Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This small group is specifically designed for adults aged 35 and older who are experiencing early cognitive symptoms—such as "brain fog," mild forgetfulness, or word-recall challenges—and want to integrate a functional medicine approach with their traditional medical care.

 

Individuals who will benefit most from this group include:

 

The Early Symptom Responder: Those noticing subtle shifts in cognitive performance who want to take immediate action. Research shows that personalized health coaching can improve cognitive test scores by up to 74% in at-risk adults.¹

 

APOE4 Carriers: Individuals with one or two copies of the APOE4 gene. Studies in 2025 and 2026 highlight that lifestyle interventions, like increased walking and anti-inflammatory diets, may have a greater impact on global cognition for APOE4 carriers than for non-carriers.²

 

Women Over 50: Those navigating perimenopause or menopause, where hormonal shifts often trigger cognitive "fog" and increased long-term risk.³ This group addresses these unique biological transitions.

 

Individuals with a Family History: Those with a direct family history of Alzheimer’s or dementia who want to focus on "epigenetics"—using lifestyle to influence how their genes are expressed.⁴

 

The Integrative Patient: People currently seeing a traditional physician who also want to explore "root cause" strategies, such as The Bredesen Protocol®, focusing on metabolic health, inflammation, and nutrient optimization.

 

The Implementation-Focused Learner: Individuals who understand the importance of sleep, nutrition, and stress management but need the structure and accountability of a coach to turn that knowledge into a sustainable daily routine.

 

This group serves as a bridge, providing the social support and practical tools needed to manage cognitive health proactively while working in tandem with your clinical healthcare team.

 

🔘 Ask About Health Coaching Groups

🔘 About the Coach

🔘 Explore Resource Library

 

References:

1. JAMA Internal Medicine. Effect of personalized health coaching on cognitive scores in at-risk adults. Published 2024.

2. Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). Impact of walking and diet on cognition for APOE4 carriers. Presented 2025.

3. US POINTER Study Group. Lifestyle interventions and the delay of cognitive aging. Alzheimers Dement. Published 2025.

4. Women's Health Initiative. Hormonal shifts, epigenetics, and cognitive risk in postmenopausal women. Accessed January 6, 2026.

5.Institute for Functional Medicine. Evidence supporting the functional medicine approach to mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation in brain health. Accessed January 6, 2026.

What makes this support group different from a traditional one?

Unlike groups that focus solely on open-ended discussion, we use a "learning circle" approach. We center our meetings on specific chapters and videos from renowned dementia care experts, providing a shared language and a practical "toolkit" to help you navigate the daily challenges of caregiving.

 

Which books and resources will we be discussing?

Our curriculum rotates through these essential titles and multimedia resources: 

 

Understanding the Changing Brain by Teepa Snow: This core text explains the why behind dementia behaviors by looking at how the brain actually shifts. We combine this with Teepa Snow’s YouTube Channel to see her "Hand-Under-Hand" techniques in action.

 

Learning to Speak Alzheimer’s by Joanne Koenig Coste: A guide to "habilitation"—enhancing emotional well-being by learning to relate to your loved one in their own current reality.

 

Positive Caregiving by Sarah Teten Kanter: This resource uses positive psychology to help caregivers move beyond the "burden" narrative and find moments of connection and gratitude.

 

The 36-Hour Day by Nancy Mace & Peter Rabins: Often called the "bible" of dementia care, it provides essential guidance on medical, legal, and behavioral challenges.

 

Creative Engagement by Rachel Wonderlin: A practical guide to meaningful activities, helping you find ways to keep your loved one socially and cognitively active through "creative storytelling."

 

Do I have to read the entire book before the meeting?

No. We know your time is limited. Each session focuses on key takeaways and actionable strategies. You can participate and benefit even if you only have time to skim a chapter or watch a five-minute video clip during your morning coffee.

 

I’m already overwhelmed—is this group too much "homework"?

