What is the Bredesen Protocol? Can I do it in Australia?
The Bredesen Protocol is a structured, personalised framework developed by neurologist Dr Dale Bredesen. It helps individuals understand their cognitive risks and explore evidence‑informed strategies that support long‑term cognitive health. The protocol examines how biological systems interact over time and how these interactions may influence memory, attention, processing speed, and overall cognitive resilience.
What the Protocol Explores
The protocol examines a series of interconnected risk domains:
Inflammation
Metabolic health
Nutrient status
Hormonal balance
Vascular health
Sleep quality
Stress load
Toxin exposure
Most individuals in a clinical setting show a blended pattern across several domains. Understanding these patterns helps you focus your time, energy, and attention where it matters most.
PreCODE and ReCODE
The Bredesen Protocol includes two structured pathways.
PreCODE
Designed for individuals who want to understand their cognitive risks and support long‑term cognitive health. Often chosen by people with a family history, APoE4, or early concerns about memory or focus.
ReCODE
Designed for individuals experiencing subjective cognitive impairement or mild cognitive impairement. ReCODE provides a structured way to explore potential contributors and understand the factors that may be influencing cognitive function.
Research Foundation
The Bredesen Protocol is informed by research exploring how lifestyle, metabolic health, inflammation, sleep, and environmental factors influence cognitive function.
Key publications include:
Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease
Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients
Evanthea - Pre-print
These studies examine how multi‑factor, personalised interventions may influence cognitive performance and biomarkers. While research continues to evolve, the protocol reflects a global shift toward root‑cause, lifestyle‑based approaches to cognitive health. Cognevity translates this research into clear, accessible language to support informed decision‑making.
The Six “Types” of Cognitive Decline
Dr Bredesen’s model outlines several biological patterns that may contribute to cognitive decline.
Type 1 – Inflammatory
Type 1.5 – Glycotoxic
Type 2 – Trophic Loss
Type 3 – Toxic
Type 4 – Vascular
Type 5 – Traumatic
Most individuals show a blended pattern. I help you understand what this means for your cognitive health and how to use this insight effectively.
The Bredesen 7 (B7)
The protocol is built on seven core lifestyle pillars. These pillars align with Cognevity’s Step 1 lifestyle mapping.
Nutrition
Exercise
Sleep
Stress management
Detoxification
Cognitive stimulation
Supplements
These pillars support metabolic health, inflammation control, detoxification, and neuroplasticity.
What Is a Cognoscopy?
A cognoscopy is a structured assessment of your cognitive health and risk profile. It typically includes:
Blood biomarkers (65+ markers)
Cognitive testing such as MoCA or CNS Vital Signs
Lifestyle and environmental assessment
Medical history and symptom review
The outcome is a personalised roadmap and report outlining your key risk factors, contributors, and priority areas for support.
The Bredesen Protocol in Australia
In Australia, the protocol is delivered through trained ReCODE 2.0 Clinicians and Certified ReCODE 2.0 Health Coaches. A typical process includes:
Full cognoscopy
Subtype mapping
Personalised protocol design
Access to Apollo Health resources
Ongoing coaching and support
Collaboration with specialists
How Cognevity Supports You
If you do the ReCODE 2.0 Program, the coaching parts of it includes:
Helping you understand your ReCODE Report.
Breaking your ReCODE doctors medical plan into manageable stages and helping you understand it.
Supporting sustainable habit‑building.
Facilitating communication with your healthcare team.
Tracking progress over time.