Learn more about The Bredesen Protocol and why you should consider working with Tracey as part of your healthcare team.

Finally there is hope for preventing and reversing Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions! Many people have successfully used the Bredesen Protocol to prevent and/or reverse cognitive decline and early Alzheimer’s disease. Tracey has been following the research of Dr. Dale Bredesen since 2014 and helping clients improve cognition and prevent cognitive decline when identified with early dementia and/or the ApoE genetic risk marker.

Tracey was one of the first 650 healthcare providers in the world to attend the training to become certified in The Bredesen Protocol. Tracey is very committed to helping those with/or at risk for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, MS and ALS. As a practitioner of the Bredesen Protocol, Tracey has access to the practitioner support area of Apollo Health which includes continuing education.

“A genuinely new Alzheimer’s drug has not been approved since 2003, and the currently approved Alzheimer’s medications are ineffective in stopping or slowing the course of the disease.”  Maria Carrillo, Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer.

1. What is The Bredesen Protocol™?

This protocol was created by a team led by Dr. Dale Bredesen, MD, Professor of Neurology at UCLA.  He was frustrated by the failure of recent drug trials in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Dr. Bredesen has led new research that explains the erosion of memory seen in AD. According to Dr. Bredesen, Alzheimer’s disease is actually a protective response to inflammation, suboptimal levels of nutrients/molecules, and toxic exposures. He has developed a new personalized therapeutic approach to treating this devastating condition by addressing the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the first real solution available as all previous AD drug trails have failed. The protocol provides hope for most of us to age gracefully with the best possible quality of life. It is not a cure, continued success is dependent upon lifelong maintenance of lifestyle modifications. A 2016 study presented the initial results of ten patients who were treated using the MEND protocol.  In it’s earlier form The Bredesen Protocol was known as metabolic enhancement for neurodegeneration (MEND) and this is the term used in the linked study. You can read the study HERE.

Did you know that 50 percent of all people who live to age 80 will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?

2. Who is a good candidate for The Bredesen Protocol?

• Someone diagnosed with dementia or mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
• Someone who has concerns about their own memory or cognition.
• Someone who has a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s even if they are not exhibiting any symptoms. If they are at risk for Alzheimer’s the Bredesen Protocol can be preventative.
• Someone who has the ApoE4 genetic variant (higher risk of developing Alzheiner’s).

Note: Someone under full-time nursing home care is unlikely to benefit. In most of these cases, the person would be either too far advanced or unable to properly implement the broad range of diet and lifestyle interventions required by the The Bredesen Protocol™.

3. Why choose to work with Tracey?

Tracey is specialty trained in Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy. She combines her training from The Bredesen Protocol™ with years of experience working as a nutritionist, certified exercise physiologist, educator and certified yoga instructor. The Bredesen Protocol™ is a multifactorial lifestyle and nutrition based approach rather than a pharmacological based approach.  Tracey is not a medical doctor and because of this Tracey is ideally suited, better than most doctors, to lead clients toward improved cognition by addressing nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress.

Tracey has been using The Bredesen Protocol™ formerly known as MEND since Dr. Bredesen published his first studies in 2016. She has successfully assisted clients with improving cognition. One example is a 56 year old woman who had reached a very unsettling point of not being able to remember the turns to take on her route home from work. This was a drive she had been making for 12 years. She also struggled with remember names of clients, her pets and taking her lunch to work. While she did not have the ApoE 4 genetic risk for AD, when tested she did have a parasitic infection and mercury toxicity from years with many fillings in her teeth.  Her individualized plan included botanical treatment of the parasite, removing her fillings and detoxing from the mercury, an anti-inflammatory food plan with recipes, supplements to support brain function and methylation, and other lifestyle changes that included exercise, meditation and improved sleep. We have an upcoming goal together to do a micronutrient test and assess her hormones.

Working with Tracey will include filling out a detailed intake form, providing current lab data you already have and then Tracey can assist you with getting any additional labs needed for your assessment and identification of your cognitive decline subtype(s). Tracey can help you test your genetics for AD risk and complete a though genetics evaluation of your methylation, detoxification and neurotransmitter biochemical  pathways, including other specific genetic risk factors. All this data collecting will be used to create and individualized plan for you. The best part is that Tracey provides continued support as needed depending on your unique situation.

Tracey is highly skilled in assisting you with transitioning your food intake and necessary lifestyle changes. These changes can be challenging so working with someone who is empathetic and who can provide you with resources and support will increase the likelihood of your success. You can read some  testimonials from clients HERE.

4. What if I am referred to Tracey from my doctor?

Tracey will work with your existing doctor as you implement The Bredesen Protocol™. Tracey will help you get any testing you need, read and assess test results from a nutritionist’s perspective and assist your healthcare team in her specialty areas: Nutrigenomics, Nutrition, Exercise and Mind/Body Medicine.

5. Do I need to see a doctor before working with Tracey?

This is not required. Tracey is a licensed and qualified healthcare provider and can get started working with you and guiding your care. If a medical situation arises that is beyond Tracey’s scope of care then she will assist you with finding a medical doctor or refer you to your own physician and request collaboration on your behalf.

6. Can Tracey work with me from a distance via telehealth?

Yes, Tracey can assist you with the health coaching aspects of the protocol using HIPPA compliant telemedicine. You can video chat with Tracey from the comfort of your home. Tracey can help you with exercise programs via video, meditation, mind/body work, recipes, meal planning, and answer your questions as just as a few ideas.

7. How long should I expect to work with Tracey?

Tracey usually works with clients with cognitive decline for at least a 12 week time period as it often takes at least that long to see results. Some clients need ongoing support. Tracey provides options for this based on your needs. Note that some clients notice changes in memory and function in as little as 4-12 days, but most will require 4-6 months. This depends on factors such as which subtype you have and how quickly we are able to get you started on implementing your individual plan.

8. How do I get started with Tracey?

Tracey offers a free 20 minute introductory phone call to discuss your individual situation, expectations, needs, and answer any questions.  You can schedule the free 20 minute introductory phone call from my Contact page.

9. What is the next step after the free introductory phone call?

If you are a good fit to work with Tracey and decide you want to proceed, you will need to sign up for the Bredesen Protocol Starter Package. See the Bredesen Protocol Starter Package information on my  Nutrition Consulting page for more information and pricing. The next steps will depend on your symptoms and the subtype of Alzheimer’s, dementia or cognitive decline that you are experiencing. Tracey can evaluate you for the subtypes and assist you with acquiring most lab tests, it any are warranted. If not already done, Tracey will likely recommend that you do genetic testing to assess for the genes associated with cognitive decline. This can be important to know and share with blood relatives if you are positive so family members can start a prevention program.

If you are committed to trying everything possible to reverse your cognitive decline, contact Tracey today.

Wishing you best health! ~Tracey