Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) continues to be a pressing challenge in global healthcare, with more than 55 million individuals affected worldwide—and this number is expected to triple by 2050.1 The World Health Organization attributes dementia-related costs of $1.3 trillion globally, demonstrating the disease’s profound economic impact.2 As a progressive neurodegenerative condition, AD erodes memory, cognitive function, and quality of life, profoundly impacting not only patients but also their caregivers and families. 

With increasing prevalence, the need for early intervention is critical. In this post, we’ll dive into the recent review article from the Vibrant lab team, An Overview of the Genes and Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease. We will also discuss testing options offered by Vibrant Wellness to aid in early detection and intervention of neuroinflammation, a top contributor in the development of AD.

We’ll work to understand what Alzheimer’s disease is and identify a few of thegenes being associated with an increased risk of AD development. We’ll also discuss how Vibrant’s advanced lab testing is crucial for the detection of inflammation and how this can aidearly intervention and possibly disease prevention.  

Delaying the onset of symptoms can significantly reduce the disease's impact.3 Recent advancements in understanding AD offers revolutionary opportunities for identifying high-risk individuals and offering targeted interventions. We’ll explore these innovations together and focus on how they can transform your patient care and improve patient outcomes within your practice. 

Table of Contents

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes and Impact

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is marked by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.3 These abnormal protein deposits disrupt communication between neurons, leading to cognitive decline and eventual loss of essential functions like speech and mobility.  

Affected individuals can suffer from visual, auditory, and olfactory hallucinations, as well as delusions. Additionally, the circadian rhythm becomes disrupted, and sleep disturbances are often reported. 

The disease progresses through several stages, as outlined in the review article: 

1. Preclinical AD: Changes in the brain occur, but there are no noticeable symptoms. This stage lasts several years, and there is no impairment in daily activities. Studies have identified biomarkers that can be tested in this stage.3
2. Mild or Early Cognitive Impairment (MCI): This stage results in a slight but measurable cognitive decline that does not yet interfere with daily activities. Additional symptoms can include mood swings, disorientation, and depression.
3. Moderate Alzheimer’s Dementia: This next stage is characterized by increased memory loss. Signs can include difficulty recognizing friends and family, difficulty with reading, speaking, and writing, and issues with impulse control.
4. Alzheimer’s Dementia: This final stage results in symptoms worsening over time, impacting memory, reasoning, and physical abilities. Plaques and tangles severely accumulate throughout the brain’s cortex. Affected individuals can no longer recognize loved ones, become bedridden, and lose all control over swallowing and urination. 

The gradual progression outlined above underscores the importance of identifying high-risk individuals, particularly during the preclinical stage when interventions may have the most significant impact.  

Genetic Insights into Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease can be categorized into two main types based on its onset³: 

• Early-Onset Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (EOFAD): Typically develops before age 65 and is often linked to inherited mutations in the APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes. These mutations disrupt amyloid precursor protein processing, leading to excessive amyloid-beta accumulation. 

• Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease (LOAD): Develops after age 65 and is associated with the APOE ε4 allele, which conveys a significant genetic risk factor. However, it is critical to note here that many individuals with this gene do not go on to develop LOAD, which points to the significance of other factors that play a role in the development of this category of AD, including environmental and inflammatory influences.  

Interestingly, this is the only gene that is associated with LOAD. Individuals with one ε4 copy have an increased risk of developing LOAD, while those with two copies face an even greater likelihood.  

Bridging Research and Practice with Vibrant Neural Health Testing 

Vibrant Wellness offers several testing tools that allow practitioners to integrate advanced diagnostics into your practice. Combining these tests can help you create a solid protocol for your patients that may decrease the overall risk of developing diseases such as AD and can also contribute to the slowing of disease progression when caught in earlier stages:

1. Neural Zoomer Plus Test: Identifies neural antibodies linked to cognitive decline. It evaluates antigens associated with demyelination, blood-brain barrier disruption, optical and autonomic nervous system disorders, peripheral neuropathy, neuromuscular disorders, brain autoimmunity, brain inflammation, and infections.
2. Oxidative Stress Profile: Measures markers of oxidative damage, a contributor to neurodegeneration.
3. Micronutrient Panel: Detects deficiencies that influence brain health and play a vital role in inflammatory burden. This test is exceptionally valuable because it looks at both intra and extracellular levels of vitamins, minerals, co-factors, amino acids, metabolites, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It provides an accurate picture of the patient’s nutritional status, which is valuable when creating a comprehensive protocol for your patient. 
4. Total Tox Burden: Assesses the total toxic burden in the body. It measures mycotoxins, heavy metals, and environmental chemical excretion in the urine.  

Practical Applications, Lifestyle, and Environmental Influences on Alzheimer's Risk

While genetics play a significant role in AD, lifestyle factors cannot be ignored as they substantially contribute to disease development and progression. Putting focus and priority on healing neurological inflammation is key and can be complicated, especially when working with a patient struggling with neurocognitive symptoms.  

Implementation of complicated protocols can be a challenge for these individuals. Often, getting family members involved in the care can be extremely valuable and helpful. Understanding diet and lifestyle influences allows practitioners to create protocols structured around actionable prevention strategies. 

