Protecting your brain health with proactive habits

Targeted nutritional patterns play a foundational role in protecting memory, reducing vascular risks, and slowing early cognitive decline in older adults.

The MIND Diet

The MIND diet places strong emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish. Clinical studies consistently demonstrate a significant reduction in cognitive decline risk with sustained adherence.

The MIND Diet: Eating for Brain Health

The MIND diet is a flexible way of eating that combines parts of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. It focuses on foods that support heart and brain health. It is not a strict diet or a quick fix—small, steady changes can make a difference.

Try to eat more of these foods:

• Green leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, collards, romaine, or broccoli. Aim for at least 6 servings each week.

• Other vegetables: enjoy a variety of vegetables daily.

• Berries: especially blueberries and strawberries. Aim for berries at least twice a week.

• Nuts: a small handful most days of the week.

• Beans: such as black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils. Aim for at least 3 meals each week.

• Whole grains: oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, quinoa, or whole-grain cereal. Aim for 3 servings a day.

• Fish: especially salmon, tuna, trout, or sardines. Aim for at least once a week.

• Poultry: chicken or turkey. Aim for at least twice a week.

• Olive oil: use it in place of butter or other solid fats when possible.

Limit these foods:

• Red meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb

• Butter, margarine, and full-fat cheese

• Fried or fast foods

• Pastries, cookies, cakes, candy, and ice cream

Dean Ornish 2024 Study

A comprehensive lifestyle intervention—a plant-based diet, regular exercise, stress management, and social support—can slow the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease.

These interventions were shown to slow the progression of Mild Cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimers disease:

• A low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet

• Regular moderate exercise, such as walking (more recent studies suggest the importance of strength training)

• Stress-management activities, including yoga-based stretching, breathing exercises, and meditation

• Regular group support sessions

• Nutritional supplements: The Ornish Alzheimer’s trial used eight supplements: B12, D3, omega‑3, probiotics, multivitamin, CoQ10, curcumin, and magnesium. These were supportive, not primary, components of the intervention.

Ornish et al., 2024 Alzheimer's Research & Therapy

Cognitive exams & blood brain biomarker testing

When patients or families notice changes in memory, timely evaluation provides clarity. Our nurse practitioners conduct thorough in-home exams to assess cognitive performance without the stress of traveling to the clinic.

When clinically indicated, we perform advanced blood brain biomarker testing—including pTau-217 blood assays—to identify Alzheimer's as a possible cause of cognitive impairment.

Targeted care plans for every stage

We partner with families and leading neurologists to connect patients to appropriate treatments and support programs.

Neurology Consultation

Medications to slow progression

Medicare GUIDE Program

We coordinate timely referrals to specialized neurology practices when cognitive screens indicate the need for further clinical evaluation.

In-person and telehealth options are available in Middle Tennessee.

For all patients, NP Housecalls provides in-home Primary Care.

For moderate to severe dementia, we can assist with referrals to the Medicare GUIDE program, delivering comprehensive caregiver support and navigation for persons not living in specialized memory care facilities.

Connect with NP Housecalls to arrange a comprehensive in-home cognitive assessment and personalized brain health plan.