For many people, just hearing the word Alzheimer’s brings a wave of fear. You might have watched a loved one slowly lose their memory or noticed small changes in your own thinking. While that experience can be unsettling, the good news is that there are tools to take meaningful action—before symptoms begin. One of the most empowering is called Alzheimer’s prevention testing, and it starts with something called a Cognoscopy.
What Is Alzheimer’s Prevention Testing?
The term Cognoscopy was introduced by Dr. Dale Bredesen¹, a neurologist and leading researcher in Alzheimer’s prevention and reversal. His work laid the foundation for understanding how multiple, interconnected factors contribute to cognitive decline—and how addressing them can slow or even reverse that process¹. At Aya, we follow this research-based model to assess the key areas that influence brain health, then create a personalized plan to strengthen and support them.
We often describe a Cognoscopy like a 15-point inspection for your brain—similar to what your mechanic might do during a routine oil change. You receive a clear report showing what’s functioning well (green), what needs attention (yellow), and what may require more immediate care (red).
Many of these risk factors are already being shaped—positively or negatively—by your everyday choices around food, sleep, stress, movement, and environment. The difference is that now, you get to see the whole picture and respond with intention.
What’s Included in Alzheimer’s Prevention Testing?
You might be surprised to learn that Alzheimer’s prevention testing doesn’t just look at memory. Instead, it evaluates all the systems that impact long-term brain health. These include:
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Blood sugar regulation (glucose spikes and insulin resistance)
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Inflammation markers and immune balance
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Hormonal health (especially estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid)
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Toxic load (heavy metals, mold, and chemicals)
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Chronic infections that may quietly burden the brain
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Nutrient status (like omega-3s, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium)
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Gut health and microbial diversity
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Genetic risk (including APOE status)
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Sleep quality, oxygen delivery, and circadian rhythm
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Stress patterns and trauma history
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Cardiovascular health and blood flow to the brain
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Cognitive testing to track real-time function
By looking at all of these together, we get a full picture of what supports your brain—and what might be silently working against it².
Why This Matters: Alzheimer’s Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
One reason Alzheimer’s prevention testing is so important is that researchers now recognize multiple subtypes of Alzheimer’s, not just one uniform disease. As explained in this article by the Amos Institute, each subtype has different root causes:
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Inflammatory (hot brain) – driven by chronic inflammation
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Glycotoxic (sugar brain) – tied to blood sugar and insulin issues
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Atrophic (dry brain) – related to low hormones or nutrients
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Toxic (toxic brain) – linked to environmental or chemical exposures
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Vascular (starved brain) – due to reduced blood flow or oxygen
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Traumatic (bruised brain) – tied to past head injuries
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Mixed – the most common form, involving several overlapping causes
This subtype model has been supported in recent research as well³. Instead of guessing, a Cognoscopy helps clarify which of these patterns may be relevant for you—and which areas you can start addressing right away.
The Best Part? It’s Modifiable
Here’s the empowering truth: Everything we test in a Cognoscopy is modifiable. Yes, even if you carry a genetic risk or already notice small memory lapses.
Using a blend of food-based strategies, targeted herbs, lifestyle changes, and high-quality supplements, we can often:
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Improve glucose regulation and reduce sugar-driven brain stress⁴
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Calm inflammation with diet, gut work, and immune support
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Enhance detox pathways for better toxin clearance
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Restore hormonal balance
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Rebuild resilience through sleep, movement, and nervous system care
In many cases, we see people move from yellow or red back into the green. And even if you’re already seeing early cognitive changes, Alzheimer’s prevention testing can still make a meaningful difference in cognition⁵.
Taking the Next Step Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
We know that cognitive health is a vulnerable topic. It can bring up fear, grief, or guilt. But our goal at Aya isn’t to add to your stress—it’s to walk with you through the process with clarity, care, and evidence-based support.
When you schedule Alzheimer’s prevention testing with us, you won’t just get a lab report. You’ll get a structured plan based on your real life, your symptoms, and your goals. We’ll explain what’s going well, what could use support, and how to begin making changes that are both effective and sustainable.
Your Brain Deserves This Kind of Care
You go in for dental cleanings and blood pressure checks—why not give your brain the same attention? Alzheimer’s prevention testing gives you the information and tools to take charge of your cognitive future, whether you’re in your 30s and looking ahead or in your 60s and wanting to protect what you’ve built.
You have more influence than you think. And we’re here to help you use it.
📅 Ready to start your own Cognoscopy?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call or schedule your full assessment to begin. Alzheimer’s prevention testing can be the first step toward protecting your memory—and reclaiming peace of mind.
