Cognitive Decline Prevention Asheville
Cognitive decline refers to the gradual loss of memory, focus, and mental clarity that many people associate with aging. It can start subtly—forgetting names, misplacing items, or struggling to stay mentally sharp during work or conversations. While some changes in brain function are expected with age, cognitive decline is not inevitable—and it’s often a sign of deeper imbalances that can be addressed early with the right support.
In today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, more people are experiencing signs of mental fatigue and memory loss earlier in life. As rates of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and burnout continue to rise, preventing cognitive decline before it progresses has become more important than ever. The good news? Science shows that brain health can be protected, supported, and even improved—especially when you take action in your 40s, 50s, and 60s.
At Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine, we specialize in cognitive decline prevention in Asheville using a comprehensive, root-cause, and personalized approach. We help smart, health-conscious adults stay mentally sharp, emotionally resilient, and fully engaged in life for years to come.
What is Cognitive Decline?
It’s normal for the brain to change as we age—just like the rest of the body. Occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing your keys or struggling to recall a name, can be a typical part of getting older. However, early cognitive decline goes beyond what’s considered normal aging and may signal that the brain is struggling to function optimally.
Cognitive decline refers to measurable changes in memory, thinking, and mental sharpness. These changes often begin subtly but can progress over time if not addressed. The most common early signs include:
- Forgetting appointments or repeating questions
- Struggling to find the right words in conversation
- Difficulty concentrating or completing familiar tasks
- Feeling mentally “foggy” or easily overwhelmed
- Taking longer to process new information
One of the earliest stages of this decline is known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)—a condition where someone experiences noticeable cognitive changes that go beyond normal aging but do not yet interfere significantly with daily life. People with MCI are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, especially if they have risk factors such as the APOE4 gene, chronic inflammation, or a family history of neurodegenerative disease.
Why Prevention Matters
When it comes to brain health, time is your greatest asset. The earlier cognitive changes are detected, the more effective interventions can be in preserving—and even improving—mental function. Waiting until symptoms become severe can limit treatment options and make it more difficult to reverse the underlying causes.
That’s why at Caring for the Body, PLLC, we focus on proactive, preventive care—identifying subtle shifts in memory, focus, or mental clarity before they become more serious. Research shows that many of the root causes of cognitive decline—such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, toxic exposure, and hormonal imbalance—are modifiable. With the right strategy, cognitive decline can often be slowed, stabilized, or even reversed, especially when addressed early.
Some people are more vulnerable to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, including:
- Individuals with a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s
- People who carry the APOE4 gene variant, which increases Alzheimer’s risk
- Those with chronic inflammation, autoimmune conditions, or insulin resistance
- People exposed to toxins such as mold, heavy metals, or environmental chemicals
- Adults experiencing chronic stress, poor sleep, or hormonal imbalance
If you fall into any of these categories—or are simply noticing changes in your brain function—it’s never too early to take action. Our Asheville-based team is here to guide you with personalized assessments, targeted treatment plans, and ongoing coaching to help protect your most vital organ: your brain.
Our Approach to Cognitive Decline Prevention
At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we believe that the key to preserving brain health lies in a personalized, root-cause approach—not generic advice or temporary fixes. That’s why we’ve developed the Re-Think Aging Program, our signature 3-month functional medicine protocol designed to prevent and reverse early cognitive decline.
This physician-led program is based on our proven Brain + Body Blueprint™—a transformative framework that helps you move from uncertainty to clarity, from brain fog to focus, and from fear to empowered action.
Identity – Discover What’s Driving Your Cognitive Risk
We start by looking deeply under the surface. Using comprehensive intake assessments, medical record reviews, and advanced lab testing, we help you uncover the root causes of your cognitive symptoms. This includes evaluating:
- Genetic predispositions (e.g., APOE4 status)
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Gut health imbalances
- Hormonal and mitochondrial function
- Toxic load (e.g., mold, heavy metals, inflammation)
You’ll gain clarity on what’s truly going on inside your body—and where to focus your efforts.
Optimize – Build a Personalized Plan for Brain Vitality
Next, we create your personalized Brain + Body Blueprint—a targeted plan that addresses the specific factors affecting your brain function. This may include:
- Anti-inflammatory, brain-nourishing nutrition
- Targeted supplements and peptide therapies
- Detox support for environmental toxins
- Hormone and adrenal balance
- Mitochondrial and vascular support
- Cognitive training and neuroplasticity strategies
This is where real change begins, guided by evidence-based protocols tailored to you.
