Can You Reverse Cognitive Decline? - House Call With Dr. Hyman Recap
Podcast: House Call With Dr. Hyman
Published: 2017-09-18
Duration: 35 min
Guests: Dr. Dale Bredesen
Summary
Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Dale Bredesen discuss the potential to reverse Alzheimer's disease by addressing its root causes through a comprehensive, individualized approach.
What Happened
Dr. Mark Hyman welcomes Dr. Dale Bredesen to discuss the radical new thinking around the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Bredesen emphasizes that Alzheimer's can potentially be prevented and even reversed in its early stages by understanding and targeting its root causes rather than trying to treat symptoms with a single drug.
Dr. Bredesen explains that Alzheimer's is not a single disease but a collection of subtypes that require individualized treatment plans. He talks about the failure of conventional approaches that focused on one drug target and how his research led to a multifaceted approach that considers numerous factors like inflammation, hormone levels, and toxins.
He elaborates on the concept of synaptoporosis, likening it to osteoporosis, where the brain's synapses are either built up or broken down. He identifies key factors that affect this balance, such as estradiol, nerve growth factor, and vitamin D, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal levels for brain health.
Dr. Bredesen shares insights into his Recode Program, which looks at 150 different parameters to determine the subtypes of Alzheimer's a patient might have. The program then tailors a personalized treatment plan that addresses the specific imbalances contributing to cognitive decline.
Dr. Hyman shares a case study of a 61-year-old patient diagnosed with dementia, who saw significant improvement after addressing factors like high sugar intake, Lyme disease, and mercury levels. This case underscores the potential for significant recovery with targeted interventions.
Dr. Bredesen stresses the importance of early intervention for individuals with genetic risk factors, encouraging them to undergo a 'cognoscopy' to assess their risk and start on a preventive program. He shares success stories of patients who have reversed cognitive decline and returned to normal functioning.
The discussion highlights the broader implications of Dr. Bredesen's work, suggesting that the principles applied to Alzheimer's could revolutionize the treatment of other chronic diseases. Dr. Hyman urges listeners to read Dr. Bredesen's book, 'The End of Alzheimer's', to learn more about this transformative approach.
Key Insights
- Alzheimer's disease is considered a collection of subtypes, each requiring individualized treatment plans that address various factors such as inflammation, hormone levels, and toxins, rather than a one-size-fits-all drug approach.
- The Recode Program evaluates 150 different parameters to determine specific Alzheimer's subtypes in patients, allowing for tailored treatment plans that target the root causes of cognitive decline.
- Synaptoporosis, a concept similar to osteoporosis, describes the brain's synapses being built up or broken down, influenced by factors like estradiol, nerve growth factor, and vitamin D, which are crucial for maintaining brain health.
- Early intervention for individuals with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's involves a 'cognoscopy' to assess risk and initiate preventive measures, with documented cases of patients reversing cognitive decline and regaining normal functioning.