Whole-person care is a person-centered approach to medicine. It goes beyond treating symptoms or isolated conditions, focusing on the interconnectedness of bodily systems and addressing a wide range of factors. These include biological makeup, behavioral habits, environmental factors, and a patient’s personal beliefs, values, and goals. By tailoring care to align with these unique aspects, healthcare providers can create highly personalized patient plans that address not only physical health but also emotional and mental well-being.

This template aims to offer healthcare providers practical suggestions for labs and supplements, helping them design personalized, whole-person care plans for patients looking to support memory and cognitive function as part of a broader focus on longevity.

Comprehensive lab testing helps providers identify underlying contributors to cognitive decline by evaluating markers tied to the hallmarks of neurological aging, including immunosenescence, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Together, these can compromise central nervous system integrity, disrupt synaptic plasticity, and impair neuronal communication and repair mechanisms that can lead to neurodegeneration. (Mattson 2018) 

Evidence-based supplements can be incorporated into a comprehensive care plan to support memory by addressing underlying drivers of cognitive decline. Nutrients and botanicals with properties that protect against oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, preserve neuronal membrane integrity, modulate cerebral blood flow, and support neurotransmitter synthesis may help strengthen cognitive resilience and promote long-term brain health as part of a broader strategy to extend healthspan. (Liu 2024) 

Labs

Immune Function

Cardio IQ Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy (Quest Diagnostics)

CBC w/ Diff (Access Medical Labs)

T- and B-Lymphocyte & Natural Killer Cell Profile

Inflammation

C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (CRP, HS) (Access Medical Labs)

CytoDX | Cytokine Response Profile (Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory)

Fibrinogen (Access Labcorp Draw)

Homocysteine (Quest Diagnostics)

OmegaCheck (Quest Diagnostics)

Sedimentation Rate (ESR) (Access Labcorp Draw)

Zonulin Family Protein Test (Mosaic Diagnostics)

Oxidative Stress

Coenzyme Q10 (Quest Diagnostics)

Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel (Quest Diagnostics)

NutrEval® Plasma (Genova Diagnostics)

Oxidized LDL (Access Medical Labs)

Transferrin (Access Labcorp Draw)

Mitochondrial Function

Creatine Kinase (Access Labcorp Draw)

CVD & Diabetes Prevention (Boston Heart Diagnostics)

Organic Acids (OAT) (Mosaic Diagnostics)

Ingredients

Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0) 

Dosing: 100–200 mg once daily, minimum three months (Robinson 2024)

Safety:

• Safety studies at doses up to 250 mg have shown C15:0 is well-tolerated, with no significant adverse events reported. (Robinson 2024)

Supporting evidence:

• Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is an odd-chain saturated fatty acid recently characterized as an essential nutrient with notable anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities. It also has the capacity to activate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibit mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR)—mechanisms shared with established longevity-promoting compounds.  (Venn‐Watson 2022)(Venn-Watson 2023) These combined properties suggest that C15:0 could support neurological health, cognitive function, and memory by dampening neuroinflammation and enhancing energy-sensing pathways critical for neuronal resilience, synaptic maintenance, and long-term functional integrity. (Navakkode 2024) 
• Higher serum C15:0 levels are associated with better cognitive and memory scores, as demonstrated by the results of a cross-sectional study including 372 Chinese adults (mean age 58 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Those with higher plasma C15:0 had higher Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), MMSE delayed recall, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and MoCA visual-spatial ability scores. (Shen 2022) 
• In one study, compared to healthy controls, patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) had lower free levels of C15:0 in the supernatant fluid fraction of cerebrospinal fluid, while nanoparticle-bound C15:0 was elevated. These findings imply that reduced availability of free C15:0 may contribute to compromised neuronal resilience, while accumulation in bound forms could represent a compensatory but maladaptive response that contributes to AD pathology. (Fonteh 2014)

Available on Fullscript this fall.

Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri)

Dosing: 300 mg per day for at least 12 weeks (Morgan 2010)(Kongkeaw 2014)

Safety:

• • Clinical studies report that Bacopa monnieri has a favorable safety profile in pediatric, adult, and elderly populations. (Pravina 2007)(Calabrese 2008)(Kean 2016) Adverse event rates are similar to placebo and primarily limited to mild gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, including increased stool frequency, abdominal cramps, and nausea. (Morgan 2010) However, long-term human safety data are limited. (Aguiar 2013)
  • Bacopa inhibits several cytochrome P450 isoforms (notably CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19), which theoretically may increase plasma concentrations of coadministered drugs metabolized by these pathways. (Ramasamy 2014)

Supporting evidence:

• Bacopa monnieri is a nootropic herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a cognitive enhancer and neuroprotective agent. Its active constituents (primarily bacosides) are believed to exert antioxidant effects, modulate cholinergic function, inhibit acetylcholinesterase, increase cerebral blood flow, and reduce neuroinflammation—which are relevant mechanisms to support brain and neurological function. (Aguiar 2013)(Srivastava 2024)
• In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 98 healthy adults over age 55, taking Bacopa monnieri extract for 12 weeks significantly improved verbal learning, memory acquisition, and delayed recall compared to placebo, as measured by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). (Morgan 2010)
• A meta-analysis of nine randomized, placebo-controlled trials that included 518 adults without dementia found that Bacopa supplementation improved cognitive performance, specifically markers that indicated enhanced attention and processing speed. (Kongkeaw 2014)

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Dosing: 120–240 mg daily for at least 1–3 months (Le Bars 1997)(Stough 2001)(Bachinskaya 2011)

Safety:

• Ginkgo biloba supplementation is generally considered safe, with a safety profile comparable to that of a placebo. (Riepe 2025) The most commonly reported adverse effects are mild and include headache, GI disturbance (e.g., diarrhea), and dizziness. (Tan 2015)(Chowdhury 2024) While serious adverse events are rare and have not been consistently attributed to ginkgo in clinical studies, the herb does possess antiplatelet properties. It may increase bleeding risk, particularly in patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications or those with bleeding disorders. Isolated case reports of bleeding exist, but causality remains unproven. (Bent 2005)(Chowdhury 2024)

Supporting evidence:

• Studies have supported ginkgo’s (specifically, Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761) ability to increase functional brain capacity and influence pathological mechanisms associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, such as modulating neurotransmitter systems, inhibiting beta-amyloid deposition, and reducing neuroinflammation. (Birks 2009)(Morató 2023)(Pagotto 2024)
• A meta-analysis of four randomized, placebo-controlled trials including 782 patients with mild dementia found that daily supplementation with EGb 761 helped significantly improve cognition, activities of daily living, global assessment, and quality of life compared to placebo. (Riepe 2025)
• A 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial evaluated the effects of EGb 761 versus placebo in 202 patients with mild to severe AD or multi-infarct dementia without other significant medical conditions. The primary efficacy measures were the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), the Geriatric Evaluation by Relative’s Rating Instrument (GERRI), and the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC). At 52 weeks, the EGb 761 group showed a modest and statistically significant benefit over the placebo: 27% achieved at least a four-point improvement on the ADAS-cog (vs. 14% on placebo) and 37% improved on the GERRI (vs. 23% on placebo). (Le Bars 1997)
• Young healthy volunteers (n=61) taking Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) daily for one month had statistically significant improvements in speed of information processing, working memory, and executive processing compared to placebo. (Stough 2001)

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Dosing: 1 g 1–3 times daily for 4–49 weeks (Mori 2009)(Li 2020)(Docherty 2023)

Safety:

• Current clinical evidence suggests that lion’s mane mushroom is generally safe and well-tolerated for memory support in studied populations, but comprehensive safety data are limited, and more research is required to establish safe and effective dosing strategies. (Cha 2024)

Supporting evidence:

