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)