Laurie Mischley

ND, Ph.D., MPH

Dr. Mischley is an associate clinical investigator for the Bastyr University Research Institute.

Dr. Mischley's work is focused on identifying the nutritional requirements unique to individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. She has published studies related to coenzyme Q10, lithium, and glutathione deficiency in Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

As a clinical researcher, she has worked with the FDA, NIH, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation to administer intranasal glutathione, (in)GSH, to individuals with PD. Drawing on expertise in radiology, epidemiology, nutrition, neurology, and naturopathic medicine, she is attempting to determine whether (in)GSH boosts brain glutathione and improves health.

Dr. Mischley has served on the Bastyr University Institutional Review Board since 2010 and regularly provides mentorship to students interested in integrative medicine research. She founded the social purpose corporation, NeurRx; developed an outcome measure to assess PD severity; and is the author of the books Natural Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease and Cannabis Use Survey: Insights, Confessions, & Opinions.

Education:

MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Washington
Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Washington, 2016
Certificate in Clinical Trials from the University of Washington, 2009
Naturopathic Doctoral degree from Bastyr University, 2001
BS in Nutrition Science from Pennsylvania State University, 1997

Research highlights

Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson’s Disease

Private Foundation Funding

Jan 2015 - current

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

Jan. 2010 to Jan. 2015

This phase I placebo-controlled safety study is intended to explore novel mechanisms of introducing glutathione, the brain’s primary antioxidant, to the central nervous system in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The goal of the funding program is to train a select group of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) clinicians to conduct quality, independent research.

Role: Principal investigator

CAM Care in Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Nov. 2011- Nov. 2015

This prospective observational cohort study is designed to describe CAM use among individuals with PD. The study will detail the therapies and doses prescribed, side effects associated with CAM use, and describe rate of disease progression (or lack thereof) among this population. Additional measures of quality of life will be assessed. This project is intended to provide preliminary data for subsequent randomized clinical trials that will eventually answer the question, "Can disease progression be modified with utilization of complementary and alternative therapies?"

Role: Principal investigator

CAM Care in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Oct. 2011- Oct. 2015

This prospective observational cohort study is designed to describe CAM use among individuals with MS. The study will detail the therapies and doses prescribed, side effects associated with CAM use, and describe rate of disease progression (or lack thereof) among this population. Additional measures of quality of life will be assessed. This project is intended to provide preliminary data for subsequent randomized clinical trials that will eventually answer the question, "Can disease progression be modified with utilization of complementary and alternative therapies?"

Role: Principal investigator

Survey of Cannabis Use

Oct. 2013 - Dec. 2014

This questionnaire is designed to probe the natural history of this phenomenon of a self-administered herb/drug. Data from this survey will be used to better define who Cannabis users are, their beliefs about Cannabis, their use patterns, side effects, and the therapeutic benefits they experience. The information you provide will help inform physicians, researchers, policy-makers, and patients about the potential risks and/or benefits of Cannabis as a therapeutic or recreational agent.

Safety Survey of Intranasal Glutathione

March 2011-Nov. 2011

This survey was designed to assess individuals' perception of tolerability, adverse events and health benefits associated with intranasally-administered glutathione. Using a pharmacy database, 300 individuals were randomly selected to receive a survey; Any individual who had received one or more prescriptions for (in)GSH between 3/2009 and 3/2011 was eligible for participation. Study complete, publication pending.

A Retrospective Chart Analysis of Intracellular Antioxidant Levels in Parkinson's Disease

Dec. 2008- Nov. 2011

This retrospective analysis was undertaken to ask the question, "Do individuals with PD have lower levels of antioxidants than controls when measured with the SpectraCell Functional Intracellular Assay?" Data analysis underway, publication pending.

A Randomized Trial of CAM Comfort Care at End of Life

Sept. 2003 to Aug. 2007

The long-term objective of this project is to improve the quality of patient dying and death by the appropriate use of CAM. Specific Aim 1 is to test a prospective randomized controlled trial of guided meditation and massage therapy that will complement allopathic comfort care for persons with advanced cancer and AIDS. Specific Aim 2 is to measure the effect of these CAM interventions via a questionnaire administered to a significant other, which has been specifically created to capture factors that may ultimately be as important in improving the quality of dying as pain and symptom management.

Role: Contracted physician

Echinacea for Preventing Colds in Children

Sept. 2006 to Aug. 2010

This study is designed to further delineate the potential efficacy of Echinacea in preventing upper respiratory infections in children. Bastyr University is the subcontractor to the University of Washington on this grant.

Role: Contracted physician

North American Naturopathic Medical Research Consortium

This study was designed to identify research priorities of the naturopathic profession for the next decade.

Aug. 2002 to May 2005

Role: Member, Neurogenerentology Implementation Committee