
Allow me to back up for a moment and share with you what got me concerned about my brain health in the first place. Back in 2019 and before, I noticed I was forgetting people, appointments, names, why I was holding the object in my hands, and so on.Ā True it’s common for that to happen occasionally but it was happening more and more frequently. I have a strong family history of Alzheimer’s disease and I was worried.
Through clinical study genetic testing, I learned that I carry the ApoE4 gene, that sucky one that makes me susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. The good news from the book “End of Alzheimer’s”Ā written by Dr. Dale Bredesen from which this clinical trial is based, is that your genes are not your destiny.Ā I believe that is true really of any genetic predisposition you might have for whatever disease. The genetic gun may be loaded but you have the power and choice to avoid the triggers that will tip the balance that puts you over the edge.Ā Those are the secrets I learned in this trial. How not to pull the trigger.
Time to celebrate!
What are my key learnings from this clinical trial that might help you?Ā I’ve experienced improvements in cognition, weight loss, sleep, gum health, and overall energy.Ā When reading the recommendations given to me, keep in mind that many of the nutritional supplements and hormone choices were selected for my unique biochemistry so the type and dosage may not translate to you. Best to consult with your own wellness practitioner for customization.
My Cognition Improved
The Recode protocol which includes a combination of a Ketogenic diet, Intermittent Fasting, exercise, nutritional and hormonal supplementation, brain training, and mindfulness training has helped me to crawl out of the abyss of cognitive decline.
- Cognitive function tests have all markedly improved since baseline testing in December of 2019 to the point of testing “out of the range” of cognitive decline to normal levels.Ā I was in the range of “cognitive decline” for my initial testing.
I lost considerable weight
- I lost 15 pounds on this diet, with a noticeable improvement around my waistline. I’ve lost fat but not muscle as evidenced by the physical testing that I underwent at the beginning and end of the study and by Body Mass Index (BMI) testing on special equipment.Ā For me, I believe the aspects that contributed to weight loss were intermittent fasting (no nighttime snacking), no sugar, high fat/low carb ketogenic diet which includes no bread. Exercise is also very important but I was doing that already. It was the food and fasting that were the new variables.
I’m Sleeping Better
- Since Iāve been in this study my sleep has markedly improved. Ā I used to get up repeatedly to go to the bathroom and at times would have difficulty getting back to sleep. I now sleep through the night and when I do get up, I can fall right back asleep easily.
From my understanding, the following that Iām taking positively affects my sleep. Remember it may look very different for you and your body.
Over the counter supplements:
- NeuroMag by Designs for Health 3 capsules at bedtime Ā (=144 mg magnesium)
- Melatonin SRT by Designs for Health 1 tablet bedtime (6mg)
Prescription meds
- Progesterone 200mg cap (Costco has it the cheapest)
- Naltrexone 3mg tablet
Improved Gum Health
- Dentalcidin toothpaste with Biocidin by Bio-Botanical Research is the natural toothpaste that I’ve been provided to use for the entire clinical study. My dental hygienist asked me what I was doing differently as my gum health improved significantly. I told her about the study and apparently, the change in diet and toothpaste resulted in this improvement.Ā Marie, one of my Pilates students, started using this same toothpaste after I mentioned it in class and she shared this with me. “I went to my dentist yesterday and got a great review on how well my gums looked after using this natural toothpaste.”
Reflecting on this clinical trial I found further evidence of the efficacy of a multimodal approach to cognitive decline and the prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.Ā Ā Doctors often tell patients at high risk of Alzheimerās due to having pre-dementia conditionsāsuch as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Subjective Cognitive Impairment (SCI)āthat there is really nothing that they can do other than wait and monitor.Ā A recent study from Australia suggests that advice may be out of date. Researchers found that modest lifestyle changes (e.g., a nutrition plan, a physical exercise plan, and BrainHQ brain training which was all included in my clinical trial plus more) significantly reduced Alzheimerās risk after only eight weeks. You can read a news article about the study here.
As I contemplate life after ReCode, I know that I’ll continue brain training, sauna, intermittent fasting, and will continue with the Dentalcidin toothpaste. I’ll maintain aspects of the ketogenic diet, and will add some carb cycling in.Ā I miss things like my brown rice and beans, bananas, and sweet potatoes. I don’t really miss bread and will choose to keep that at bay. I believe dropping bread and sugar contributed to my weight loss.Ā As I prepare to have my final clinical study doctor appt on Oct. 8, I’ll be advised then on how to smoothly transition out of clinical study mode with guidelines on what supplements to continue and what I can drop.Ā I’ll fill you in on the details next month in my epilogue!