Article
Cognitive Health Score Overview
Thomas R. Wood, Andy Galpin, Dan Garner, Vince Kreipke, and Benjamin T. House

What Is the Cognitive Support Score?

Like the body, the brain relies on good physical health and a consistent supply of critical nutrients to support cognitive health. Insufficient nutrient status, inflammation, and evidence of metabolic disease are all associated with a more rapid decline in cognitive function with age, and an increased risk of dementia.[1-24] The Cognitive Support Score combines nutrient- and health-related biomarkers that are strongly linked to cognitive function. A yellow or red score indicates an increased risk of future cognitive decline from blood-based biomarkers.

Keywords: Cognition, Brain Health, Dementia

Associated Biomarkers

Male Biomarkers Female Biomarkers
TriglyceridesTriglycerides
C-PeptideC-Peptide
HbA1cHbA1c
Vitamin DVitamin D
hsCRPhsCRP
HomocysteineHomocysteine
Uric AcidUric Acid
Omega-3Omega-3
HemoglobinHemoglobin

Experienced Physiological Effects:

  • Fatigue
  • Mood changes
  • Brain fog

Physiology Deep Dive:

Brain structure and functioning both require a supply of critical nutrients. Iron is critical to white matter structure in the brain. Anemia is associated with a higher risk of dementia, and in midlife women who have better iron status tend to have better cognitive function.[15,25] Vitamin D deficiency is a well-known risk factor for dementia because Vitamin D is critical to several brain functions, including the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin.[26] Multiple studies show that levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins interact, primarily due to the methylation system. Homocysteine increases when levels of methylation-supporting B vitamins are inadequate (especially B12 and folate), and multiple studies show that Omega-3s are less beneficial for your brain when you have high homocysteine, and vice versa.[ref] Lower vitamin B12 markers are also associated with detrimental changes in processing speed even if they’re technically in the normal range.[14,27,28] Elevated blood sugar (HbA1c) or insulin (C-peptide) is also associated with a more rapid decline in cognitive function over time,[16,29-31] as are chronic inflammation (hsCRP) and low uric acid.[18,22-24,32,33-35] The cognitive support score therefore brings together the most robust blood-based biomarkers for cognitive decline and dementia to give you an overview of actionable areas to support your cognitive health.

Constraint Zones:

Green:

Blood markers associated with cognitive function are within low-risk thresholds. Though there are several other risk factors for, and causes of, cognitive issues, well-supported blood-based biomarkers of cognitive decline are currently clear. Continue current dietary and lifestyle approaches to support cognitive health.

Yellow:

A small increase in risk of cognitive decline is expected, though cognitive symptoms may not necessarily be evident. Supplementation with target nutrients is likely to be beneficial. If evidence of inflammation or blood sugar dysregulation, check Metabolic Function score for a more comprehensive overview.

Red:

A significantly increased in risk of cognitive decline and dementia risk is expected, though cognitive symptoms may not necessarily be evident. Supplementation with target nutrients is likely to be beneficial. If evidence of inflammation or blood sugar dysregulation, check Metabolic Function score for a more comprehensive overview.

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