, over a lengthy first meeting to discuss and offer insights about themselves to Dr. Dinner, and together they craft a plan that’s far more than a checklist – it’s curated specifically to ensure that the patient is set up for success.

Why Functional Medicine is a Superior Approach

Understanding the pillars of health and key features is great, but it’s important to understand that there are many different modalities of putting that information together and developing a treatment plan.

Functional medicine differs from conventional treatment by addressing the root causes of cognitive decline rather than just masking symptoms. Here’s why this approach stands out:

Limited Efficacy of Medications: Current medications for cognitive decline provide short-term symptom relief at best and often come with significant side effects.
Empowerment Over Dependency: We believe in your body’s innate ability to heal. With the right tools and guidance, you can achieve meaningful improvements in your overall health, energy, and brain function.
Broader Health Benefits: Beyond improving cognition, functional medicine can enhance sleep quality, cardiovascular health, emotional well-being, and even relationships.
Reduced Medication Load: Many patients experience improved control over related health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, leading to a reduction in or elimination of medications with harmful side effects.

Unlike conventional treatments that often mask symptoms, functional medicine empowers you to heal from the inside out. You’ll notice improvements not just in your brain health but also in your energy, sleep, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Cognitive Decline

Understanding the early signs of cognitive decline is essential. Often, these signs are subtle at first and easy to overlook. Dr. Dinner emphasizes early recognition and intervention, which can make all the difference. By addressing these signs with a functional medicine approach, you can slow or even reverse cognitive challenges.

What to Watch For:

Forgetting familiar names or places.
Losing your way, even in familiar settings.
Misplacing everyday items like your keys or phone.
Struggling to follow instructions or stay organized.
Missing appointments or skipping medications unintentionally.

These signs aren’t just part of “getting older.” Recognizing them early means you can take action before they worsen.

Tip: Start keeping a simple journal of any changes you notice. It can help you track patterns and share details with your healthcare provider.

The Functional Medicine Approach to Brain Health

Functional medicine takes a deeper dive into the root causes of cognitive decline. Dr. Dinner’s approach focuses on uncovering and addressing factors like inflammation, toxins, and vascular health that impact brain function. This comprehensive strategy allows for tailored treatments that go beyond symptom management.

Finding the Root Cause:

It’s essential to test and identify which type of causation is leading to cognitive dysfunction.

Inflammation: Chronic inflammation raises C-reactive protein levels, which can harm your brain over time.
Glucose Toxicity: High blood sugar damages your brain’s structure and function.
Toxins: Heavy metals like lead or mercury can interfere with how your neurons communicate.
Vascular Issues: Poor blood flow deprives your brain of the oxygen it needs to thrive.
Neurotropic: Deficiencies in hormones and nutrients that are essential for brain health.

Advanced Testing to Uncover Cognitive Issues

Our advanced testing digs deep to uncover what’s really going on. From lab work to ultrasounds, we leave no stone unturned. Here’s how we help:

Doppler ultrasounds to check blood flow.
Endopat testing for vascular health.
ZRT blood spot tests for heavy metals and minerals.

Tip: Ask your doctor about testing for inflammation markers or vascular health if you’re concerned.

Practical, Science-Backed Steps to Protect Your Brain

Protecting your brain doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Dr. Dinner recommends small, science-backed steps that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. These lifestyle adjustments build resilience and support long-term brain health.

Start With Nutrition:

Nutrition for Brain Power: What you eat matters—a lot. Think of food as fuel for your brain. Here’s how to start:
Healthy Fats: Enjoy omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
Colorful Produce: Add dark leafy greens and antioxidant-packed berries to your plate.
Reduce Sugar: Too much sugar increases inflammation. Start by cutting back on sugary drinks or snacks.
Plant-Based Choices: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourish your brain.
Try Intermittent Fasting: Give your brain time to recharge by eating within an 8-hour window.

Lifestyle Changes for Cognitive Resilience

Get Moving: Just 30 minutes of physical activity, from walking, biking, or even dancing boosts blood flow to your brain. It doesn’t really matter what you’re doing as long as you’re moving.
Build Strength: As our bodies change with time, we need to focus more on maintaining strength in the core muscle groups to preserve our overall physical health. We recommend strength training at least three times a week.
Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep can accelerate cognitive decline. Establish a calming nighttime routine and aim for 7-8 hours of quality rest.
Reduce Stress: Mental health is physical health! Practice mindfulness, take deep breaths, or try activities that bring you joy—whether it’s gardening, painting, or spending time with loved ones. Dr. Dinner often emphasizes this point with his patients, spending time discussing together ways to reduce stress — and the toll it takes on one’s body — with each of his patients.

Tip: Make small, manageable changes. Start with a 10-minute walk or adding one extra vegetable to your meals each day.

Supplements and Therapies to Support Brain Health

There’s so much noise out there about which supplements and vitamins will make a difference for brain health. One can get lost searching for what will really help, it’s a key area for seeking informed guidance.

When it comes to supplements and therapies, Dr. Dinner believes in a personalized approach. By identifying your specific needs, he ensures that treatments are both effective and safe, supporting your brain health without unnecessary risks.

Strategic Supplementation: Supplements can be a game-changer when used wisely.

It’s important to note that there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to building your “supplement shelf”. Dr. Dinner, like most functional medicine practitioners, takes in your personalized health picture and makes the recommendations that are right specifically for you.

Here are some we often recommend:

Omega-3 Fish Oil: For anti-inflammatory benefits.
Curcumin: A natural anti-inflammatory powerhouse.
B12 with Methyl Folate: Helps with brain function and energy.

Dr. Dinner’s Proprietary Formulations for Brain Health:

Remind: Dr. Dinner’s custom blend designed using plant compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier to support cognitive health.

Remag: Dr. Dinner’s custom blend designed to deliver the ideal type and dosage of magnesium – the one formulation designed to cross the blood-brain barrier.

All of Dr. Dinner’s unique formulations are designed to deliver the correct dosage – the optimal amounts – and hold to a high level of purity for these vital supplements.

An Individualized Approach to Your Health is the Most Successful

We all know that a list of foods to eat and supplements to take is not enough to move the needle. Transitioning into living a “health first” focused life is often a radical reimagining of your relationship to your health and wellbeing. A guided and personalized approach to your care and treatment plan can help you to set and achieve your wellness goals.

Tip: Always consult with a healthcare provider to design a personalized supplement strategy before starting new supplements.

The Bottom Line for Protecting Cognitive Function

Protecting your brain doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small—eat well, move more, and prioritize rest. Over time, these simple changes can add up to a healthier, sharper mind.

Ready to take charge of your cognitive health? At Beyoung, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with personalized, science-backed solutions. Book a consultation today and let’s get started on your journey to clarity, vitality, and confidence.

Dr. Barry Dinner’s Unique Approach to Cognitive Health

Caring for your brain shouldn’t feel like a mystery. With over 30 years in anti-aging and functional medicine, Dr. Dinner has helped countless patients reclaim their cognitive health. At Beyoung, we assess the whole person—not just the symptoms—to create tailored plans that deliver real results. Let’s work together to help you live with clarity, energy, and confidence for years to come.

Click here to schedule your free consultation session and discover what Dr. Dinner has to offer you.