Tick Boot Camp

Episode 510: LIVE from ILADS: Nikki Schultek - Uncovering the Infection Connection to Alzheimer’s

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:

Episode 509: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Leona Gilbert - The Importance of Publishing Data in the Lyme Disease Community

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:

Episode 508: MSIDS & Chronic Lyme - an Interview with Doctor Richard Horowitz

Dr. Richard Horowitz returns for an in-depth discussion about the evolving science of Lyme disease, co-infections, and the MSIDS model—his groundbreaking 16-point system for diagnosing and treating chronic illness. From tick-borne infections to environmental toxins, neuroinflammation, and immune dysfunction, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of chronic Lyme disease.

Ali Moresco shares her powerful personal healing journey using Dr. Horowitz’s Dapsone Combination Therapy (DDS), illustrating how integrative protocols and identifying “terrain” issues like mold toxicity and MCAS made full recovery possible.

🧩 Key Topics Discussed

🔬 What Is MSIDS?

  • MSIDS = Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome
  • A polymicrobial, systemic model acknowledging Lyme, co-infections, and non-infectious drivers of chronic illness
  • Based on 41 years of clinical experience and over 13,000 patients

🧪 Infections at the Core

  • The “Three B’s”: Borrelia (Lyme), Babesia, Bartonella
  • Lyme is almost always polymicrobial
  • Mold, metals, viruses, and more can block healing if unaddressed

💊 Dapsone Protocol Deep Dive

  • 9-week oral protocol + pulsed therapy
  • Works on Lyme, Bartonella, and other intracellular infections
  • Needs prehabilitation: detox mold, balance adrenals, correct deficiencies
  • Ali shares how Dapsone worked better than 2 years of IV antibiotics

🛠️ The 16 MSIDS Points (Briefly Highlighted)

  • Infections
  • Immune suppression
  • Mold/Mycotoxins
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Sleep disruption
  • Nutritional/mineral deficiencies
  • Neuropsychiatric issues
  • Gut health, MCAS, POTS, etc.

📊 The MSIDS Questionnaire

  • Available free from Project Lyme or Dr. Horowitz’s website CanGetBetter.com
  • Scoring 63+ indicates a high probability of Lyme or a related condition
  • Helps differentiate Lyme vs. mold vs. viral vs. trauma-based illness

🔥 Herxing and Inflammation

  • Good vs. bad Herxheimer reactions
  • Importance of managing inflammation through:
  • NAC, glutathione, methylene blue
  • NRF2 activators (curcumin, sulforaphane)
  • LDN & melatonin (for inflammasome control)
  • “You have to Herx to heal — but you don’t have to suffer.”

🌱 Terrain and Environment

  • Mold, trauma, toxic relationships, air quality, and diet can all impact recovery
  • Importance of addressing mental health and emotional trauma
  • Safe environments are essential to healing

🧠 Neurological Lyme and Brain Fog

  • Lyme and co-infections can lead to severe neuropsychiatric symptoms
  • Bart = rage, anxiety, OCD; Babesia = air hunger, night sweats
  • Neurological damage is often reversible with proper treatment
  • Sleep is a major factor; discussed tools like pregabalin, Lyrica, valerian, melatonin, and CBT

🧬 Personalized Medicine & Future of Lyme Research

  • Role of AI and genetics in future protocols
  • Hope for multi-center clinical trials (Dapsone trial in planning)
  • Dr. Horowitz is transitioning to a consult model in 2025 and working with RFK Jr.

🧠 Neuroplasticity Tools Recommended

🧪 Testing Labs Mentioned

  • IGeneX (immunoblot for Borrelia, Babesia, Bartonella)
  • T-Labs (Bartonella PCR, Babesia oto cloy)
  • Galaxy Diagnostics (Bartonella)
  • RealTime Labs (mycotoxins)

💬 Powerful Quotes

> “This model tells you there’s more than one reason why you’re ill. We have to pull all 16 nails out of the foot — not just one.” > — Dr. Richard Horowitz > “You have to Herx to heal. But with the right support, you don’t have to suffer.” > — Dr. Richard Horowitz > “I wouldn’t be where I am today if we hadn’t looked beyond just Lyme.” > — Ali Moresc

✅ Takeaways for Listeners

  • You’re not crazy. Migrating pain is real and is a hallmark of Lyme.
  • If you're still sick, you haven’t addressed all 16 nails — keep going.
  • You need more than antibiotics — you need to heal your terrain.
  • Hope is real. Recovery is possible.

Episode 507: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Louis Teulières - Advancing Lyme Disease Diagnostics with Phage-Based Testing

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Louis Teulières, a multi-national doctor with an MD and PhD, has been actively involved with ILADS since 2016 due to his research on bacteriophages at the University of Leicester.
  • Frustrated with the limitations of antibiotic treatments for Borrelia, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, Dr. Teulières explored bacteriophages as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
  • Due to regulatory challenges in administering phage therapy, Dr. Teulières and his team developed a phage-based test that can directly detect the presence of Borrelia bacteria.
  • This test, marketed by Red Labs in Europe for the past four years, has been used on thousands of patients and can differentiate between early, late-stage, and post-treatment Lyme disease.
  • Dr. Teulières is now working to expand the test’s reach in the U.S., seeking partnerships with American clinicians and researchers to validate the test and pursue FDA clearance.
  • The discussion underscores the need for innovative diagnostic tools to improve Lyme disease detection and accelerate healing journeys for patients.

