What Is The RE-CODE
Protocol?

The ReCODE Protocol (Reversal of Cognitive Decline) is a comprehensive, personalized medical program created by Dr. Dale Bredesen to identify and treat the root causes of memory loss, cognitive decline, and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Rather than offering a single treatment, ReCODE uses advanced testing, genomics, nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and targeted therapeutics to address the multiple biological factors that contribute to brain deterioration.

ReCODE is based on decades of published research, including clinical papers showing measurable cognitive improvement in properly selected patients. It is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach — it’s a precision-medicine framework that evaluates each person’s biochemistry, genetics, exposures, inflammation patterns, metabolic function, and lifestyle to design a personalized treatment plan.

Here is what it really means for you:

ReCODE is a roadmap for understanding why someone is experiencing memory loss or brain fog. Instead of attributing cognitive decline to age or genetics, ReCODE looks for the specific imbalances that may be affecting a person’s brain — and then treats them one by one.

In simple terms:

  • If insulin resistance is harming the brain → fix blood sugar metabolism.

  • If inflammation is high → identify the triggers (gut, infections, mold, stress).

  • If hormones are low → balance them carefully and safely.

  • If toxins are present → support removal and reduce exposure.

  • If genetics increase risk → create a personalized prevention strategy.

At HealthSpan Internal Medicine, I (Dr. Jessica Knape) take this approach personally. I spent 10 years working in memory care and have lost several family members to Alzheimer’s disease. I know how devastating cognitive decline is — and how urgently families need more than generic advice.

This is why our clinic uses ReCODE combined with clinical genomics, including IntellxxDNA, to pinpoint what’s driving each patient’s symptoms and what will make the biggest difference for their brain health.

Who ReCODE Helps
(and Who Should Avoid It)

ReCODE may help people with:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

  • Early Alzheimer’s disease

  • Subjective cognitive decline

  • Family history of dementia

  • Brain fog during midlife

  • Metabolic problems that impair cognition (insulin resistance, low ketone availability)

  • Chronic inflammation or immune dysregulation

  • Hormone-related cognitive changes (perimenopause/menopause)

  • Toxin-related cognitive issues (mold, heavy metals, pollutants)

ReCODE may not be appropriate for:

  • Individuals with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease

  • Those unable to participate in lifestyle or treatment modifications

  • People with uncontrolled psychiatric or neurological conditions requiring specialized care

  • Individuals who cannot complete recommended safety evaluations or follow-up appointments

    Every case is assessed individually to ensure the safest, most effective approach.

How ReCODE Works:
Evaluation, Timeline, and Monitoring

  • Your history, symptoms, exposures, nutrition, stress levels, sleep patterns, and medications are reviewed in detail. Cognitive testing is used as a baseline to monitor future improvements.

  • Depending on your symptoms, this often includes:

    • Metabolic labs (glucose, insulin, HbA1c)

    • Inflammation markers (CRP, homocysteine)

    • Thyroid and adrenal hormones

    • Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)

    • Vitamin and nutrient status (B12, D, magnesium, omega-3 index)

    • Toxicity screening (heavy metals, mycotoxins)

    • Gut-immune markers

    • Vascular and cardiac risk markers

  • At HealthSpan Internal Medicine, we frequently use IntellxxDNA — an advanced genomics tool that identifies specific genetic patterns affecting brain inflammation, detoxification, mitochondrial function, lipid transport, methylation, and Alzheimer’s-related risk pathways (including APOE).

    Genomics allow us to tailor the plan with extraordinary precision.

  • Your plan may include:

    • Medical nutrition therapy (including ketogenic or low-glycemic patterns)

    • Treatment of insulin resistance

    • Hormone optimization when appropriate

    • Detoxification support if toxins are contributing

    • Supplements chosen to match your lab/genomic patterns

    • Sleep optimization

    • Stress regulation and nervous-system balance

    • Anti-inflammatory strategies

    • Gut microbiome restoration

    • Targeted treatment of chronic infections if identified

  • Most people begin noticing early improvements within 6–12 weeks, with deeper changes occurring over 3–12 months.

    Ongoing assessments include:

    • Repeat cognitive testing

    • Lab follow-ups

    • Genomics-informed adjustments

    • Medicaiton optimization

    • Symptom tracking

    • Lifestyle coaching and accountability

  • ReCODE is generally safe when supervised by a trained clinician, but patients may experience:

    • Temporary fatigue as metabolic patterns shift

    • Digestive changes during microbiome therapy

    • Headaches or mood changes during detoxification

    • Hormone-related side effects if hormone therapy is part of the plan

    These are typically manageable with dose adjustments or pacing changes.

    ReCODE is not a replacement for emergency care or neurologic evaluation when needed.

  • Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

    • Sudden confusion or an abrupt change in mental status

    • New weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking

    • Severe headache or vision changes

    • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness

    • Rapidly worsening cognition over days to weeks

    These may indicate a stroke, infection, or another medical emergency.

How We Approach ReCODE
at HealthSpan Internal Medicine

At HealthSpan Internal Medicine in Boulder, CO, we integrate the ReCODE Protocol with:

  • Root-cause diagnostic methods

  • Clinical genomics (IntellxxDNA)

  • Advanced labs

  • Precision nutrition and metabolic therapies

  • Early-detection strategies for Alzheimer’s risk

  • Personalized hormone, sleep, and stress-regulation plans

  • A deep commitment to patient-centered care

I (Dr. Jessica Knape) bring a decade of experience in memory care and a personal mission shaped by losing loved ones to Alzheimer’s. This work is not abstract to me — it’s personal, urgent, and deeply human.

If you’re noticing early cognitive symptoms, or if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s and want proactive prevention, the earlier we intervene, the more powerful the results can be.

Sources

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
About Dr. Knape | Learn more or book a consult
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for personalized medical care.