By Dr. Beth McDougall, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Jyzen
Key Findings:
- Cognitive decline diagnoses are not a life sentence: Despite common assumptions, conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases can be halted or even reversed. They also might be misdiagnosed in the first place.
- Toxins, infections and mitochondrial dysfunction play a major role in neurodegeneration: Detoxification and mitochondrial support are critical components in slowing or reversing the decline.
- Innovative treatments can restore cognitive function: With advanced therapies such as phospholipid therapy, brain mapping, and mitochondrial support, patients can experience a significant recovery.
As a physician, I have worked with many patients who come to me feeling as if they’ve been given a life sentence. Diagnosis of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, and other neurodegenerative conditions, often come with a sense of inevitability—a belief that nothing can be done. However, over the course of my practice, I have seen that this is not always the case. In fact, many times, these diagnoses can be incomplete or outright incorrect.
I had one patient, for example, who had been diagnosed by another doctor with Lewy body dementia. It’s a devastating diagnosis, often accompanied by symptoms such as hallucinations, movement difficulties, and cognitive decline. This patient’s doctor had told him there was nothing to be done, that his condition would only worsen, and that he should begin preparing for the inevitable.
But when he came to me, I didn’t accept that diagnosis as the final answer. Through my experience, I’ve learned that diagnoses are not always accurate, and more importantly, that even in cases of cognitive decline, there are often ways to intervene and improve quality of life—sometimes dramatically.
Detoxification and Misdiagnosis: A Case Study
This patient had worked for many years as a pipe fitter in the semiconductor industry, where he had been exposed to high levels of toxic substances, including arsenic gas. His exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins had accumulated over the years, leading to significant toxicity in his system. After comprehensive testing, it was clear that his symptoms were being driven by this toxic buildup, not by Lewy body dementia as previously diagnosed.
One of the things I always emphasize to my patients is that toxins love fat, and the brain, being one of the most fat-dense organs in the body, can act as a sponge for these harmful substances. Heavy metals, in particular, lodge themselves in the neurons and remain there for years, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and eventually cognitive decline. In his case, the toxins were causing brain inflammation and mimicking the symptoms of Lewy body dementia. His situation was serious, but it wasn’t hopeless.
We began an aggressive detoxification protocol. One of the primary methods we used was intravenous phospholipid therapy. Phospholipids are crucial in the structure of cell membranes, and when introduced intravenously, they help to repair these membranes while also displacing the toxins lodged within them. This therapy was combined with glutathione and methylating agents to ensure that the toxins were not only mobilized but also safely excreted from his system.
As the toxins were removed from his body, we saw a dramatic improvement in his condition. His cognitive function began to recover, and the symptoms that had once been attributed to Lewy body dementia started to fade. The diagnosis that once seemed to doom him to a life of decline turned out to be incorrect, and more importantly, reversible.
This case highlights an essential point: diagnoses of cognitive decline can often be wrong or incomplete. Environmental toxins, infections, and metabolic imbalances are frequently overlooked causes of neurodegenerative symptoms. And, as I always remind my patients, there is much that can be done to improve brain health, even in the face of daunting diagnoses.
The Mitochondrial Connection: Recharging the Brain’s Powerhouses
In another case, I worked with a patient who had been struggling with early-onset Alzheimer’s dementia. His symptoms were severe enough that he had withdrawn from social life, couldn’t manage his business affairs, and found it difficult to perform basic daily tasks. He had a strong family history of Alzheimer’s, which had led his previous doctors to conclude that he was genetically predisposed to the disease.
However, when we delved deeper into his case, it became clear that there were other factors contributing to his cognitive decline. One of the key areas we focused on was his mitochondrial health. Mitochondria are the energy powerhouses of the cell, and neurons are particularly dependent on them for proper function. When mitochondria aren’t working properly, neurons can’t generate the energy they need, and the result is cognitive impairment.
For this patient, I implemented therapies designed to support and repair mitochondrial function. We used a combination of intravenous nutrients that support mitochondrial health and therapies that trigger mitophagy, the process by which the body identifies and removes damaged mitochondria, replacing them with new, healthier ones. This is an essential part of the brain’s repair mechanism, and in many neurodegenerative conditions, this process is impaired.
We also incorporated brain training exercises that included Vielight red light therapy and Vasper with Oxygen. These therapies increase blood flow to the brain and stimulate neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and create new neural connections. Over time, we saw remarkable improvements in his cognition. He regained the ability to run his business, his memory improved, and he was once again able to enjoy a full social life.
Jyzen offers a suite of mitochondrial upregulation therapies, including:
- Nutritional supplements: These are designed to support mitochondrial health and promote energy production at the cellular level.
