Last Updated: October 2025

A Breakthrough Approach to Reversing Cognitive Decline

For decades, Alzheimer’s disease was considered irreversible. Patients were told to manage symptoms and “hope for the best.” However, Dr. Dale Bredesen’s research showed that cognitive decline is not caused by a single problem; instead, it results from many interrelated factors. Consequently, the ReCODE Program was created to identify and correct those root causes so the brain can recover.

At The Carroll Institute, we use the ReCODE Program as the foundation of care and combine it with Functional Neurology therapies. As a result, our patients experience measurable improvement—our clinic sees 84% of patients improve when they follow their personalized plan.

What “ReCODE” Means

ReCODE stands for Reversal of Cognitive Decline. It’s a precision-medicine program built on 25+ years of research that has identified more than 40 contributors to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Rather than masking symptoms, the program pinpoints each person’s unique mix of causes and then provides a tailored plan to address them.

The Science: Multiple Root Causes, One Personalized Plan

Traditional medicine often pursues a single target (like amyloid) with a single drug. In contrast, the ReCODE Program evaluates—and treats—several categories at once:

• Inflammation: Chronic immune activation disrupts neural signaling. See Inflammation & Brain Health.
• Toxins: Heavy metals and mold toxins impair neurons. See Heavy Metals and Mycotoxins.
• Hormones & Nutrients: Low thyroid, sex hormones, vitamin D, or B vitamins undermine cognition. See Hormone Imbalances and Nutrient Deficiencies.
• Insulin Resistance: “Type 3 diabetes” starves neurons of fuel. See Blood Sugar & Brain.
• Infections: Lyme, EBV, and others can inflame the brain. See Chronic Infections.
• Energy & Circulation: Mitochondrial dysfunction and low blood flow reduce brain energy. See Mitochondria.

Because most patients have several of these drivers at once, a comprehensive, personalized plan is essential.

How the ReCODE Program Works at The Carroll Institute

Phase 1: RECLAIM — Identify Your Root Causes

We begin with advanced testing: inflammatory markers, hormones, metabolic panels, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and more. Moreover, we utilize IntellxxDNA—available only through certified clinicians—to map genetic risks that influence detoxification, inflammation, mitochondrial function, and cognition.

Phase 2: RESTORE — Remove and Repair

Next, we reduce inflammation, clear toxins, normalize blood sugar, and optimize hormones and nutrition. At the same time, we implement Functional Neurology therapies—such as customized cognitive drills, photobiomodulation & sensorimotor therapy—to stimulate neuroplasticity and rebuild damaged pathways.

Phase 3: RENEW — Strengthen and Sustain

Finally, we lock in progress by optimizing sleep, stress physiology, and daily routines. We also refine home-based cognitive exercises and create a long-term plan so improvements last. See Sleep, Stress & Cortisol for more.

How the ReCODE Program Differs From Traditional Alzheimer’s Care

Traditional Medicine	The ReCODE Program
Treats symptoms with drugs	Identifies and reverses root causes
Same plan for everyone	Personalized plan for each patient
Focus on late-stage disease	Focus on prevention and early reversal
Tracks decline	Tracks measurable improvement

When Will I Notice Improvements?

Timelines vary. Some patients feel clearer within weeks; others see steady gains over several months. Importantly, most research and clinic experience show significant improvements by the 9-month mark when all root causes are addressed consistently.

Published Research and Clinic Outcomes

Peer-reviewed studies—including Reversal of Cognitive Decline and Sustained Cognitive Improvement Following a Precision Medicine Program—document measurable recovery. At our clinic, 84% of patients improve on objective testing and daily function when following their personalized plan. See Alzheimer’s Treatment in Sarasota for more.

References

• Reversal of Cognitive Decline: A Novel Therapeutic Program (NIH)
• Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients
• Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease (NIH)
• Rationale for a Multifactorial Approach (NIH)

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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
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice.