Where to Find Bredesen Protocol Practitioners: A Locator Tool for You
Why Finding the Right Bredesen Protocol Practitioner Matters
If you're searching for bredesen protocol near me, you're seeking qualified practitioners to guide you through this comprehensive approach to cognitive decline. The reality is sobering: millions of people with dementia are undiagnosed, and few seniors receive regular cognitive assessments.
The Bredesen Protocol offers a different path. Developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen, it’s a personalized approach that addresses the root causes of cognitive decline. His initial study showed improvement in 9 out of 10 patients within 3-6 months.
However, this is not a DIY program. It requires comprehensive testing, personalized planning, and expert guidance to be safe and effective. Finding a qualified practitioner is crucial.
How to Find a Bredesen Protocol Practitioner:
Use the Apollo Health Practitioner Locator: Search by location and practitioner type.
Look for ReCODE-trained physicians: These are required for the reversal (ReCODE) protocol.
Consider PreCODE practitioners: Ideal for prevention if you have no symptoms.
Check certifications: Ensure practitioners have completed official Bredesen Protocol training.
Explore functional medicine clinics: Many IFM-certified practitioners offer the protocol.
I'm Dr Andrew Greenland, a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (IFMCP) and trained Bredesen Protocol practitioner in Twickenham, Surrey. At Greenland Medical, we specialize in the integrative treatment of cognitive decline, using evidence-informed strategies customized to each individual.
What is the Bredesen Protocol?
When you search for bredesen protocol near me, you're looking for an approach that is fundamentally different from conventional Alzheimer's care. The Bredesen Protocol is a comprehensive program designed to prevent and reverse cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and Subjective Cognitive Impairment (SCI). It was developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen, a neurologist and neuroscience researcher who has spent over three decades studying neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Bredesen proposes that cognitive decline is not only preventable but can often be reversed. He views Alzheimer's not as a single disease, but as the result of multiple contributing factors, including inflammation, insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, toxins, and infections.
This is why the protocol uses a comprehensive, personalized strategy to identify and address each person's unique risk factors, rather than a single-drug approach. This philosophy aligns with our approach at Greenland Medical, where we view cognitive decline as the result of multiple imbalances. Dr. Bredesen's extensive research, available through his numerous research publications, provides the scientific backbone for this method. For more on our approach, explore our functional medicine services.
Core Principles and Components
The protocol is built on personalization and a multi-modal approach. Your plan is customized to your unique genetic, metabolic, and hormonal profile. It is divided into two main programs:
PreCODE: Focused on prevention for individuals with risk factors but no symptoms. The goal is to address risks proactively.
ReCODE (Reversal of Cognitive Decline): Designed for those already experiencing symptoms. This program targets the specific root causes identified through comprehensive testing.
The protocol involves seven foundational strategies:
Nutrition: A plant-rich, mildly ketogenic diet called KetoFLEX 12/3, which involves a 12-hour daily fast and a 3-hour gap before bedtime. We offer nutrition and meal planning support to help implement these changes.
Exercise: Regular physical activity to promote blood flow, neurogenesis, and reduce inflammation.
Sleep Optimization: Aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep nightly for brain detoxification and memory consolidation.
Stress Reduction: Techniques like mindfulness and meditation to counter the negative effects of chronic stress.
Brain Stimulation: Mentally challenging activities to maintain neural pathways.
Detoxification: Addressing exposure to environmental toxins like mold and heavy metals.
Targeted Supplements: Based on individual deficiencies identified through testing to provide specific vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
This comprehensive, personalized approach creates a metabolic environment that supports brain healing and function.
The Role of Testing and Genetics
The Bredesen Protocol is data-driven, relying on a comprehensive assessment called a "cognoscopy." This deep dive into your biology uncovers the specific factors contributing to cognitive decline.
The process includes:
Extensive blood biomarker testing: This goes beyond standard lab work to examine inflammatory markers, insulin sensitivity, hormone levels, nutrient levels, and more, covering 36 metabolic factors identified by Dr. Bredesen.
Genetic testing: This provides insights into predispositions, most notably the ApoE4 allele. Carrying this gene increases risk, making proactive intervention more critical.
Brain imaging: An MRI with NeuroQuant analysis provides objective data on brain volume, helping to establish a baseline and track progress.
Cognitive assessments: These tests measure memory, attention, and processing speed to track improvements objectively.
This data allows us to create a highly personalized report and treatment plan, targeting root causes with precision. We also offer specialized food allergy and intolerance testing services to uncover hidden triggers.
How to Find a Bredesen Protocol Practitioner Near Me
Finding the right practitioner is a critical step. The protocol's complexity requires expert guidance for interpreting tests and personalizing the treatment plan. When you search for bredesen protocol near me, you're looking for a knowledgeable partner for your health journey.
