Alzheimer’s Alternatives: Bredesen Protocol & Functional Care

Rethinking Alzheimer’s: Functional Medicine and the Rise of Personalized Brain Health

For decades, biomedical research and clinical practice chased beta amyloid as the singular cause of Alzheimer’s disease, yet most people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia symptoms still see limited real-world gains.

Many scientists now view Alzheimer as multifactorial, which is why Dale Bredesen’s personalized programs and evidence-informed lifestyle changes are drawing interest from patients, caregivers, and researchers. At Internal Healing and Wellness MD, we offer functional medicine services that align diagnosis, reduction, and treatment planning with practical tools patients can use today.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

Senior adult completing a memory assessment with a clinician during a functional medicine cognitive visit.

Why the Amyloid-Only Model Theory Falls Short in Reducing Alzheimer’s Disease

After decades of research focused on beta amyloid, results for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment remain limited.

Brief history: Most Alzheimer’s drugs target amyloid plaques, but clinical benefits have been small and often linked to side effects like brain swelling or bleeding. F
Evidence gaps: Scientists now recognize that single-target drugs cannot address all factors behind neurological diseases , such as inflammation, vascular issues, or metabolic imbalance.
Broader insight: Alzheimer’s affects multiple brain regions and body systems, requiring attention to nutrition, lifestyle, and individualized care.

Overall, shifting from an amyloid-only lens toward functional medicine and risk reduction offers a clearer, more comprehensive way to address cognitive decline.

What Is the Bredesen Protocol for Alzheimer’s? A Simple Breakdown

The Bredesen Protocol applies functional medicine to Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment by addressing the underlying causes of cognitive decline rather than symptoms alone.

Core idea: Beta amyloid may serve a protective role against inflammation or toxins, so treatment focuses on reducing these root stressors and restoring brain health. This reframes amyloid not as the sole cause but as a response to deeper dysfunction.
Risk Factor Subtypes: Inflammatory, atrophic, glycotoxic, toxic, vascular, and traumatic—each linked to specific biological imbalances that affect memory and brain function. These subtypes guide personalized interventions based on the patient’s dominant risk factors.
How the Bredesen Protocol works: Identify the subtype; remove triggers like insulin resistance, toxins, or poor sleep; rebuild neural connections with balanced nutrition, activity, and evidence-based supplements.

This functional medicine framework helps patients and families understand that Alzheimer’s care can be personalized, targeting multiple risk factors to protect cognitive health and quality of life. However, it should be pursued under the guidance of qualified practitioners.

Mapping Root Causes: A Functional Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s

In contrast to the predictable pattern of decline seen in late-stage Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, functional medicine offers a personalized strategy to slow Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages.

Clinical intake explores cognitive history, serious memory loss, medications, sleep quality (including OSA), diet, mood, toxin exposure, trauma, and family members’ history.
Lab panels, ordered based on clinical relevance and peer review, assess:
- Metabolic markers for glycotoxic stress
- Inflammatory markers for systemic disease
- Nutrient levels to support brain cells
- Hormonal balance for cognitive resilience
- Toxins and infections when indicated
Objective testing includes Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for diagnosis, Central Nervous System Vital Signs for tracking memory loss, sleep studies, and neurological screens to detect other factors affecting well-being.

This evidence-informed map supports making lifestyle changes, using targeted dietary supplements, and coordinating treatments to improve quality of life.

Functional Medicine Plan to Slow Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss

A structured, stepwise plan aligns functional medicine with current evidence to reduce risk, support brain cells, and slow cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.

Lifestyle Changes That Help Prevent Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss

Nutrition patterns: Mediterranean/MIND, low-glycemic, insulin-sensitizing meals; adequate protein; omega-3s and polyphenol-rich foods to support neurological diseases and overall well-being.
Sleep optimization: Consistent schedule, light exposure, and treatment of sleep apnea to aid glymphatic clearance and stabilize memory loss and other symptoms.
Exercise prescription: Aerobic + resistance + balance work with goal-based progression to improve brain support, mood, and function.
Stress regulation: Mindfulness, HRV-guided breathing, social engagement, and purpose-driven routines to calm the nervous system for better disease control.