Our goal is to reduce your stress, not add to it. By learning expert-backed techniques—like Teepa Snow’s approach to brain changes—caregivers often find they spend less time "fighting" behaviors and more time connecting. You are welcome to join just to listen and gather tips.

 

What if my loved one has a different type of dementia?

The techniques we discuss—especially those in Understanding the Changing Brain and The 36-Hour Day—are applicable to all forms of cognitive impairment, including Vascular, Lewy Body, and Frontotemporal Dementia.

 

How do I get started?

You can browse our current reading and video schedule to see which topic we are covering this month. If you are looking for additional clinical support, the Alzheimer's Association provides 24/7 assistance to complement our peer-led learning.

 

 

🔘 Ask About Health Coaching Groups

🔘 About the Coach

🔘 Explore Caregiver Resource Library

🔘 Schedule a call to register

In 1:1 health coaching, the agenda is entirely driven by your personal goals and clinical needs. Working individually allows us to dive deeper into "root cause" resolution and create highly specific protocols that group settings may not accommodate.

 

Clients commonly choose to focus their 1:1 sessions on the following areas:

 

1. Personalized Cognitive Resilience

 

Genetic Optimization: Developing a lifestyle plan specifically tailored to your APOE4 status or other genetic markers. 

 

Brain Fog Resolution: Identifying triggers for cognitive "slumps," such as hidden inflammation, food sensitivities, or poor glucose regulation. 

 

Bio-Individual Nutrition: Designing a "Brain Food" plan that balances your specific metabolic needs—moving beyond a generic Mediterranean or Keto diet. 

 

Progress Tracking & Neuro-Monitoring: Utilizing optional repeat cognitive assessments to measure improvements in processing speed, memory, and executive function. 

 

Neuro-Plasticity Training: Implementing targeted brain-stimulation strategies and memory exercises designed to strengthen synaptic connections and cognitive resilience. 

 

2. Metabolic & Hormonal Balance

 

Blood Sugar Stability: Using tools like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to see how specific foods affect your energy and brain health in real-time.

 

Macro-Target Calibration: Calculating your precise macronutrient ratios to optimize metabolic flexibility and sustain peak cognitive energy.

 

Curated Culinary Guidance: Receiving weekly, brain-centric meal suggestions that align with your bio-individual nutritional requirements.

 

Environmental Optimization: Streamlining your kitchen through guided pantry clean-outs and strategic ingredient swaps to support mindful eating.

 

Food Monitoring: Journaling and tracking your food intake to help you learn more about your eating habits.

 

Menopause & Brain Health: Navigating the "hormonal transition" of your 40s and 50s to protect long-term cognitive function and manage mood or sleep disruptions. 

 

Mitochondrial Support: Implementing strategies to improve cellular energy, which is foundational for treating chronic fatigue and "brain-based" exhaustion. 

 

3. Advanced Lifestyle Integration

 

Circadian Rhythm & Sleep Architecture: Troubleshooting chronic insomnia or low-quality sleep, which is the brain's primary way of "cleaning" itself each night.

 

Sleep Physiology Monitoring: Continuously tracking nocturnal oxygen saturation levels to assess sleep quality and identify potential breathing disruptions.

 

Stress Resilience: Moving beyond simple "self-care" to implement nervous system regulation techniques like HRV (Heart Rate Variability) training. 

 

Neurological Down-Regulation: Engaging in guided meditation exercises to modulate the stress response and promote structural brain health through mindfulness

 

Movement for Longevity: Creating a sustainable exercise routine that prioritizes both muscle mass (strength) and cognitive protection (aerobic capacity).

 

Functional Longevity Integration: Building aerobic capacity, balance, and physical strength through safe, structured movements designed to support long-term musculoskeletal and cognitive health.

 

 

4. Environmental & Gut Health

 

The Gut-Brain Axis: Addressing digestive issues (like bloating or "leaky gut") that may be contributing to systemic inflammation and cognitive decline.