The Bredesen Protocol works best with a team that may include:
ReCODE Trained Physicians (MDs, DOs): They have specialized training to oversee the medical aspects of your plan and are required for the ReCODE (reversal) protocol.
Health Coaches: They provide day-to-day support, motivation, and practical strategies for implementing lifestyle changes.
Nutritionists: They help fine-tune your dietary plan to meet the specific requirements of the KetoFLEX 12/3 diet.
It is essential to verify that any practitioner has completed official Bredesen Protocol training through Apollo Health. This ensures they are up-to-date with the latest protocols. At Greenland Medical, our team has this specialized training. You can learn more about our team's Bredesen Protocol expertise.
Using a Practitioner Locator Tool
The most direct way to find a qualified practitioner is by using official locator tools, such as the one provided by Apollo Health. You can search by location and filter by practitioner type to find the right professional for your needs. For the ReCODE protocol, filtering for ReCODE Trained Physicians is essential.
Many excellent practitioners, like us at Greenland Medical, are also found through direct searches or functional medicine networks. If you have trouble finding someone, or wish to discuss your options, please contact Greenland Medical to connect with a Bredesen Protocol practitioner.
Questions to Ask a Potential "Bredesen Protocol Near Me" Practitioner
Once you identify potential practitioners, treat the initial consultation as an interview. Here are key questions to ask:
What is your training and certification in the Bredesen Protocol? Look for official certification from Apollo Health.
How long have you been implementing the protocol? Experience with multiple patients is a sign of real-world expertise.
What does your program include? A good practitioner should clearly outline their process, from testing to ongoing support.
What are the estimated costs? Get a clear understanding of all potential expenses, including testing, consultations, and supplements.
How do you track progress? They should use a mix of cognitive assessments, lab retesting, and quality-of-life measures.
What is your philosophy on patient care? Ensure their approach aligns with your values. At Greenland Medical, we believe in a partnership model.
What is your team structure? Ask if they work with health coaches or nutritionists to provide comprehensive support.
These questions help you find a trustworthy and expert guide for your journey. Our naturopathy services can also complement your cognitive health plan.
What to Expect: Costs, Insurance, and Commitment
I'll be honest: starting the Bredesen Protocol requires commitment of time, energy, and finances. It's not a quick fix, but a structured, personalized program to investigate and address the root causes of cognitive decline.
The goal is to preserve or improve cognitive function and independence. Many patients find the investment worthwhile, especially when weighed against the potential personal and financial costs of progressive decline.
A Breakdown of Typical Costs
Initial consultation fees cover a detailed history, assessment, and an overview of how the protocol applies to you. Many clinics, including Greenland Medical, offer structured program packages spanning several months. These commonly include multiple clinician visits (and often nutrition or health coaching support), with packages typically ranging from about £5,000 to £10,000 or more depending on scope and duration.
Comprehensive lab testing (the "cognoscopy"), including advanced blood work, genetics, and sometimes brain imaging, is essential to personalize your plan and represents a significant portion of costs. Targeted supplements—selected to address your specific findings—are another ongoing expense. Follow-up appointments are used to track progress and fine-tune the protocol.
To help with budgeting, payment plans such as the Advance Care Credit Payment Option may be available.
Insurance Coverage and Financial Planning
Most standard insurance plans do not cover functional medicine or the Bredesen Protocol, so consultations, specialized testing, and supplements are typically out-of-pocket. This model emphasizes time-intensive, root-cause care rather than symptom-based, single-intervention treatment.
We can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement, though coverage varies by plan and is not guaranteed. Many patients view this as a proactive investment in long-term brain health, potentially reducing future healthcare needs. We're happy to discuss options and support you in planning the journey.
The Evidence, Benefits, and Considerations
The Bredesen Protocol differs from conventional Alzheimer's care by targeting root causes of cognitive decline with a personalized, multi-modal plan. Instead of relying on a single drug to manage symptoms, it combines lifestyle strategies, nutrition, targeted supplements, and detoxification based on extensive biomarker and genetic data.
Scientific Support and Success Stories
Early research, including Dr. Bredesen's paper in Aging, "Reversal of cognitive decline: A novel therapeutic program," reported that 9 of 10 patients with early-stage decline improved within 3–6 months. Some patients returned to work or maintained performance, with sustained gains in longer follow-up. Many patient experiences are shared in The First Survivors of Alzheimer's.
Reported benefits include better memory, focus, and clarity, along with improved quality of life. For prevention (PreCODE), patients gain a proactive plan custom to personal risk.
Considerations and Mainstream Concerns
Mainstream organizations emphasize the need for large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to confirm efficacy. Critical perspectives have been discussed in journals such as Lancet Neurology and Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics. Conventional guidance, such as the 5th Canadian Consensus Conference on the diagnosis and treatment of dementia, remains focused on treatments supported by extensive trial data.
