How It Works

Alzheimer’s is not limited to amyloid tangles but is a multifactorial condition arising from interacting domains:

• Toxins (e.g., heavy metals, pollutants)
• Nutrients (deficiencies or imbalances)
• Stress (psychosocial and physiological)
• Structural (vascular and physical health)
• Infections (chronic bacterial and viral)
• Signaling (hormones, immune function, neurochemistry)

Focusing on a single cause yields limited results. What’s needed is “stacked modalities” to influence all factors synergistically.

This begins with a comprehensive intake: medical history, cognitive performance (MoCA, CBS), lifestyle, environment, and genetics (e.g., APOE4). Laboratory testing includes metabolic panels, inflammatory markers, toxin load, and infectious screens. Ongoing monitoring tracks objective cognitive performance and lab follow-ups to tailor interventions. This personalized blueprint guides the creation of an adaptive treatment plan.

A. Nutrition and metabolism

Dr. Sandison endorses a ketogenic or low-carbohydrate, high-healthy-fat diet to stabilize blood glucose, reduce inflammation, and enhance ketones for brain fuel. She emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods and nutrient-dense options like omega‑3s and antioxidants.

B. Physical activity and brain fitness

Exercise is described as “medicine for the brain.”

Four pillars include:

• Aerobic exercise (150 to 200 minutes per week at 70 to 85% max heart rate) to improve vascular supply
• Strength training (at least twice per week) to boost BDNF and neuroplasticity
• Dual-task exercises (e.g., dancing with memory cues)
• Contrast oxygen therapy (alternating hypoxic and hyperoxic cycles) to stimulate microvasculature

C. Stress resilience and sleep

This includes structured routines, mindfulness, and circadian alignment. Stress is mitigated through therapy, journaling, and social connection. Restorative sleep is emphasized to support glymphatic system cleansing.

D. Toxin reduction and environment

Interventions include targeted detoxification using binders, sweating, and liver support. Environmental modifications aim to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors and indoor pollutants while optimizing air and water quality.

E. Infection control and immune health

Labs are used to uncover chronic infections (e.g., herpes, Lyme, oral pathogens), followed by targeted antivirals or antimicrobials as needed.

F. Optimizing signaling pathways

This includes hormone and metabolic optimization (thyroid, insulin, sex hormones), nutraceuticals (B vitamins, magnesium, herbal supports), and the use of pharmaceuticals when appropriate.

Dr. Sandison’s 2023 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease followed 34 participants with early cognitive decline over six months. MoCA scores improved from approximately 19.6 to 21.7, which was statistically significant. The CBS battery showed gains across memory, reasoning, verbal ability, and concentration. Personal success stories support these findings, with participants regaining independence, communication, and vitality.

Dr. Sandison champions working with a multidisciplinary team—including naturopaths, neurologists, dietitians, and therapists—along with coaching support and caregiver education.

Envision a visual pyramid with the following structure from foundation to apex:

• Diet, sleep, and stress
• Multi-modal exercise
• Detox and environment
• Immune and infection management
• Signaling optimization

This schema allows layering interventions in a cumulative, personalized way.

• Alzheimer’s is treatable and modifiable, not inevitably irreversible.
• Systemic, personalized treatment works better than single-path medicine.
• Consistency and feedback are vital, with regular tracking and adjustments.
• Patients and caregivers gain agency through structured knowledge and community.