New or worsening memory or thinking problems should be evaluated by a physician, and we encourage evaluation by a neurologist. Many causes of memory changes, such as medication effects, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, sleep problems and depression, need to be identified, and some newer treatments are available only through neurology care. Our care works alongside your neurologist, not in place of one.

• A cognitive health consultation: history, lifestyle review and lab testing ordered by your provider, which may include a p-tau217 blood test for adults with memory symptoms. The result is interpreted with your clinical evaluation and is not a standalone diagnosis.
• PATHS Brain Program, our structured program (link removed)
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not FDA-cleared for memory loss or cognitive decline, and evidence is limited. Any use for this purpose is off-label and is discussed case by case, including its risks.
• Nutrition counseling and supplement review, with links to Nutrition Counseling and Supplement Therapy.
• Genetic testing (IntellxxDNA)
• Light therapy (photobiomodulation): offered at NCFM after a provider evaluation. Its use for memory and brain health is investigational and not FDA-cleared for this purpose; evidence is early and limited. See “Where the science stands” below.

• Anti-amyloid antibodies — FDA-approved. Two FDA-approved medicines, lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla), are approved for people in the mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of Alzheimer’s disease with confirmed amyloid. They require specialist evaluation, brain imaging and MRI monitoring for side effects such as brain swelling or bleeding. NCFM does not provide these medicines, and our services are not a substitute for them. Ask a neurologist whether they may be right for you. Sources: FDA (lecanemab), FDA (donanemab).
• p-tau217 blood test, ordered at NCFM. Results are interpreted together with a clinical evaluation and are not a standalone diagnosis; a neurologist may recommend further testing.
• Lifestyle trials (FINGER, U.S. POINTER) — evidence from randomized trials, not an FDA-regulated therapy. In the Finnish FINGER trial, a two-year program of diet, exercise, cognitive training and vascular-risk monitoring was associated with better cognitive test scores than general health advice in at-risk older adults. U.S. POINTER (2025) found a structured lifestyle program produced somewhat greater improvement in global cognitive scores than a self-guided one. Neither trial showed prevention of dementia. Sources: FINGER, The Lancet 2015; U.S. POINTER, JAMA 2025; Alzheimer’s Association.
• Bredesen-style multi-domain protocols — investigational; limited evidence. These personalized programs combine many lifestyle and supplement changes. Published evidence is mainly small case series without control groups, so benefits have not been established in randomized trials. Source: Bredesen, Aging 2014.
• Hyperbaric oxygen and photobiomodulation — investigational. Small studies have explored these for cognition, with mixed and early results; neither is FDA-cleared for cognitive decline. Source: systematic review, Lasers in Medical Science 2025.

What could be causing my symptoms? Which tests do I need, and from whom? Which options are FDA-approved, and which are investigational? What are the risks and costs?