Merging Medicine and Technology to Support Lifelong Cognitive Health
At Balance Functional Medicine, we take a personalized, functional medicine approach to brain health, cognitive resilience, and the prevention and management of cognitive decline.
As a certified Bredesen Protocol™ practitioner, Shirley Olson, NP-C, FMCP-M, works with patients to identify and address the many factors that can influence cognitive health. Using advanced laboratory testing, health history, genetics, lifestyle assessment, and cognitive evaluation, we develop an individualized plan designed to support optimal brain function.
The Bredesen Protocol™
Developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen, the Bredesen Protocol is a comprehensive, personalized approach to cognitive health. Rather than focusing on a single cause or treatment, the protocol evaluates multiple factors that may contribute to cognitive decline.
These may include metabolic health, inflammation, insulin resistance, nutritional status, hormonal balance, sleep, stress, toxins, vascular health, genetics, physical activity, and other lifestyle and environmental factors.
By identifying each individual’s unique pattern of risk factors, we can develop a targeted plan aimed at improving overall health while supporting cognitive function and resilience.
PreCODE and ReCODE
Apollo Health’s PreCODE and ReCODE programs provide tools based on the principles of the Bredesen Protocol.
PreCODE
PreCODE is designed primarily for people who are interested in protecting their cognitive health and understanding their individual risk factors before significant cognitive decline develops.
ReCODE
ReCODE provides additional resources for people who are already experiencing concerns such as subjective cognitive changes, mild cognitive impairment, or early cognitive decline.
The programs can incorporate laboratory biomarkers, genetics, health information, cognitive assessments, and other data to help practitioners identify areas that may benefit from intervention.
A Personalized Approach to Brain Health
There is no single path to maintaining cognitive health. Your plan may include recommendations addressing:
- Nutrition and metabolic health
- Exercise and physical conditioning
- Sleep optimization
- Stress management
- Hormonal and nutritional factors
- Cardiovascular and metabolic risk
- Gut and immune health
- Environmental exposures
- Cognitive stimulation and brain training
- Appropriate laboratory and cognitive monitoring
Your recommendations are individualized and may change over time as your health, laboratory findings, and cognitive assessments change.
Why Cognitive Assessment Matters
Changes in memory and thinking can be subtle, particularly in their earliest stages. Establishing a cognitive baseline can help identify changes over time and provide valuable information when combined with laboratory testing, medical history, genetics, and other health data.
You do not need to wait until memory problems become significant to begin paying attention to brain health. Preventive evaluation can be especially valuable for people with a family history of dementia, known genetic risk factors, metabolic concerns, or simply a desire to remain cognitively healthy as they age.
Begin With Your Individual Risk Factors
At Balance Functional Medicine, our goal is to help you understand the factors influencing your cognitive health and develop a practical, personalized strategy for addressing them.
Shirley Olson, NP-C, FMCP-M, is trained in the Bredesen Protocol™ and provides individualized cognitive-health evaluation and functional medicine care through a virtual practice.
Whether your goal is to protect cognitive function for the future or address changes you are already experiencing, we can help you develop a thoughtful plan based on your individual health history, testing, risk factors, and goals.
Schedule an appointment with Balance Functional Medicine to begin your personalized cognitive health evaluation.