We’ve been told a dangerous lie.
That Alzheimer’s is genetic.
That memory loss is just part of aging.
That once cognitive decline begins, it’s game over.
But the truth is, Alzheimer’s is not just about age—it’s about your environment, your metabolism, your inflammation, and your toxic load. And yes, there’s something you can do about it.
In my latest episode of Medical Disruptors, I sat down with Dr. Dale Bredesen—world-renowned neurologist, researcher, and disruptor of everything we thought we knew about neurodegeneration. His work has shown that Alzheimer’s can be prevented. In many cases, it can be reversed.
And it starts with changing the way we think about brain health.
1. Get Tested for Pre-Alzheimer’s—Yes, It’s Possible
We screen for prediabetes. We monitor cholesterol to prevent heart attacks.
So why aren’t we screening for cognitive decline before dementia sets in?
Now we can.
Dr. Bredesen introduced a new blood panel called BrainScan, which looks at:
- P-Tau217, a marker of Alzheimer’s-specific inflammation
- GFAP, which signals glial inflammation and early neuroimmune response
- NFL, or Neurofilament Light, which reflects actual neuron damage
These biomarkers allow us to identify pre-Alzheimer’s—years before memory issues arise.
Just like an A1C test changed how we manage diabetes, BrainScan is rewriting how we approach cognitive health.
The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes. Don’t wait for symptoms. Know your baseline.
2. Reduce Inflammation at the Root
Inflammation is not just a buzzword—it’s one of the main engines behind cognitive decline.
Dr. Bredesen emphasizes that the brain doesn’t randomly start failing. It reacts. And often, it’s reacting to silent, long-standing inflammation.
That inflammation may stem from:
- Leaky gut
- Chronic sinus infections
- Unresolved dental issues
- Sleep apnea
- Overactive immune triggers
These low-grade insults wear down the brain’s resilience. And over time, they push your nervous system into defense mode.
If you’re feeling “off” cognitively but still passing memory tests, don’t ignore it. That foggy feeling? That word recall issue? It may be your earliest warning sign.
3. Eliminate Toxins That Are Hijacking Your Brain
Let’s be clear: toxins are not fringe science. They are a core driver of neurodegeneration.
In fact, Dr. Bredesen breaks down three major categories of toxins that directly impact brain health and may lead to cognitive decline:
- Inorganic toxins (like mercury, lead, air pollution)
- Organic toxins (pesticides, formaldehyde, benzene)
- Biotoxins (like mold mycotoxins from stachybotrys and aspergillus)
And many of us are unknowingly exposed every day—through old buildings, beauty products, cookware, or even dental fillings.
These toxins create oxidative stress, damage neurons, and trigger amyloid production. You cannot heal a brain that is constantly under chemical assault.
Start by testing your home for mold, filtering your water, avoiding conventional cleaning products, and working with a provider trained in detox protocols.
4. Prioritize Oxygen, Circulation & Mitochondrial Health
Your brain is a high-performance organ. It consumes 20% of your body’s oxygen supply, and its health is tied to circulation and energy metabolism.
Dr. Bredesen emphasized a simple truth: when oxygen and nutrients can’t reach the brain efficiently, neurons begin to fail.
Low energy = low function. And low function = slow, quiet decline.
That’s why exercise is non-negotiable. But not just any exercise—he recommends modalities like EWOT (Exercise With Oxygen Therapy) that directly increase blood oxygenation and mitochondrial output.
Don’t just move more—oxygenate better.
5. Take Oral Health Seriously—It’s a Brain Issue
One of the most surprising insights from this conversation?
Your mouth might be the source of your cognitive decline.
Dr. Bredesen doesn’t mince words: poor oral hygiene, chronic infections, and root canals are major drivers of inflammation that can reach the brain.
Why?
Because oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums or dental abscesses. Once in circulation, they travel to the brain and trigger amyloid as a defense mechanism.
This isn’t just theoretical—many patients have seen improvement after treating dental infections or removing toxic root canals.
Functional dentistry is the missing link in cognitive care.
If you haven’t already, get your oral microbiome tested and consider a 3D cone beam CT to screen for hidden infections.
6. Tame the Stress That’s Shrinking Your Brain
Stress isn’t just a mental health issue—it’s a physiological one.
And according to Dr. Bredesen, chronic stress literally shrinks the hippocampus—the very part of your brain responsible for memory and spatial navigation.
The longer you stay in fight-or-flight, the harder it is for your neurons to regenerate and repair.
Tools like HRV tracking, sleep optimization, and mind-body practices (like breathwork, vagal toning, and grounding) aren’t “nice-to-haves.”
They’re essential interventions to protect your brain from premature aging.
Want a longer healthspan? Start with nervous system regulation.
7. Act Before Symptoms Show Up
Here’s the bottom line: by the time memory issues surface, the damage is already underway.
Most patients don’t seek help until they’re deep into the process of neurodegeneration. But if we wait for symptoms, we’re already late.
This is why routine cognitive screening and early biomarker testing must become standard practice—especially for those over 35.
Cognitive decline begins silently. You don’t have to.
🧠 You Are Not Powerless
If you take nothing else from this episode, take this:
Cognitive decline is not a sentence.
It is a warning sign.
And you can do something about it.
Start by identifying the hidden triggers: inflammation, toxins, stress, and poor energetics.
Then get serious about removing those obstacles.
Because when we support the body, the brain remembers how to heal.