About Dr. Louis Teulières:

  • Medical degree from University of Nice, France.
  • Specializations in immunology, hematology, immunopathology, bacteriology, and epidemiology at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and CDC in Atlanta.
  • Former researcher at the Pasteur Institute, contributing to studies on immune and infectious diseases such as HIV.
  • Active member of the immunology team that received the Nobel Prize in 2008 for discovering the HIV virus in 1983.
  • Founder of CMIL clinics in Lisbon and Paris, specializing in immune and infectious diseases, Lyme disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Co-founder of PHELIX, a charity dedicated to phage-based research and diagnostics in Lyme disease.
  • Collaborates with University of Leicester, St Thomas Hospital in London, and other world-class healthcare professionals.

Resources & Links:

Episode 506: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Pamela Cipriano - From ICU Nurse to Lyme Warrior

Topic: Dr. Cipriano’s journey from ICU nurse to Lyme disease practitioner, inspired by her son’s diagnosis and the challenges of navigating the medical system.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Power of ILADS Conferences – How attending ILADS helped Dr. Cipriano learn about innovative Lyme disease treatments and naturopathic approaches.
  • From ICU Nurse to Lyme Specialist – Dr. Cipriano shares her transition from hospital-based care to focusing on preventative medicine and helping patients get off medications.
  • A Mother’s Fight for Answers – Her son’s Lyme disease journey, the difficulties of getting an accurate diagnosis, and the perseverance needed to find effective treatment.
  • Polymicrobial Infections on the Rise – The growing complexity of Lyme disease cases, including Bartonella, Babesia, and other co-infections.
  • Breaking Barriers in Medicine – The challenges of being an outlier in the medical field and the importance of collaboration through ILADS.
  • The Evolution of Diagnostic Testing – Advances in Lyme disease testing, including the accuracy and comprehensiveness of iGenex panels.
  • Chronic UTIs & Tick-Borne Infections – How Lyme disease and co-infections contribute to chronic urinary tract infections and why they require a different treatment approach.

Resources & Links:

Episode 505: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Michael Lebowitz - The Role of Mold and Environmental Factors in Chronic Illness

Dr. Michael Lebowitz, a veteran physician with over 43 years of experience, joins the Tick Boot Camp Podcast live from the ILADS Conference to discuss his expertise in treating environmentally sensitive patients, chronic infections, and the role of mold in Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chronic Illness Crisis: Understanding how microbes (threat) and toxic load (vulnerability) contribute to the rise of chronic diseases.
  • The Mold Factor: How mold exposure can increase susceptibility to Lyme disease and worsen symptoms post-infection.
  • Historical Treatments for Mold: A look into ancient remedies, including essential oils and environmental interventions, for combating mold-related illnesses.
  • Modern Mold Illness Approaches: Dr. Lebowitz’s integrative strategy for addressing mold, parasites, viruses, Lyme disease, food sensitivities, and more to lower total toxic burden.
  • Reducing Toxic Load: Practical recommendations on testing for dysbiosis, using full-spectrum herbs, and eliminating dietary and environmental triggers.

Resources & Links:

Episode 504: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Richard Horowitz - Solving Chronic Illness with the MSIDS Model

Join us for a special Tick Boot Camp Podcast episode, recorded LIVE at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, featuring Dr. Richard Horowitz—one of the world’s leading experts in Lyme disease and chronic illness. Dr. Horowitz shares groundbreaking insights from his 16-point MSIDS model, his upcoming book "Why We Stay Sick," and the latest advancements in AI-driven research and clinical trials.

Topics Covered:

  • Dr. Horowitz's Upcoming Book on Chronic Illness – A deep dive into Why We Stay Sick and how it expands beyond Lyme disease.
  • Explaining the MSIDS Model – Understanding the 6 key drivers of inflammation and their downstream effects.
  • The Role of AI in Research – How artificial intelligence is shaping Lyme disease diagnostics and treatment.
  • The Impact of Environmental Toxins – Why detoxification is a critical piece of chronic illness recovery.
  • The Importance of Clinical Trials – Validating treatments and protecting physicians treating complex conditions.
  • The Role of Bartonella in Chronic Illness – Exploring the increasing prevalence of Bartonella in Lyme patients.
  • The Future of Chronic Disease Management – A "One Health" approach to tackling multi-system illnesses.
  • The Personal Impact of Clinical Work – Dr. Horowitz’s reflections on 30+ years of patient care.
  • The Importance of Public Education – Spreading awareness to bridge the gap in medical understanding.
  • The Path to Publication – How Dr. Horowitz is bringing his groundbreaking research to a wider audience.

About Dr. Richard Horowitz

Dr. Richard Horowitz is a board-certified internist and medical director of the Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, where he has treated over 13,000 Lyme disease patients. A founding member and past president of ILADS, he has trained over 200 healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating resistant tick-borne illnesses.

