The Importance of Comprehensive Testing in the ReCODE Program

Last Updated: October 2025

When it comes to reversing cognitive decline, there’s one universal truth: you can’t fix what you don’t measure. The reason most Alzheimer’s treatments fail is because they overlook the underlying causes of brain dysfunction. The ReCODE Program changes this by using comprehensive, data-driven testing to uncover the unique combination of factors that contribute to each person’s cognitive decline.

At The Carroll Institute, Dr. Garland Glenn and his team specialize in identifying these root causes through advanced laboratory testing, DNA analysis, and brain function assessments. This level of insight allows us to create precise, personalized plans that target the real drivers of memory loss and brain fog—rather than guessing or treating symptoms.

Why Traditional Testing Misses the Mark

Most neurologists rely on brief memory tests and standard lab work, such as thyroid or cholesterol panels. While helpful for overall health, these tests do little to uncover the biochemical imbalances that destroy brain cells. Without deeper investigation, inflammation, toxins, infections, and hormonal imbalances often go unnoticed—and untreated.

As a result, many patients are told that “nothing can be done,” when in fact, multiple reversible causes are hiding beneath the surface. The ReCODE Program is designed to find those causes and correct them before further damage occurs.

The Core Tests Used in the ReCODE Program

Each patient’s testing profile is personalized, but generally includes:

• Inflammatory Markers: Tests like C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, and cytokines reveal systemic inflammation that damages neurons.
• Hormone Evaluation: Imbalances in thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, or cortisol can drastically impair brain energy and function.
• Metabolic Health: Markers such as fasting insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR detect insulin resistance—the root of “Type 3 Diabetes” Alzheimer’s.
• Toxin and Heavy Metal Testing: Identifies exposure to mercury, lead, pesticides, and mycotoxins that interfere with brain repair.
• Infectious Burden: Detects chronic infections like Lyme, herpes simplex, or Epstein–Barr virus that trigger neuroinflammation.
• Genetic Risk Analysis: Includes APOE genotype and advanced IntellxxDNA testing to identify inherited risks and optimize treatment precision.
• Functional Neurology Assessment: Maps areas of the brain that are underperforming, guiding customized cognitive rehabilitation drills.

This comprehensive approach reveals exactly how and why your brain is declining—so we can build a personalized roadmap for recovery.

From Data to Results: The Precision Medicine Advantage

The ReCODE Program doesn’t guess—it measures. By analyzing the interaction between your genes, hormones, metabolism, and environment, we identify what type of cognitive decline you have—whether inflammatory, glycotoxic, toxic, or vascular. Each type has its own targeted interventions, ensuring that treatment is both accurate and effective.

This personalized strategy is what sets the ReCODE Program apart. Instead of trying to block a single protein (like amyloid), it restores balance to the entire system, giving the brain what it needs to repair itself naturally.

The Carroll Institute’s Advantage: Next-Level Diagnostics

At The Carroll Institute, we go even further by incorporating functional brain assessments and technologies such as photobiomodulation therapy and neurosensory integration exercises. These tools help us measure changes in brain activation and track progress throughout treatment—offering patients measurable proof that their brains are healing.

Combined with continuous lab monitoring, this approach ensures that your care plan evolves as your biology improves—helping you maintain progress for life.

"Testing is the foundation of every recovery we see. When you understand why the brain is declining, you can design a plan that brings it back."

— Dr. Garland Glenn

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References

• Bredesen DE. Reversal of Cognitive Decline: A Novel Therapeutic Program. Aging (2014).
• Bredesen DE, et al. Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2023).
• Bredesen DE, et al. Sustained Cognitive Improvement in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Following a Precision Medicine Protocol. Biomedicines (2024).
• IntellxxDNA. IntellxxDNA for Patients (2025).
• Apollo Health. Setting the Record Straight (2024).

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Garland Glenn, DC, PhD, AFMC (Advanced Functional Medicine Clinician)
The Carroll Institute — Sarasota, FL
About Dr. Garland Glenn
For educational purposes only; not a substitute for medical advice.