Frequently asked questions

Anyone who wants to protect or improve their brain health. For example:

• you’ve noticed memory lapses, brain fog or word-finding problems
• you have a family history of dementia or carry a known genetic risk
• you, or someone you love, has a diagnosis of cognitive decline or dementia
• you’re experiencing menopause brain fog
• you simply want to stay sharp as you age

A free, no-obligation 20-minute call with a CogMission clinician. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions and suggest a sensible next step, which may or may not involve working with us.

No. You can contact us directly. With your permission, we’re happy to share findings with your GP (family doctor) or specialist.

• Length: 90 minutes with our clinic directors, Charmaine and Jean
• Purpose: a detailed case history of your health, lifestyle and family background
• Family welcome: relatives are encouraged to join, especially if memory makes it hard to recall details
• What to bring: recent test results, letters and a list of current medicines and supplements

Yes. Many appointments can take place by video call, and we only need to meet in person when it genuinely helps. Our Edinburgh clinic is quiet, comfortable and fully accessible, and we’re happy to discuss any particular needs before you visit.

Think of it as an MOT for your brain. It combines:

• a computerised cognitive assessment of memory and thinking
• comprehensive blood tests that look at the factors linked to cognitive decline
• a detailed review of your health and family history

It gives a clear picture of where you are now and what may be driving any symptoms. Find out more about the Cognoscopy.

Yes. We test for things that aren’t usually included in routine GP blood tests. We also look for optimal levels and patterns between results, not just whether each one falls within the normal range.

No. If you’re near Edinburgh, we can take your bloods at the clinic. Elsewhere in the UK, we’ll help you arrange a visiting phlebotomist who sends samples straight to our laboratories.

Most people start with three steps: blood tests, a cognitive assessment and the case-history consultation. In around 80% of cases this is enough to build your plan. If the cause is still unclear, we may suggest further tests, and we’ll always explain the reason and the cost before going ahead.

Yes, where it’s relevant. In our clinical experience, a significant proportion of our cognitive patients in Scotland show signs of mycotoxin (mould) exposure, so we consider environmental factors as part of the wider picture.

A plan built around your results, which may include:

• nutrition and diet changes
• targeted supplements and herbal medicines
• exercise, sleep and stress strategies
• addressing specific issues such as hormones, gut health or toxins

You’ll have regular appointments, contact with the team between sessions, and your plan is reviewed as you progress.

Everyone is different, but we usually look for signs of improvement, or at least no further decline, within 3 to 6 months. If progress isn’t what we’d expect, we review your plan to find out what may have been missed.

It’s best thought of as a long-term lifestyle change rather than a short course of treatment. The first few months are the most intensive. After that, most people move to a lighter maintenance stage with regular check-ins and testing.

No one can currently offer a proven cure. What we offer is a personalised approach that aims to address the underlying factors, and we have seen many patients stabilise or improve. We’ll always be honest with you about what is realistic.

No. Our programmes complement, and do not replace, care from your GP or specialist. Please don’t stop or change any prescribed medicine without speaking to your doctor. We take your current medicines into account when recommending supplements or herbs.

Probably a little, even if you already eat well. We often recommend a version of the KetoFLEX approach: lower in refined carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats and vegetables. There’s no single diet that suits everyone, so we tailor it to you and give practical help to make it work day to day.

Herbal medicines are made from plants, backed by traditional use and modern research. Our medical herbalist is trained in clinical diagnosis, uses quality-assured, traceable suppliers and checks carefully for interactions with any medicines you take. Blends are tailored to you and adjusted as you improve.

The gut and brain are in constant two-way communication, including through the vagus nerve. Poor gut health and inflammation can affect how the brain works, so supporting the gut is often an important part of a brain health plan.

Costs depend on the programme and the tests you need. As a guide:

Prices are a guide and may change. We’ll confirm everything in writing before you start.

The first months involve the most work: analysing your results, building your plan and adjusting it quickly. Once things are stable, appointments focus on maintenance and regular testing, so the monthly cost falls.

No. We’ll explain what’s included and what isn’t before you start, and we’ll always tell you the reason and cost of any extra test before it’s arranged.

Dr Dale Bredesen is an internationally recognised neurologist and researcher in Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative disease. He founded the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and developed the Bredesen Protocol, which looks for and addresses the many factors that can contribute to cognitive decline.

No. We are no longer affiliated with Apollo Health. We continue to apply the core principles pioneered by Dr Bredesen, which shaped our early years of practice. Working independently gives us more flexibility in testing and treatment, so we can adapt our approach to the needs of patients in the UK.

Your care is led by our clinic directors, Charmaine Shepherd (Functional Medicine Practitioner) and Jean Dow (Functional Medicine Practitioner and Medical Herbalist), supported by Joanna Bednarek (Health Coach and Client Support). Meet the team.

Yes. Your health information is treated in strict confidence and handled in line with UK data protection law. We only share information, for example with your GP, with your permission.

Yes. Hormonal changes can affect memory, focus and confidence. We offer individual support and workshops that look at the causes of brain fog, from hormones and sleep to blood sugar and stress. Menopause support for individuals.

Yes. Our four-week corporate brain health programme gives employees the latest guidance through live workshops, online or on site. Corporate programmes.