He is the New York Times bestselling author of Why Can’t I Get Better? and How Can I Get Better? and has co-authored peer-reviewed Lyme guidelines and published research on "persister" drugs for chronic Lyme disease.

Dr. Horowitz has also served on the HHS Tick-borne Disease Working Group and the NYS DOH Tick-borne Disease Working Group, helping shape national and state policies on Lyme and coinfections. His latest research explores AI-driven solutions for chronic illness, the role of environmental toxins, and the growing prevalence of Bartonella in Lyme patients.

Resources & Links

Episode 503: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Tom Moorcroft - Overcoming Lyme Disease and Scaling Impact

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Tom Moorcroft shares his personal journey with Lyme disease, from misdiagnosis to healing.
  • How Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) take a whole-person approach to Lyme treatment.
  • The power of mindset and gratitude in recovery—Dr. Moorcroft’s personal healing practices.
  • His mission to train other practitioners and expand Lyme disease education through ILADS and social media.

Key Topics:

  • Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment strategies.
  • The integrative medicine approach to chronic infections.
  • Mindset and gratitude as critical tools for healing.
  • Expanding Lyme disease education through practitioner training and online programs.

Actionable Takeaways:

  • Follow Dr. Moorcroft’s work for deeper insights into the psychology and spiritual aspects of Lyme healing.
  • Explore his Origins of Health website, YouTube channel, and Lyme Practitioner Certification program for expert guidance.

Guest Bio: Dr. Tom Moorcroft, DO, is a leading Lyme-literate physician specializing in complex, chronic illnesses, including Lyme disease and infection-induced autoimmune conditions like PANS/PANDAS. As an ILADS leader, educator, and speaker, he is committed to helping patients and training healthcare providers to improve Lyme disease care worldwide.

Resources & Links:

Episode 502: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Melanie Stein & Dr. Vy Simeles - Navigating Lyme Disease

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Melanie Stein’s Lyme Journey: She shares her personal battle with Lyme disease, including paralysis and being dismissed by allopathic doctors. Her healing began with support from naturopathic colleagues and ILADS doctors.
  • Dr. Vy Simeles’ Background: She discusses her path into naturopathic medicine and her specialization in complex chronic illnesses, including tick-borne diseases.
  • The Complexity of Lyme Cases: Patients today present with more severe and complex conditions, potentially due to COVID-19, environmental toxins, and more resistant pathogens.
  • Comprehensive Treatment Approaches: The doctors highlight the importance of IV therapy, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and mental-emotional healing in Lyme recovery.
  • Gut Health & Detoxification: Addressing Lyme disease requires epigenetic support, cellular detox, and restoring gut health.
  • Advancements in Diagnostics: The prevalence of tick-borne diseases is rising, even in areas once considered low-risk, making improved testing and early intervention crucial.

Resources & Links:

Episode 501: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Carolyn Mukai & Dr. Lynn Klassen - Scaling Lyme Disease Treatment

In this special live episode from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference, Tick Boot Camp sits down with Dr. Carolyn Mukai and Dr. Lynn Klassen, co-founders of Tandem Clinic in Vancouver, Canada. The discussion centers on their mission to train practitioners in effectively diagnosing and treating Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tandem Clinic’s Origins: Dr. Mukai and Dr. Klassen share their personal experiences with Lyme disease and how it inspired them to create a clinic focused on integrative, patient-centered care.
  • The Holistic Approach: The doctors emphasize the importance of combining traditional prescription-based treatments with naturopathic therapies, including IV therapies, herbal supplements, and lifestyle counseling.
  • Scaling Lyme Disease Treatment: With Lyme disease cases rising, they discuss the urgent need for more trained practitioners and how their clinic is addressing this gap.
  • Practitioner Training Program: Learn how Tandem Clinic is building a community of Lyme-literate providers through their Lyme Learning Courses:
  • Naturopathic Assessment & Management of the Acute Tick Bite
  • Lyme Literacy Course for Healthcare Practitioners
  • Scaling Lyme Disease Treatment: Practitioner Training at Tandem Clinic
  • Research & Evidence-Based Practice: The role of research in naturopathic medicine and how evidence-based strategies are essential for improving patient outcomes.

Guest Bios:

  • Dr. Carolyn Mukai, ND specializes in complex chronic disease, focusing on Lyme disease, environmental exposures, and immune dysfunction. She believes in a patient-centered, detective-style approach to uncovering the root causes of chronic illness. Pronouns: she/her/hers.
  • Dr. Lynn Klassen, ND is a Lyme Literate ND (LLND) with extensive training in testing and treatment of tick-borne illnesses. She combines traditional and naturopathic therapies to support patients from active disease to recovery. Pronouns: she/her/hers.

Resources & Links:

The goal of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast is to help people liberate themselves and others from suffering caused by Lyme disease through validation, community building, belief that healing is possible, and modeling success. Listen to our Tick Boot Camp podcast using all major podcast streaming services such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music. Our podcast is also integrated with smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa and Apple TV. Ask your device to "play the Tick Boot Camp Podcast!"