Indiana Center for Functional Medicine

12/08/2025

Exciting news forthcoming in the new year with the publication of this groundbreaking trial on reversal of cognitive decline using personalized precision medicine approach and targeting individualized therapies. We can't wait to see the final publication!

In his latest blog, Dr. Dale Bredesen highlights breakthroughs that reshaped what’s possible in Alzheimer’s prevention and care — from the Evanthea randomized controlled trial’s record cognitive improvements to powerful new blood-based biomarkers that help us “see it coming” much earlier.

He also shares significant progress in assisted living, including residents improving their cognition, successful treatment of atypical Alzheimer’s presentations once considered untreatable, measurable reductions in depression (PHQ-9), and a landmark case showing normalization of ASL MRI after a year on ReCODE.

Read the full recap: https://www.apollohealthco.com/heres-to-tw3/.

01/02/2025

This is what we do, in a nutshell!

02/25/2024

I was shocked to see this data 📊 Just look 👀 at the sky high risk associated with orthostatic hypotension. It’s worse than depression. If you or anyone you care about has a diagnosed disorder called POTS ( postural orthostatic hypotension ) this is something to consider addressing in order to prevent the risk of cognitive impairment or early onset dementia

Using data from over 300,000 participants, researchers found 15 factors associated with early onset dementia. Those factors include many we have included like APOE status, vitamin D deficiency, diabetes, and more. More education was one of the few factors reducing risk. Overall, the risk factors for early onset dementia are very similar to those identified for dementia and those addressed by ReCODE and the Bredesen Seven. Want better brain health? Assess your risk and get started on a prevention or reversal protocol now. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/26/alcohol-loneliness-increase-risk-early-onset-dementia

01/03/2024

Wonderful news for the start of the new year! Peak Health is open once again for new clients. If you've been waiting, now's your chance to get started our "Look Deeper"® approach. Find out more at ICFMed.com

04/02/2023

We are very excited about a newly rediscovered and extremely important molecule, NAD+. Nicotinomide Adenine Dinucleotide plays a vital role in energy production within the mitochondria. But, beyond that also helps regulate nutrient sensing pathways and repair DNA. The levels of NAD+ drop precipitously with age. In fact, the decline in these levels may be directly correlated with certain pathways involved in the aging process. Likewise, repletion of NAD+ may mitigate those effects helping to extend our lifespan and healthspan. We are incorporating novel nutritional supplements into protocols for our patients using NAD+ precursors of NR and NMN. These precursors are able to raise NAD+ levels back into the ranges most of us had in our teens and 20's. This subsequently may enhance energy production and may also promote longevity and vitality. If you are interested in these effects, please reach out to us for more information.

03/24/2023

Alcohol consumption is always a contentious topic in the health space. And this area continues to further unravel with the results of this research. Certainly there is what’s called a U-shaped curve where risk goes up with too little and too much. So the Goldilocks principle applies to find just the right amount. And that may differ for specific reasons in specific circumstances. At the Indiana Center for Functional Medicine we will guide our clients through that decision process. In general, we believe that the healthiest form is low alcohol 🍷 red wine which has tested to ensure no added harmful chemicals, pesticides or herbicides are present. Reach out to us if you are interested in working with us!

This is an important note for your next happy hour: A new study from Korea has shown that light drinking is associated with a decreased risk of dementia.

In the study, investigators looked at dementia risk using changes in alcohol consumption over a 2-year period in 4 million people. After almost seven years, light drinkers were 21% less likely to develop dementia, moderate drinkers 17% less likely, and heavy drinkers were 8% more likely to develop dementia.

Researchers defined these levels by the U.S. standard of 14g of alcohol per drink, so mild drinking was defined as

03/23/2023

At Indiana Center for Functional Medicine, we couldn't agree more strongly with the conclusions of this study. Who wouldn't opt for an eating pattern that reduces mortality by 14-20%? Many people are rightfully confused about what a healthy pattern of eating looks like given the amount of misinformation circulating by a few special interests. This study breaks it down in to 4 healthy eating patterns that make it a little easier. We believe that further personalization of dietary recommendations can even add further to the benefits. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us. We're happy to help.

Want to live longer? Optimize your diet.

New research published in JAMA shows that following one of four healthy eating patterns lowered total mortality. Using a pool of over 75,000 women and over 44,000 men, participants who scored in the highest quintile for healthy eating patterns had a 14-20% lower risk of total mortality than those in the lowest quintile. The lower risk was consistent across all racial and ethnic groups.

What these healthy dietary patterns typically included was high amounts of plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and whole grains, with lower amounts of refined grains, added sugars, unhealthy sodium, red and processed meats. Of course, we think completely eliminating inflammatory foods including sugar, refined and whole grains will likely yield even more gains, and with respect to cognition, the KetoFLEX 12/3 diet has shown repeated success.

This is just further evidence of how important your diet is to your overall health. The first, and likely easiest, step in your journey to a healthier life starts in the grocery store. https://www.medpagetoday.com/primarycare/dietnutrition/102552

08/02/2022

Loss of muscle as a result of aging is termed "sarcopenia" and, in turn, it has a negative impact on bone mineral density. Loss of bone mineral density is termed "osteopenia" and its progressesion can eventually lead to osteoporosis. Developing osteoporosis is a major turning point in an individual's life. The risk of fracture rises dramatically as a result of falls and life expectancy itself takes a steep decline as a result. Most falls actually occur due to a combination of loss of muscle and loss of balance. If an individual has intact muscle strength, as they start to fall as a result of losing balance, they can catch themselves through quick coordinated contraction of muscles mainly those in the lower extremities where the largest muscles are located. However, if they are too weak in those muscles or they activate too late, a fall will result. If the bones are weak, a fracture is likely to occur as a result. So there has always been a strong connection between muscle strength and bone strength in this way. However, now we realize there are deeper connections between bone and muscle strength than were heretofore appreciated. The link is the mitochondria in our cells as they become disrupted through age-related processes. And these processes start early in life. Like around age 30! Functional Medicine recognizes the vitally important role of the mitochondria in health and disease. We understand the myriad tools at our disposal to restore mitochondrial health through means such as specific dietary plans, proper types and amount of exercise, avoidance of toxins, and sometimes certain supplements where needed. If you want to avoid issues with sarcopenia and osteopenia, we are here to help. Reach out to us to find out more.

Can optimizing mitochondrial function as we age positively impact both bone quality and muscle mass, or even reverse age-related bone and muscle disorders?

06/29/2022

One of the first tests we check because it’s so fundamentally important and never to be missed in a work up. If you or a loved one are starting to experience symptoms of cognitive decline, reach out to us. We are here to help! (ICFmed.com for more)

As new research suggests folate deficiency is linked to dementia and premature death, dietitians explain how to get the essential vitamin.

06/28/2022

Increased intestinal permeability has been shown to play a central role in the pathogenesis of a range of chronic conditions such as autoimmunity and inflammatory bowel disease. What are the mechanisms by which intestinal permeability contributes to the pathophysiology of disease, and what can patients and their clinicians do about it? Reach out to us if you are interested in getting started improving your health in this crucial area. (ICFmed.com). Learn more about supporting gut microbial balance here: https://hubs.la/Q01fh9Y30

02/02/2022

Groundbreaking research 🔬 has confirmed what we’ve suspected to be the case for decades in Functional Medical. Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is the virus 🦠 which causes mono or monucleosis in humans. Most of us have acquired this infection by the time we are adults. However, like other viruses from the Herpes virus family, it lays semi-dormant in our white blood cells and other tissues forever. This results in dysfunctioning of the immune system. Unfortunately, parts of this virus mimick our host tissues. One of those tissues being the brain and central nervous system. The insulation wrapping around our nerves called myelin is one prominent target. When the immune system attacks the EBV it ends up destroying the myelin sheathing our neurons and manifesting in the disease of multiple sclerosis. Why not come see the doctors 🥼 in Functional Medicine who understand the deeper routes of the origin of this and many other conditions at a much deeper level? In Functional Medicine we are leaders in the field who are bringing innovations to medical care years before they are incorporated into conventional medicine. We can spot the many processes that can go awry causing diseases such as MS in order to prevent them as well as better address them once they have taken hold. Reach out to us here or on our website @ icfmed.com

New research reveals that the Epstein Barr virus (a Herpes family virus that causes mononucleosis) may be the leading cause of multiple sclerosis. The risk of multiple sclerosis increased 32-fold after infection with Epstein-Barr but not after infection with other viruses. Since nearly everyone harbors EBV, this finding strongly implicates the immune response to the virus—in other words, how we respond to an Epstein Barr infection determines whether we will develop MS. Follow-up studies should prove fascinating—will other viruses be implicated, as well, or will EBV prove to be responsible for virtually all cases of MS? https://bit.ly/3rVWTfG

01/30/2022

The APOE4 gene increases one's chances of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life, but also more than doubles the risk of developing severe COVID-19. This association was studied by researchers from the University of Helsinki. Furthermore, they reported APOE4 carriers were more likely to develop microscopic brain hemorrhages and were more susceptible to long-term symptoms following COVID-19 including mental fatigue. At Peak Health we are experts in dealing with issues related to APOE4 and have experience with many targeted approaches to mitigating risk for individuals who carry this important gene variant. If you'd like to learn more, feel free to reach out to us.

Carriers of the Alzheimer's associated APOE4 gene have more than double the risk of developing severe COVID-19, a new study reports. Additionally, more microscopic hemorrhages were found in the brains of APOE4 carriers who contracted coronavirus. Researchers report those with the APOE4 gene also are...