 

Toxin Reduction: Learning how to reduce your "toxic load" from household products, plastics, and environmental pollutants that can disrupt endocrine and brain health.

 

Environmental Detoxification: Transitioning to non-toxic personal care and home products to minimize your daily toxic load and create a safer living environment.

 

Bio-Safe Culinary Practices: Implementing safer cookware selections and refined cooking techniques to reduce chemical exposure and preserve nutrient integrity.

 

Pathogen & Toxin Remediation: Utilizing home mold testing and clear, gentle detoxification protocols to identify and resolve environmental stressors.

 

 

5. Behavior Change & Sustainability

 

Behavioral Architecture: Utilizing the "Gap" Strategy to identify barriers between knowledge and action, while building custom systems that make healthy choices your life's "default" setting.

 

Strategic Objective Mapping: Clarifying and defining your core health priorities to ensure every lifestyle intervention aligns with your long-term vision.

 

Systemic Routine Design: Establishing structured daily, weekly, and monthly protocols that automate health habits and integrate seamlessly into a high-performance schedule.

 

Dynamic Performance Tracking: Continuously monitoring progress and recalibrating objectives to ensure sustained growth and peak physiological optimization.

 

🔘 Ask About Health Coaching Groups

🔘 About the Coach

🔘 Explore Resource Library

🔘 Book a Discovery Call

 

References:

JAMA Internal Medicine. Effect of personalized health coaching on cognitive scores in at-risk adults. Published 2024.

Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). Impact of walking and diet on cognition for APOE4 carriers. Presented 2025.

US POINTER Study Group. Lifestyle interventions and the delay of cognitive aging. Alzheimers Dement. Published 2025.

Women's Health Initiative. Hormonal shifts, epigenetics, and cognitive risk in postmenopausal women. Accessed January 6, 2026.

Institute for Functional Medicine. Evidence supporting the functional medicine approach to mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation in brain health. Accessed January 6, 2026.

Combining these two methods gives you the best of both worlds: personalized precision and community strength. While your 1:1 sessions focus on your specific health history and medication needs, our small group learning circles provide the motivation and shared wisdom of others on a similar path. Together, they create a faster, more sustainable way to reach your health goals.

 

🔘 Ask About Health Coaching Groups

🔘 About the Coach

🔘 Explore Resource Library

🔘 Book a Discovery Call

Yes. We believe that health is not a solo journey. Involving your "inner circle" can significantly improve accountability and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding your wellness plan.

 

For 1:1 Coaching Sessions:
You are welcome to invite a spouse, adult child, or caregiver to your private sessions. Many clients find this helpful when discussing Medication & Supplement Management or Nutrition Support, as it ensures your household routines are aligned. We simply ask that you notify your coach in advance.

 

For Small Support Groups (Learning Circles):
Because our groups rely on a high level of trust and shared experience, "guest" attendance is handled differently to protect the privacy of all members.

 

Caregiver Specific Group: If you are part of a co-caregiver, we encourage you join as full participants.

 

Vitality/Memory Groups: If a family member wishes to join a group primarily for individuals with early cognitive symptoms, we recommend they enroll as a member or attend a dedicated Care Partner Support session instead.

 

Virtual Participation Requirements:

 

For security and privacy, all participants (including guests) must be in a private, quiet space. If joining from different locations, we can provide a multi-user link to ensure everyone can see and hear the discussion clearly.

 

 

🔘 Ask About Health Coaching Groups

🔘 About the Coach

🔘 Explore Resource Library

🔘 Book a Discovery Call

 

References:

National Institute on Aging: Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease

Family Caregiver Alliance: Caregiving and Virtual Support Groups

Institute for Functional Medicine: The Power of Social Support in Lifestyle Change

Journal of Medical Internet Research: Impact of Family Involvement in Virtual Health Coaching (2025 Study)

While I am a registered pharmacist in New York, our clinical medication reviews are currently available only to residents of New York. However, our health coaching services (focused on lifestyle and habits) may be available to those in other states.

