Memory loss can be prevented starting now

Finally, we are starting to hear good news about the treatment of memory loss. It can be prevented. It is not a hopeless situation and a normal or expected part of aging.

Research and results are giving us hope to fight and prevent cognitive decline. According to the Chief Scientific Wellness Officer for Kemper Cognitive Wellness, Dr. Nate Bergman, the key is knowing and getting ahead of it early. In fact, the younger we start the better.

According to the CDC, 60% of adults fear memory loss. We fear memory loss than more than we fear loss of physical abilities. One reason for this, is the unfortunate perception that this decline is untreatable, inevitable and hopeless.

We have seen, and maybe personally experienced the devastation that severe cognitive impairment, such as that seen with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease can bring. Not all cognitive impairment is Alzheimer's, and not all cognitive impairment is severe. About 6 million Americans do have Alzheimer's but an additional 16 million are living with some level of cognitive impairment.

Part of the solution lives in the field of functional medicine, a model described as an individualized, patient-centered and science-based approach empowering patients and practitioners to work together in order to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness. A functional medicine practitioner will incorporate modalities such as nutrigenomics, studying an individual’s interaction between nutrients and their genes, pathophysiology and biochemistry to optimize function.

Dr. Bergman specializes in this type of medicine. He has worked closely with Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Dale Bredesen and other notable experts in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline. He has a passion for preventing memory loss that is personal. He himself went to a neurologist as a younger adult in his mid-30s because he was experiencing progressive and scary memory problems. While he initially tried to dismiss the problem, it reached a level of being so alarming he could no longer ignore it.

The final straw came when Dr. Bergman could not remember his own address while making arrangements for an auto repair. The good news is that he learned how to treat this problem, and succeeded in turning it completely around with adjustments in several lifestyle habits.

At 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, Dr. Bergman will share his story, as well as insights and expertise in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline. This informative program will be hosted at the Westlake Center for Community Services. More good news: It is free and open to the public, although reservations are required by calling 440-899-3544. 

Dr. Bergman's message is important for adults of ALL ages. As mentioned, he himself benefitted when he was in his mid-30s. He mentions that women in their 50s especially have great potential of creating positive impact, during this time of hormonal change. Again, the key is knowing and getting ahead of it early. We hope to see adults of all ages in attendance.  

The Westlake Center for Community Services is located at 29694 Center Ridge Road in Westlake. We are open Monday through Friday and offer a wide variety of Plus Fifty programs. Stop in for a tour, or check our monthly newsletter at www.cityofwestlake.org/community-services.