If someone you love has been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or early Alzheimer’s, you’re not powerless. The Bredesen Protocol®—a data-driven, personalized approach to cognitive decline*—offers a structured plan to uncover root causes and support better brain function. At Forum Health, our Bredesen Protocol-certified providers in Vienna, VA, Lansdowne, VA, Silver Spring, MD, and Greenville, SC, deliver this care with clarity, compassion, and a focus on tangible next steps.
In this post, we’ll explain what the protocol is, what to expect from our program, and how to take the first step.
What Is the Bredesen Protocol®?
The Bredesen Protocol® (often implemented as ReCODE 2.0) is a comprehensive, lifestyle-based medical framework designed to identify and address contributors to cognitive decline. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, it utilizes detailed assessments—comprising cognitive testing, advanced laboratory tests, and genetics—to create a personalized plan tailored to each individual’s unique biology.
Key areas typically addressed:
- Metabolic health (blood sugar, insulin resistance)
- Inflammation and immune function
- Nutrient status and hormones
- Toxic exposures: metallic toxins, environmental toxins, and biotoxins
- Sleep quality and oxygenation
- Gut health and microbiome balance
- Movement, stress, and lifestyle factors, including weight and body composition
While no program can promise a cure, many participants experience meaningful improvements in cognition, daily function, and quality of life—especially when they start early and follow a consistent plan.
Meet Your Lead Providers: Lynese L. Lawson, DO, ABAARM, IFMCP, and Connie Casebolt, MD, MPH (ReCODE 2.0 Certified)
Our Bredesen Protocol® program is led by Dr. Lynese Lawson and Dr. Connie Casebolt, both nationally recognized functional and regenerative medicine physicians.
Dr. Lawson is:
- ReCODE 2.0 certified to deliver the Bredesen Protocol®
- Board-certified in Anti-Aging/Regenerative Medicine (ABAARM)
- An Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP)
Dr. Casebolt is:
- ReCODE 2.0 certified to deliver the Bredesen Protocol®
- Certified in chelation therapy (ACAM)
- Certified in Q-REstrain Therapy for Lyme Disease and Viral Infections
What to Expect from Your Forum Health Providers
We’ve designed our Bredesen Protocol® care pathway to be thorough, supportive, and easy to follow.
1) A Deep-Dive Evaluation (Your “Cognoscopy”)
- Cognitive screening: tools like MoCA and CNS Vital Signs to assess memory, processing speed, and executive function.
- Advanced labs include metabolic markers, inflammatory signals, nutrient levels, hormones, metal toxins, environmental toxins, biotoxins, and more.
- Genetics, when appropriate, including APOE status, to help personalize your plan.
2) A Personalized Brain Health Plan
After your testing, you’ll meet with your provider to review results and map a plan that will include:
- Detailed medical treatment plan to address all sub-optimal findings from Cognoscopy
- Assessment of the patient’s risk against the six factors that Dr. Bredesen has identified as the primary causal factors for Alzheimer’s disease
- Precision nutraceuticals
- Bioidentical hormone replacement
- Targeted nutrition and therapeutic foods
- Sleep optimization and stress-reduction strategies
- Exercise and oxygenation support
- Detoxification support
- Cognitive training and daily lifestyle practices
Your own ReCode report, a 50+ page personalized report with step-by-step instructions on how to optimize your cognition, with all of the resources you need to heal.
3) Ongoing Support & Monitoring
We’ll track progress, adjust interventions, and partner with you and your family. Our goal is to help you slow— and in many cases, reverse—early decline* by addressing what’s driving it for you.
Periodic cognitive retesting to validate treatment efficacy and adjust as needed
Why Start Now?
With cognitive decline, time is everything. The earlier you identify contributors and take action, the more leverage you have to protect memory, attention, and daily functioning. Families often tell us the greatest relief comes from finally having a plan they can follow—one that feels hopeful and practical, not overwhelming.
Is the Bredesen Protocol® Right for You or a Loved One?
Consider a Brain Health Consult if you or a family member has:
- A diagnosis of MCI or early Alzheimer’s
- Noticeable forgetfulness, word-finding challenges, or slower processing
- A strong family history of dementia and a desire to be proactive
- Chronic issues that can affect the brain (e.g., sleep apnea, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation)
If you’re unsure where to start, our team will help you select the ideal entry point.
Families & Caregivers: How You Can Help
Your support is powerful. Here’s what we’ve seen make a difference:
- Join the visit (in-person or virtual) to hear the plan first-hand.
- Practice the plan together—cook supportive meals, take walks, and establish wind-down routines to improve your sleep.
- Celebrate small wins—improved focus, steadier mood, better sleep, or more confidence with daily tasks.
- Reduce friction—prep supplements, simplify calendars, and use reminders for key habits.
Care That’s Close to Home
We offer appointments at four convenient locations:
- Vienna, VA — 8245 Boone Blvd, Suite 260, Vienna, VA 22182
- Lansdowne, VA — 19450 Deerfield Ave, Suite 245, Lansdowne, VA 20176
- Silver Spring, MD — 1117 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
- Greenville, SC — 850 S Pleasantburg Dr #103, Greenville, SC 29607
When appropriate, we also support tele-visits to keep momentum strong between in-person visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until we see changes?
Everyone responds differently. Many families notice early improvements in energy, sleep, or day-to-day clarity within weeks, while cognitive metrics often change over months—consistency matters.
Does insurance cover this?
Coverage varies by plan and service. Our team can help you understand costs and provide documentation for out-of-network benefits when available.
Can this help if symptoms are more advanced?
The protocol is most effective in the early stages, but its components can still support quality of life at later stages. We’ll be honest about expectations and personalize care accordingly.
Is this a cure?
No. The Bredesen Protocol® is an evidence-informed, individualized program designed to address contributors to decline. Results vary, and no outcomes are guaranteed.
Take the Next Step
If you’re reading this, you’re already doing something brave—looking for answers. We’re here to help you turn that into action with a plan that’s personal, compassionate, and grounded in data.
Schedule a Brain Health Consult at One of These Forum Health Locations:
*Based on the study, Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/100patientstudy. Bredesen Protocol® is a personalized, evidence-informed program. Individual results vary; this is not medical advice.
