The Bredesen Protocol®
For individuals, the Bredesen Protocol offers a clear, scientific proven framework as an approach to preventing and reversing cognitive decline, developed by world-renowned neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen.
Rather than simply treating symptoms, it focuses on addressing the underlying root causes of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease through a functional medicine lens.
This approach involves identifying and measuring multiple risk factors such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, toxins, insulin resistance, and more, and then following your plan to manage them. Managing risk means two things: Removing the ‘insults’ and that adding ‘support’ needed for healthy neural connections and cognitive function.
There are two main protocols:
PreCODE – for those looking to prevent cognitive decline
ReCODE – designed for those with symptoms or a diagnosis, aiming to reverse or stabilise cognitive changes.
The Research
Landmark studies including "Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease" and "Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients" have shown that many individuals experienced measurable cognitive improvement when following this personalised, lifestyle-based approach.
This represents a true paradigm shift in how we understand and address cognitive decline — moving beyond symptom management to target root causes.
Globally, a growing body of research continues to highlight the power of targeted lifestyle interventions in preventing Alzheimer’s and protecting long-term brain health.
“With our current knowledge, virtually no one needs to get Alzheimer’s - combining prevention, identification of risk factors and drivers of this process, and early reversal of cognitive decline, we can now make Alzheimer’s the rare disease that it should be”
- Dr. Dale Bredesen, Neuroscientist
The “Types” of Alzheimer’s
Dr. Dale Bredesen’s research revealed that Alzheimer’s isn’t a single disease with one cause, but rather a collection of subtypes driven by different underlying mechanisms. He identified six main “Types” of Alzheimer’s, each with distinct root causes and clinical patterns:
Type 1 Inflammatory - Driven by chronic inflammation (e.g. from infections, leaky gut, or autoimmune issues).
Type 1.5 Glycotoxic - Linked to insulin resistance and poor glucose control ("Type 1 + Type 2 diabetes overlap").
Type 2 Trophic Loss - Related to reduced supportive factors such as hormones or nutrients.
Type 3 Toxic - Associated with exposure to toxins like mould (mycotoxins), heavy metals, chemical pollutants, endotoxins from oral or gut bacteria.
Type 4 Vascular - Reduced blood flow, oxygenation, or energetic deficits - often from cardiovascular issues or sleep apnoea.
Type 5 Traumatic - Linked to past head trauma, concussions, or repetitive brain injuries.
Hear from Dr. Dale Bredesen.
Get Started
The Bredesen Seven (B7): Core Strategies
The Bredesen Protocol® outlines seven foundational strategies known as the Bredesen 7 or B7, designed to help you identify and manage risk factors for cognitive decline, and move steadily toward your health goals.
Nutrition: Fuel your brain with a predominantly plant-rich diet, healthy fats (like olive oil, avocado, nuts), and periodic flexing into mild ketosis to enhance brain energy and resilience.
Exercise: Incorporate daily movement and aim to build strength over time supporting blood flow, detoxification, insulin sensitivity, and neuroplasticity.
Sleep: Prioritise deep, restorative sleep to allow the brain to reset, repair, and clear metabolic waste. Sleep hygiene and routine matter here.
Stress Management: Calm the nervous system by reducing chronic stress and nurturing balance through breathwork, time in nature, or restorative practices like meditation.
Detoxification: Minimise your exposure to toxins (e.g. mold, heavy metals, plastics) and support your body’s natural detox pathways through hydration, fibre, sweating, and binders if needed.
Brain Stimulation & Connection: Keep your brain engaged through ongoing learning, creative tasks, meaningful conversations, and social connection - it’s one of the best ways to protect cognitive function.
Supplements Where needed, address nutrient gaps or therapeutic targets with personalised supplementation ideally guided by your clinical markers and protocol goals.
What is a Cognoscopy?
A ‘cognoscopy’ is a process to get insights into your cognitive health. It includes:
Blood pathology bio-markers against optimal target ranges.
A cognitive assessment MoCA or CNS Vital Signs.
Information about your current lifestyle and environment.
It provides a comprehensive report with:
Insights into your risk factors that may contribute to cognitive decline or may already be driving your symptoms.
A personalised suggested action plan.
How It Works
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Step 1
Understand Your Start Point
Set your goals and define your personal motivation
Complete a baseline cognitive assessment
Complete a BrainScan (optional)
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Step 2
Discover Your Risks
Get your lab tests via a qualified practitioner or your GP
Receive your personalised education based (ReCODE or PreCODE) report
Learn what it all means and where to from here.
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Step 3
Take Action to Transform
Apply the key lifestyle changes from nutrition, sleep and many others.
Stay accountable with regular coaching, tracking, and support to help you learn what it means.
We’ve adopted a U.S. Protocol for Australia with such as local food swaps.