84% Success Rate? How We Reverse Cognitive Decline in Boulder, Colorado
Last Updated: November 2025
In this FAQ, Dr. Jessica Knape of HealthSpan Internal Medicine in Boulder, CO, highlights that published research shows an 84% success rate with the ReCODE Protocol when root causes of cognitive decline are properly identified and treated. Using genomics and advanced diagnostics, Dr. Knape provides highly personalized care to help reverse or slow cognitive decline.
The ReCODE Protocol (Reversal of Cognitive Decline), created by Dr. Dale Bredesen, has shown an 84% success rate in published clinical research by Bredesen, Toups, and colleagues. This number comes from peer-reviewed studies demonstrating that 84% of appropriately selected patients experienced measurable cognitive improvement or stabilization when following a personalized, multi-factor protocol.
While no approach can promise a cure, these outcomes reveal something important:
When the root causes of cognitive decline are identified and treated early, the brain can recover more than previously believed possible.
At HealthSpan Internal Medicine in Boulder, CO, in our BrainSpan ReCODE protocol we combine the ReCODE Protocol with IntellxxDNA clinical genomics, advanced diagnostics, metabolic repair, and a personalized plan designed to reverse—or slow—cognitive decline. As a physician who spent 10 years in memory care and has lost multiple family members to Alzheimer’s, this mission is personal to me. I’ve seen where drugs fall short, and I’ve seen the real-world impact when root-cause medicine is finally applied.
BrainSpan Brief
The “84% success rate” comes from published studies showing measurable improvement or stabilization in cognitive scores among ReCODE participants.
Success means improvement or stability—not a cure—and is strongest in early Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
ReCODE works because it treats the root causes of cognitive decline: metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, toxins, hormone imbalance, nutrient deficits, infections, sleep issues, and genetics.
At HealthSpan Internal Medicine, we use IntellxxDNA genomics to individualize every plan.
Our approach is medically supervised, safety-first, and evidence-informed.
Key Points
ReCODE’s 84% success refers to objective improvements measured through validated cognitive assessments.
Early intervention makes the biggest difference; MCI and early Alzheimer’s respond best.
Genomics (IntellxxDNA) guides highly targeted, personalized interventions.
The program addresses 10–30+ contributors to brain decline simultaneously.
We focus heavily on metabolic repair, inflammation reduction, toxin removal, hormone balance, sleep optimization, and nutrient replenishment.
The approach is safe, structured, and medically supervised to ensure appropriate monitoring and progress.
What the 84% Success Rate Really Means
When people hear “84% success,” they often ask: What does success mean? And where does that number come from?
1. It comes from peer-reviewed clinical research
Several published papers (Toups, Bredesen, et al.) evaluated individuals with MCI or early Alzheimer’s using the ReCODE Protocol. These studies documented:
Objective improvement in cognitive test scores
Stabilization in cases that were previously declining
Better quality of life
Improvement in daily functioning
Across these studies, 84% of participants improved or stabilized, meaning their cognitive decline slowed—or reversed—compared to their pre-treatment trajectory.
2. Success does NOT mean cure
ReCODE does not cure Alzheimer’s.
Instead, success means:
Measurable improvement in memory, focus, or processing
Stabilization instead of continued decline
Better day-to-day function and cognition
Improved lab markers tied to brain health
Enhanced metabolic and inflammatory patterns
3. It works best when started early
Late-stage Alzheimer’s is much harder to reverse because structural damage has accumulated. But in early stages—especially subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment—the brain retains a remarkable ability to repair and reorganize.
This is where ReCODE shines.
Why ReCODE Works: Addressing Root Causes
Most Alzheimer’s drugs target a single pathway, typically amyloid. But cognitive decline almost always involves multiple, interacting contributors, including:
Insulin resistance
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Chronic inflammation
Hormonal decline (especially in midlife and menopause)
Toxic exposures (mold, metals, pollutants)
Nutrient deficiencies
Sleep disorders (especially sleep apnea)
Chronic infections
Gastrointestinal dysbiosis
Vascular problems
Genomic vulnerabilities (APOE, detox genes, methylation genes, etc.)
