Cognitive Decline Specialist NC

Cognitive decline is a growing concern for many adults, affecting memory, focus, and overall brain function. Whether it starts with occasional forgetfulness, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating, these early warning signs should not be ignored. While some changes in cognitive function are a normal part of aging, accelerated decline is not inevitable—and early intervention can make a significant difference.

At Caring for the Body, PLLC, Dr. Cynthia Libert specializes in preventing and reversing cognitive decline using a root-cause, functional medicine approach. By identifying the underlying factors contributing to brain dysfunction, Dr. Libert helps patients in North Carolina take proactive steps to restore mental clarity and long-term brain health.

Recognizing the Signs of Cognitive Decline

Early symptoms of cognitive decline can often be subtle but progressively interfere with daily life. Common warning signs include:

Memory Lapses: Forgetting names, appointments, or recent conversations.
Brain Fog: Feeling mentally sluggish, easily overwhelmed, or unable to think clearly.
Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus, multitask, or follow complex instructions.
Mood Changes: Increased anxiety, irritability, or depression linked to brain function.

Many individuals dismiss these symptoms as "just getting older," but cognitive decline is often preventable—and even reversible—with the right approach.

Why Specialized Care is Essential for Brain Health

Traditional medicine often waits until cognitive symptoms worsen before offering treatment, focusing primarily on medications that manage symptoms rather than addressing root causes. However, research shows that early intervention with lifestyle and functional medicine strategies can slow or even reverse cognitive impairment.

As a leading cognitive decline specialist in NC, Dr. Libert provides:
✅ Comprehensive brain health evaluations to assess early cognitive decline.
✅ Advanced diagnostic testing to uncover risk factors like hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction.
✅ Personalized treatment plans using nutrition, gut health optimization, and brain-supportive therapies.

Causes & Risk Factors for Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline doesn’t happen overnight—it develops over time due to a combination of genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors. While aging is often blamed, the truth is that brain health is influenced by modifiable risk factors, meaning you can take action to slow or even reverse cognitive impairment.

As a cognitive decline specialist in NC, Dr. Cynthia Libert takes a functional medicine approach to identifying and addressing the root causes of memory loss, brain fog, and cognitive dysfunction. Understanding these underlying risk factors is the first step toward protecting brain function and longevity.

Genetics & Family History (APOE4 Gene & Alzheimer’s Risk)

Genetics can play a role in cognitive decline, particularly for individuals who carry the APOE4 gene variant, which is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, having a genetic predisposition does not mean cognitive decline is inevitable—lifestyle, diet, and targeted interventions can modify gene expression and significantly reduce risk.

Chronic Inflammation & Oxidative Stress

Chronic inflammation is a key driver of brain aging and neurodegeneration. Inflammation in the body leads to oxidative stress, which damages brain cells and accelerates cognitive decline. Contributing factors include:

Processed foods and sugar that spike inflammation.
Environmental toxins such as heavy metals, mold, and air pollution.
Chronic infections (Lyme disease, viral infections) that trigger an immune response.
High-stress lifestyles that keep the body in a constant state of inflammation.

Reducing inflammation through anti-inflammatory nutrition, detoxification, and lifestyle changes is essential for long-term brain health.

Hormonal Imbalances (Thyroid Dysfunction & Insulin Resistance)

Hormones play a crucial role in cognitive function, mood, and memory. Two major hormonal imbalances that impact brain health include:

Thyroid Dysfunction (Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s): Low thyroid function leads to brain fog, depression, and slowed mental processing.
Insulin Resistance & Blood Sugar Imbalances: High blood sugar and insulin resistance have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, often called "Type 3 Diabetes." Stabilizing blood sugar levels is critical for protecting neurons and preventing cognitive impairment.

The Gut-Brain Connection (Leaky Gut & Microbiome Imbalances)

Your gut and brain are directly connected through the gut-brain axis, meaning that gut health plays a vital role in cognitive function. Key gut-related issues that contribute to brain fog and memory problems include:

Leaky Gut Syndrome: When the intestinal lining is compromised, toxins and inflammatory compounds enter the bloodstream, triggering brain inflammation.
Dysbiosis (Imbalanced Gut Microbiome): A lack of beneficial gut bacteria affects neurotransmitter production, impacting mood, focus, and memory.

Healing the gut with probiotics, digestive support, and an anti-inflammatory diet can significantly improve brain function.

Nutrient Deficiencies & Metabolic Dysfunction

The brain requires essential nutrients to function optimally. Deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals can contribute to fatigue, poor concentration, and memory issues. Common deficiencies seen in cognitive decline include:

B Vitamins (B12, Folate, B6): Essential for brain energy, neurotransmitter production, and reducing homocysteine, a marker linked to Alzheimer’s.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA): Supports brain structure, reduces inflammation, and enhances memory.
Magnesium: Helps with neurotransmitter balance and stress resilience.
Vitamin D: Plays a role in cognitive function and neuroprotection.

