Bugs to Brain: How Infectious Diseases May Precipitate Neurodegeneration with Dr. Jay Lombard
Sep 4, 2019
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Dr. Jay Lombard, an internationally acclaimed neurologist and expert in neuroimmunological conditions, unpacks the fascinating connections between gut health and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. He discusses the impact of bacterial imbalances and C. difficile infections on neurological symptoms. Lombard advocates for a holistic treatment approach that integrates biological, psychological, and dietary factors, including the promise of ketogenic diets. He also explores innovative therapeutic strategies, such as hyperthermia, to enhance brain health.
Bacteria, including Clostridium difficile, have been found in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases, challenging the belief that the brain is sterile.
Protein misfolding, caused by microtubule dysfunction, is a common feature in neurodegenerative diseases, with bacteria-produced toxins contributing to this process.
Research is ongoing to explore the use of treatments targeting bacteria, such as fecal microbiota transplantation and the ketogenic diet, for neurodegenerative diseases.
Deep dives
Bacteria as the Cause of Neurodegenerative Diseases
There is compelling evidence that bacteria are the cause of neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have shown the presence of bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. This challenges the traditional belief that the brain is sterile. Bacteria can enter the brain through a leaky blood-brain barrier, which can be caused by inflammation and other factors. Understanding this role of bacteria in neurodegenerative diseases opens up new possibilities for treatment and prevention.
Protein Misfolding and Microtubule Dysfunction
Various neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and MS, share a common feature of protein misfolding. Protein aggregation, caused by microtubule dysfunction, can result in the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain. The link between bacteria and neurodegenerative diseases involves the production of toxins, such as Rokinite, by bacteria like Clostridium. These toxins can lead to microtubule dysfunction, contributing to the misfolding of proteins and the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
Potential Therapies and Future Directions
Investigations into the role of bacteria in neurodegenerative diseases are still ongoing. Treatments targeting bacteria, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and the use of secondary bile acid tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), show promise in preclinical and clinical studies. The ketogenic diet is also considered as a potential adjunctive therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is needed to establish clinical validity and determine the optimal approach for treating and preventing these diseases. In the field of neurology, there is optimism that these new insights will lead to more effective interventions and improved outcomes for patients.
Hyperthermia as a Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Hyperthermia, the process of heating the body to induce a fever-like state, has shown promise as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS. The theory behind this approach is that the heat disrupts spores created by bacteria, which act as protective covers and contribute to disease progression. Hyperthermia has been used successfully in cancer treatment, and while more research is needed, early results in ALS patients have shown a halt or even improvement in symptoms. Hyperthermia research is primarily focused on cancer, but this new approach could offer hope for a variety of diseases.
The Connection Between Leaky Gut and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Leaky gut, a condition where the lining of the intestines becomes permeable, is both a cause and a consequence of dysbiosis, an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. When bacteria enter the bloodstream through the gut lining, it triggers inflammation and can lead to disease. In neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, there is evidence of an association with bacterial infections, which may be facilitated by leaky gut. By understanding this connection, new treatment possibilities can be explored, such as inducing hypothermia to disrupt the bacteria and prevent disease progression.
The gut and brain are strongly interconnected. That’s why in Functional Medicine we always take the gut into account, along with the rest of the body, when trying to understand a brain disease. Unfortunately, conventional medicine likes to look at each part of the body separately, which may be why doctors have a hard time effectively treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. Knowing that the gut affects the brain and understanding the far-reaching role of the microbiome has led this week’s guest on The Doctor’s Farmacy to approach neurodegenerative conditions with a whole new perspective.
Dr. Jay Lombard is an internationally acclaimed neurologist, author, and keynote speaker specializing in neuroimmunological conditions and medical mysteries. Dr. Lombard integrates biological, psychological, and existential components in his holistic treatment approach. Dr. Lombard’s clinical experience revealed an interesting pattern: one patient with ALS also had small intestine bacterial overgrowth, then another who had ulcerative colitis, another had Crohn’s, and so on. He started seeing the connection between these bacterial imbalances and Clostridium difficile, or C. diff, and the link to neurological symptoms.
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