Is There Hope For Alzheimer’s? A New Path Forward with the Bredesen Protocol
- Coastal Functional Medicine
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can feel overwhelming and life-altering—for both patients and their families. Unfortunately, traditional medicine often takes a “one-size-fits-all” approach, searching for a single magic pill to solve a highly complex, multi-causal disease. But what if the root cause isn’t just one thing?
Dr. Dale Bredesen, a renowned neurologist and pioneer in Alzheimer’s research, continues to challenge this outdated view. His work shows that Alzheimer’s disease results from a combination of factors—including inflammation, toxin exposure, nutrient deficiencies, insulin resistance, sleep issues, and more. That means reversing or slowing its progression calls for a multi-pronged, holistic strategy—not just a single drug.
That’s exactly what the Bredesen Protocol offers: a 21st-century, functional medicine–based approach that targets the underlying contributors to cognitive decline through nutrition, detoxification, hormone balance, and lifestyle intervention.
What Makes the Bredesen Protocol Unique?
All enrolled patients go through the whole-person assessment which includes a comprehensive blood testing and brain health evaluation that identifies individual cognitive risk factors. From there, a personalized plan is created to address those specific contributors using the Bredesen Seven (B7) core strategies:
1. Nourish with Nutrition
The protocol encourages a KetoFLEX 12/3 dietary framework: plant-forward, rich in healthy fats, and timed to include a 12-hour overnight fast.
➡ How it helps: Supports metabolic flexibility, reduces inflammation, enhances detoxification, and fuels the brain with ketones.
2. Physical Activity: Moving with Intention
Enrolled patients are guided to incorporate regular movement, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and low-impact options like yoga or walking.
➡ How it helps: Promotes blood flow to the brain, enhances insulin sensitivity, and stimulates neuroplasticity through BDNF production.
3. Restorative Sleep
Quality sleep is a cornerstone of brain repair. The Bredesen Protocol promotes 7–8 hours of restorative sleep while screening for and addressing potential disturbances like sleep apnea.
➡ How it helps: Deep sleep allows the brain to clear out toxins and supports memory consolidation and overall neurological health.
4. Stress Management
Daily mindfulness practices—such as meditation, breathwork, and reflection—are core to the protocol.
➡ How it helps: Chronic stress is neurotoxic. By reducing stress, the brain becomes more resilient, and cognitive function improves. Regulating the nervous system helps reduce cortisol, supports mood, clarity, and focus.
5. Cognitive Engagement
Mental stimulation through brain games, learning new skills, social interaction, and purposeful activities is recommended.
➡ How it helps: Strengthens neural connections, supports memory, and fosters emotional well-being.
6. Detoxification & Environmental Health
Patients are educated and supported in identifying and removing toxin exposures (e.g., mold, heavy metals, pesticides), while also addressing gut and oral health.
➡ Why it matters: Toxins and chronic inflammation can impair cognitive function. Detoxifying supports clearer thinking and improved neurological health.
7. Targeted Supplementation
Supplement regimens are uniquely tailored to individual needs based on lab and clinical findings—addressing specific deficiencies and supporting biochemical balance.
➡ How it helps: Corrects nutrient gaps, supports hormone regulation, and enhances brain recovery mechanisms.
Reference:
Rafatjah, S. (2021, May 10). What is the Bredesen Protocol? PrimeHealth Proactive Integrative Medicine. https://primehealthdenver.com/bredesen-protocol/
Additional Sources:
Bredesen, D. E., Amos, E. C., Canick, J., Ackerley, M., Raji, C., Fiala, M., & Ahdidan, J. (2016). Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease. Aging, 8(6), 1250–1258. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.100981
Bredesen, D., & Perlmutter, D. (2020). The End of Alzheimer’s Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age. United States: Penguin Publishing Group.
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