Stay Sharp Tips for Preventing Dementia with Michael Soboeiro, MD

Memory is one of our most valuable assets, shaping our identities, relationships and daily experiences. Yet, as we age or face certain lifestyle challenges, concerns about memory loss become increasingly common. While some cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, taking proactive steps can help keep our minds sharp and resilient. By incorporating simple yet effective habits into our daily routines, we can support brain health and enhance memory retention.

Here, Michael Soboeiro, MD, WakeMed Primary Care physician, discusses science-backed strategies to help us safeguard our memories and promote long-term cognitive well-being. But first, it’s important to understand the conditions that involve memory loss.

Understanding Dementia and Its Distinction from Normal Memory Loss

Dementia is a decline in cognitive abilities that affects one or more key areas, including memory, language, attention, executive function, motor skills and social cognition. For a condition to be classified as dementia, the decline must interfere with daily life and independence. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease.

“The majority of these are neurodegenerative, meaning that the process that's caused by the disease causes degeneration of the brain. So, they are different diseases that all end up causing dementia,” states Dr. Soboeiro.

He also points out that signs of memory loss do not mean a person has dementia. It is a normal part of aging. And, if a person is questioning whether or not he or she has dementia due to memory loss, it is likely not clinical dementia.

Are There Drugs to Prevent Dementia?

Per Dr. Soboeiro, the best way to prevent dementia is through a healthy lifestyle. Recently, new drugs for dementia, such as Leqembi, have gained attention. While Leqembi has shown about 25 percent less cognitive decline in clinical trials for Alzheimer's patients, its impact is modest. Researchers compare its effect to slowing a decline from 60 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour, potentially delaying the need for long-term care by about six months.

However, the drug is expensive — costing over $100,000 per year — and comes with serious side effects, including brain swelling and bleeding. While it represents progress, its benefits remain limited.

“This drug and drugs like it are not the answer for Alzheimer's. The answer for Alzheimer's disease is prevention. So, that's the case I try to make to my patients,” notes Dr. Soboeiro.

Dementia Prevention Strategies

Currently, 159 studies investigate lifestyle interventions for dementia prevention. While these studies are challenging due to their large-scale nature, research has already identified several beneficial factors.

The strategies mentioned include the following:

• Controlling blood pressure
• Following a Mediterranean diet
• Getting adequate sleep
• Engaging in daily physical activity
• Maintaining social connections
• Participating in cognitive training activities, including completing puzzles, reading and playing games

Other protective factors include these: 

• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding binge drinking or heavy alcohol use
• Maintaining overall brain health through an active and engaged lifestyle

Additionally, treating hearing loss is crucial, as untreated hearing impairment significantly increases dementia risks. 

Information Is Power: Stay in the Know with Helpful Resources

Reliable resources for dementia information include the Alzheimer’s Association, which offers insights on the disease, caregiving and prevention, and the National Institutes on Aging, which provides accessible information for the public. Additionally, discussing concerns, family history and lifestyle with a primary care provider is an excellent way to get personalized guidance on dementia prevention and management.

“I think that if patients are informed about where the data is, what lifestyle can do to prevent dementia, to prevent cognitive decline, and to prevent physical decline, then people are in the best situation to keep themselves healthier for longer,” shares Dr. Soboeiro. “As a primary care provider, that's really what we want for our patients. We want them to live a long life, but we want them live a healthy life where they're able to participate and contribute and enjoy the time they have.”

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About Michael Soboeiro, MD

Dr. Michael Soboeiro is board-certified in internal medicine and brings more than 20 years of primary care expertise. He earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed internship and residency programs in primary care internal medicine at The Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital.

His clinical interests include diabetes management and the care of patients with multiple medical issues. Dr. Soboeiro has a broad range of clinical leadership experience and a passion for community service.

In his free time, Dr. Soboeiro enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, watching UNC athletics, golfing and reading.