Last Updated: October 2025

When patients begin noticing brain fog, forgetfulness, or difficulty focusing, they often receive vague answers like “it’s just aging.” Unfortunately, traditional testing methods rarely uncover the real reasons behind cognitive decline. Most tests only look for late-stage disease, not the subtle imbalances that slowly damage brain function over time. At The Carroll Institute in Sarasota, Dr. Garland Glenn, DC, PhD, AFMC takes a different approach. By using comprehensive Functional Medicine and Bredesen ReCODE Protocol testing, we identify the hidden causes of decline so patients can take action early—before symptoms progress.

Unlike conventional lab work that merely rules out disease, root cause testing seeks to understand why dysfunction is happening in the first place. Consequently, this method allows us to map out inflammatory, hormonal, toxic, or metabolic imbalances that directly impact the brain. As a result, patients not only gain clarity about their health but also receive a highly personalized plan for recovery.

Why Standard Testing Misses the Root Causes

Most standard blood panels are designed to detect late-stage problems—such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or anemia—rather than the subtle, multifactorial changes that begin years before memory loss occurs. In contrast, Functional Medicine testing evaluates optimal ranges instead of “normal” ones. Therefore, it can identify early dysfunction long before it becomes irreversible.

Moreover, research now shows that Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline have multiple overlapping causes. These include chronic inflammation, metabolic imbalance, toxin exposure, infections, and nutrient deficiencies. Because these drivers vary from person to person, targeted testing is essential to uncover the true picture.

Key Root Cause Tests for Cognitive Decline

At The Carroll Institute, we use a comprehensive test panel that examines more than 150 biomarkers. Each one helps uncover the “why” behind your symptoms. For example:

• Inflammation Markers: Tests like CRP, homocysteine, and IL-6 reveal whether systemic inflammation is driving brain changes. (Learn more)
• Hormone and Adrenal Panels: Because hormone balance is vital for neuroprotection, we assess cortisol rhythm, thyroid function, estrogen, and testosterone levels. (See how hormones affect memory)
• Metabolic and Insulin Resistance Testing: Imbalanced blood sugar can starve neurons of energy. Therefore, we measure fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR to assess metabolic stress. (Read the article)
• Nutrient and Mitochondrial Function: Organic acid tests and micronutrient panels reveal whether your brain cells are getting the raw materials they need for energy. (Learn more)
• Toxin and Heavy Metal Panels: Hidden exposures to mold, mercury, or lead can impair mitochondrial function. Consequently, identifying and detoxifying them is critical. (Why this matters)
• Infectious Panels: Persistent infections such as Lyme or Epstein-Barr reactivate inflammation. (Discover more)
• Gut and Microbiome Analysis: A disrupted gut microbiome contributes to neuroinflammation and leaky brain syndrome. (See the gut-brain link)
• Genetic Testing: Genes like APOE4 or MTHFR influence detoxification and lipid metabolism, shaping individualized prevention plans.

In summary, these tests don’t just describe your condition—they explain it. Therefore, we can address the problem at its source instead of simply managing symptoms.

Understanding the Six Subtypes of Cognitive Decline

Dr. Dale Bredesen’s groundbreaking research identified six distinct subtypes of cognitive decline. Each one stems from a unique pattern of root causes, and consequently, each requires a tailored approach. At The Carroll Institute, we test across all six categories to uncover your individual ReCODE profile:

• Inflammatory (Type 1): Caused by immune dysregulation or infection.
• Atrophic (Type 2): Driven by hormonal or nutrient depletion.
• Toxic (Type 3): Linked to heavy metals, mold, or chemical exposure.
• Vascular (Type 4): Results from poor blood flow or metabolic dysfunction.
• Traumatic (Type 5): Follows brain injury or chronic stress-induced inflammation.
• Glycotoxic (Type 6): Rooted in insulin resistance and blood sugar instability.

By identifying which subtype—or combination—you fall into, we can develop a plan that directly targets the underlying mechanisms of decline. This is what makes the ReCODE Protocol both precise and effective.

From Data to Personalized Healing

Once testing is complete, the results are not just reviewed—they are translated into a personalized roadmap. Because each lab marker tells part of your brain’s story, our process integrates all data into one unified plan. As a result, your care becomes specific, measurable, and goal-oriented rather than generalized.

For example, if inflammation markers are high, we focus on anti-inflammatory nutrition, detoxification, and mitochondrial repair. If hormones are imbalanced, we restore thyroid and adrenal function. And if toxins or infections are found, we safely eliminate them while rebuilding your brain through Functional Neurology therapies that promote neuroplasticity.

Why Root Cause Testing Matters

Root cause testing empowers patients with knowledge. Instead of wondering why they feel unwell, they finally understand what’s happening inside their body. This understanding leads to targeted interventions that actually move the needle. As a result, over 80% of our ReCODE patients demonstrate measurable improvements in memory, mood, or focus within months.

In short, guessing ends here—and science begins. If you’ve been told that nothing can be done for cognitive decline, it’s time to take a deeper look. Book a Discovery Call with The Carroll Institute today and learn what your body’s data reveals about your brain health.

Sources

• Reversal of Cognitive Decline — NIH (2014)
• Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease — NIH (2023)
• Rationale for a Multifactorial Approach — NIH (2022)

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