Functional Approach to Neurodegenerative Disorders: Clinical Considerations and Case-Based Applications

Dr. Terry Wahls gives this lecture every year as part of the Bioenergetics Advanced Practice Module for the Institute for Functional Medicine.  She will review the approach she uses for patients with neurodegenerative / neuroimmune conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis.  She will discuss the role of the genetic risk, triggering events and mediators for continued symptoms.   How to address modifiable risk factors of sleep, movement, nutrition, stress, and relationships will be reviewed.  Next Dr. Wahls will review the role and strategies to manage digestive issues, microbiome problems, mitochondrial dysfunction, detoxification, hormone balance and cell membranes problems.  You will develop a much deeper understanding of the root causes of neurodegeneration / neuroinflammation and how you can improve patient outcomes using interventions that are accessible with your clinical scope of practice.

Dr. Terry Wahls is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa where she conducts clinical trials.  In 2018 she was awarded the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Linus Pauling Award for her contributions in research, clinical care and patient advocacy. She is also a patient with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, which confined her to a tilt-recline wheelchair for four years. Dr. Wahls restored her health using a diet and lifestyle program she designed specifically for her brain and now pedals her bike to work each day. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles, Learn more about her MS clinical trials by reaching out to her team: MSDietStudy@healthcare.uiowa.edu.

We'll start by reviewing the basic tenets of neuroplasticity. With that understanding, we'll then discuss how neuroplasticity can be harnessed to help patients restore function that has been lost due to MS or other neurodegenerative conditions—including an emphasis on the use of electrical stimulation. Then we'll move from the conceptual realm into the more rigorous research realm, where we'll share updates on studies looking at functional recovery, muscle hypertrophy, autonomic function, and nerve regeneration, plus some MS-specific case studies.

Garrett used his training in Engineering and Neuroscience to create NeuFit and the patented Neubie device. He and his team have trained thousands of doctors, therapists, and other professionals in the NeuFit methodology, and these practitioners have used NeuFit to help their patients recover faster from injuries, reverse chronic pain, restore function lost due to neurological injuries or diseases, and achieve improvements in fitness and performance. His work is also used by dozens of professional sports teams and universities, and is the subject of multiple ongoing trials evaluating the effectiveness of NeuFit technology in areas like post-operative recovery, muscle hypertrophy, and functional recovery from stroke and MS. Garrett is the host of the NeuFit Undercurrent Podcast and bestselling author of the book, The NeuFit Method.

 From better bones and strength to improve mobility and stability, there are many advantages vibration plates for exercise (WBVE) and therapy (WBVT) can bring to our mature populations. With less impact and potential more benefits than many traditional floor based modalities, these devices offer a way to increase physical activity without depleting energy by reducing time spent exercising. 

Those suffering with pain, fatigue, and poor mobility can begin to gain benefit even while seated until strength and other factors improve ad allow for progression in positions. Research has confirmed a variety of gains and vibration therapy has been shown to been to not only be safe and effective but is well tolerated by even the frailest users. 

An increase in circulation and lymph offers users an almost immediate increase in energy levels and balance making day to day tasks or other therapies more possible in many ways. Using for pre/post therapy or when symptoms present offer an easy non invasive solution for those that suffer with fatigue and while reducing the risk of falling. 

Long term gains like increases in strength, muscle tone and bone density have been shown with moderate use of 2-3 time weekly with many users often using daily for other issues like pain management, relaxation and improving sleep. 

Debby Pelletier stepped on her first vibration plate almost 15 years ago when seeking alternatives to knee surgery. Her personal success with this medical grade device sparked a concept that led to one of the first and longest running vibration training studios in North America. From personal service to the eventual sales/service/distribution of vibration plates Debby was a pioneer in providing user support to a variety of individuals and facilities using these devices across North America. As a Certified Master Vibration Trainer with VibroGym International (Form Power Plater) and Hypervibe Global she focuses her energy now on being accessible to the masses as Independent Consultant for both Vertical and Side Alternating plate applications. Debby provides virtual consultations to many brands and users worldwide in fitness and medical settings. In addition to her consulting work, her passion is empowering others to embrace a better quality of life and hosts private medical support groups.

Teaching applications with written and weekly live videos for Pediatric Rehab (Primarily Cerebral Palsy via St Louis Children’s) and symptom management for Fat Disorders such as Lipedema, Dercum’s Disease and other loose connective tissue disorders (Fat Disorders Research Society).

The benefits of butyrate are incredibly profound. This 4-carbon chain fatty acid has been proven to have benefits in the gut, and also in the brain. In this lecture you will learn the myriad of benefits that butyrate brings to your gut health, your brain health, and learn strategies to improve butyrate in the body.

Justine Stenger received her B.Ed. from the University of Alberta in Physical education and Human Ecology/Nutrition. She proceeded to pursue a Holistic Nutrition/Therapeutic Chef certification from Bauman College. Justine has completed her Functional Medicine training through the Institute for Functional Medicine and is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, certified through the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. 

Justine is a trained Bredesen (RECODE) practitioner and specializes in cell membrane medicine and works primarily with patients who suffer with neurological conditions, mast cell activation syndrome, Lyme disease, and autoimmune disease. 

Justine has worked beside Dr. Bruce Hoffman for the past 10 years and has supported hundreds of Dr Hoffman’s chronic, complex illness patients nutritionally. 

Credentials: 

University Of Alberta – B.Ed, IFM – Functional Medicine Trained, IFM -Bredesen Practitioner, The Dr.Com -Certified Gluten Practitioner, Bauman College - Holistic Nutrition & Certified Holistic Chef, FMCA Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach.

Bone Broth as a Healing Superfood. Sam will be sharing some of the research around bone broth and its naturally-occurring nutrients, and talking about why it can be a valuable asset for you and your clients in achieving and maintaining optimal health. Bone broth is often talked about for its positive impact on gut health, but Sam will dive deeper and talk about lesser-known benefits, as well as some of the supernutrients that it contains (looking at you, glycine!).

Sam has her masters in clinical nutrition and has been a practicing RD for more than 7 years. She's also a Whole30 Certified Coach and a certified personal trainer. Her passion and area of focus is functional medicine and holistic health.  While she has extensive experience working 1:1 with individual clients, her main focus these days is helping like-minded brands optimize their products and their consumer-facing content. In fact, she serves as the Director of Marketing for FOND Bone Broth. When she’s not writing up blog posts, talking CPG or brainstorming brand strategy, you’ll find her scouring grocery store shelves for new products, walking at the nature preserve with her dogs and boyfriend, or visiting local farms.

Brian Richards is a nationally known expert in sauna therapy, light therapy, and EMF science. In 2013, he founded SaunaSpace, a company that combines cutting-edge infrared technology with the age-old practice of sauna.

In 2008, Brian faced an important health decision: start taking pharmaceuticals for acne, insomnia, and adrenal fatigue OR try full-spectrum sauna therapy coupled with ancestral practices like clean diet, proper sleep, and yoga. By opting for the natural approach, Brian rapidly transformed his health. This life-changing experience inspired him to create SaunaSpace.

In his journey to develop the perfect product, Brian has immersed himself in the science and research behind light, heat, electromagnetism and the human body. Years later, he brings a refreshing approach to natural living, biohacking and natural health transformation.