Bredesen Protocol
The latest statistics regarding Alzheimer’s disease make for uncomfortable reading.
Alzheimer’s is the 7th leading cause of death worldwide, and understandably tops the list of the ‘most feared’.
The average age of someone living with dementia is 49.
Dementia can start as early as your 20s – with unseen physiological changes often happening many years before the onset of cognitive decline.
Though it is not entirely clear what is at the root of the surging numbers, it is likely to be multi-faceted with poor diets consisting of ultra-processed foods, higher than ever toxin exposure in our air, food and water, the wide-reaching effects of the Covid pandemic, and more.
Fortunately, in spite of these grim statistics, there is HOPE.
Introducing The Bredesen Protocol:
A Breakthrough Functional Medicine Approach to Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, and Cognitive Conditions
The Bredesen Protocol is a revolutionary nutrition-based treatment program developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen, neurologist in California USA. Dr. Bredesen has identified dementia and Alzheimer's as complex illnesses with numerous contributing factors, challenging the traditional notion of these conditions as singular diseases.
Understanding that not all individuals with neurodegenerative diseases are affected by the same factors, The Bredesen Protocol offers a personalised approach to identify the specific causes of cognitive decline in each patient. Through a Functional Medicine perspective, we investigate and address the underlying contributors of cognitive decline using specialist laboratory testing
While modern medicine has made significant advancements, there is no simple solution for treating cognitive decline. The complexity of the illness has made it impossible to discover a single "magic" drug. Dementia develops due to various factors such as genetics, hormones, nutritional deficiencies, and toxicity. To combat this, we prioritise personalised treatments based on extensive laboratory testing and aim for a synergistic effect.
Alzheimer's disease is a significant global health threat and a growing epidemic, particularly for an aging population. Surprisingly, over two-thirds of Alzheimer's patients are women. However, we now understand that Alzheimer's is not an inevitable genetic destiny, and intervention can potentially address and even reverse the symptoms.
As one of the few UK-based practitioners who have completed Dr. Bredesen's RECODE 2.0 training, Ruth offers two packages for implementing the Bredesen Protocol:
Bredesen PreCode programme – for Prevention & Brain Optimisation – 6 months
This is the ‘prevention’ programme – especially for protecting the ageing brain, investigating weaknesses and possible risk, and especially working with those with a genetic predisposition to prevent the onset of mental decline.Bredesen ReCode – for Reversal and Brain Optimisation – 12 months
The Bredesen ReCode Protocol is a comprehensive personalised nutrition and lifestyle programme designed to improve cognition and reverse the cognitive decline associated with early Alzheimer's disease.
To learn more about these packages or to book yourself in, please click this link to schedule a free call with Ruth.
The Science
Built on scientific research, the ReCODE protocol unveils new insights into the physical mechanisms behind memory erosion in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis. With 30 years of dedicated study, Dr. Bredesen has opened new avenues for treating what was once considered untreatable. In fact, science reveals that these mental health ailments are not only treatable but also preventable.
Dr. Dale Bredesen and his team have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the field of Alzheimer's disease research. They have successfully completed the first clinical trial that demonstrates the reversal of cognitive decline in individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Their approach, known as precision medicine, has accomplished what was previously thought to be impossible.
The study, entitled "Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer's Disease: Successful Pilot Project," involved a meticulous examination of each patient's genetic makeup and biomarkers to develop a personalized and optimized precision medicine protocol for treatment.
The proof-of-concept trial consisted of 25 participants, aged between 50 and 76, all diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia. Each patient underwent a comprehensive assessment to identify various potential factors contributing to their condition, including inflammation, insulin resistance, nutrient and hormonal deficiencies, specific pathogens, toxicants, biotoxins, and genetic factors. Based on these assessments, a personalized treatment protocol was designed for each participant and continued for a duration of nine months.
Throughout the trial, participants underwent brain MRI scans at the beginning and after nine months. These scans were analysed using Neuroreader software, which measures the size of crucial brain structures responsible for cognitive function, such as total grey matter and the hippocampus. The expected rate of total grey matter volume shrinkage, which typically declines by 2.2% per year, showed a remarkable improvement with a slightly positive rate of +0.3% per year, indicating a 114% enhancement. Furthermore, hippocampal atrophy rates demonstrated a 63% improvement.
Dr. Kat Toups, the lead author, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, "Throughout my career, I have overseen more than 20 long-term clinical trials involving patients with MCI and dementia, where success was defined merely as a slowdown in cognitive decline. This trial is the first to showcase actual improvement across multiple domains of functioning, accompanied by positive changes in MRI brain scans."
By addressing the underlying causes of cognitive decline through a functional medicine approach, similar to the successful "case study" publication titled "Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients," the team has paved the way for this groundbreaking clinical trial. In the near future, a larger-scale, randomized controlled trial is scheduled to commence at various locations, including Miami, Cleveland, Nashville, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dr. Ann Hathaway, one of the co-authors, expressed her excitement, saying, "With the precision medicine approach, I have witnessed individuals regain lost brain function, resume their life's work, rebuild friendships, and engage in new creative activities. It is incredibly rewarding to share this remarkable success publicly. Just imagine a world where Alzheimer's becomes a rare disease."