 

 

🔘  Book Medication Review or Health Coaching

 

🔘  Learn More About Me

 

 

As a registered pharmacist in New York, I provide a deep-dive clinical analysis that standard health coaches cannot. We look beyond habits to assess drug-to-drug interactions, nutrient depletions caused by medications, and how your unique lab results align with your current regimen.

 

 

🔘  Book Medication Review 

 

🔘  Learn More About Me

 

I perform a comprehensive cost-analysis of your medications. In New York, pharmacists are experts in generic substitution laws and can help you identify therapeutic alternatives or assistance programs that could save you hundreds of dollars annually.

 

 

🔘  Book Medication Review or Health Coaching

 

🔘  Learn More About Me

Yes. Through a process called deprescribing, we identify "polypharmacy" issues—such as duplicate therapies or medications that are no longer necessary for your current health goals.

 

While I do not discontinue prescriptions myself, I provide you with a clinical summary to take to your doctor to safely discuss scaling back.
 

 

🔘  Book Medication Review or Health Coaching

 

🔘  Learn More About Me

 

This is one of the most critical parts of our review.

 

Many over-the-counter supplements can dangerously interact with or diminish the effectiveness of your prescribed medications.

 

I create a "Master List" that ensures every vitamin, herb, and prescription works together safely.

 

 

🔘  Book Medication Review or Health Coaching

 

🔘  Learn More About Me

It is possible. Many common medications for sleep, blood pressure, or allergies have side effects like confusion or dizziness that mimic early cognitive symptoms.

 

I evaluate your regimen to see if "medication-induced cognitive impairment" is a factor and discuss safer alternatives for your brain health.

 

 

🔘  Book Medication Review or Health Coaching

 

🔘  Learn More About Me

 

Yes, if you choose. I can provide a professional Medication Action Plan for you to share with your healthcare team, ensuring your primary care provider and specialists are all aligned on your current regimen.

 

 

🔘  Book Medication Review or Health Coaching

 

🔘  Learn More About Me

 

Participants often experience clearer memory, improved focus, better problem-solving, increased energy, and enhanced mood, leading to a return to normal activities and greater confidence in decision-making.

 

It's a comprehensive approach to optimize brain health and potentially reverse early cognitive decline. 

 

A monthly subscription through Apollo Health includes:

• Personalized report based on labs + history, genetics, and biomarkers to identify specific contributers or risks to cognitive decline

• Complimentary BrainHQ brain training

• Monthly cognitive assessments to track progress

• Access to educational guides, videos, community forums, and quarterly Town Hall recordings with Dr. Bredesen
• Practitioner locator to connect with brain health coaches or clinicians

• Mobile app to view your reports, track progress, and access resources on the go

 

Note: Labs are not included in the program subscription and are billed separately.

 

 

No extra fee through Functional Pharmacy!

As part of your coaching, we can help with:

 

• Tracking and integrating Keto-Mojo, BrainHQ, and Chronometer

• Completing MoCA cognitive assessments

• Generating and reviewing your report

 

 

🔘 Request Your Personalized Protocol Discovery

Active brain stimulation is one of the Seven Pillars of the Bredesen Protocol®. We don't just guess if your brain is improving; we use data-driven tools to measure and drive your progress.

 

BrainHQ™ Training: We utilize BrainHQ, a clinically validated brain-training platform. Participants are typically encouraged to spend 20–30 minutes, 3 to 5 times per week on specific exercises designed to improve processing speed, memory, and attention.

 

Repeated Cognitive Assessments: To ensure the protocol is working for you, you will participate in regular cognitive testing (such as the Cq or MoCA). By re-testing every 3 to 6 months, we can see exactly where you are improving and where we need to adjust your personalized plan.