Medical and Supplement Strategies to Slow Alzheimer’s Progression

Metabolic focus: Reverse insulin resistance; consider ketogenic or Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT) trials when appropriate in clinical practice.
Repletion when low: Thyroid optimization; vitamin D, B-complex, magnesium, and choline to address common health factors impacting cognition.
Address root irritants (as indicated): Periodontal disease, mold exposure, and metals with specialist collaboration; align with the care plan and safety screening.
Cognition-supportive compounds (evidence-emerging): Citicoline, curcumin, fisetin, low-dose lithium orotate, saffron—review peer review data, interactions, and contraindications before use.

Cognitive Training for Alzheimer’s and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive work: Structured training for attention, processing speed, and memory; dual-task drills.
Sensorimotor therapy: Vestibular/vision therapy, gait and balance training to reinforce neural networks in other regions of the brain.
Lifestyle integration: Music-based and task-specific practice to translate gains into daily life for patients and family members.

Monitoring and Managing Functional Medicine in Alzheimer’s Care: A Practical Guide

Functional medicine programs for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease must prioritize safety, ethics, and realistic outcomes.

Who may need to modify care: Those with unstable heart, kidney, or liver disease, recent hospitalization, advanced dementia, or psychiatric crises should consult their healthcare team first.
Medication and supplement review: Check interactions between prescriptions and dietary supplements like omega-3s, curcumin, and magnesium; verify safe dosing for kidneys and liver.
Monitoring plan: Reassess every 8–12 weeks using labs (A1c, hs-CRP, B12, vitamin D, thyroid), cognition tests (MoCA/MMSE), and caregiver input to ensure progress and safety.
Shared decision-making: Align goals with patient and family priorities, provide clear instructions, and connect with Alzheimer’s Association or community resources.

These approaches aim to slow cognitive decline and improve well-being, not cure the disease. Results vary, and continuous biomedical research guides safer, evidence-based care.

Comparing Paths: Amyloid Drugs vs. Multimodal Care

For mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, patients and caregivers often ask how beta amyloid–targeting drugs compare with a functional medicine plan focused on risk reduction and disease control.

Amyloid drugs show modest benefits but carry risks, costs, and monitoring demands, while multimodal care uses nutrition, movement, and supplements to improve brain and body health. In clinical practice, combining medication with a whole-person functional medicine plan can help slow cognitive decline and enhance well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conventional care often targets amyloid plaques or manages symptoms. Functional medicine focuses on identifying underlying imbalances such as hormone decline, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic inflammation. This whole-person strategy aims to support brain health, energy, and overall quality of life.

Developed by neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen, this protocol uses personalized testing and lifestyle interventions to reduce risk factors for cognitive decline. It identifies which biological subtype, such as inflammatory, glycotoxic, or toxic, is driving symptoms, then creates a tailored plan to support brain function.

Yes. Research shows that lifestyle factors, like following a Mediterranean or MIND diet, improving sleep, and engaging in regular exercise, can reduce risk factors linked to memory loss and may slow the progression of mild cognitive impairment.

Most functional medicine strategies can complement conventional Alzheimer’s drugs safely when monitored by qualified practitioners. Regular lab testing and medication reviews help prevent interactions and ensure patient safety.

Patients in the early stages, those with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s symptoms, tend to respond best. Early intervention allows time to address metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory imbalances before irreversible brain damage occurs.

Tailored Plans for Cognitive Wellness—Book Now

At Internal Healing & Wellness MD, we approach cognitive decline through a root-cause framework that includes comprehensive assessments, phased care milestones, and education for caregivers to support everyday progress. Our team develops personalized cognitive risk reduction plans that align with neurology and primary care for safe, coordinated management of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. Hope informed by science—let’s tailor a plan that fits your life and strengthens long-term brain health. Book an appointment today .