01/13/2026
clinically conservative, safety-first functional medicine protocol for an 85-year-old male with dementia and chronic low-back pain from spinal stenosis, using Designs for Health (DFH), Pure Encapsulations (PE), and Nourish & Flourish.
This plan prioritizes cognitive stability, pain modulation, mobility preservation, fall prevention, and caregiver simplicity. Doses are modest, additions are staged, and anything potentially sedating or destabilizing is avoided.
1) Functional root causes to address
Dementia
Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
Mitochondrial inefficiency
Insulin resistance and micronutrient gaps
Sleep fragmentation
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Nerve compression → neurogenic pain
Local inflammation
Muscle guarding, deconditioning
Reduced gait confidence → falls
Shared drivers
Chronic inflammation
Poor circulation
Reduced protein intake
Low activity tolerance
Goal: calm inflammation, support neuronal energy, reduce pain signaling, and keep him moving safely.
2) Nutrition strategy (simple, familiar, protective)
Core principles
Protein at every meal (prevents sarcopenia and supports cognition)
Anti-inflammatory fats
Steady blood sugar
Hydration with electrolytes
Familiar foods to preserve appetite and adherence
Emphasize
Protein: eggs, poultry, fish, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, soft meats, protein shakes if needed
Carbs: oats, rice, potatoes/sweet potatoes, fruit (berries, citrus)
Fats: olive oil, avocado, nut butters (small amounts)
Micronutrients: cooked greens, soups, bone broth
Limit / avoid
Alcohol
Ultra-processed foods
Excess sugar
Very large meals late in the evening
3) Supplement protocol (gentle, staged)
Introduce one new supplement every 5–7 days. Monitor alertness, balance, bowel habits, and appetite.
A. Brain & mitochondrial support
DFH
OmegaAvail Ultra – 1 softgel daily
Neuroinflammation and vascular support
Vitamin D Supreme – dose to labs (often 1,000–2,000 IU/day)
PE
CoQ10 (ubiquinol) – 100 mg daily
Mitochondrial support; helpful if on statins
B. Pain & nerve modulation (non-sedating)
DFH
Curcum-Evail – 1 capsule daily
Anti-inflammatory without opioid or NSAID risks
PE
PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) – 300–400 mg once daily
Well-tolerated option for neuropathic/stenosis pain
C. Muscle, bone & sleep quality
DFH
Magnesium Glycinate Powder – 200–300 mg in the evening
Muscle relaxation, sleep quality, constipation support
PE
B-Complex Plus – every other day
Neural metabolism and energy (avoid daily if overstimulating)
D. Nourish & Flourish (daily)
Supports NRF2 activation, antioxidant defense, mitochondrial efficiency, and vascular health
Appropriate for long-term use with minimal pill burden
4) Exercise & movement (most important intervention)
Pain improves with safe movement. Cognition improves with routine.
Daily (non-negotiable)
Short walks (5–10 minutes) 2–4×/day, flat surfaces, supportive shoes
Upright posture; rest as needed
2–3×/week (supervised)
Chair-based strength
Sit-to-stand
Seated leg extensions
Standing heel raises (with support)
Light resistance bands for rows
Mobility & pain relief
Gentle hip flexor and hamstring stretches
Heat to low back before movement
Avoid prolonged sitting
Avoid
Bending/twisting under load
Uneven terrain
Fasted or fatiguing sessions
5) Environmental & caregiver strategies (often decisive)
Consistent daily routine (meals, walks, sleep)
Bright morning light exposure (circadian support)
Supportive chair height to reduce lumbar strain
Fall-proofing (night lights, clear pathways, grab bars)
Simple cues for hydration and posture
6) Expected timeline
2–4 weeks: improved comfort, steadier energy, better sleep
6–8 weeks: modest pain reduction, improved gait confidence
3–6 months: preserved mobility, fewer pain flares, slower functional decline
7) Safety notes (critical)
Coordinate with the primary clinician for medication interactions
Avoid sedatives, anticholinergics, and high-dose CBD/THC
Reassess if there is new weakness, bowel/bladder changes, or sudden cognitive decline
Solutions 4 Health is your source for nutritional and health supplements, vitamins, and customized Wellness Protocols. We also offer condition-specific protocols, at-home lab health testing, and ongoing support.