 

Why We Track: These "brain vitals" allow us to move beyond subjective feelings like "I think I feel better" to objective data. Seeing your scores climb over time provides powerful motivation and confirms that your lifestyle changes are physically strengthening your neural pathways.

 

The Health Coach Advantage: Your coach helps you interpret these scores and ensures your training stays challenging but achievable. If you hit a plateau, we adjust your nutrition, sleep, or supplement protocols to ensure your brain has the "fuel" it needs to perform during your training sessions.

 

 

🔘 Request Your Personal Health Coach

 

References:

BrainHQ: The Science Behind Clinical Brain Training

Apollo Health: Tracking Your Progress with the Cq Test

Journal of Alzheimer's Disease: Cognitive Training Outcomes in Multimodal Protocols (2025 Study)

The time commitment for the Bredesen Protocol™ is less about "adding extra hours" to your day and more about restructuring the habits you already have. Most participants find that once the initial learning phase is over, the routines become a natural part of their lifestyle. 

 

The Learning Phase (Weeks 1–4):

Initially, you will spend a few hours a week reviewing your "Cognoscopy" lab results, learning the KetoFLEX 12/3 nutrition plan, and setting up your kitchen.

 

Daily Routine (Ongoing):

Nutrition: You aren't spending more time eating; you are simply shifting what and when you eat (following a 12-hour fast).

Movement & Brain Training: We recommend roughly 30–45 minutes of physical activity and 15–20 minutes of brain exercises (like BrainHQ) most days

Stress & Sleep: Most "effort" here is passive—prioritizing an 8-hour sleep window and 10 minutes of daily mindfulness.

Monthly Maintenance: You will spend 1–2 hours per month for coaching sessions to track progress, adjust supplements, and troubleshoot any roadblocks. 

 

 

The "Pharmacist Health Coach" Advantage:

The primary reason participants work with me is to save time. I help you skip the trial-and-error phase by providing clarity on your goals and simplified routines so you can implement the science without the overwhelm. 

 

 

🔘 Request Your Personal Pharmacist Health Coach

 

 

References:

Apollo Health: Getting Started with PreCODE and ReCODE

Journal of Alzheimer's Disease: Real-world Implementation of Multimodal Lifestyle Interventions (2024)

Institute for Functional Medicine: Sustaining Lifestyle Change in Chronic Disease

It uses advanced testing to find your unique cognitive drivers (like inflammation, toxins, metabolic issues) and creates a personalized plan to reduce those triggers, optimize nutrients, balance hormones, and rebuild neural networks.

 

🔘 Start My ReCODE Journey 

Absolutely. By targeting root causes of inflammation and metabolic issues, the protocol enhances overall health, immunity, sleep, and vitality, creating a more resilient body and brain. 

 

🔘 Start My ReCODE Journey 

These terms describe different stages of cognitive change, based on symptoms and daily functioning:

 

Subjective Cognitive Impairment (SCI):
A person notices changes in memory, focus, or thinking, but standard cognitive testing is usually normal. Daily activities remain unaffected. This stage offers the greatest opportunity for prevention and improvement.

 

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI):
Cognitive changes are measurable on testing and noticeable to others, but the person can still function independently in daily life. MCI increases the risk of developing dementia, though progression is not inevitable.

 

Dementia:
Cognitive decline is more advanced and interferes with daily activities, independence, and quality of life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, but there are multiple causes of dementia.

 

 

Understanding these distinctions helps guide expectations, timing, and the most appropriate support strategies—especially when the goal is early intervention and brain health preservation.

 

 

Wondering where you or a loved one may fall?

🔘 Schedule a complimentary discovery call to explore next steps.

 

Outcomes with the ReCODE Protocol vary depending on when someone begins and how consistently the program is followed. One of the most important lessons from the research is that earlier intervention leads to better outcomes. Ideally, we aim to support brain health before mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia develops.

