F.A.Q.
WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM?
The program is 3 months. This is how long it took patients with cognitive decline to show a marked improvement on the Protocol. However, these 3 months are simply a jumpstart to the rest of your life. This program is designed to teach you how to implement the Bredesen Protocol into your daily routine.
For this reason, we consider all current and past participants lifetime Sia members! Once a year, we will send a reminder email to re-do your labs to see where you stand. If you’d like to repeat the program at any time, you are free to do so.
HOW EASY IS THE PROGRAM TO FOLLOW?
Just as the brain is a complex organ, addressing brain health is complex. The Bredesen Protocol is not a simple diet, nor is it simply a diet. Through our consultations, I will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to not only optimize cognitive health, but also understand the “why” behind each element of the protocol, so that you can maintain your health for decades to come.
DO I NEED TO BUY SPECIAL FOOD FOR THE PROGRAM?
No, we will provide you with easy-to-prepare recipes and grocery lists, accompanied by simple nutritional guidelines. You don’t have to be a professional cook – with a little time in the kitchen, you can pull together meals from items in local grocery stores.
CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE PROGRAM?
A small amount of wine is permitted.
SHOULD I ONLY BE ON THE PROGRAM IF I HAVE A HISTORY OF DEMENTIA IN MY FAMILY?
No! The same program that prevents cognitive decline has also been shown to optimize every area of health. This is no surprise, really, because it comprises all areas of diet and lifestyle that the human genome requires for optimal health.
IS THE PROGRAM JUST A DIET?
No. The Bredesen Protocol targets multiple underlying causes and physiological biomarkers of cognitive decline, with the goal to improve cognitive function, such as:​
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Metabolic issues
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Inflammation
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Toxicity
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Gut health
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Genetics
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Nutrient deficiencies
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Cognitive stimulation
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Lifestyle factors that contribute to the pathology such as poor sleep; stress; lack of exercise; poor diet high in sugar
DO I NEED TO EXERCISE ON THE PROGRAM?
Yes – daily movement is essential to the program. If you suffer from an injury, we can help tailor your workouts to your personal needs and fitness levels.
DO I REALLY WANT TO KNOW MY APOE STATUS?
This is something you and only you can decide. If you’d rather not know, that’s perfectly okay! You can still take all the preventative measures while not knowing your APOE status. And if you decide you’d like to know and you turn out to be an APOE4 carrier (which increases the risk of Alzheimer's), remember – this is preventable! This is why we’re here.
WHAT IF I AM APOE4 POSITIVE?
If you decide to find out your APOE status and you carry 1 or 2 copies of the APOE4 allele, then our strong recommendation is to also get your ReCODE report at AHNP. This is the report that specializes in reversal of Alzheimer’s (as opposed to prevention). More testing is required, and more variables are addressed. There is also a wealth of information, as well as an incredibly supportive community, that is offered by APOE4.wiki.com, a nonprofit started by an APOE4 carrier who has successfully reversed early symptoms of Alzheimer’s by implementing the Bredesen Protocol.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIA AND RECODE?
The Sia Program and the ReCODE Report serve different purposes, and each has its own benefit. While the ReCODE report will provide you with individual lab and genome results to identify the potential sources of cognitive decline, the Sia Program offers coaching and resources to help implement the necessary modifications based on those results. So essentially, they work hand in hand.
WILL YOU WORK WITH MY CURRENT DOCTOR?
Yes. We do not provide medical care or treatment. We work directly with your current doctor to help you obtain the necessary testing. If you have obtained your ReCODE Report, we will use this information as well. We will then use that information (along with any medical history you provide us with) to develop and help implement a personalized program specific to your individual needs. We work together with your doctor to give you the best possible team of support to ensure the greatest care and outcome.