A Message from Dr. LaPerriere on Recent Media Coverage of Functional Approaches to Alzheimer’s Care

By Daniel LaPerriere, M.D, Certified ReCODE 2.0 Practitioner Founder, Colorado Concierge Functional Medicine

As a physician committed to treating cognitive decline and dementia, and as a practitioner who has seen patients improve firsthand, I was disappointed by the recent New York Times article addressing the ReCODE program. While the piece purported to examine functional medicine’s role in Alzheimer’s care, it unfortunately presented a narrow and unbalanced view that failed to capture the depth and nuance of the work being done by Dr. Bredesen, myself, and many others in the field.

I spent several hours in thoughtful conversation with the reporter, discussing the case of a patient with advanced dementia who had turned to the ReCODE protocol as a last effort to remain at home and delay institutional care. We explored the program’s multifaceted structure, the critical importance of early intervention and adherence, and how outcomes must be framed in light of disease stage. In this case, the goal was not reversal, but stabilization — an outcome that the patient and family deeply valued.

During that same discussion, I highlighted the encouraging outcomes we’ve seen across our practice. Over 65% of our patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have experienced measurable improvement — even reversal — of cognitive decline. Many individuals with mild to moderate dementia have shown sustained stability or improvement, and even some with more advanced cases have regained meaningful quality of life. I shared stories of patients who returned to work, regained independence in daily tasks, and reconnected with loved ones — results that are exceedingly rare with standard care alone.

Unfortunately, that broader context was absent from the final article, as was the experience of many other patients and physicians who volunteered to speak with the reporter about their positive outcomes. The portrayal of the ReCODE protocol was reduced to basic supplement recommendations, omitting the robust, systems-based evaluations, precision interventions, and comprehensive lifestyle support that define the program. It was also troubling to see respected leaders in the field referenced without appropriate professional recognition.

Being interviewed in this capacity was a new experience for me, and it has been sobering to see how a thoughtful and honest conversation can be distorted to fit a pre-formed narrative. Despite the article’s tone, I remain proud of the work we do. Like many innovations in medicine, functional approaches to cognitive health are often met with skepticism before their value is fully recognized. Our work is grounded in science, individualized care, and a belief that patients deserve more than symptom management — they deserve a chance at real improvement.

We will continue to advocate for evidence-based, comprehensive solutions to cognitive decline. I remain fully committed to supporting patients and their families on this path of hope and healing.

Dr. Daniel LaPerriere
Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician
Certified ReCODE 2.0 Practitioner
Founder, Colorado Concierge Functional Medicine