Sustain – Long-Term Coaching and Support
Transformation doesn’t end after one program—it requires consistency, mentorship, and community. That’s why we include:
- Functional medicine health coaching
- Bi-monthly mindset and lifestyle sessions
- Group mentorship through live office hours with Dr. Libert
- Optional membership plans for continued access to care, testing, and education
This support helps you maintain your progress, navigate challenges, and stay sharp for life.
Tools & Strategies We Use
At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we use a comprehensive set of diagnostic tools and personalized therapies to prevent and reverse cognitive decline. These strategies are all grounded in functional medicine and supported by the latest neuroscience and longevity research.
Advanced Lab Testing
We begin by gathering data through advanced diagnostics that go far beyond standard labs. This allows us to uncover silent contributors to cognitive dysfunction, such as inflammation, toxin exposure, hormone imbalance, or nutrient deficiencies.
Common tests include:
- IntellxxDNA® – Genomic analysis for brain and detox pathways
- GI-MAP™ – Gut microbiome and pathogen detection
- DUTCH Test – Detailed hormone and adrenal function testing
- Inflammation markers, omega-3/6 ratios, metabolic panels, and more
These insights guide us in crafting truly personalized brain health plans.
Genomic Risk Analysis
Your DNA can provide critical information about how your brain ages. We use genomic testing to evaluate:
- APOE4 status, a key genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s
- Methylation efficiency (affecting detox, mood, and memory)
- Antioxidant capacity and inflammation pathways
Understanding your genetic blueprint helps us take targeted, preventive action to reduce lifetime cognitive risk.
Neurocognitive Assessments
We use cognitive performance testing to measure baseline brain function in key areas, including:
- Memory
- Attention and processing speed
- Executive function (planning, decision-making, organization)
These assessments help detect early cognitive changes and allow us to track your improvements over time.
Gut-Brain Axis Support
A healthy gut is essential for a healthy brain. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to systemic inflammation, mood disorders, and cognitive fog. We assess and treat:
- SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
- Leaky gut and dysbiosis
- Candida, parasites, and pathogenic bacteria
Healing the gut improves nutrient absorption, reduces neuroinflammation, and helps rebalance the gut-brain connection.
Hormone and Mitochondrial Support
Cognitive function is strongly influenced by hormonal and cellular energy systems. We address:
- Thyroid and adrenal dysfunction
- Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone imbalances
- Mitochondrial depletion and oxidative stress
Support may include bioidentical hormone therapy, adaptogens, and targeted nutrients that fuel the “power plants” of your brain cells.
Anti-inflammatory Nutrition and Detox
Neuroinflammation is a core driver of cognitive decline. We use:
- Anti-inflammatory dietary protocols (personalized to your lab results)
- Nutraceuticals like omega-3s, curcumin, and glutathione
- Detox strategies for heavy metals, mold, pesticides, and plastics
This multi-layered approach helps clear the “mental fog” and protect your brain from further damage.
Lifestyle Medicine and Mindset Coaching
Daily habits are powerful levers for brain health. Our team supports you in creating sustainable routines that include:
- Movement and exercise that promote neuroplasticity
- Sleep optimization to support memory consolidation and detox
- Stress reduction techniques such as breathwork, meditation, and nervous system regulation
- Spiritual well-being and faith-centered practices that foster purpose and resilience
We pair these tools with mindset coaching to help you stay motivated, empowered, and aligned with your health goals.
Take Control of Your Brain Health Today
If you're noticing changes in your memory, focus, or mental energy—don't wait. The earlier you take action, the more you can do to protect your brain and preserve your independence.
At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we offer a high-touch, personalized approach to cognitive decline prevention that gets to the root of the problem—before it progresses.
✨ Because we work closely with each patient, spots in our Re-Think Aging Program are limited. If you’re ready to take a proactive, science-backed approach to brain health, we invite you to act now.
📞 Call us at (828) 490-1545
📧 Email: help@caringforthebody.org
🌐 Visit: www.caringforthebody.org
👉 Schedule your free strategy session today »