Accessibility and cost are real considerations, as the protocol is intensive and generally not covered by insurance. Implementation can be complex, requiring sustained lifestyle changes and careful adherence. While primarily centered on nutrition and lifestyle, targeted supplements and dietary strategies should be supervised by trained practitioners to ensure safety and suitability for individual health needs.
At Greenland Medical, we practice an evidence-informed approach: we follow the evolving research, share both benefits and limitations transparently, and personalize care while monitoring safety and outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bredesen Protocol
Can Alzheimer's disease actually be reversed by this protocol?
There is evidence that cognitive decline can be reversed, particularly when caught early. Dr. Bredesen's published case studies showed that 9 out of 10 patients with early-stage decline had measurable improvement within 3-6 months. The bredesen protocol near me approach challenges the view of Alzheimer's as irreversible by addressing its multiple underlying causes, such as inflammation and insulin resistance.
However, it's important to be transparent: mainstream science is still awaiting large-scale randomized controlled trials for definitive validation. The current evidence is from smaller studies. For many, the protocol offers hope backed by a scientifically rational approach where conventional options have failed. Our clinical experience at Greenland Medical aligns with these promising findings, especially with early intervention and commitment.
What are the most important lifestyle changes involved?
The Bredesen Protocol is a lifestyle change centered on supporting brain health. The key changes work synergistically.
Diet (KetoFLEX 12/3): This is a plant-rich, mildly ketogenic diet. It includes a 12-hour daily fast and a 3-hour gap between your last meal and bedtime to promote metabolic health and reduce inflammation.
Exercise: A consistent mix of aerobic exercise and strength training is non-negotiable to improve blood flow to the brain and maintain metabolic health.
Sleep: Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep nightly is essential for the brain to clear out waste, consolidate memories, and repair itself.
Stress Management: Chronic stress is toxic to brain cells. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and HeartMath are integrated to help manage your body's stress response.
Is the Bredesen Protocol safe?
The protocol is primarily based on lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and targeted supplements, which are generally considered safe. However, it is a complex medical program that must be undertaken with the guidance of a trained practitioner.
Professional oversight is crucial for several reasons. First, a practitioner is needed to correctly interpret the comprehensive testing and identify your specific risk factors. Second, supplements are highly personalized; incorrect dosages or combinations can be ineffective or cause adverse effects. Finally, the dietary plan may need to be customized for your unique health status, such as for those with kidney conditions.
At Greenland Medical, we ensure safety through thorough testing and continuous monitoring. Attempting the protocol alone risks misinterpretation, dietary imbalances, and wasted time and resources. Working with a trained practitioner for your bredesen protocol near me search ensures the program is implemented correctly and safely.
Your Next Step in Cognitive Health
If you've read this far, you're clearly serious about protecting or restoring your cognitive health. That's a powerful first step. The Bredesen Protocol represents more than just another treatment option—it's a fundamentally different way of thinking about brain health. Instead of passively accepting cognitive decline as inevitable, it offers a comprehensive, personalized roadmap for prevention and potential reversal.
We've covered a lot of ground in this guide. You've learned that Alzheimer's and cognitive decline aren't single-cause diseases but complex conditions with multiple contributing factors. You've finded how the Bredesen Protocol addresses these factors through personalized nutrition, lifestyle modifications, targeted supplements, and extensive testing. You've also learned what to expect in terms of commitment, costs, and the importance of working with a qualified practitioner.
The reality is that this isn't a program you can tackle alone. Finding the right practitioner is absolutely crucial to your success. A trained professional will guide you through the comprehensive testing process, interpret your unique results, and create a customized protocol that addresses your specific risk factors and needs. They'll also provide the ongoing support and accountability that makes the difference between good intentions and real, lasting change.
At Greenland Medical, we understand that searching for bredesen protocol near me represents more than just a Google query—it's a search for hope, expertise, and partnership in your health journey. As a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (IFMCP) and trained Bredesen Protocol practitioner based in Twickenham, Surrey, I've witnessed the transformative power of this approach when implemented correctly and with dedication.
Our philosophy is simple: we don't just treat symptoms; we investigate and address root causes. Whether you're looking to prevent cognitive decline before it starts with PreCODE or seeking to reverse existing symptoms with ReCODE, we're here to walk alongside you every step of the way. We combine modern science with natural therapies, always personalizing our approach to your unique biological makeup and life circumstances.
Taking proactive steps for your brain health today can make all the difference in your cognitive vitality tomorrow. The investment of time, effort, and resources required by the Bredesen Protocol is significant, but so is the potential payoff: maintaining your independence, your memories, your ability to work and engage fully with life and loved ones. That's truly priceless.
We invite you to take the next step. Explore our approach to the Bredesen Protocol to learn more about how we can support you on this journey. Your brain health deserves the same proactive attention you'd give to any other vital organ. After all, your cognitive vitality isn't just about adding years to your life—it's about adding life to your years.