• The decline of the brain’s ability to form new connections (“neuroplasticity”) with age contributes to age-related cognitive decline. (Pauwels 2018) Two compounds isolated from the mycelium and fruiting body of lion’s mane—hericenones and erinacines—have been shown in in-vitro studies to stimulate the growth of brain cells by promoting the biosynthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF). (Kushairi 2019)
• Preliminary clinical research in people with mild AD aged 50 years and older shows that daily supplementation with lion’s mane mycelia (standardized to contain 5 mg/g of erinacrine A) for 49 weeks resulted in improved scores on the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), MMSE, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) tests. (Li 2020)
• A clinical trial in Japanese patients aged 50–80 years old with MCI (n=30) demonstrated that taking lion’s mane mushroom powder for four months enhanced cognitive function compared to a placebo. However, these gains diminished once the therapy was discontinued. (Mori 2009)
• Some studies performed in middle-aged and older adults report improvements in mood and cognitive function correlated with lion’s mane supplementation. However, a recent systematic review also emphasized the need for larger, well-controlled human trials with sensitive neurocognitive measures to confirm clinical efficacy and optimal dosing. (Cha 2024)

B Vitamins

Dosing: A daily high-potency B-vitamin formulation should be recommended and dosed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines for at least 1–2 years. The preparation should contain close to 800 µg of folic acid, 1 mg of vitamin B12, and 20 mg of vitamin B6 to align with the studied therapeutic ranges. (Deijen 1992)(Durga 2007)(Kang 2008)

Safety:

• The current recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) are designed to meet the needs of most healthy adults: 1.1–1.2 mg per day for thiamine, 1.3–1.7 mg per day for vitamin B6, 400 μg dietary folate equivalents (DFE) per day for folic acid, and 2.4 μg per day for vitamin B12. (IOM 1998)
• Thiamine and B12 are considered safe without established tolerable upper intake levels (UL). However, folic acid has an established UL of 1,000 μg per day due to concerns that excessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency and contribute to cognitive decline and anemia. Vitamin B6 has a UL of 100 mg per day based on systematic reviews that have correlated excessive intake of vitamin B6 with peripheral neuropathy. (IOM 1998)

Supporting evidence:

• Thiamine (vitamin B1), folate (vitamin B9), and vitamin B12 deficiencies are established causes of cognitive impairment and dementia. (Reynolds 2002)(Gibson 2016)(Jatoi 2020)
• In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 76 men aged 70–79 years, those who received vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) experienced modest but statistically significant improvements in memory tests, especially those pertaining to long-term memory, after three months. (Deijen 1992)
• Studies have found that long-term supplementation with various combinations of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 may slow the rate of cognitive decline and improve cognitive function, especially in middle-aged or elderly patients with elevated homocysteine levels. (Kang 2008)(Smith 2010)(Walker 2012)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Dosing: 1–3 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily for at least 4–6 months (Yurko-Mauro 2015)

Safety:

• The most commonly reported adverse effects of omega-3 supplementation are mild GI symptoms (e.g., dyspepsia, fishy aftertaste, nausea, and diarrhea). These are typically self-limited and occur in fewer than 15% of patients. While clinical trials using standard doses (typically up to 2 g per day of EPA/DHA) have not demonstrated significant laboratory abnormalities or increased bleeding events, omega-3 fatty acids can have a mild antiplatelet effect. Therefore, there is a theoretical concern for increased bleeding risk, particularly at higher doses or in patients on concurrent anticoagulant therapy. (Sydenham 2012)(Burckhardt 2016)

Supporting evidence:

• Omega-3 fatty acids support neurological and cognitive function by enhancing neuronal plasticity, improving membrane fluidity, and modulating inflammation. Individuals who habitually consume higher amounts of long-chain omega-3s (e.g., EPA and DHA) appear to have a lower risk of cognitive impairment. (Wood 2022)
• In a double-blind trial, supplementation with 900 mg of DHA daily for 20 weeks significantly improved learning and memory in adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline (n=485), particularly those with a low-average baseline intake of DHA (approximately 104 mg per day), compared to placebo. (Yurko-Mauro 2010)
• A systematic review and meta-analysis of 15  randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including healthy adults with or without mild memory complaints found that DHA/EPA supplementation improved episodic memory in those adults with mild memory complaints. (Yurko-Mauro 2015)
• A large prospective cohort study found that long-term omega-3 supplementation was associated with a 64% reduced risk of AD over six years. (Wei 2023)