Integrative Neuroscience

About

Neurodegenerative diseases are one of the greatest challenges facing public health today. Although no cures or established strategies for neuro-protection or repair exist, investigators in the Bastyr University Research Institute are attempting to apply naturopathic principles of health to the central nervous system.

Currently, about half of those in the U.S. with neurological conditions are using some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and yet very little research has been done to determine whether these therapies are safe or effective.

With an emphasis on translational medicine (taking what has been learned in the lab and in epidemiological studies and applying it to clinical care), Bastyr researchers are hoping to lead the way to a paradigm shift in neurology, where prevention and repair are attainable.

Current Studies

Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson's Disease (inGSH in PD)

Principal Investigator: Laurie K Mischley, ND
Project Goals: This is a Phase I study seeking to determine whether intranasal glutathione (nasal spray) is safe and tolerable. Participants will be asked to administer the nasal spray or placebo three times daily for three months.
Participation requirements: Individuals must have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the past five years, must not currently be using glutathione in any form, and must be able to come to Bastyr for six to seven visits over four months. Study medication will be provided and participants will be reimbursed for transportation costs.
Location: Bastyr University Clinical Research Center, Kenmore, WA.
For more information or to join the study as a research participant, call 425-602-3306, email neuroresearch@bastyr.edu, or visit the study home.
At this time we are no longer recruiting new participants for the study.

Complementary & Alternative Medicine Care in Multiple Sclerosis (CAM Care in MS)

Principal Investigator: Laurie K Mischley, ND
Project Goals: To describe the treatments most commonly used in MS and to document the rate (or lack) of progression in individuals choosing to use CAM therapies for MS.
Participation requirements: Approximately one hour twice a year to fill out questionnaires.
Location: Bastyr University Clinical Research Center, Kenmore, WA.
For more information or to join the study as a research participant, call 425-602-3306, email neuroresearch@bastyr.edu, or visit the study home to download the questionnaire.

Complementary & Alternative Medicine Care in Parkinson's Disease (CAM Care in PD)

Principal Investigator: Laurie K Mischley, ND
Project Goals: To identify what CAM therapies are being used among people with PD, identify those who are doing unusually well, and find out what they are doing that sets them apart.
Participation requirements: Approximately one and a half hours twice a year to fill out online questionnaires. Participants will need internet access.
Location: Bastyr University Clinical Research Center, Kenmore, WA.
For more information or to join the study as a research participant, call 425-602-3306, or email neuroresearch@bastyr.edu, or visit the study home.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Coagulation in Multiple Sclerosis

Principal Investigator: Laurie K Mischley, ND
Detailed Description: This case-control study will recruit individuals with a diagnosis of MS and healthy controls. Individuals will be asked to come to Bastyr Clinical Research Center for a single study visit, at which time dietary intake, current medications and supplements, other medical diagnoses, and coagulation will be evaluated.
Participation requirements: At least 18 years of age with a diagnosis of clinically probable of clinically definite multiple sclerosis made by board certified neurologist or a healthy adult free of any neurological, autoimmune, endocrine or other chronic disease.
Location: Bastyr University Clinical Research Center, Kenmore, WA.
For more information or to join the study as a research participant, call 425-602-3306, email neuroresearch@bastyr.edu, or visit the study home.