The Decode Protocol

A complete baseline for cognitive, metabolic, and cardiovascular health

Developed by Dr. Louisa Nicolas, Scientific Advisory Council Member, in partnership with Next Health.

The Decode Protocol is an in-clinic, data-driven assessment of brain, metabolic, and cardiovascular health. By combining advanced biomarkers, genetic insights, and physical performance testing, this comprehensive evaluation helps identify potential risks early.

All testing is completed on-site at Next Health in West Hollywood. The results are then reviewed by Dr. Louisa Nicolas, who uses your data to develop a personalized plan focused on proactive health optimization and disease prevention.

What to Expect

Your visit starts with a blood draw (preferably fasted). This allows us to look at key markers of your overall health, as well as advanced biomarkers related to brain health and Alzheimer’s risk, including Amyloid Ratio and pTau-217. We also check your fatty acid balance with OmegaCheck, which helps us understand inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

You’ll complete a simple cheek-swab genetic test, which helps identify inherited risk factors and shows us where lifestyle or medical interventions can have the greatest impact.

We’ll also assess how your body is performing today through a series of physical and cardiovascular tests, including:

  • Body composition (InBody) to understand muscle, fat, and metabolic health
  • Grip strength to evaluate overall strength and longevity markers
  • Balance and mobility testing to assess stability and fall risk
  • CONNEQT cardiovascular analysis to evaluate heart health
  • VO₂ Max testing to measure fitness and cardiovascular capacity

Results & Follow-Up

Physical testing and VO₂ Max results are immediately available during your visit. Blood and genetic results typically return within four weeks. Once complete, your final lab reports are delivered securely to you by email.

Once all results are received, Dr. Nicolas’s office will contact you to schedule a one-on-one consultation. During this visit, Dr. Nicolas will review your data in detail and provide your personalized health optimization plan.

Protocol testing is only available at the Next Health in West Hollywood location.