 

That said, engaging with the protocol at any stage—when aligned with the individual’s and family’s wishes—can be a thoughtful and compassionate choice.

 

In general, the closer someone is able to follow the protocol, and the more support they receive from family, coaches, and practitioners, the better the results tend to be.

 

Based on Dr. Dale Bredesen’s clinical experience and published research to date:

 

Individuals with no cognitive symptoms (PreCODE stage):
Among those who had no measurable cognitive impairment and followed the PreCODE approach, there have been no documented cases of progression to dementia so far.

 

Those with subjective cognitive decline (SCI):

People who noticed early changes—such as memory lapses or word-finding difficulty—but did not yet meet criteria for MCI often show the most robust improvements. When root causes (such as inflammation, infections, metabolic factors, or toxin exposure) are addressed, many individuals improve and maintain those gains over time.

 

Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI):

Regaining lost cognitive function can be more challenging, but meaningful improvements are possible. In a 2022 study by Drs. Ann Hathaway and Deborah Gordon involving 25 patients with MCI or early Alzheimer’s disease, 84% showed cognitive improvement after nine months on the Bredesen Protocol™. Some participants improved modestly, while others experienced substantial gains—including improvements from the dementia range back into normal cognitive scores. As a group, improvements were present but generally less pronounced than in those who began at the SCI stage.

 

Those with dementia:

When the protocol is started later, outcomes are more variable and full reversal is not expected. However, meaningful quality-of-life improvements have been observed, such as regaining continence, improved awareness, or recognizing loved ones again. While individuals with dementia typically do not return to baseline cognition, these changes can still be deeply meaningful for both the individual and their family.

 

 

Overall, ReCODE is best viewed as a personalized, systems-based approach that aims to slow decline, improve function where possible, and support brain health with dignity and care—at every stage of the journey.

 

 

🔘 Start My ReCODE Journey 

🔘 Book my Discovery Call 

Starting early (PreCODE) can be highly effective for long-term brain health, potentially preventing future decline by addressing vulnerabilities before symptoms appear. You can still see benefits like better energy and mood. 

 

 

 

🔘 Enroll in PreCODE Prevention

 

🔘 Schedule a Discovery Call with Me

 

 

ReCODE costs vary significantly but typically involve three main components:

 

Apollo Health Membership: Required for reports, ~$39.95/month (PreCODE) or $75/month (ReCODE), billed monthly/annually.

 

Lab Fees: Initial and follow-up blood tests (e.g., ~850 for baseline, ~250 for 6-month), plus potential specialty labs.

 

Practitioner Fees: Varies by provider (MD, ND, etc.) for consultations, personalized plans, and ongoing support, ranging from hundreds to thousands annually.

 

Overall Estimate: First-year costs can range from a few thousand (with basic support) to over $10k-$15k (with extensive labs/support), with lower costs in subsequent years. 

 

 

Book My 15-Minute Brain Health Consult

 

Getting started is a straightforward process:

 

Step 1: Enroll in the Protocol. Visit the Apollo Health website to enroll in the appropriate program, ReCODE® (for those with cognitive decline) or PreCODE™ (for prevention).

 

Step 2: Select a Certified Practitioner. Use the Apollo Health database to find certified practitioners (MDs, NDs, etc.) and select me as your provider.

 

Step 3: Schedule a Discovery Call. Book a initial consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals and to confirm the program is the right fit for you.

 

Step 4: Develop Your Tailored Plan. The personalized ReCODE Report® will be used to identify your unique root causes (metabolic, toxic, etc). A tailored plan will then be created based on these findings.

 

Step 5: Implement and Monitor. With your permission, progress will be tracked and managed in collaboration with your other providers through regular virtual or in-person appointments to adjust lifestyle factors and monitor progress.

 

 

🔘 Enroll at Apollo Health

 

🔘 Schedule a Discovery Call