What is the Bredesen Protocol? How to do the Bredesen Protocol in Australia.
The Bredesen Protocol, developed by neurologist Dr Dale Bredesen, is a structured, personalised framework designed to help you understand their cognitive risks and take targeted steps to support long‑term brain health. It is used internationally and is now available in Australia through trained practitioners and certified health coaches including through Cognevity.
It focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying processes that may contribute to cognitive decline. Instead of treating symptoms, the protocol examines how different biological systems interact.
It aims to optimise the functions that support memory, attention, processing speed, and overall brain resilience.
Key risk factors assessed include:
Inflammation
Metabolic health
Nutrient status
Hormonal balance
Vascular health
Sleep quality
Stress load
Toxin exposure
And others.
This approach recognises that cognitive decline is complex and that supporting cogntive health requires a personalised, multi‑factorial strategy.
PreCODE and ReCODE: Two Pathways
The protocol includes two main programs:
PreCODE
Designed for people who want to reduce risk and protect long‑term cognitive health. Ideal for those with a family history, genetic risk (such as APOE4), or early concerns about memory or focus.
ReCODE
Designed for individuals experiencing subjective cognitive changes or who want a structured plan to investigate and address potential contributors to those changes. ReCODE focuses on identifying the key drivers and managing the drivers through targeted lifestyle and medical strategies.
The Research Behind the Protocol
The Bredesen Protocol is informed by a growing body of research exploring how lifestyle, metabolic health, inflammation, sleep, and environmental factors influence cognitive function.
Key publications include:
These studies explore how multi‑factor, personalised interventions may influence cognitive performance and biomarkers. They highlight the importance of addressing contributors such as insulin resistance, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, sleep disorders, and toxin exposure. In these case studies, we see that patients are improving their MoCA or other cognitivie scores. While research continues to evolve, the protocol reflects a broader global shift toward root‑cause, lifestyle‑based approaches to cognitive health.
The Six “Types” of Cognitive Decline in the Bredesen Model
Dr Bredesen’s research proposes that cognitive decline can arise from different biological patterns. Understanding these patterns helps guide testing and intervention priorities.
Type 1 – Inflammatory
Linked to chronic inflammation from infections, gut issues, autoimmune activity, or persistent inflammatory load.
Type 1.5 – Glycotoxic
A combination of inflammation and impaired glucose regulation. Often associated with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.
Type 2 – Trophic Loss
Related to reduced levels of hormones, nutrients, or growth factors that support neuronal health.
Type 3 – Toxic
Associated with exposure to toxins such as mould (mycotoxins), heavy metals, chemical pollutants, or endotoxins.
Type 4 – Vascular
Driven by reduced blood flow or oxygenation to the brain. Often linked to cardiovascular factors or sleep apnoea.
Type 5 – Traumatic
Related to past head injuries or repeated concussions.
Most people have a mixed pattern including many of these “types” which is why a personalised assessment is essential.
The Bredesen 7 (B7): Core Lifestyle Strategies
The protocol is built on seven foundational lifestyle pillars known as the Bredesen 7. These strategies support metabolic health, inflammation control, detoxification, and neuroplasticity and other risk factors.
1. Nutrition
A nutrient‑dense, plant‑rich diet with healthy fats and balanced protein. Many people incorporate periods of mild ketosis to support metabolic flexibility.
2. Exercise
Daily movement plus strength training to support blood flow, insulin sensitivity, and brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
3. Sleep
Deep, restorative sleep is essential for memory consolidation and metabolic “clean‑up” processes.
4. Stress Management
Chronic stress affects cortisol, inflammation, and hippocampal health. Breathwork, meditation, nature, and restorative practices are encouraged.
5. Detoxification
Reducing exposure to mould, chemicals, heavy metals, and plastics. Supporting natural detox pathways through hydration, fibre, sweating, and gut health.
6. Brain Stimulation
Learning, creativity, problem‑solving, and social engagement all support cognitive resilience.
7. Supplements
Used to address specific deficiencies or biological targets identified in testing. Supplementation is personalised and guided by clinical markers.
What Is a Cognoscopy?
A cognoscopy is a structured assessment of your cognitive health and risk profile. It is recommended from age 40 onwards, or earlier if you have the ApoE4 allele (genetic risk) or a family history of Alzheimer’s. A cognoscopy typically includes:
Blood biomarkers mapped against optimal ranges
Cognitive testing such as MoCA or CNS Vital Signs
Lifestyle and environmental assessment
Medical history and symptom review
The outcome is a detailed report outlining:
Your key risk factors
Potential contributors to cognitive change
Priority areas for intervention
A personalised action plan
This gives you a clear roadmap for supporting long‑term cognitive health.
Doing the Bredesen Protocol in Australia
The Bredesen Protocol is available in Australia through trained clinicians and certified health coaches including Cognevity. The process usually includes:
A full cognoscopy
Subtype mapping
Personalised protocol design
Working with Apollo Health Dr. Bredesen Company
Ongoing coaching and support
Collaboration with your GP or specialists
This ensures you have guidance, structure, and accountability as you implement your plan.
How Cognevity Supports You
Cognevity provides step‑by‑step guidance through the Bredesen Protocol in Australia. As a certified Bredesen Protocol Coach, Cognevity helps you:
Understand your cognoscopy results
Identify your key drivers and priorities
Break your plan into manageable stages
Build sustainable habits
Coordinate with your healthcare team
Track progress over time
The goal is clarity, confidence, and a structured path toward better cognitive health.