2023 Spring Neurology Seminar – Schedule

Restorative Medicine Approach to Neurodegeneration

Michaël Friedman, ND
This course will review the current pharmacologic and non pharmacological recommendations and their effectiveness. It will also present evidence based supporting natural treatments, including research pertaining to phytomedicines and nutraceticals such as curcumin, rosmarinic acid, TUDCA, Pterostilbene, Nicoatinoamde Riboside and Fisetin.

Course Objectives:

• Overview of the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration.
• Assess underlying causes.
• Review pharmacological protocols and supplements in NeuroDegeneration.
• Evaluate research on the efficacy, safety and dosing of natural therapies, including botanical medicines, nutrients, and lifestyle adjustments such as exercise and diet for supporting neurodegeneration.

Photobiomodulation and Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Neurodegeneration

Marvin H. Berman, PhD, CBT
The focus of this session is to outline the history and clinical application of pulsed near infrared light, specifically transcranial and intraocular stimulation in treatment adults diagnosed with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. We will review the research in this area and identify the root cause factors that can be intervened on using noninvasive non-pharmacological approaches. Several different methods of stimulation delivery will be discussed to highlight the value of a more systemic and integrative approach to treatment protocol design.

Course Objectives:

• Develop a framework for understanding photobiomodulation as a treatment modality.
• Clarify the similarities and differences of specific types of light stimulation methods, .e.g, photodynamic, low level (cold) laser, LED-based infrared therapies.
• Understand the relationship between EEG frequencies and neural networks and discrete states of consciousness and neurocognitive functioning.
• Recognize the differential clinical relevance and utility of brainwave biofeedback and photobiomodulation in the treatment of age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
• Provide a foundation for the integration of neurofeedback training, and photobiomodulation as a comprehensive treatment methodology for systemic neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Research Review of Oxidation as a Mechanism in Dementia and Parkinson's Disease

Jillian Stansbury, ND
In this session, we will discuss the indications and mechanisms of action of herbal medicine in neurology. We will define the research on the neuroprotective effects of herbal medicines on head trauma & stroke, and examine the research on neuroprotective effects of herbal medicines on neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and dementia. We will discuss the effect of reducing oxidative stress on symptoms in neurology.

Autonomic Dysfunction

Jay Lombard, DO
The autonomic nervous system is at the axis of virtually all chronic diseases, and dysfunction can present with a myriad of symptoms. This can confound physicians and patients alike – as psychiatric symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, GI symptoms, and immune dysregulation have been linked to autonomic dysfunction.

Course Objectives:

1. Overview of the physiology of the autonomic nervous system.
2. Discuss the diagnosis of autonomic disorders.
3. Review evidence-based therapeutic modalities in the treatment of autonomic dysfunction.

Multiple Sclerosis

Jay Lombard, DO
There is an increased incidence and prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases in the general population. In addition to genetic factors, many environmental risk factors including exposure to toxins and infections have been associated with risk of developing a neurodegenerative condition.

Course Objectives:

1. Discuss the presentation of MS cases
2. Review MRIs as diagnostic biomarker.
3. Discuss various evidence-based current management of MS
4. Discuss etiological factors for MS onset
5. Discuss active clinical trials in MS

Parkinson’s Disease

Jay Lombard, DO
There is an increased incidence and prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases in the general population. In addition to genetic factors, many environmental risk factors including exposure to toxins and infections have been associated with risk of developing a neurodegenerative condition.

Course Objectives:

1. Recognize the most common presenting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
2. Discuss the differential diagnosis of these conditions to exclude potential reversible causes.
3. Discuss current pharmacology for parkinson’s disease
4. Discuss current research trials for PD

Paroxysmal Disorders in Neurology

Jay Lombard, DO
One of the most frustrating issues for patients and clinicians in neurology are conditions which wax and wane in severity, making a determination of a specific diagnosis very difficult – unlike progressive conditions in the brain. Paroxysmal symptoms can include vertigo, episodes of confusion, motor or sensory loss, etc. In this session, we will discuss the following learning objectives:

1. Understand the differential diagnosis and work-up of paroxysmal disorders, including seizures, transient ischemic attacks, demyelination, and neuropsychiatric symptoms including bipolar depression.
2. Review the role of autoimmune dysfunction in these disorders with special attention to demyelination in multiple sclerosis.
3. Review evidence-based traditional and non-pharmacological approaches.