How We Help You Protect and Strengthen Brain Health
We sat down with Dr. Brandon, a physician at Priority Physicians, to talk through common memory concerns, how to tell the difference between normal aging and something more serious, and what really helps when it comes to protecting brain health.
Here’s what you should know.
A Smarter, More Supportive Approach to Cognitive Wellness
When patients mention concerns about memory, it’s often with a quiet sense of worry:
“Is this just normal aging?”
“My dad had dementia. Should I be worried I will too?”
“I keep walking into rooms and forgetting why. Am I losing it?”
At Priority Physicians, we approach memory concerns with care, science, and thoughtful guidance. Our physicians take the time to listen, understand, and explore what may be happening. We view cognitive health as an essential part of overall wellness—and we believe it deserves the same proactive attention as physical health.
Brain Health Is Personal, and So Is Our Approach
Some memory lapses are a normal part of aging. A name you can’t recall right away. Forgetting where you put the keys. A moment of distraction or stress-induced “brain fog.”
“It’s when memory problems start affecting daily life that we get concerned,” Dr. Brandon explains. “Things like repeating questions, getting lost in familiar places, or showing poor judgment, those deserve evaluation.”
A Plan for Today and for the Years Ahead
There are countless products and programs that promise better memory, from trendy apps to over-the-counter supplements. “Skip the hype—there’s no strong evidence that over-the-counter memory pills work,”
Our approach to memory health starts with understanding your baseline. We conduct personalized cognitive assessments when concerns arise, whether they’re yours or those of a family member, and we track changes over time. But we don’t stop there.
We take a deep look at all the risk factors that impact brain health. This includes vascular health, as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol play a bigger role in memory than most people realize.
We also pay close attention to hearing loss, since addressing it with hearing aids can significantly slow cognitive decline in high-risk individuals. “Treating hearing loss isn’t just about hearing better—it can actually slow cognitive decline,” Dr. Brandon says. “It’s one of the most important and under-recognized factors.”
Sleep quality is another major factor. Conditions like insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are strongly linked to increased dementia risk, so we screen, treat, and follow up to ensure restful sleep is supporting cognitive function. We also emphasize regular movement, since aerobic activity and resistance training help protect thinking skills and improve brain function over time.
“Exercise supports thinking skills in a measurable way,” says Dr. Brandon. “It’s one of the strongest tools we have—and it’s something patients can take action on today.”
Mental stimulation is just as critical. Learning something new and challenging—such as a language, instrument, or skill—keeps the brain engaged and builds resilience. When it comes to nutrition, we often recommend Mediterranean or MIND-style eating patterns, which support brain longevity when paired with other healthy habits. And of course, medication plays a role. We carefully review your prescriptions and aim to eliminate or adjust any that could impair memory.
This isn’t a generic checklist. It’s a personalized strategy, built around your lifestyle, your goals, and your health history. “We focus on strategies with real data behind them: movement, sleep, hearing, and mental engagement.”
When Memory Changes Are More Than Just Aging
If testing shows mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s, we first look for reversible causes such as depression, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, or sleep, hearing, and vision problems. “We want patients to know all their options—from lifestyle therapy and medications to clinical trials and newer FDA-approved therapies,” says Dr. Brandon. “It’s not one-size-fits-all, and it’s never too early to start.” We also use the latest diagnostic tools, including blood-based biomarkers, and make sure results are explained clearly so you feel supported and informed at every step.
You Deserve a Clear Mind and a Clear Plan
The earlier we intervene, the more options we have and the more peace of mind we can give you. Cognitive health isn’t just about remembering the past. It’s about protecting your future. Whether you’re noticing memory changes yourself or worried about a loved one, don’t wait until it becomes a crisis and contact your physician today.
