Dr. Kilie Donovan
There are many different types of dementia, which is a decline in at least one area of brain function — such as memory, reasoning or language — that is significant enough to impact daily life. Alzheimer’s dementia is the most common type.
While the biggest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s is age, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which means there’s no better time to focus on your brain health.
Why is focusing on brain health important? When should you start?
Focusing on keeping your brain healthy can make a substantial difference in how it will function for years to come. Even in younger children, you can promote optimal brain health by encouraging physical activity, social interaction, education and a healthy diet, as well as limiting screen time and protecting against head injuries. The same principles apply to adults, and it’s never too late — or too early — to start focusing on these things.
How can you keep your brain as healthy as possible as you age?
There are three things that I tell my patients to help keep their brains healthy.
1. Be physically active. Set a goal of being physically active for 30 minutes per day, five days a week.
2. Be mentally and socially active. Activities like crossword puzzles, card games, reading and brain teaser apps can all help keep your mind sharp.
Getting out of the house and being around other people are important, too. Attending church, going to lunch with friends, joining a book club or traveling are all ways you can be socially active.
I’m a big fan of combining physical and social activity with group exercise!
3. Follow a healthy diet. While eating well-balanced meals is essential for any healthy lifestyle, the MIND diet — a hybrid of Mediterranean and heart-healthy diets — has been shown to help maintain cognitive function.
Additionally, it’s important to manage health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. You should also avoid smoking, heavy alcohol use and, of course, head injuries.
When should you be concerned about memory loss?
As you age, you may be slower to recall certain things, or you might become forgetful. However, if this is happening regularly, other people around you are noticing changes or it’s starting to impact your daily life, it’s important to contact your primary care provider. They can typically complete screening tests during a brief office visit and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist for a more thorough evaluation.
What are the benefits of early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s?
Early diagnosis can benefit caregivers and family members as well as the person with Alzheimer’s disease. It can help get support systems in place — or a safety net — so they can continue living independently for as long as possible.
Thanks to advancements in medicine, we also have more treatments that may help slow disease progression. Newer monoclonal antibody therapies such as Kisunla or Leqembi target the abnormal proteins in the brain and can slow the disease process. These interventions are most helpful early in the disease process, before there’s functional impairment.
Is there any recent research that you find encouraging?
Yes! There’s a lot of research happening right now. For example, there are studies looking at ways to diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier, even before symptoms are present. This includes imaging and blood tests, some of which are available now, which has enhanced clinicians’ ability to properly diagnose Alzheimer’s.
There are also many potential prescription drugs being researched to target specific proteins in the brain to help slow or potentially halt progression. It’s really exciting to have something that can change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s care.
How do you help patients at Methodist’s Geriatric Assessment Clinic?
We focus on a holistic approach to care. We get to know each patient extremely well — physically, mentally, how they’re doing at home, their support system, etc. — so we can tailor our approach and care to meet their specific needs. Our initial appointments are often quite long, but I believe they’re worth the time. Our goal is to keep each patient as happy, healthy and independent as possible.
Dr. Kilie Donovan is a geriatrician at the Geriatric Assessment Clinic at Methodist Physicians Clinic. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Donovan or another Methodist provider, visit bestcare.org/providers.