The End of Alzheimer's

1. Alzheimer's is a protective response gone awry, not a mysterious disease

Alzheimer's disease does not arise from the brain failing to function as it evolved to. It is not like cancer, where a genetic mutation—inherited or acquired during the course of life—turns a cell and all its progeny into out-of-control proliferators that take over an organ.

Reframing Alzheimer's. The traditional view of Alzheimer's as an inevitable, mysterious disease is incorrect. Instead, it's a protective response by the brain to three primary threats:

• Inflammation (from infection, diet, or other causes)
• Shortage of supportive nutrients, hormones, and brain-supporting molecules
• Toxic substances (metals, biotoxins from molds, etc.)

When these threats become chronic and intense, the brain's protective mechanisms, including the production of amyloid, cross the line from helpful to harmful. This understanding shifts our approach from helplessness to empowerment, as we can now address the root causes of the disease.

2. Three types of Alzheimer's require personalized treatment approaches

Type 3 IS toxic (vile). This subtype tends to occur in people who carry the common ApoE3 allele rather than ApoE4. Alzheimer's doesn't typically run in their families; if a relative did develop the disease, it usually occurred after age 80 or so.

Tailored treatments. Dr. Bredesen identifies three main subtypes of Alzheimer's:

1. Inflammatory (hot): Often associated with ApoE4 gene, family history
2. Atrophic (cold): Characterized by reduced support for brain synapses
3. Toxic (vile): Linked to exposure to toxins, often occurs earlier

Each subtype requires a different treatment approach, emphasizing the need for personalized protocols. This classification helps explain why one-size-fits-all treatments have failed and guides more effective, targeted interventions.

3. The ReCODE protocol addresses multiple contributors to cognitive decline

Fortunately, there are relatively easy ways to identify, measure, and treat each of the three disturbances in order to optimize brain function.

Comprehensive approach. The ReCODE (Reversal of Cognitive Decline) protocol is a multi-faceted program that addresses the various factors contributing to cognitive decline:

• Optimizing diet and nutrition
• Enhancing exercise and sleep
• Reducing stress
• Balancing hormones
• Addressing inflammation and infections
• Detoxifying the body
• Supporting gut health
• Engaging in brain training

By targeting these multiple "holes in the roof," ReCODE offers a more comprehensive solution than traditional single-drug approaches, which have consistently failed in clinical trials.

4. Early intervention is crucial for reversing cognitive decline

The earlier you start treatment, the greater your chance for complete reversal. When we think of cancer, we think of pain and wasting and, all too often, a relatively rapid death. In contrast, Alzheimer's is a sneaky, seductive reaper, and we go for years ignoring our minor slipups and "senior moments" before realizing only too late that yes, it really is Alzheimer's.

Act early. Early intervention is critical for preventing and reversing cognitive decline. The ReCODE protocol is most effective when started at the first signs of cognitive issues or even before symptoms appear. Key points:

• Begin prevention strategies by age 45
• Address mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) promptly
• Don't wait for full-blown Alzheimer's to seek treatment
• Regular cognitive assessments can catch problems early

Early action allows for more complete reversal of cognitive decline and offers the best chance for long-term brain health.

5. Diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction form the foundation of brain health

Exercise reduces insulin resistance, which as you now know is a key player in Alzheimer's disease.

DESS: The core four. Diet, Exercise, Sleep, and Stress reduction (DESS) form the foundation of the ReCODE protocol:

Diet (Ketoflex 12/3):

• Plant-based, low-carb, high in good fats
• 12-hour fasting window between dinner and breakfast
• 3 hours between dinner and bedtime

Exercise:

• Combine aerobic and strength training
• 45-60 minutes, 4-5 days per week

Sleep:

• 7-8 hours per night
• Address sleep apnea if present

Stress reduction:

• Meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques
• Find activities that bring joy

These lifestyle factors work synergistically to support brain health, reduce inflammation, and promote neuroplasticity.

6. Optimizing hormones and addressing inflammation are key to cognitive health

Reaching optimal hormone levels is one of the most effective and most critical parts of ReCODE, but it is also one of the most controversial and difficult to optimize, for several reasons.

Balancing act. Hormonal balance and inflammation reduction are crucial for cognitive health:

Hormones to optimize:

• Thyroid hormones
• Estrogen and progesterone (for women)
• Testosterone (for men and women)
• Cortisol and DHEA

Inflammation reduction strategies:

• Anti-inflammatory diet
• Omega-3 supplements
• Curcumin
• Addressing chronic infections

Optimizing these factors can significantly improve cognitive function and slow or reverse decline. Work with a healthcare provider experienced in bioidentical hormone replacement and functional medicine for best results.

7. Detoxification and gut health play vital roles in preventing cognitive decline

Healing the gut is critical for most of us, since leaky gut is so common. If your Cyrex Array 2 is positive or you have food sensitivities, bloating, constipation, or loose stools, you likely have leaky gut, meaning that the integrity of your gut lining has been compromised.

Clean and heal. Detoxification and gut health are often overlooked but crucial aspects of cognitive health:

Detoxification strategies:

• Identify and remove sources of toxins (e.g., mold, heavy metals)
• Support liver function with supplements like glutathione
• Use saunas and exercise to promote toxin elimination

Gut health improvements:

• Heal leaky gut with bone broth or L-glutamine
• Incorporate probiotics and prebiotics
• Identify and eliminate food sensitivities
• Address chronic infections

A healthy gut and reduced toxic load can significantly improve brain function and overall health.

8. Brain training and social engagement support cognitive function

The idea that mental exercises—usually computer-based—can improve cognitive function has been controversial, with some scientists criticizing unproven hyped claims. But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Hundreds of scientific papers have shown important cognitive effects of brain training.

Use it or lose it. Brain training and social engagement are essential for maintaining and improving cognitive function:

Brain training:

• Use programs like BrainHQ, Lumosity, or Dakim
• Aim for 30 minutes, 3 times a week or 10-20 minutes, 5-6 times a week
• Focus on speed processing and memory exercises

Social engagement:

• Maintain strong social connections
• Participate in group activities
• Engage in meaningful conversations

These activities help build cognitive reserve, create new neural pathways, and support overall brain health.

9. Personalized, comprehensive approach yields better results than single-drug treatments

Addressing as many of the abnormalities as possible, not just one. The more of the thirty-six or so "holes" in the roof that we can patch, the better the chance of averting or reversing cognitive decline—much better than with any single therapy.

Multi-pronged strategy. The ReCODE protocol's success lies in its comprehensive, personalized approach:

• Addresses multiple contributing factors to cognitive decline
• Tailors treatment to individual lab results and symptoms
• Combines lifestyle changes, supplements, and targeted interventions
• Regularly reassesses and adjusts the protocol based on progress

This approach has shown promising results in reversing cognitive decline, even in cases where traditional treatments have failed. The key is to address as many contributing factors as possible, creating a synergistic effect that supports brain health.

10. Resistance to new approaches hinders progress in Alzheimer's treatment

As quoted in the film The Big Short, "Truth is like poetry. And most people f&$%ing hate poetry."

Paradigm shift needed. The medical establishment's resistance to new approaches in Alzheimer's treatment has hindered progress:

• Skepticism towards comprehensive, personalized protocols
• Preference for single-drug solutions despite repeated failures
• Reluctance to embrace lifestyle interventions as primary treatment

Overcoming this resistance requires:

• Education of healthcare providers on new research
• Patient advocacy and demand for more comprehensive treatments
• Continued research and publication of results from protocols like ReCODE

By challenging the status quo and embracing new approaches, we can make significant strides in preventing and reversing cognitive decline.

Last updated: December 5, 2024