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Brain health & memory

Brain fog, memory changes and protecting your brain

Forgetting words, losing your train of thought or worrying about a family history of dementia can be frightening. Many causes of brain fog and memory change can be identified, and there is a lot you can do to protect your brain at any age.

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Free, no obligation. First consultation £354, including a health coaching session. See fees

20+ years in clinical practiceIFM Certified PractitionerBritish Acupuncture Council member

Smiling woman tapping her temple while holding a model of a brain

The short answer

Can brain fog and memory problems be improved?

Often, yes, especially when the causes are found early. Brain fog and memory changes can be linked to blood sugar and insulin, inflammation, blood flow, hormone and nutrient changes, toxins and poor sleep. Charmaine Shepherd is trained in Dr Bredesen's approach and uses a structured brain-health assessment (Cognoscopy) to identify your risk factors and build a personalised prevention plan.

WhoCharmaine Shepherd, IFM Certified functional medicine practitioner, 20+ years in clinical practice
Where4 Albyn Place, Edinburgh EH2 4NG, or online by video
CostFree 20-minute discovery call. Initial consultation £354, return visits £264
ReferralNot needed. You can book directly

Is this you?

Do these memory and brain fog signs sound familiar?

Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Forgetting names, words or appointments
Losing your train of thought
Memory changes in perimenopause or menopause
A parent or sibling with dementia
Known APOE4 gene status
Poor sleep, low mood or anxiety affecting thinking
Wanting to protect your brain as you age

If any symptoms are sudden or severe, contact your GP, call NHS 24 on 111, or call 999 in an emergency.

When does cognitive decline start?

Changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer's can begin 20 years or more before memory problems become obvious. That long window is an opportunity: many of the contributing factors can be measured and improved.

Research, including Dr Dale Bredesen's work, has identified a range of drivers of cognitive decline: inflammation, insulin resistance, low hormones, nutrient deficiencies, toxins, poor sleep, vascular problems and chronic infections. Each person has a different mix.

I am trained in the Bredesen protocol, and work with the CogMission brain-health team. The starting point is a Cognoscopy: a detailed assessment of the factors that affect your brain, followed by a personalised plan.

Looking for the cause

What causes brain fog and memory problems?

Most people have more than one contributing factor. The aim is to find yours, so treatment targets the cause rather than just the symptoms.

Blood sugar & insulin

Insulin resistance is closely linked with cognitive decline, sometimes called "type 3 diabetes".

Inflammation & infection

Chronic inflammation, gum disease and some infections are associated with brain changes.

Blood flow

What's good for your arteries is good for your brain. High blood pressure and plaque matter.

Hormones & nutrients

Oestrogen, thyroid, B12, vitamin D and omega-3 levels all affect brain function.

Toxins

Exposure to metals, mould and other toxins can contribute to brain fog and decline.

Sleep & lifestyle

Sleep, movement, stress and social connection are some of the strongest protective factors.

How I investigate

What does a brain-health assessment include?

A Cognoscopy-style assessment can include:

Metabolic markersfasting glucose and insulin, HbA1c, lipids, homocysteine
Inflammation markershs-CRP and others
Hormones and nutrientsthyroid, sex hormones, vitamin D, B12, omega-3 index
GeneticsAPOE status, if you wish to know it, with support to understand what it means
Toxin and vascular assessmenttoxic elements and, where useful, a carotid artery scan
Cognitive screeningto set a baseline and track progress

Tests are priced separately and always agreed with you first. Bring any recent NHS or private results to your consultation. See all laboratory tests

How it works

How does working with Charmaine work?

Free discovery call

Free · up to 20 minutes

Tell me what’s going on and find out whether my approach is right for you.

Initial consultation

£354 · includes health coaching

A detailed look at your history, symptoms and lifestyle, with tests recommended only where they will help.

Your plan & follow-up

Return visits £264

A written plan covering nutrition, lifestyle and targeted supplements, reviewed as your results and symptoms change.

In person at 4 Albyn Place, Edinburgh, or online by video. See all fees

Patient stories

In their own words

“I have very often felt my concerns ignored in a traditional medical setting, but not here. Charmaine takes time to find the root causes of health problems and addresses them with natural supplements and lifestyle changes.”
Judith McNab, functional medicine patient

Questions about brain health and memory

Can’t see your question? Book a free call or ring the clinic on 0131 235 1232.

What is a Cognoscopy?

It's a structured brain-health assessment, developed from Dr Bredesen's work, combining blood tests, genetics, toxin screening and cognitive testing. It shows which risk factors apply to you so your plan can focus on them.

I have no symptoms but a family history of dementia. Is it worth an assessment?

Yes. Prevention works best early, and knowing your risk factors means you can act on them years before any symptoms.

Do you work with people who already have a diagnosis?

Yes, alongside their medical team. The aim is to address contributing factors that may support brain function and quality of life.

Is there a group programme?

Yes. The Brain Vitality Programme runs from time to time. See the events page for dates. The CogMission team also offers programmes and assessments.