Components of the Treatment Plan

I. The initial step of the treatment plan is comprehensive assessment with the goal to determine which factors are the primary drivers in each patient, prioritize these drivers in the treatment plan and determine if cognitive factors other than Alzheimer’s are part of the patient’s clinical picture. It can take six months to identify and begin work on root causes.

The assessments include:

1. Cognitive evaluations:
   • CNS Vital Signs – a computer-based test of cognitive function
   • Brain Wave – a type of functional EEG completed in the office setting.
   • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
   • AQ 21 – a paper and pencil assessment completed by a significant other.
2. Biochemical assessment by comprehensive laboratory blood work
3. Functional MRI
4. Night time oxygen saturation monitoring
5. An optional assessment is genomics

II. Step Two: Diagnosis

Assessment data is analyzed to determine the type of cognitive decline and the subtypes of Alzheimer’s that are impacting the patient’s cognition.

III. Treatment. An individualized treatment plan is developed for the patient.

Therapies offered:

• • Nutritional counseling is provided to maximize brain function.
    • On the macro level this may include a low glycemic or whole food, Keto-flex diet progressing to a whole food, plant-based diet.
    • On a micro level nutritional support is provided to rebuild the nutrients the body lacks. Nutrient deficiencies are identified through advanced testing, such as Cell Sciences micronutrient testing
  • Nutritional supplements are recommended based on symptoms and laboratory results.
    • Common nutrient deficiencies include iron, iodine, B12, magnesium, Omega 3 fish oil and Vitamin D. Vitamins and minerals are replaced as needed and healthy fats are replaced through diet and supplements such as fish oil, choline, MCT oil, and lecithin.
    • Inflammation is identified by serum biomarkers such as high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, as well as other markers. Anti-inflammatory foods and targeted supplements help reduce inflammation.
  • Exercise with oxygen (EWOT) may be recommended to increased brain derived growth factor (BDNF)
  • Hormonal therapy can be provided to overcome hormonal deficiencies that impact memory.
  • Detoxification from heavy metals and biotoxins such as mold or Lyme that are known to be associated with cognitive decline.
  • Stress management and brain stimulation strategies are offered.
    • Stress management strategies can include adaptogenic herbs that support cortisol metabolism and the use of scientifically designed programs such as HeartMath® that provides biofeedback based on rhythmic breathing. This program has demonstrated significant improvement in cardiac coherence, a marker of general wellness.
    • Brain stimulation includes learning new things, such as a foreign language, or ball room dancing and/or use of computerized brain stimulation games such as Brain HQ®.

 IV. Evaluation

Evaluation of cognitive improvement is an ongoing process at each visit with more extensive evaluations repeated at 6- and 12-month intervals.