Dementia and Diet: Is Functional Nutrition the Game-Changer We've Been Waiting For?
Could Functional Lab Testing Help Us Outsmart Dementia?
Today I came across the FINGER Study--and wow, it's a game-changer!
What is the FINGER Study?
It's the first major clinical trial to prove that a multimodal lifestyle approach (think healthy food, social interaction, movement, and rest) can improve brain health and cognitive function, not just slow it down.
The study was originally published in 2023, but it's only now gaining traction in the world of functional medicine and integrative health.
Why This Matters:
Traditional Alzheimer's research has hit a wall:
Most clinical trials have failed.
Even Pfizer has pulled the plug on further Alzheimer's drug development.
Some newer drugs (like Kisunla) barely help a small subset of patients--and others were halted due to risks like brain bleeds.
Meanwhile, the FINGER study saw huge improvements using just lifestyle changes:
✅ 83% boost in decision-making and executive function
✅ 150% improvement in motor speed
✅ 40% better performance in memory tasks
These are results we rarely see in drug-based studies.
So, what does this mean for gut health and functional nutrition?
We already know the gut-brain connection is real.
Many clients with long-term bloating, brain fog, and fatigue often discover--through functional lab testing--that their gut health is contributing to inflammation and neurological symptoms.
Using root-cause testing (like stool analysis, organic acids, and nutrient panels), we can identify what's throwing the body off balance--often long before symptoms of cognitive decline show up.
The Big Takeaway:
You don't need to wait for a diagnosis.
The best protection against dementia might be in your kitchen, your daily habits, and your gut health.
Test, don't guess.
A functional approach looks at your whole body--not just symptoms--and helps you take smart, proactive steps toward better brain health.