Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Reversed?

Last Updated: October 2025

• Yes, Alzheimer’s disease can often be reversed—when the underlying causes are identified and corrected.
• At The Carroll Institute in Sarasota, more than 80% of our patients show measurable improvement using the Bredesen ReCODE protocol combined with functional neurology.
• However, the earlier the process begins, the better the outcomes tend to be.
• Therefore, addressing the biological and neurological root causes early offers the best chance for reversal and long-term brain health.

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At The Carroll Institute in Sarasota, we use the Bredesen ReCODE Protocol to identify and correct the root causes of cognitive decline.

What “Reversal” Really Means

For years, people were told that Alzheimer’s disease is progressive and untreatable. However, current research shows that cognitive decline is not always permanent. When the true causes of brain dysfunction are uncovered and treated, the brain can often stabilize and improve. In fact, studies have documented measurable cognitive recovery in a majority of patients who follow root-cause protocols such as Bredesen’s ReCODE program.

Therefore, “reversal” doesn’t necessarily mean an instant cure. Instead, it means halting the decline, improving daily function, and rebuilding cognitive strength over time. As a result, many patients regain their independence and quality of life.

Why Traditional Treatments Fall Short

Traditional medicine primarily focuses on managing symptoms with drugs such as donepezil or memantine. While these medications may provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying causes of decline. Consequently, the disease often continues to progress despite treatment.

By contrast, at The Carroll Institute, we don’t view Alzheimer’s as a single condition. Instead, we see it as the result of multiple, overlapping imbalances—metabolic, toxic, inflammatory, hormonal, infectious, and vascular—that can all impact brain function. Therefore, our treatment strategy targets each of these factors simultaneously for a more comprehensive recovery process.

Many people also ask whether Alzheimer’s can be prevented before symptoms begin. Learn more in Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?

How the ReCODE Protocol Reverses Cognitive Decline

The Bredesen ReCODE Protocol (Reversal of Cognitive Decline) is a precision medicine approach that identifies and treats the specific causes driving cognitive loss. Rather than relying on a single drug, it uses data-driven testing and personalized interventions to help the brain heal from within.

For example, if inflammation and insulin resistance are disrupting energy supply to the brain, the protocol focuses on anti-inflammatory nutrition and metabolic repair. Meanwhile, if heavy metals or mold toxins are impairing neural function, detoxification support is added. Additionally, hormone and nutrient optimization ensures that neurons receive the signals and building blocks they need to regenerate.

As a result, patients often experience sharper memory, better focus, improved sleep, and greater mental clarity—sometimes within the first few months of treatment.

The Role of Functional Neurology

Equally important, The Carroll Institute integrates functional neurology into every ReCODE plan. This allows us to retrain the brain itself by identifying which pathways have weakened and then rebuilding them through targeted neuroplasticity exercises.

For instance, a patient struggling with focus or balance may perform specific eye-movement drills or sensory coordination exercises that activate the exact neural circuits responsible for those skills. Over time, these exercises strengthen connectivity and improve performance. Therefore, combining ReCODE’s biochemical repair with neurological retraining accelerates recovery and helps results last longer.

What the Research Shows

Multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm that cognitive decline can be reversed using a multifactorial approach. For example, a 2014 study in Aging demonstrated reversal in nine out of ten participants using ReCODE-based methods. Later, a larger 2022 study reported that 84% of patients improved after nine months of comprehensive, personalized care.

Furthermore, MRI data and cognitive testing show measurable changes in brain volume, processing speed, and recall. These findings are significant because they challenge decades of belief that Alzheimer’s is irreversible. Instead, they confirm that targeted intervention can stabilize—and often restore—brain function.

Our Results at The Carroll Institute

At our Sarasota clinic, we have seen similar success. In fact, more than 80% of our patients show measurable cognitive improvement after following their personalized plan. Because we use advanced testing, functional neurology, and continuous data tracking, each protocol is refined based on individual progress.

Moreover, many patients begin noticing small improvements—such as better recall or less mental fog—within weeks. Over time, these changes accumulate, leading to greater focus, energy, and quality of life. Consequently, even patients who once felt hopeless often regain optimism and independence.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections—remains active throughout life. However, it functions best when intervention occurs early. Therefore, recognizing early warning signs and starting treatment promptly gives the brain its best chance to recover.

In addition, because Alzheimer’s can have dozens of underlying causes, comprehensive testing is essential. Without identifying those root causes, even the best therapy will be incomplete. That’s why our clinic focuses on both identification and correction—ensuring that no factor goes unaddressed.

A Message of Hope

For decades, families have been told that there’s nothing they can do about Alzheimer’s disease. Thankfully, that is no longer true. Because of groundbreaking research and protocols like ReCODE, patients can now take proactive steps to protect and restore their brain health.

At The Carroll Institute, we combine science, compassion, and precision to help patients reverse decline and rebuild their lives. With the right testing, the right protocol, and the right guidance, the brain can heal—often far more than most people realize.

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Related Reading

• Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?
• Alzheimer’s Treatment in Sarasota
• How Functional Neurology Helps Alzheimer’s

Book a Discovery Call to find out if reversal is possible for you.

Sources

• Reversal of Cognitive Decline: A Novel Therapeutic Program
• Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients
• Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease: Rationale and Implications
• Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline
• Sustained Cognitive Improvement in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Following a Precision Medicine Protocol

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