67: Dr. Ken Sharlin - Improving outcomes of neurodegenerative disease with Functional Medicine

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, are “chronic conditions that damage and destroy parts of your nervous system over time, especially your brain.” According to mainstream medicine, “these conditions are permanent and incurable, but many are now treatable thanks to medical advances. Currently, the main goal is to treat the symptoms and slow the progress of these conditions when possible”. 

We also know that neurodegenerative disorders are the leading cause of physical and cognitive disability around the globe, affecting 15% of the world population, and are expected to double over the next two decades.

Given that neurological disorders are so prevalent and on the rise, and given that mainstream medicine has few options other than symptom management, it is vital for the prevention and reversal of neurodegenerative disease to look elsewhere. Integrative and Functional Medicine has a lot more answers to neurodegeneration than mainstream medicine, and Dr. Ken Sharlin is a neurologist who has transformed his conventional neurology practice to incorporate more integrative and functional medicine approaches into his practice for better patient outcomes. 

In this episode of the MindHealth360 Show, we are joined by Dr. Ken Sharlin, author of *The Healthy Brain Toolbox*, who shares his journey from conventional neurology to a more holistic practice, emphasising the importance of addressing lifestyle, environmental factors, and personalised medicine in treating conditions like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and MS.

Dr. Sharlin discusses how modern neurology has traditionally focused on diagnosis and limited treatment options, often missing the opportunity to explore and address the root causes of neurological diseases. He explains that while medications and surgeries are valuable, they represent only a portion of the available tools. By incorporating functional medicine principles, including therapeutic lifestyle changes, environmental toxin mitigation, and addressing metabolic syndromes like "diabesity," Dr. Sharlin has expanded his toolbox to offer more comprehensive and effective care. 

One of the critical insights from Dr. Sharlin is the role of the gut-brain connection and how gut health can significantly influence brain health, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases. He also delves into the emerging role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress as primary drivers of diseases like Parkinson’s. Dr. Sharlin emphasises the importance of early intervention and personalised care, recognising that no two patients are the same, even when they have identical diagnoses.