1. The Role of Diet

Diet plays a major role in the inflammatory burden of an individual, and there is no “one size fits all” option. Tailored approaches can help mitigate inflammation and support brain health:

• Food Sensitivity Testing: An elimination diet and food sensitivity testing may be necessary if you suspect food sensitivities or intolerances. Addressing these sensitivities can help reduce inflammation caused by increased gut permeability.

• Anti-Inflammatory Diets: Diets rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, like the Mediterranean diet, have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to AD progression.³
• Educate Patients on Organic, Whole Foods: Encourage your patients to choose organic, whole foods, and healthy dietary fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
• Boost Phytonutrient and Phytochemical Intake: Educate patients on dietary diversity's neuro-protective and neuro-regenerative benefits. Suggest foods rich in:
  • Polyphenols: Berries, dark chocolate, green tea.
  • Quinones: Leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts.
  • Flavonoids: Citrus fruits, onions, parsley, thyme.

2. The Role of Modifiable Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices profoundly impact overall health, inflammation, and the body’s ability to manage toxins. By addressing these modifiable factors, healthcare providers can help patients reduce their toxic burden and support long-term wellness:

• Minimize BPA Exposure: Encourage patients to avoid plastics containing BPA and opt for glass or stainless-steel alternatives.
• Reduce EMF Exposure: Suggest limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields by reducing screen time and keeping devices away from the body when not in use.
• Choose Organic Products: Recommend purchasing organic foods to lower pesticide exposure.
• Support Detoxification Pathways:
  • Encourage adequate clean, filtered water intake to promote optimal hydration.
  • Emphasize the importance of regular urination and bowel movements to eliminate toxins.
• Incorporate Lifestyle Detox Practices:
  • Promote activities like sweating through exercise or sauna use.
  • Suggest Epson salt baths for relaxation and toxin elimination.

3. Physical Activity

Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits for brain health and may lower the risk of AD:

• Improves Brain Plasticity: Exercise enhances brain plasticity and reduces amyloid deposition, both of which are critical in preventing AD progression. ³
• Supports Neural Growth: Physical activity increases BDNF levels, a key driver of neural plasticity and cognitive resilience.³
• Accessible Options: Even moderate exercise, such as walking, has been shown to reduce AD risk. ³

4. Cognitive Engagement

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can strengthen neural connections and potentially delay cognitive decline in at-risk individuals:

• Mental Stimulation: Activities like reading, solving puzzles, and learning new skills challenge the brain and promote cognitive health.
• Social Interaction: Encouraging regular social engagement can further enhance neural connectivity and overall cognitive function.

5. The Role of Supplements

Targeted supplement use can play a valuable role in cognitive health and AD prevention:

• Essential Vitamins: Nutrients such as vitamins A, B, and D are crucial for brain function and may help reduce cognitive decline.
• Neurocognitive Support: Specific supplements have shown positive effects on brain health, including³:
  • Curcumin: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Ashwagandha: May reduce stress and support neurocognitive function.
  • Ginkgo Biloba and Gotu Kola: Linked to improved memory and brain function.
  • Shankhpushpi: An Ayurvedic herb believed to support cognitive health.

You can incorporate these strategies into patient counseling, emphasizing that lifestyle changes and a foundational supplement regimen can complement medical interventions.

A Hopeful Future for Alzheimer's Management

Alzheimer’s disease research has entered an era of unprecedented progress. Genetic insights and a stronger understanding of the role inflammation plays are transforming how we approach diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. These innovations offer you the tools needed to deliver earlier, more precise care, ultimately improving the quality of life for your patients and their families. 

By staying informed and adopting cutting-edge solutions like the Vibrant Wellness Neural Zoomer Plus Test, Oxidative Stress Profile, Micronutrient Panel, and the TotalTox Burden test, you can make a tangible impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s.  

Together, we can endeavor to create a new standard of care in battling Alzheimer’s disease. One with a foundation that does not simply react to the symptoms but champions early detection and personalized care as the bedrock standard, dramatically shifting the narrative to one of strength and hope against this devastating disease. 

About the Author

Megan Vardeman is a co-founder, Clinic Director, and functional medicine specialist serving patients at Your Wellness Practice, an Integrative Psychiatry clinic in Houston, Texas. She attended PA school in West Texas at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, graduated with her Master's degree in 2012, and began practicing medicine in 2013. She worked in Internal Medicine, Primary Care, and Pediatric Surgery before pursuing a fellowship in Integrative Medicine.

Megan co-founded Your Wellness Practice to provide more personalized, integrative, and depth-oriented care to those who seek it. She believes that our mind, body, and spirituality are intimately interconnected. Megan works with patients to provide wellness consultations, lifestyle and health coaching, functional testing and diagnosis, and IV nutritional therapy.​

References:  

1. Alzheimer's Disease International. Dementia facts & figures. Published 2021. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://www.alzint.org/about/dementia-facts-figures/ 
2. World Health Organization. Dementia. Published September 2, 2021. Accessed December 6, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia. 
3. Krishnamurthy HK, Jayaraman V, Krishna K, et al. An overview of the genes and biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease. Ageing Research Reviews. 2025;104:102599. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2024.102599

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