Alzheimer’s Disease: Uncovering the Hidden Risks

As a Functional Medicine physician, I often hear the same question from concerned patients and their families: "Is there anything I can do to lower my risk of Alzheimer’s disease?" While conventional medicine focuses primarily on diagnosis and symptom management, Functional Medicine looks deeper, examining the root causes and the underlying triggers that may contribute to neurodegeneration.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that affects memory, reasoning, and behavior. It’s the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2025, and this number is expected to nearly double by 2050 unless effective prevention and treatment strategies are adopted.

While age and genetics certainly play a role, they don’t tell the whole story. From a Functional Medicine perspective, we must also consider environmental factors, chronic infections, and systemic inflammation. Let’s take a closer look at some of the hidden contributors to Alzheimer’s that are often overlooked: mold exposure, mycotoxins, Lyme disease, and genetic factors.

Mold, Mycotoxins, and Brain Health

Most people think of mold as a nuisance or an allergen, but in Functional Medicine, we recognize that certain types of mold produce harmful substances called mycotoxins. These toxic compounds can circulate through the body and have a profound impact on the brain.

When patients live or work in water-damaged buildings, they may unknowingly be inhaling mycotoxins that contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have linked mold exposure to neurological symptoms such as brain fog, memory loss, and even structural changes in the brain. In susceptible individuals, chronic exposure can act as a trigger that accelerates neurodegeneration.

If you suspect mold exposure, it’s important to assess your environment and get tested for mycotoxins. Functional Medicine strategies can help detoxify the body, support the liver, and reduce inflammation with nutrients like glutathione, curcumin, and phosphatidylcholine.

Lyme Disease and Co-Infections: An Overlooked Factor

Lyme disease is another potential contributor to cognitive decline that often goes unrecognized. Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through tick bites, Lyme disease can affect the nervous system, sometimes mimicking symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

In some patients, untreated or chronic Lyme disease leads to neuroinflammation, mood disorders, and memory loss. Co-infections such as Babesia, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia can further complicate the clinical situation. While the direct link between Lyme disease and Alzheimer’s remains under investigation, we cannot ignore the growing body of evidence connecting chronic infections with neurodegeneration.

A comprehensive approach to brain health includes screening for Lyme and co-infections, especially if symptoms are unexplained or progressive. If present, targeted antimicrobial therapy combined with immune support, detoxification, and gut healing may help reduce the neurotoxic burden.

The Role of the APOE4 Gene in Alzheimer’s Risk

One important factor in assessing Alzheimer’s risk is the presence of the APOE4 gene variant. APOE (apolipoprotein E) helps transport cholesterol and other fats in the bloodstream. There are three common forms - APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. Having one or two copies of the APOE4 variant has been associated with a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s, particularly the late-onset form.

However, possessing the APOE4 gene does not guarantee a person will develop the disease. In Functional Medicine, we view genetic markers like APOE4 as invitations for proactive care, not fixed destinies. For those with this gene, lifestyle choices become even more critical. 

A nutrient-rich, low-inflammatory diet, regular physical activity, toxin avoidance, stress reduction, and cognitive engagement can all help mitigate the increased risk. At WeCare Frisco, we tailor prevention strategies based on your unique genetic makeup, environment, and medical history.

The Functional Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is not a disease that happens overnight. It develops over years—even decades—as the result of multiple insults to the brain. That’s why a Functional Medicine evaluation considers a wide range of contributing factors, including:

• Genetic predisposition (such as APOE4 status)
• Blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance
• Environmental toxins (e.g., mold, heavy metals)
• Chronic infections
• Hormonal imbalances
• Gut health and the microbiome

By identifying and addressing these issues early, we can shift the focus from disease management to prevention and resilience.

In my practice at WeCare Frisco, we use comprehensive testing, personalized nutrition, and integrative therapies to support brain health. Whether you’re concerned about cognitive decline, have a family history of Alzheimer’s, or have been exposed to mold or Lyme disease, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your brain.

Final Thoughts

Alzheimer’s disease is not inevitable, even for those with known risk factors like APOE4 or a family history of the disease. We can change the trajectory of brain health by addressing root causes and modifiable lifestyle factors. Together, we can explore your risk factors and build a personalized plan for lifelong cognitive vitality.