The Ageless Brain: Dr. Dale Bredesen on Preventing Cognitive Decline

Jun 12, 2025

Dr. Dale Bredesen, a leading neurologist and bestselling author, opens minds about preventing cognitive decline. He argues that age-related cognitive issues can often be reversed through early detection methods known as 'cognoscopy.' The discussion dives into key factors like inflammation, insulin resistance, and environmental toxins that threaten brain health. Bredesen highlights innovative biomarkers and supplements, as well as the surprising role of the brain microbiome in neurodegeneration. Patient success stories underscore the potential for recovery through tailored interventions.

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INSIGHT

Cognitive Decline Is Preventable

Cognitive decline is often preventable and reversible, not inevitable as commonly thought.
Age-related cognitive changes start decades before symptoms appear and can be addressed early.

ANECDOTE

Long-Term Success Story

A patient with early Alzheimer's reversed symptoms and thrived for 13 years post-treatment.
She is now walking across the United States at age 80, showing long-term success of the approach.

ADVICE

Get a Cognoscopy After 35

Everyone over 35 should get a 'cognoscopy,' a blood test screening for brain health biomarkers.
Early detection allows intervention before significant cognitive decline or dementia.

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In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with neurologist and bestselling author Dr. Dale Bredesen to challenge everything we think we know about brain aging.

Dr. Bredesen shares why age-related cognitive decline is not just treatable but in many cases preventable—and even reversible. Drawing on decades of lab research and clinical success, he outlines the root causes of cognitive decline and introduces the listener to the "cognoscopy," a powerful tool for early detection. With practical, science-backed insights on inflammation, insulin resistance, environmental toxins, and the emerging brain microbiome, this is a masterclass in 21st-century brain health.

You’ll here them discuss:

Why cognitive decline is often preventable—and sometimes reversible
The three key drivers of cognitive decline: inflammation, energy deficit, and toxicity
How to use the "cognoscopy" to catch signs of dementia early
The role of the brain’s microbiome and oral health in neurodegeneration
Why mold, metals, and mycotoxins are underestimated threats
New blood biomarkers like pTau217, GFAP, and NFL
Supplements that support brain health, including magnesium threonate and omega-3
How to tailor treatment using functional lab testing and wearables
Stories of patient recovery—and what makes the difference

Guest Details:

Dr Dale Bredesen’s website: https://www.apollohealthco.com/dr-bredesen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdalebredesen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdalebredesen

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdalebredesen

Rupa Health Details:

Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine

Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

Labs Mentioned

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro to Dr. Dale Bredesen & episode theme: cognitive decline is preventable.

02:29 – Dr. Bredesen introduces The Ageless Brain and its purpose.

04:46 – Functional medicine approach outperforms standard care in trials.

06:00 – His background and frustration with traditional neurodegenerative treatments.

10:22 – First anecdotes and pushback from medical establishment.

14:34 – Scientific fraud in Alzheimer’s research; real recovery stories.

18:49 – What a “Cognoscopy” includes: labs, cognitive tests, optional MRI.

21:16 – Key biomarkers: P-Tau217, GFAP, NFL.

29:45 – 7 fundamentals for brain health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, brain training, detox, supplements.

36:29 – Brain microbiome and oral health links to cognition.

41:01 – Secondary factors: neurotransmitters, hormones, stress markers.

46:15 – APOE4 insights; inflammation vs. toxin-driven cases.

49:03 – Oral/sinus probiotics, targeted treatments.

51:17 – Testing is the most critical first step.

53:00 – Making testing and precision medicine more accessible.

56:46 – What the “Brain Scan” test includes.

59:26 – Closing: book, website, and resources.