“…it was clear to me that a “fog” had lifted and I could identify specific changes in my cognitive functioning. I feel like my life is back…”
in Dr. Dale Bredesen’s the end of alzheimer’s, this patient describes her reversal of cognitive decline 8 months into the ReCODE protocol. Neuropsychological testing confirmed these improvements at 9 months. She provides a unique perspective as she details what it felt like to experience cognitive decline and then climb out of it.
Based on over three decades of research, Dr. Dale Bredesen’s ReCODE protocol has helped countless patients slow or even reverse cognitive decline.
As Dr. Bredesen explains in his groundbreaking book The End of Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s is actually the result of a normal, protective brain response that has gotten out of control. Injury, infection, or a number of other assaults to the brain turn on this protective response, which includes the production of the amyloid plaque that you’ve probably heard of. More specifically, he lays out that Alzheimer’s is a response to inflammation, suboptimal levels of nutrients and brain-supporting molecules, and toxic exposures.
What is the Bredesen Protocol?
The Bredesen Protocol (also called ReCODE) focuses on three main steps:
- Remove the 3 kinds of threats that trigger amyloid production: inflammation, a shortage of brain-supporting nutrients, and toxic exposures
- Remove the amyloid
- Rebuild destroyed synapses
Addressing Amyloid
Chronic inflammation can be caused by infections and inflammatory foods.
Dietary factors that increase inflammation include trans fats, food that lead to “leaky gut”, and excess sugar. In the case of excess sugar and insulin resistance, the same enzyme that is responsible for degrading insulin after it does its job of shuttling glucose, helps degrade amyloid. If this enzyme, insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), is too busy breaking down insulin, it cannot effectively break down amyloid.
Having adequate brain-supporting compounds, such as nutrients and hormones, may help protect synapses from damage caused by amyloid plaques. When the brain lacks certain compounds, amyloid is produced.
Additionally, one of the functions of amyloid is to help bind toxins to prevent them from damaging brain cells. Thus, large exposure to toxins can also cause amyloid plaques to form.
36 Holes in the Roof
Dr. Bredesen uses an analogy of having “36 holes in a roof” to describe the comprehensive approach required to move the needle in Alzheimer’s. His laboratory has identified at least 36 factors that could trigger Alzheimer’s. If you have 36 holes in the roof and address only one of them, which is what monotherapies like medication attempt to do, the roof will still leak. Instead, you need to address all (or enough) of the factors that are an issue for you in order to tip the balance from degeneration to regeneration.
Different Subtypes of Alzheimer’s
Dr. Bredesen’s research has revealed that there actually are different subtypes of Alzheimer’s, and each of the subtypes are driven by different causes and have distinguishing characteristics.
In line with the 3 threats that trigger amyloid production, the 3 main subtypes are:
- Inflammatory
- Atrophic
(Type 1.5 is a combination of type 1 and 2) - Toxic
Dr. Bredesen recommends a “cognoscopy” for anyone over the age of 45 to see where you stand and start taking action towards any imbalances. The cognoscopy is simpler that it sounds, and includes genetic testing, blood testing, online cognitive assessment, and MRI.
In his book, Dr. Bredesen goes into detail about the biochemical mechanism of each of the pertinent compounds in the brain and the research-based rationale behind testing and optimizing the related markers.
A Personalized Approach – The Best Hope We Have
Because there are 36 possible influencing factors and at least three subtypes of Alzheimer’s, an individualized, whole systems approach based on testing is needed to effectively address cognitive decline.
In 2014, the first-ever scientific study based on Dr. Bredesen’s protocol was published, revealing reversal and sustained improvement of cognitive decline in nine out of the ten patients. Several studies in the following years have confirmed these results, and a clinical trial is currently underway.
Get Started Now
Two of the threats discussed—inflammation and a shortage of brain-supporting nutrients—are closely related to metabolism. Much of metabolism is within our control through diet, movement, stress management, and other basic healthy habits. The third factor—toxic exposure—is also identifiable and addressable.
There is so much that is within our reach.
Dr. Bredesen’s work has provided clarity, evidence, and hope.
To get started – consider working with a practitioner trained in the Bredesen Protocol. The ReCODE program is designed to stop and reverse cognitive decline, and the PreCODE program is designed for prevention.
Health coaches can assist in implementing the lifestyle changes, which are foundational to the protocols. Schedule a consult with me to learn more about putting an end to Alzheimer’s, together.
Sources:
Bredesen, D. E. (2017). The end of Alzheimer’s: the first program to prevent and reverse cognitive decline. Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
https://www.apollohealthco.com/bredesen-protocol/
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