Key Takeaways:

• Nikki Schultek, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Pathobiome Initiative, shares groundbreaking research at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference.
• The initiative is investigating the connection between infections—such as Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and long COVID—and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• ILADS provides a crucial platform for researchers to collaborate, break down silos, and drive innovation in chronic illness research.
• A recent symposium brought together experts across multiple disciplines to explore microbial drivers of brain diseases.
• The team has submitted a major grant proposal to advance research on infectious and microbiome influences on Alzheimer’s.
• A newly published review article in the Journal of Infectious Diseases highlights key findings and perspectives from the initiative.
• Insights into host vulnerabilities, including the role of the ApoE4 gene, are shaping a deeper understanding of individual susceptibility to neurodegenerative conditions.
• The discussion underscores systemic healthcare challenges in addressing chronic, complex diseases and the urgent need for research-driven changes in medical practice.

Resources & Links:

• Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org
• Learn more about Nikki Schultek and her work: Intracellular Research Group
• Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)

Live from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, Dr. Leona Gilbert joins Tick Boot Camp to discuss the critical role of publishing data in the Lyme disease community. She highlights the differences between researchers and clinicians, the challenges doctors face in treating Lyme patients, and how patient data can help legitimize treatment approaches.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers can empower clinicians to publish case studies and data, providing credible evidence for treatment methods.
• AI tools are making the publishing process more streamlined and accessible for clinicians.
• Patient groups are collecting valuable data through surveys that can be leveraged for research and publication.
• Involving patients as co-authors on research papers can provide important perspectives.
• Researchers are the "unsung heroes" in the Lyme disease community, working behind the scenes to support clinicians and patients.

Topics Covered:

• ILADS Conference and Travel
• Importance of Publishing in Medical Research
• Challenges in Lyme Disease Research and Clinical Practice
• Role of Researchers and Clinicians in Lyme Disease Treatment
• Empowering Patients in Research and Data Collection

Action Items:

• Encourage clinicians to collaborate with researchers to publish their case studies and data.
• Utilize AI tools to help clinicians set up patient databases and mine data for publishing.
• Empower patient groups to publish their survey data and collaborate with researchers.
• Explore having patients as co-authors on published case studies and research.

Resources & Links:

• Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org
• Learn more about Dr. Leona Gilbert
• Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)