Why Nutrigenomics Testing Matters for Memory Loss, Dementia & Alzheimer’s

by Kelly Lenehan, Naturopath — The Dementia Revival Protocol

When someone receives a diagnosis of memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease, the experience is often overwhelming. Families are frequently told that decline is inevitable and that there is little they can do beyond symptom management. While nutrigenomics does not claim to cure dementia, it offers something profoundly important: clarity, personalisation, and actionable direction for those who want to take meaningful steps to support brain health.

Nutrigenomics is the science that examines how your unique genetic makeup interacts with nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors. In the context of cognitive decline, this approach helps move care away from generic advice and toward precision strategies that target the underlying biological drivers of neurodegeneration.

Dementia Is Not One Disease

Dementia is an umbrella term that includes Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Although these conditions share symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline, the biological mechanisms driving them can differ significantly.

What they do have in common is that they are multifactorial, influenced by:

• Chronic inflammation

• Oxidative stress

• Impaired glucose and lipid metabolism

• Vascular dysfunction

• Mitochondrial decline

• Neurotransmitter imbalance

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Environmental toxin exposure

Nutrigenomics helps identify which of these pathways are most relevant for each individual, allowing interventions to be more targeted and potentially more effective.

What Nutrigenomics Reveals About Brain Health

A nutrigenomic test analyses specific genetic variations (SNPs) that influence how the brain responds to nutrients, lifestyle factors, and environmental stressors. These genetic insights help explain why some individuals are more vulnerable to cognitive decline, while others remain cognitively resilient into older age.

Key brain-related pathways assessed through nutrigenomics include:

• Lipid metabolism and brain fat utilisation (critical in Alzheimer’s disease)

• Inflammatory and immune responses that drive neurodegeneration

• Methylation and homocysteine balance, strongly linked to vascular dementia and cognitive impairment

• Glucose and insulin regulation, relevant to “type 3 diabetes” models of Alzheimer’s

• Mitochondrial function and energy production within brain cells

• Detoxification capacity for heavy metals, pesticides, and neurotoxic compounds

• Neurotransmitter balance, influencing mood, sleep, cognition, and behaviour

Understanding these pathways allows care to shift from guesswork to biologically informed decision-making.

How the myDNA Comprehensive Health Report Supports Dementia Care

The myDNA Comprehensive Health Report translates complex genetic data into practical, usable insights for both practitioners and individuals. Rather than focusing on disease prediction, it identifies modifiable genetic vulnerabilities that can be influenced through targeted nutrition, lifestyle, and monitoring strategies.

For individuals with memory loss or a dementia diagnosis, the report can help:

• Identify nutritional needs essential for brain repair and protection

• Guide dietary patterns aligned with genetic lipid, glucose, and inflammatory responses

• Highlight genes associated with cognitive decline, stress resilience, and neuroplasticity

• Inform personalised lifestyle strategies, including physical activity and stress management

• Recommend relevant biomarkers and blood tests to track progress

• Support earlier intervention in at-risk individuals with a family history of dementia

This personalised approach helps transform genetic information into daily, actionable steps.

Prevention, Slowing Progression, and Improving Quality of Life

While genetics cannot be changed, gene expression can be influenced. Nutrigenomics is built on the principle that DNA represents potential, not destiny. Research consistently shows that lifestyle and nutrition can modify how genetic risks are expressed—particularly in the brain.

In practical terms, this means nutrigenomics may support:

• Prevention in individuals with genetic or family risk

• Slowing cognitive decline in early or moderate stages

• Improved symptom management, including mood, sleep, and behaviour

• Enhanced quality of life for both individuals and caregivers

Importantly, nutrigenomics complements medical care rather than replacing it, providing a supportive, integrative layer of intervention.

Empowerment Through Personalised Action

One of the greatest challenges in dementia care is behaviour change. Nutrigenomic testing has been shown to increase engagement because the recommendations feel personal, relevant, and meaningful. When individuals and families understand why specific changes matter for their brain, adherence improves and hope is restored.

For those facing memory loss or dementia, nutrigenomics offers:

• Understanding instead of confusion

• Direction instead of helplessness

• Personalisation instead of generic advice

A Final Word

Nutrigenomics does not promise a cure for dementia but it does offer a powerful framework for action. By identifying individual genetic vulnerabilities and strengths, the myDNA Comprehensive Health Report supports a proactive, personalised, and evidence-informed approach to brain health. For those who want to take an active role in supporting cognitive function, resilience, and quality of life, nutrigenomics represents an important step forward in modern dementia care.

A Practical Example: Why Personalised Genetics Matter in Dementia Care

Consider two individuals with early cognitive decline who both decide to support their brain health using a natural, nutrition-based approach. Without genetic insight, they may follow the same well-meaning supplement and diet recommendations like high-dose B vitamins, omega-3s, antioxidants, and popular brain-support nutrients. However, their outcomes can differ dramatically.

For example, an individual with specific MTHFR and methylation-related gene variants may struggle to convert synthetic folic acid or certain B vitamins into their active forms. Supplementing incorrectly can lead to elevated unmetabolised folate, increased homocysteine, headaches, anxiety, or worsened brain fog, all of which may further compromise cognitive health rather than support it. Similarly, someone with particular APOE variants may respond poorly to high-dose omega-3s or excessive saturated fat intake, potentially worsening lipid balance, inflammation, or vascular risk—key drivers of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

In contrast, nutrigenomics testing allows practitioners to identify these genetic differences upfront. Using the myDNA Comprehensive Health Report, the same individual could receive guidance on the correct form, dose, and balance of nutrients—such as active methylated B vitamins, adjusted fat intake, targeted antioxidants, and personalised lifestyle strategies that align with their metabolism and detoxification capacity. Rather than guessing, the intervention becomes precise, reducing trial-and-error, avoiding adverse responses, and improving the likelihood of slowing cognitive decline, stabilising symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.

This example highlights a critical truth in natural dementia care: the wrong supplement, even a healthy one, can work against the brain when genetics are ignored—while the right intervention, matched to the individual’s DNA, can meaningfully change outcomes.

If you or someone you love is navigating memory loss or a dementia diagnosis and wants to explore personalised, actionable strategies for brain health, nutrigenomics testing may provide valuable insight and direction. - get your genetic nutrigenomics testing package with me by booking in HERE