InHealth: Research Breakthrough Offers Hope for Preventing and Reversing Cognitive Decline

By Julio Cantero, MD
Neurologist: Intercoastal Medical Group

November 2020—It is an exciting time to be a neurologist. We are on the cusp of announcing clinical trial results for the first therapeutic intervention that can treat Alzheimer’s disease successfully. If the results are as anticipated, we can offer hope for those diagnosed with cognitive decline. Up until now, the only options were drugs that merely delayed symptom progression temporarily. One of the most positive things about this therapeutic protocol is that anyone can start making changes today to help prevent, and even reverse, cognitive decline.

ReCODE addresses the many factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s and other types of cognitive impairment through a personalized protocol for each individual based on thorough testing to identify underlying causes. The clinical trial results of this approach will be released at the end of December. The Center for Brain Health has been conducting an Observational Study whose results are available to ReCODE researchers. We are encouraged by the results we’ve been seeing, which also will be released in December.

Dr. Dale Bredesen, the UCLA neurologist and neuroscientist who developed the ReCODE protocol, has identified 36 factors impacting brain health. You can positively impact your cognitive health by addressing factors that affect many people, including chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Dr. Bredesen has created KetoFLEX 12/3, which is a dietary and intermittent fasting plan designed to induce ketosis. This is a critical step because studies have shown ketosis can improve cognition even in those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. 

The diet emphasizes local, organic, plant-based foods that are nutrient dense along with an adequate amount of protein and ample healthy fats from avocado, extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds. It is considered flexitarian because it is meat optional. Sugar, simple carbs and processed foods along with grains and dairy may be inflammatory and should be eliminated. The 12/3 refers to recommended daily fasting for at least 12 hours overnight and not eating at least three hours before bedtime. This allows your body time to regenerate cellular material, a critically important process for neurological and overall health.

Exercise also is vital for cognitive health. Although all forms of staying active are beneficial and have been shown to increase brain volume, aerobic exercise has demonstrated the most positive effect. Getting a good night’s sleep also is foundational to brain health so addressing disorders, such as sleep apnea, is a must. Although anyone can support their brain health by implementing these lifestyle changes–and the earlier the better–a personalized protocol based on the biomarkers and risk factors identified through individual testing is crucial for preventing or reversing cognitive decline. Among other things, testing reveals specific nutritional deficiencies and exposures to toxins that need to be addressed. 

At the Center for Brain Health, we are using ReCODE to help those with cognitive decline through a 12-month program and also have the Brain Tune-Up for those who want to stay mentally sharp throughout their lives and who have a family history of Alzheimer’s. If you need any motivation to take control of your own brain health, consider two things. Alzheimer’s is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and those numbers are rising, and the degeneration leading to cognitive decline begins 20 years before any symptoms manifest. We have a great deal of control over our mental sharpness as we age, and the time to start is now. 

Julio Cantero, MD, Neurologist
The Center for Brain Health
5602 Marquesas Circle, Suite 105 
Sarasota, FL 34233
941.556.9900 | theCBH.com