About CogMission

Brain health care that looks at the whole person

Founded in Edinburgh in 2017, CogMission helps people understand and address the causes of memory loss, brain fog and cognitive decline, with personalised care delivered with compassion.

2017Founded in Edinburgh
40+Years’ combined clinical experience
BredesenProtocol trained

Watch: CogMission, what we do. Co-founders Charmaine Shepherd and Jean Dow explain how we help people protect and improve their brain health.

Our story

Why we started CogMission

Charmaine Shepherd and Jean Dow founded CogMission in 2017, after years of working together treating complex conditions.

Throughout our careers we have seen what happens when people improve their brain health. Many patients come to us with memory loss, menopause brain fog or a dementia diagnosis, feeling there is little help available. Some have even been told nothing can be done.

Research now shows that brain health can be protected and improved. Seeing those changes in our patients is what drives us.

Two women talking over coffee at a table
45%

of dementia cases are linked to risk factors that can be changed.

The Lancet Commission, 2024
Our approach

Personalised, evidence-informed care

There is rarely a single cause of cognitive decline, so there is rarely a single answer. We look for the underlying factors in each person and build a plan around them.

Find the root causes

Detailed history and functional testing look at factors such as metabolic health, hormones, nutrition, sleep, inflammation and toxins.

Trained in the Bredesen Protocol

Charmaine and Jean have completed recognised training in the principles and functional testing developed by Dr Dale Bredesen.

Support at every step

A personalised programme with ongoing coaching, adjusted as you progress, and support for families and carers too.

Our team

Safe, skilled and on your side

Our clinicians combine functional medicine, health coaching and herbal medicine to look at the whole picture.

  • Charmaine Shepherd

    Charmaine Shepherd

    Co-founder & Clinic Director

    Functional Medicine Practitioner

  • Jean Dow

    Jean Dow

    Co-founder & Clinic Director

    Functional Medicine Practitioner and Medical Herbalist

  • Joanna Bednarek

    Joanna Bednarek

    Health Coach and Client Support

    IFM Certified Health Coach

Our mission

To transform brain health through education, research and practical care, delivered with compassion

  • Empower people, including women facing cognitive changes in menopause, to improve brain function and live active, fulfilling lives.
  • Support people living with dementia with strategies aimed at stabilisation and improvement, offering hope and a better quality of life.
  • Reach beyond our patients to families and communities, building awareness and proactive brain health.
  • Set new standards of care, combining expertise and compassion.

Talk to us about your brain health

One free 20-minute call with a CogMission clinician. No obligation, just clear answers and a sensible next step.

Book a free call Call