A precision medicine approach already delivering strong outcomes for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment is now showing encouraging results in managing depression as well.
In a new preprint titled “Significant Reduction in Depression Scores Following Implementation of the ReCODE Program: Evidence from PHQ-9 Assessments,” Dr. Ram Rao and colleagues report that the ReCODE® protocol led to a marked reduction in depression scores among patients with both cognitive decline and depression. The study included 170 patients, assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). After one month or more on the protocol, participants experienced an average four-point reduction in PHQ-9 scores, with the most pronounced improvements observed in those with more severe depression.
The ReCODE protocol takes a comprehensive approach to addressing multiple contributors to cognitive decline, such as sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, chronic infections, toxic exposures including air pollution, and chronic stress. Many of these same factors are also linked to depression, suggesting the program may deliver dual benefits: strengthening brain health while improving emotional well-being.
"Depression is a common and devastating complication for individuals facing Alzheimer's disease and related conditions," said Dr. Rao. "Our findings suggest that by treating root causes of cognitive decline, we may also alleviate depression, significantly improving quality of life for patients and families."
As the study is a preprint and has not yet undergone peer review, the results should be regarded as preliminary but promising evidence of ReCODE’s potential to enhance both cognitive and emotional outcomes.
Apollo Health, the developer of the ReCODE program, applies computational algorithms to personalise the evaluation and treatment of complex neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. The company continues to validate precision medicine strategies aimed at both preventing and reversing cognitive decline.