Optimizing nutrient levels through personalized nutrition and supplementation can restore brain function and prevent cognitive decline.

Functional Medicine Approach to Cognitive Decline

Traditional neurology often focuses on diagnosing cognitive disorders once significant decline has already occurred, offering medications that manage symptoms but do not address the root causes. Functional medicine, on the other hand, takes a proactive and personalized approach to cognitive health by identifying early warning signs, underlying imbalances, and modifiable risk factors. This allows for targeted interventions that can slow, stop, or even reverse cognitive decline.

As a leading cognitive decline specialist in NC, Dr. Cynthia Libert uses a comprehensive functional medicine approach to optimize brain function, improve memory, and support long-term neurological health.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing for Cognitive Health

To develop a personalized treatment plan, Dr. Libert conducts cutting-edge diagnostic testing to assess brain function, inflammation, and metabolic health. These tests include:

🔬 Genetic Screening (APOE4 & Neurodegenerative Risk Markers)

Identifies genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
Helps determine targeted prevention strategies based on genetic factors.

🧠 Neurocognitive Assessments

Evaluates memory, processing speed, attention, and executive function.
Tracks changes in cognitive performance over time.

🩺 Hormone & Metabolic Panels

Assesses thyroid function, insulin resistance, and sex hormone imbalances, which impact brain health.
Evaluates adrenal function and cortisol levels to identify stress-related brain dysfunction.

🦠 Gut & Inflammation Testing

Identifies leaky gut, dysbiosis (gut bacteria imbalances), and food sensitivities that contribute to brain inflammation.
Measures markers of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which are linked to neurodegeneration.

Personalized Treatment Plans for Cognitive Optimization

Based on comprehensive diagnostic testing, Dr. Libert designs an individualized treatment plan to restore cognitive function and prevent further decline.

✅ Brain-Boosting Nutrition & Gut Health Optimization

Anti-inflammatory, brain-supportive diet rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and polyphenols.
Supports the gut-brain connection by healing leaky gut and optimizing microbiome health.

✅ Hormone Balancing & Metabolic Support

Thyroid and adrenal optimization to enhance energy and cognitive clarity.
Blood sugar stabilization to reduce insulin resistance, a major risk factor for cognitive decline.

✅ Anti-Inflammatory Protocols & Oxidative Stress Reduction

Reduces chronic inflammation and oxidative damage, two primary drivers of brain aging.
Incorporates targeted supplementation (omega-3s, CoQ10, curcumin, resveratrol) to support brain function.

✅ Cognitive Training & Neuroplasticity Exercises

Brain exercises, meditation, and mindfulness to enhance cognitive flexibility and memory.
Encourages learning new skills and engaging in mentally stimulating activities to strengthen neural pathways.

How to Get Started with Cognitive Decline Treatment in NC

If you’re experiencing memory loss, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating, early intervention is essential. Cognitive decline is not an inevitable part of aging, and with the right approach, you can protect and restore brain function. Dr. Cynthia Libert, a leading cognitive decline specialist in North Carolina, offers a personalized, functional medicine approach to help you regain mental clarity and prevent further decline.

Step 1: Schedule a Free Strategy Session

The first step toward improving your cognitive health is scheduling a complimentary strategy session with Dr. Libert’s team. During this session, you will:
✅ Discuss your current symptoms and cognitive concerns.
✅ Learn about Dr. Libert’s functional medicine approach to cognitive decline.
✅ Explore whether the ReThink Aging™ Program is the right fit for your brain health needs.

Step 2: Comprehensive Initial Consultation & Diagnostic Testing

Once you’re ready to move forward, you’ll have a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Libert, where she will:
🔹 Conduct an in-depth medical and lifestyle history review.
🔹 Order advanced diagnostic testing, including:

Genetic screening (APOE4 & neurodegenerative risk markers).
Neurocognitive assessments to evaluate memory, focus, and processing speed.
Hormone and metabolic panels to check for thyroid imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Gut microbiome analysis to assess digestive health and its impact on brain function.
🔹 Create a Personalized Brain Health Plan with targeted interventions for nutrition, supplements, hormone balance, and lifestyle optimization.

Step 3: Begin Your Personalized Cognitive Health Program

With Dr. Libert’s expert guidance, you’ll take science-backed steps to:
✅ Reduce inflammation & oxidative stress to protect brain cells.
✅ Support gut health & neurotransmitter balance for mental clarity.
✅ Optimize hormone and metabolic function for lasting cognitive support.
✅ Implement brain-training exercises & lifestyle modifications to strengthen memory and focus.

Take Control of Your Brain Health Today

Cognitive decline doesn’t have to define your future. With early intervention and a functional medicine approach, you can enhance memory, improve focus, and optimize brain function for years to come.

📅 Schedule your free strategy session with Dr. Libert today and take the first step toward a sharper mind and a healthier future!