A Functional Medicine Approach to Enhance Brain Health and Combat Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Brainz Magazine
- Feb 17, 2025
- 5 min read
Dr. Trevor Miller and Jessica Miller, RN, work on foundational health. Their expertise covers a wide birth of topics, giving them the unique ability to recognize unusual patterns. This allows them to be able to pick out issues that others have missed or that previous treatments have uncovered.
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis, represent a growing concern as the global population ages. These conditions are often characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and cognitive decline, significantly impacting quality of life. Conventional medicine has primarily focused on symptom management, offering limited solutions for halting or reversing disease progression. However, the functional medicine approach provides a promising alternative by identifying and addressing the root causes of neurodegeneration.
I have a personal interest in this field as my mother was showing signs of Alzheimer’s, and my maternal grandmother passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s. These types of diseases are very personal to me.
Understanding neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors; understanding these is at the crux of our treatment protocol at Integrated Health of Indiana. Mitigation of these conditions and understanding how oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and impaired detoxification pathways affect the patient is paramount to getting their health back.
One of the foremost experts in the field of functional medicine for neurodegenerative diseases is Dr. Dale Bredesen. His pioneering work has led to the development of the Bredesen Protocol, a multifaceted approach to preventing and reversing cognitive decline by targeting various metabolic factors contributing to brain health. I have found this to be the most effective approach when treating my patients with neurodegenerative decline.
The functional medicine approach to brain health
Functional medicine seeks to optimize brain health by focusing on diet, lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, and personalized interventions to address underlying imbalances.
Below are some of the key strategies used in this approach:
1. Nutritional interventions
Diet plays a crucial role in brain health. The Bredesen Protocol emphasizes a ketogenic, plant-rich diet that helps regulate insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and enhance mitochondrial function. Specific dietary recommendations include:
Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and wild-caught fish provide essential fatty acids necessary for cognitive function.
Low-glycemic foods: Avoiding refined sugars and processed carbohydrates stabilizes blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of insulin resistance, a key driver of cognitive decline.
Antioxidant-rich vegetables: Leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and berries help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Intermittent fasting: Time-restricted eating promotes autophagy, the body’s natural mechanism for clearing damaged cells and proteins that contribute to neurodegeneration.
2. Optimizing gut health
The gut-brain axis plays a significant role in neurological health. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut microbiota, can lead to systemic inflammation and increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. To support gut health:
Probiotics and prebiotics help balance the gut microbiome. Also, emphasizing foods that allow for naturally occurring probiotics, such as fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi.
Reducing exposure to inflammatory foods such as gluten and dairy may alleviate symptoms in susceptible individuals. As I get older, I can feel when I have gotten into foods that cause inflammation, such as alcohol and refined sugars like cheap chocolate.
Digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid supplementation can enhance nutrient absorption.
3. Hormone balance
Hormonal imbalances, particularly those related to insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, can contribute to cognitive decline. The Bredesen Protocol and Integrated Health of Indiana method incorporates hormone optimization strategies, such as:
Addressing insulin resistance through diet and exercise.
Managing stress to prevent cortisol dysregulation.
Evaluating and correcting thyroid dysfunction.
Supporting sex hormone balance, as estrogen and testosterone have neuroprotective properties.
4. Reducing toxic load
Environmental toxins, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and mold toxins, can accumulate in the body and impair neurological function. A functional medicine approach includes:
Heavy metal detoxification using chelation therapy or natural binders like chlorella and activated charcoal.
Avoiding exposure to toxic substances by choosing organic foods and using natural household products.
Enhancing detoxification pathways through liver support (e.g., cruciferous vegetables, milk thistle, glutathione).
5. Supporting mitochondrial function
Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, play a crucial role in energy production. Dysfunctional mitochondria lead to increased oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. To enhance mitochondrial health:
Coenzyme Q10, PQQ, and alpha-lipoic acid supplementation can support mitochondrial function.
Regular physical activity, especially high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training boosts mitochondrial biogenesis.
Reducing exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from electronic devices may protect mitochondrial integrity.
6. Managing inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of neurodegeneration. Functional medicine aims to lower systemic inflammation by:
Identifying food sensitivities and eliminating pro-inflammatory foods.
Using anti-inflammatory supplements such as curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, and resveratrol.
Incorporating stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises.
7. Cognitive stimulation and stress management
Mental exercises and stress management are critical for maintaining cognitive function. The Bredesen Protocol encourages:
Brain training exercises to enhance neuroplasticity.
Mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and enhance brain connectivity.
Social engagement to support emotional and cognitive well-being.
The Bredesen protocol: A case for reversing cognitive decline
Dr. Dale Bredesen’s research has shown that Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented and, in some cases, reversed through a comprehensive, personalized approach. His protocol, known as the ReCODE (Reversal of Cognitive Decline) Protocol, categorizes Alzheimer’s into different subtypes based on root causes, such as inflammation, trophic factor imbalances, and toxin exposure. Personalized treatment plans involve extensive testing to assess biomarkers of neurodegeneration and implementing targeted interventions.
Several studies and clinical case reports have demonstrated remarkable improvements in patients following the Bredesen Protocol. Individuals who had previously experienced significant cognitive decline have regained memory, improved executive function, and achieved overall brain health restoration.
Conclusion
The functional medicine approach, such as ReCODE or the Integrated Health of Indiana Way, offers a revolutionary paradigm shift in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. By addressing the root causes, such as inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, toxin exposure, and hormonal imbalances, this holistic model provides hope for millions suffering from cognitive decline. Dr. Dale Bredesen’s work has paved the way for a future where Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases are no longer considered irreversible. By implementing personalized lifestyle interventions, individuals can take proactive steps to optimize brain health and maintain cognitive function well into old age.
As research continues to evolve, the integration of functional medicine into mainstream healthcare has the potential to redefine how we approach neurodegenerative diseases, empowering individuals with the tools to enhance their quality of life and longevity. If you or a loved one is suffering from these horrible diseases, please reach out, there is hope and help. Here is our contact information: Integrated Health of Indiana, (812) 346-1757, website.
Read more from Dr. Trevor Miller and Jessica Miller, RN
Dr. Trevor Miller and Jessica Miller, RN, Integrated Health of Indiana
Dr Miller and Nurse Jessica have dedicated their professional lives to helping people live their best lives. Concentrating on healing from the inside out, they use a program to comprehensively address problems with hormones, foundational gut health, the microbiome, and mitochondrial health. Realizing that these are all tied together and addressing them as a whole leads to happier and healthier patients.
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