- Intravenous therapies: These IV treatments deliver nutrients directly to the cells, bypassing the digestive system, ensuring optimal absorption and utilization by the body.
- Cutting-edge technologies: One of the unique technologies at Jyzen is Vasper, a therapeutic system combining exercise with cooling and compression, which enhances mitochondrial function and improves cellular energy production.
The Role of Infections and Hormonal Imbalance
Another key aspect of my approach to treating cognitive decline is the identification and treatment of underlying infections. I’ve seen many patients who have undiagnosed chronic infections—often tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease or Bartonella—that are contributing to their cognitive symptoms. These infections can cause widespread inflammation in the brain, leading to symptoms that mimic conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
For one of my patients, a history of Lyme disease was a significant factor in his cognitive decline. After conducting a thorough evaluation, we found evidence of ongoing infection, which was driving brain inflammation and contributing to his cognitive problems. By treating the infection and reducing the inflammation, we were able to improve his brain function and reverse many of the symptoms that had been attributed to dementia.
In addition to infections, hormonal imbalances play a significant role in cognitive health. Testosterone, estradiol, DHEA, pregnenolone, and thyroid hormones all have a direct impact on brain function, and deficiencies or imbalances in these hormones can lead to cognitive decline. For this reason, I always ensure that my patients’ hormones are optimized as part of their treatment plan.
Brain Mapping & Brain Training
Another unique advantage of Jyzen’s approach is the ability to map brain activity through our NeuroFit department led by Cindy Reynolds. Performing this quantitative EEGs (qEEG) allows our team at Jyzen to detect patterns of dysfunction in the brain.
In the case of the Lewy Body dementia patient, his initial brain map showed significant encephalopathy, indicating that his brain was inflamed. This level of inflammation was not typical for someone with just Lewy Body dementia. Instead, it suggested widespread toxicity in the brain.
By conducting brain mapping before and after the therapies, we could track his progress and observe positive changes in brain function over time. This ability to monitor the brain in real-time allows for personalized adjustments in treatment, ensuring that each patient receives the most effective care.
As we implement our therapies—whether it’s detoxification, mitochondrial support, or brain training—we can repeat the brain map to see how the brain is responding. This allows us to fine-tune the treatment and provides clear evidence of improvement. For many patients, seeing their brain map change over time is incredibly empowering. It gives them hope and reinforces the idea that their condition is not fixed—that their brain is capable of healing and recovery.
Key Learnings:
- Diagnosis Isn’t Destiny: The case of my patient diagnosed with Lewy body dementia shows that diagnoses are often incomplete or incorrect. It’s essential to look deeper, especially when toxins, infections, or other factors are at play. Just because a condition has been diagnosed doesn’t mean it’s unchangeable.
- Detoxification is Critical: Heavy metals and other environmental toxins accumulate in the brain over time, leading to inflammation and cognitive decline. Detoxification, particularly using phospholipids, glutathione, and methylation support, is key to reversing this process.
- Mitochondrial Support is Vital: Neurons depend on healthy mitochondria for energy. Supporting mitochondrial function and promoting mitophagy can improve cognitive function, even in cases of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
- Infections and Hormones Matter: Chronic infections and hormonal imbalances are often overlooked causes of cognitive decline. Treating infections and optimizing hormones can significantly improve brain function.
Taking Action
If you or a loved one is facing cognitive decline, I encourage you not to accept the diagnosis as final. There are steps you can take to improve brain health and even reverse some of the symptoms of neurodegenerative disease. Start by looking at potential toxins, infections, and hormonal imbalances, and explore therapies that support mitochondrial health and detoxification.
Cognitive Optimization Checklist:
- Detoxification: Work with a specialist to identify potential toxic exposures and undergo targeted detox therapies such as phospholipid therapy and intravenous glutathione.
- Support Mitochondrial Function: Consider therapies that support mitochondrial health and trigger mitophagy. Supplements and IV therapies that enhance mitochondrial function can help restore energy production in neurons.
- Brain Mapping: Assess brain function using quantitative EEG brain mapping to track progress and identify areas needing support.
- Test for Infections: Rule out infections that can cause brain inflammation, such as dental cavitations, sinus issues, or tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
- Hormonal Optimization: Ensure hormones are balanced, including testosterone, estradiol, DHEA, pregnenolone, and thyroid hormones, to support optimal brain function.
Cognitive decline is not a life sentence. I’ve seen firsthand how much the brain can recover when given the right tools and therapies.
With the right interventions, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in our patients, giving them their lives back. If you or someone you know is facing cognitive challenges, there is hope.
If you are interested in working with our doctors to evaluate and optimize your cognitive health, please contact our Patient Care Concierge. You may call 415-729-0449 X 123 or email Concierge@jyzen.com to begin your journey to better brain health today.