Neurocognitive decline is not an inevitable consequence of aging. While genetics play a role, up to 40% of dementia cases may be attributable to modifiable risk factors, according to data published in The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention.

At EvoHealth Functional Medicine in Overland Park, Kansas, our longevity medicine framework focuses on proactive, systems-based prevention—not reactive disease management. The goal is to preserve executive function, processing speed, memory consolidation, and verbal fluency decades before impairment develops.

If you live in Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village, Olathe, Mission Hills, or the greater Kansas City metro, this guide outlines the most evidence-based strategies to protect long-term brain health.

Understanding Neurocognitive Decline: What Actually Drives It?

Neurodegenerative disease is rarely a singular pathology. It is typically the convergence of:

• Cardiometabolic dysfunction (insulin resistance, hypertension, elevated ApoB)

• Chronic neuroinflammation

• Mitochondrial dysfunction

• Cerebrovascular insufficiency

• Sleep-disordered breathing

• Micronutrient insufficiencies

• Physical inactivity

• Social isolation and chronic stress

Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular dementia share overlapping cardiometabolic and inflammatory pathways.

In longevity medicine, we focus upstream.

Cardiometabolic Optimization: The Single Most Powerful Lever

The brain is a vascular organ. What protects your arteries protects your cognition.

Key Targets for Cognitive Longevity

• ApoB < 80 mg/dL (often <60 in higher-risk individuals)

• HbA1c < 5.3-5.4%

• Fasting insulin < 5 µIU/mL

• HOMA-IR < 1.0

• Blood pressure ~115-120 systolic

• Triglyceride/HDL ratio < 1.5

The SPRINT-MIND trial (substudy of SPRINT trial) demonstrated that intensive blood pressure control reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment.

Insulin resistance has been referred to as “Type 3 diabetes” in relation to Alzheimer’s pathology due to impaired cerebral glucose metabolism.

At EvoHealth, our Overland Park longevity programs aggressively target:

• ApoB particle burden

• Insulin sensitivity

• Visceral adiposity

• Endothelial function

This is foundational—not optional—for cognitive preservation.

Exercise Prescription: VO₂ Max and Zone 2 Training

Aerobic capacity is one of the strongest predictors of mortality and cognitive resilience.

Zone 2 Training (Mitochondrial Density & Metabolic Flexibility)

• 150-200 minutes per week

• HR typically 60-70% of max

• Improves insulin sensitivity and fat oxidation

• Enhances cerebral perfusion

VO₂ Max Intervals (Neurotrophic Signaling)

• 1-2 sessions weekly

• 4×4 minute intervals at 90-95% max HR

• Strong stimulus for BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)

Higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with lower dementia risk and greater hippocampal volume.

Resistance training further improves:

• IGF-1 signaling

• Glucose disposal

• Functional independence

• Executive function

For Kansas City adults in their 40s and 50s, structured cardiovascular conditioning is a powerful neuroprotective intervention.

Sleep Optimization & Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep is when:

• Glymphatic clearance removes beta-amyloid

• Memory consolidation occurs

• Neuroinflammation is modulated

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea increases risk of cognitive impairment and structural brain changes.

At EvoHealth, we routinely screen for:

• OSA

• Sleep fragmentation

• Suboptimal REM duration

• Poor sleep efficiency

Sleep is a cornerstone of longevity medicine.

Micronutrients and Neurochemical Integrity

Common deficiencies we see in the Kansas City population include:

• Vitamin D

• B12

• Folate

• Magnesium

• Omega-3 fatty acids

Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased dementia risk.

Elevated homocysteine—often due to impaired methylation—correlates with cortical atrophy and vascular risk.

Targeted nutritional strategies may include:

• Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) for membrane fluidity

• Magnesium threonate for synaptic support

• B-complex for methylation integrity

• Vitamin D optimization to 40-60 ng/mL

These interventions are individualized based on lab assessment—not guesswork.

Inflammation and Neurovascular Health

High-sensitivity CRP and chronic systemic inflammation are associated with accelerated cognitive decline.

The PREDIMED study demonstrated that a Mediterranean dietary pattern reduced cardiovascular events—indirectly lowering dementia risk through vascular mechanisms.

Dietary focus should emphasize:

• Polyphenol-rich vegetables

• Olive oil

• Fatty fish

• High-fiber whole foods

• Minimized ultra-processed intake

At EvoHealth in Overland Park, we tailor nutritional prescriptions to reduce ApoB, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease inflammatory burden simultaneously.

Social Engagement and Cognitive Reserve

Cognitive reserve refers to the brain’s resilience against structural damage.

Risk factors for decline include:

• Social isolation

• Chronic stress

• Depression

Engagement in learning, social networks, purpose-driven activity, and resistance to chronic cortisol elevation protects executive function long-term.

Hormonal Optimization (When Clinically Appropriate)

Low testosterone in men and estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women may contribute to:

• Reduced verbal fluency

• Brain fog

• Decreased motivation

• Impaired memory encoding

Hormonal optimization must be individualized and risk stratified. When done appropriately, it may support neurovascular health and mitochondrial signaling.

Alcohol, THC, and Stimulant Considerations

Excess alcohol consumption is directly neurotoxic and increases dementia risk.

Chronic THC exposure may impair hippocampal-dependent memory.

Longevity medicine prioritizes long-term structural brain preservation over short-term symptom management.

The EvoHealth Longevity Model for Brain Preservation

At EvoHealth Functional Medicine in Overland Park, we use a structured 4-phase model:

Phase 1: Define Endpoint

Clear cognitive longevity goals (maintaining executive function into 80s)

Phase 2: Systems Audit

Comprehensive labs:

• ApoB

• Lp(a)

• Fasting insulin

• hs-CRP

• Micronutrient panels

• Hormonal assessment

• VO2 Max testing

Phase 3: Foundation Interventions

• Zone 2 + VO₂ max programming

• Resistance training protocols

• Nutrition targeting insulin resistance

• Cardiometabolic optimization

• Sleep optimization

• Proactive pharmacology/bHRT when indicated

Phase 4: Ongoing Optimization

• DHA/EPA

• Theracumin

• NAD precursors

Take the Next Step Toward Cognitive Longevity at EvoHealth

Neurocognitive decline is not random. It is the cumulative result of decades of cardiometabolic stress, inflammation, poor sleep, vascular dysfunction, and insufficient physiologic reserve.

The earlier we intervene, the greater the return on long-term brain preservation.

If you are in Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village, Olathe, Mission Hills, or the greater Kansas City area and are serious about protecting executive function, memory, and long-term healthspan, we invite you to schedule a comprehensive longevity consultation.

EvoHealth Functional Medicine
13801 Metcalf Ave, Suite 205
Overland Park, KS 66223

Phone: 913-404-2193

Evidence-based. Data-driven. Built for long-term cognitive resilience.