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Brain Vitality Programme

May 15, 2025

We are thrilled to announce the latest edition of our signature Brain Vitality Programme This programme brings together the expertise of three practitioners from the Cogmission Functional Medicine Health Clinic in Edinburgh. Cogmission specialises in both the prevention of brain health issues and the treatment of cognitive decline, using Dr. Bredesen’s protocol.

We’re proud to present this comprehensive programme, designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to protect and optimise your brain health. This updated version will be available again this May.

Dementia is now the leading cause of death for women in the UK, with someone developing it every three minutes. Despite the scale of the challenge, dementia research remains underfunded. However, proactive steps can be taken now to better understand cognitive decline and its causes.

At Cogmission, we believe in lifelong learning, which is why we’re excited to offer our Brain Vitality Programme workshop. Led by our team of trained practitioners, experts in Functional Medicine, nutrition, biofeedback therapy, herbal medicine, breathwork, and more, this workshop empowers you to take charge of your brain health.

Over the course of our 6-week, hands-on learning experience, you’ll explore essential topics such as:

  • Risk Factors for Cognitive Decline
  • The Importance of Clinical Testing
  • Nutritional Therapy for Brain Health
  • Optimising Gut Health
  • Managing Stress
  • Improving Sleep Quality
  • The Role of Exercise
  • Brain Training for Cognitive Function
  • Psychology of Change & Habit Formation

Our advice is rooted in the latest scientific research, and our experts will work with you to tailor this information to suit your unique needs and lifestyle.

Ready to invest in your brain health? Join us for the next 6-week online programme, starting on 15th May. Sessions will be held every Thursday from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Cost: £295 for six modules.

Throughout the course, we will delve into key areas such as:

  • Nutritional Therapy for Brain Health: Learn how to fuel your brain with the right nutrients to enhance cognitive function and prevent decline.
  • Optimising Gut Health: Discover how your gut influences brain health and how to nurture this vital connection for mental clarity and focus.
  • Managing Stress: Explore effective stress reduction techniques that support mental resilience and cognitive vitality.
  • Improving Sleep Quality: Understand the crucial link between sleep and brain health, and gain practical strategies to improve your sleep patterns.
  • The Role of Exercise: Learn how physical activity plays a key role in brain health and how to incorporate it into your routine for maximum benefit.
  • Brain Training for Cognitive Function: Engage in exercises designed to boost cognitive performance, memory, and mental agility.

In addition to these core topics, we will also cover:

  • Risk Factors for Cognitive Decline: Identify the key risk factors that could impact your brain health and learn how to mitigate them.
  • The Importance of Clinical Testing: Understand the role of specific clinical testing to monitor and optimise brain health.
  • Psychology of Change & Habit Formation: Learn how to create lasting behavioural changes and build habits that support brain health for the long term

Charmaine Shepherd IFMCP MBAcC BSc Biomed

As a fully certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, I am deeply committed to empowering individuals to take control of their health journey. Employing a holistic approach that embraces natural remedies, acupuncture, biofeedback, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments, I have amassed over 24,000 successful treatments. My expertise spans a wide range of health issues, including navigating autoimmunity, cardiovascular health, brain health, chronic inflammation, persistent fatigue, digestive disturbances and many more.

At the core of my practice lies the belief that true healing stems from understanding and addressing the root causes of health issues. Through personalized care and guidance, I strive to empower my clients to reclaim control over their well-being and thrive during this transformative stage of life

 Jean Dow (BSc (Hons), BA (Hons), MSc)

As a medical herbalist and functional medicine practitioner, I bring together the rich tradition of herbal remedies with modern medical insights to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions. My expertise lies in understanding the intricate connections between botanical medicine and human physiology, allowing me to address health concerns at their root causes. I am committed to crafting individualized treatment plans that honor each person's unique biology and circumstances, aiming for long-term wellness rather than short-term symptom relief.

Through compassionate guidance and evidence-based practice, I empower my clients to take control of their health journey. Continual learning and staying abreast of the latest research ensure that I provide the most effective and up-to-date care possible.

Joanna Bednarek

As a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC) with a background in nutrition, my focus is on supporting individuals by optimising all pillars of health. I joined Cogmission in 2019, where I trained in Neurofeedback therapy and took on the responsibility of administering QEEG scans and brain mapping for several years. Currently, I oversee cognitive testing to help assess and optimise brain function.

In my work, I combine my solid understanding of habit psychology with practical tools to empower individuals in making lasting changes and implementing healthy habits.

I take great pleasure in designing and delivering comprehensive group programmes, such as the Brain Vitality Programme, where we get to share years of experience and expertise.

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Let's work together to see how I can help. I welcome clients from every race, creed, colour, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation and gender expression. I provide a safe and empathic space for anyone who is committed to working with me to improve their health.

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