Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is now the third leading cause of death in the United States, following only cardiovascular disease and cancer according to research by Dr. Dale Bredesen, a pioneer in brain health who is working to reduce the global burden of dementia. There are approximately 5.2 million Americans with AD, however, this estimate ignores many young people destined to develop AD during their lifetimes.

Studies at the UCLA Department of Neurology show effective treatment of AD has been lacking but recently, a novel personalized approach involving metabolic enhancement was presented, with promising results, using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment to determine progress. Local Functional Medicine & Neurology specialist, Dr. Douglas Brown, in Foley, AL, practices Bredesen’s personalized protocols with much success. “One cannot subscribe to a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Every individual has multiple factors to consider such as genetics, toxicity or environment, diet and lifestyle,” says Brown.

Brown’s individualized approach to dementia and AD uses a variety of evaluations and treatments. He orders in-depth lab work and evaluates numerous factors that affect the health of the brain including nutrition, sleep habits, exercise, stress management and medications. In some patients, Alzheimer’s can be prevented or reversed through a combination of therapies:

~  Bredesen’s ReCODE protocol, deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (DTMS) and brain pathway therapies, which train the brain to form new nerve connections and stimulate the central nervous system.

~  ReCODE defines all the possible contributors to Alzheimer’s such as infections, toxins, hormone and nutritional deficiencies, leaky gut and metabolic diseases like diabetes. After identifying causes, Brown develops precision treatments that target every factor affecting cognitive health. Studies show that following the ReCODE protocol can successfully reverse the cognitive decline of AD and restore the brain’s functionality.

~  DTMS rebalances brain activity using magnetic impulses that safely pass through the skull to reach areas of irregular nerve activity in the brain. In addition to potentially improving memory and cognition, DTMS is highly effective for treating depression.

One case study Brown described involves a 74-year-old woman with dementia who plateaued after her first round of individualized treatment. All the bases were covered—thyroid, hormones, B12, iodine levels, toxic load and liver enzymes. She changed her regimen to a ketogenic diet, became more active and participated in DTMS and brain pathway therapies. But after re-evaluation, her estrogen was too low. Her ob/gyn was asked to put her on estrogen and she began showing marked improvement.

“When it comes to cognitive decline, everything that is wrong must be treated effectively at the same time,” according to Brown. Conventional medicine would target one protein in the brain in hopes of curing Alzheimer’s but this approach will fail because Alzheimer’s is a complicated, multi-faceted disease and it must be approached as such.”

To learn if you’re a good candidate for Dr. Brown’s Alzheimer’s disease and dementia protocols, call Mind Performance Center or schedule an appointment online.