Why Experts Warn That Costly Alzheimer’s Lifestyle Plans May Promise False Hope

Kerry Briggs faced a challenge keeping track of her daily supplements. To help, her husband, John, created a meticulous spreadsheet. It listed everything from ashwagandha to Omega-3 and curcumin, along with other supplements like ginseng and lion’s mane mushroom.

At 64, Kerry had started this regimen in July. Her routine eventually grew to 34 capsules and tablets each day, along with two scoops of powder. To simplify, John began blending them into a shake, cleverly disguising its unappealing color with brown food coloring.

Kerry was hopeful. A doctor had suggested that the right mix of supplements and lifestyle changes might slow or even reverse her Alzheimer’s symptoms. This idea has gained traction across various media—TV shows, podcasts, and conferences—but it has also drawn significant criticism from established medical professionals. Many argue there is little evidence supporting such claims and worry about the potential dangers for vulnerable patients.

John discovered this approach through Dale Bredesen, a former neurologist who has published books promoting lifestyle changes as a way to combat cognitive decline. Bredesen asserts that Alzheimer’s can be reversed through a combination of dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments. His book, “The End of Alzheimer’s,” has sold around 300,000 copies.

Dr. Bruce Miller, a leading neurologist at the University of California, San Francisco, noted that while diet and exercise may help slow Alzheimer’s, claims of reversal are misleading. “It’s one thing to say someone feels better and another to prove it,” he explained. Current medical standards lack definitive proof supporting Bredesen’s methods, raising concerns among other experts as well.

Statistics show that over 7 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s, making it the leading cause of dementia. Despite many years of research, effective treatment options remain scarce. The Alzheimer’s Association has backed some of Bredesen’s earlier research but describes his recent methods as lacking scientific rigor.

In contrast, supporters of Bredesen, such as Sally Weinrich and Darrin Kasteler, share personal success stories they attribute to his recommendations. This divide between proponents and skeptics often hinges on Bredesen’s bold claims and unconventional treatment plans.

Kerry’s journey began when her sister noticed troubling signs in 2021. Repeating stories, struggling to find words, and disorientation were warning flags. After tests confirmed Alzheimer’s, Kerry expressed a desire to participate in clinical trials, but her advanced condition precluded her entry.

John turned to Bredesen’s work after reading “The End of Alzheimer’s.” They signed up for a comprehensive program that required significant financial investment, amounting to approximately $25,000 over eight months. Kerry followed a strict regimen that included dietary restrictions—no apples or bananas, only blueberries allowed. They even experimented with blood tests to monitor her metabolic state.

As time passed, Kerry’s cognitive challenges persisted. They eventually stopped the regimen when they observed minimal improvements. John reflects on their journey, stating, “I think with the time that I have left with her, I’d rather honestly do that, than press on.”

The struggle to balance hope and practicality is common for families facing Alzheimer’s. While lifestyle changes can support overall health, it’s crucial to ground expectations in evidence. Continued discussions and research will be vital to finding viable solutions for this pervasive issue.

For further reading on Alzheimer’s research and guidelines, you can visit the Alzheimer’s Association.

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