ReCODE works because it systematically evaluates all of these and builds a plan that is unique to each patient.
How We Reverse Cognitive Decline at HealthSpan Internal Medicine
Our Boulder, Colorado practice personalizes the ReCODE framework using advanced diagnostic tools and decades of clinical experience.
Here’s how we approach it:
1. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
We begin with a high-resolution assessment that includes:
Detailed history
Cognitive baseline testing
Sleep evaluation
Environmental exposure review
Medication and supplement assessment
Nutrition, stress, and lifestyle mapping
This gives us the full picture of what may be contributing to cognitive symptoms.
2. Advanced Lab Testing
Because cognitive decline is multi-factorial, the lab panel is thorough and includes:
Fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c
CRP, homocysteine, cytokine markers
Thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones
Lipid and vascular markers
Vitamin and nutrient status
Gut-immune markers
Mycotoxin and heavy metal testing as indicated
Metabolomix testing as indicated
Stool testing as indicated
These markers help us map what is affecting the brain today—not just what might affect it someday.
3. Precision Genomic Testing (IntellxxDNA)
This step is foundational.
IntellxxDNA genomics reveals individual-level risks and pathways that conventional testing misses, such as:
Detoxification gene variants
Inflammatory pathways
Hormone metabolism variants
APOE-specific risks
Methylation issues
Mitochondrial weaknesses
Nutrient transport genes
Vascular and lipid genes
Genes linked to amyloid regulation
By integrating genomics with clinical data, we create a plan that is as precise as possible.
4. Personalized Treatment Plan
Each individualized plan may include:
Metabolic Repair
Low-glycemic or ketogenic nutrition
Improving insulin sensitivity
Supporting mitochondrial function
Safe weight loss and body recomposition
Inflammation Reduction
Gut restoration
Anti-inflammatory nutrients
Immune modulation as needed
Hormone Optimization
Using a safety-first approach, we evaluate and support:
Thyroid
Adrenal health
Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
Neurosteroid hormones such as Pregnenolone
Melatonin
Detoxification Support
If appropriate:
Mold and mycotoxin detox
Heavy metal reduction
Safer home/environment recommendations
Sleep Restoration
Sleep apnea assessment
Sleep hygiene optimization
Melatonin and circadian rhythm balancing
Biometric sleep analysis
Cognitive Training
Brain exercises to enhance neuroplasticity.
Ongoing Monitoring
We track
Cognitive scores
Lab markers
Symptom progression
Genomics-guided adjustments
Lifestyle adherence
Who This Approach Helps Most
ReCODE works best for individuals who are:
Experiencing early memory changes
Diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
In early Alzheimer’s
At high risk due to family history or APOE status
Motivated to participate in a structured, medically supervised program
It is less effective once Alzheimer’s is advanced, when structural brain changes become severe and irreversible.
Safety, Side Effects, and Medical Oversight
This program is medically supervised and tailored to each patient. Potential side effects or considerations may include:
Temporary fatigue as metabolism shifts
Digestive changes during gut healing
Headaches during detoxification protocols
Hormone-related changes during optimization
Close monitoring ensures that any side effects are addressed promptly and safely.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Call emergency services if you or a loved one experiences:
Sudden confusion or disorientation
Difficulty speaking, one-sided weakness, or facial drooping
Severe headache or sudden vision changes
Chest pain or trouble breathing
These may indicate a stroke or other urgent medical issue.
Sources
Reversal of Cognitive Decline: A Novel Therapeutic Program, Bredesen DE, 2014
Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease, Toups K, Bredesen DE et al., 2022
Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients, Bredesen DE et al., 2018
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Jessica Knape, MD, MA Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative and Holistic Medicine
Healthspan Internal Medicine — serving patients in Boulder, CO
Book a Discovery Call | About Dr. Knape
This content is for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
