Professional cyclist Dave Zabriskie launches line of brain health supplements called Cognitive Protocol

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In a May 6, 2025, press release, Olympian and former World Tour professional cyclist Dave Zabriskie announced the launch of Cognitive Protocol, an initiative focused on recovery from concussions and closing gaps on cognitive health and treatment in sports injuries. Founded by Zabriskie, Scott Thomson, and health professionals, the supplement regimen focuses on cognitive function during acute recovery and for long-term symptom support.

As noted on the company’s website, the three-pronged approach to brain health after a concussion or for those at risk involves immediate support, long-term resilience and setback prevention, as well as daily nutrition for protection and performance support¹.

As explained in a February 7 article² published by the company, for concussion response, Cognitive Protocol’s First Response products contain magnesium for nerve function, the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin for targeting free radicals in the body; creatine for energy; the antioxidant N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) for oxidative stress and inflammation reduction; the antioxidant Pterostilbene for reducing brain edema; pycnogenol for protecting synaptic proteins; zinc for cognition and mood support; L-Methyl Folate Calcium for brain function; vitamin E for antioxidant support and cognition protection; vitamins B3, B6, and B12 for energy production, brain health, and nerve cell response.

The Brain Greens products contain the antioxidant sulforaphane for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, spirulina for potential neuroprotection, and benfotiamine for cognition support. The company also has products targeting sleep, focus, and memory, as well as entire kits for more comprehensive support.

Zabriskie was motivated by his own experience with head injuries and the need for improved concussion care to establish the regimen. "During my worst crash at Redlands, I woke up in a helicopter after being unconscious for 15 minutes," he explained in the press release. "Back then, if you had no broken bones, you got back on the bike. The reality was head injuries just weren’t properly understood or addressed."

"Recovery doesn’t stop at the body. Brain fog, memory lapses, mood swings—these are real struggles affecting athletes and high performers long after an initial impact," stated Thomson. "Our goal at Cognitive Protocol is to make proactive brain health as fundamental as physical training."

Cognitive Protocol Product Development Team member Micky Dymond also explained his own experience recovering from symptoms from a traumatic brain injury from a cycling crash in 2019. “For a few weeks, I stopped all my other supplements and focused solely on Cognitive Protocol,” Dymond stated. “I noticed improved focus and better sleep. Before, I slept poorly and couldn’t tell if I was dreaming or just thinking. Since using the protocol, I’ve noticed a big difference. I’m sleeping better, dreaming again, and I can focus more during the day. Memories I thought were lost forever are coming back. I’m able to remember things and be more present. The protocol is helping to balance things out, allowing my mind to be freer, improving memory, and I feel like it’s giving me peace of mind.”

The supplements are intended for athletes and for individuals focusing on brain wellness. "This is about empowering athletes—and anyone who’s ever taken a hard hit—to recover smarter, feel sharper, and thrive," Zabriskie added.

The Cognitive Protocol supplements are currently available.

Reference

1. Cognitive Protocol. About Us. https://cognitiveprotocol.com/pages/about-us (accessed 2025-05-08).
2. Cognitive Protocol. Nutrition for Concussion Recovery: Supplements, Foods and More. https://cognitiveprotocol.com/blogs/news/nutrition-for-concussion-recovery-supplements-foods-and-morehttps://cognitiveprotocol.com/blogs/news/nutrition-for-concussion-recovery-supplements-foods-and-more (accessed 2025-05-08).