Surviving Alzheimer’s: A Functional Medicine Approach To Prevention And Reversal with Dr. Dale Bredesen

Dec 15, 2021

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Dale Bredesen, an internationally recognized expert in neurodegenerative diseases, shares groundbreaking insights on Alzheimer’s prevention and reversal. He challenges conventional treatment paradigms, advocating for a holistic approach that incorporates nutrition, lifestyle changes, and personalized strategies. Bredesen highlights the importance of addressing factors like inflammation and insulin resistance, emphasizing that cognitive decline is not irreversible. The conversation also touches on innovative practices and inspiring patient recoveries, aiming to shift perspectives on brain health.

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INSIGHT

Alzheimer's as a Systems Biology Disorder

Alzheimer's is a systems biology disorder, a network insufficiency like scurvy.
Treat Alzheimer's holistically with Functional Medicine, addressing all contributing factors.

INSIGHT

Key Drivers of Cognitive Decline

Three main drivers of cognitive decline are insulin resistance, inflammation, and lack of trophic factors.
These drivers affect multiple pathways, requiring a multi-pronged approach to treatment.

ADVICE

Early Diagnosis and Intervention

Don't wait for severe symptoms; address cognitive decline early.
Get a cognoscopy at 45, which includes blood tests, cognitive assessment, and an MRI.

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This episode is brought to you by Beekeeper’s Naturals, BiOptimizers, and Cozy Earth.

Despite what the conventional medical model has taught us about cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s, these disorders are actually within our power to stop, slow, and reverse. There’s no better person to talk to about reducing the risk of cognitive deficits and supporting optimal brain health than today’s guest on The Doctor’s Farmacy, Dale Bredesen.

Dr. Bredesen is internationally recognized as an expert in the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and the author of the New York Times bestsellers The End of Alzheimer's, The End of Alzheimer's Program, and his latest book The First Survivors of Alzheimer's: How Patients Recovered Life and Hope in Their Own Words.

He has held faculty positions at UC San Francisco, UCLA, and the University of California San Diego. He has directed the Program on Aging at the Burnham Institute before coming to the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in 1998 as its founding president and CEO. He is currently a professor at UCLA.

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Here are more of the details from our interview (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):

Why Alzheimer’s is a systems biology disorder that needs to be treated from a Functional Medicine perspective (7:13 / 4:01)
Four main drivers of cognitive decline (12:01 / 8:10)
The ineffectiveness of seeking just one cause of Alzheimer’s (13:05 / 9:08)
Personalizing Alzheimer's treatment and prevention (19:42 / 15:08)
The 4 stages of Alzheimer's (21:19 / 17:30)
Eating and fasting to prevent, slow, and reverse cognitive decline (27:51 / 21:44)
The importance of exercise, sleep, and stress reduction in relation to brain health (32:31 / 26:41)
Reversing Alzheimer’s and pre-Alzheimer’s disease (39:38 / 33:49)
Patient stories of cognitive improvement after Alzheimer’s diagnosis (47:04 / 41:25)
Breaking through the conventional perspective and approach to Alzheimer’s disease (54:01 / 48:33)

Learn more about Dr. Bredesen’s work at https://www.apollohealthco.com/

Get a copy of Dr. Bredesen’s book, The First Survivors of Alzheimer’s: How Patients Recovered Life and Hope in Their Own Words here.