We skipped the SPECT scan and went right to a PET scan. These are both nuclear medicine scans which make observations regarding brain function. A SPECT images blood flow: areas of the brain which are not functioning have decreased/abnormal blood flow and therefore oxygen utilization patterns. The PET images tagged glucose and actually images areas of the brain that are specifically not metabolizing sugar, not working/nonfunctional. The PET is approved for an adjunct in making the diagnosis of Alzheimers disease. Her PET showed classic signs of Alzheimers disease. With these results the patient was now worried and agreed to attempt to treat Lyme disease in earnest. And as one of her astute neurologist astutely: Alzheimers doesnt get better. She has. On my recent exam I could find nothing significantly wrong with her memory. Doctors frequently assess mental capacity with a mini-mental examination. She did great. She could count backwards from 100 by serial 7s; she could recall three items after 5 and 10 minutes and she could spell WORLD backwards. Her affect showed clarity I have seen in 5 years. So what happened? IV antibiotic therapy. I started treating her with Rocephin. Chronic pain melted away which was a great relief but her mental status was not quick to change. I then added Flagyl, a drug which fights the strange pleomorphic (cyst-like) forms of Borrelia in the brain. After 3 months her brain was not significantly better. Now after 4 1/2 months there is a real change. My patient did something else as well, with my approval under my radar. We ordered IV glutathione which she has been receiving every other day for the last month. I dont know yet, but this could be a game changer. Glutathione is the master antioxidant on a cellular level and it is critical for detoxification on a cellular level. Chronically ill patients are generally deficient. Many patients have reported that intermittent doses of IV glutathione in their doctors office have been very helpful. Having a PICC provided convenient access. I am hearing a lot about methylation. The induction of methylation pathways promotes glutathione and this can be achieved with a number of supplements, primarily various forms of B12 and folate. Active forms of B12 including methylcobalamine and hydroxycobalamine are taken under the tongue with special forms of folic acid such as Folinic acid. The recommended protocols are a bit more complex. It makes me wonder if this might be why patients frequently have a lot of energy after receiving B12 shots. Maybe not a placebo effect after all. The simultaneous use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy also augments the effectiveness of antibiotics for brain recovery. Hyperbaric by itself, results published (for what its worth), at low pressures, about 1.5 ATA is associated with significant cognitive improvements.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:04:12 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015