MM20: Unlocking the Brain… A Key to Healing

Dr. Alicia Johnson, ND

Hormonal Influence on Psychiatric Conditions 

Approximately 1 in 5 people in the U.S., or 43.8 million people, suffer from some form of psychiatric condition. As naturopathic doctors, is our goal to find and address the root cause for these conditions. In many instances, endocrine disorders can play a huge role in many psychiatric conditions. In this presentation, Dr. Johnson will differentiate between psychiatric conditions caused by metabolic and endocrine disorders. Specific hormone labs and their reference ranges will be discussed along with first line protocols to help the practitioner treat the hormonal conditions. She will discuss unique pharmacological approaches for situations where herbs and nutritional supplementation are not as effective or the condition is too severe. Attendees will leave the presentation with a greater understanding of treatment approaches for PMDD, postpartum depression, hormone related anxiety, and more.

At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to confidently:

• Recognize when a mental health problem is a result of a hormonal or metabolic condition.
• Learn reference ranges for hormones to assess endocrine health.
• Understand first line protocols for intervention in hormonal conditions.
• Discuss unique pharmacological approaches for patient who have already tried holistic approaches to hormone balance, adrenal health, and thyroid support.
• Understand various treatment approaches for PMDD, postpartum depression, hormone related anxiety, and more.

Biography
Dr. Alicia Johnson spent 7 years consulting in a compounding pharmacy.  Her primary job was to help patients avoid initiating hormone therapy when possible.  By using herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes, many patients are able to avoid medications for endocrine conditions.  In some circumstances, symptoms are severe enough that a medication is helpful.  In these cases, she worked with patients to optimize safe dosage and management of compounded medications.  She also helped consult with clinical pharmacists, therapists, and doctors to help other providers with management of dosage, testing, and intake.  Dr. Johnson has since started private practice that is primary focused on various endocrine conditions.  Most patients present for hormone related conditions like PMDD, post partum depression, peri-menopausal anxiety, infertility, complex thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders, weight loss, insomnia, and conditions triggered by menopause.  The goal with these patients is always to start without medication when possible, or to minimize the use of medications when they are needed.

Dr. John Neustadt, ND

Sleep as Symptom: A Clinical Model for Diagnosing and Treating the Underlying Causes of Insomnia

In this original presentation, Dr. Neustadt reviews the neurobiology of the sleep-wake cycle and discusses the impacts sleep has on endocrine, immunological and psychological function as well as comorbidities that are caused by, and due to, disrupted sleep. Pharmacological approaches to sleep disorders are discussed, as well as integrative approaches to evaluating and treating insomnia. The presentation discusses the evidence supporting psychological approaches (eg, cognitive behavior therapy), meditation, yoga, exercise, dietary modifications, dietary supplements and medications. Dr. Neustadt presents a concise clinical model for working up and treating patients.

At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to confidently:

• Understand the sleep-wake cycle, including neurological, endocrine and psychiatric influences on sleep quantity and quality.
• Understand the impact sleep dysfunction has on the endocrine, immune and nervous systems.
• Understand the difference between primary and secondary sleep disorders, their underlying causes and clinical approaches to diagnosing and treating them.
• Understand the evidence for, and how to utilize, conventional and integrative modalities to improve sleep quantity and quality to improve patient outcomes.

Biography
John Neustadt, ND was founder and medical director of Montana Integrative Medicine and is founder and president of Nutritional Biochemistry, Inc., NBI Pharmaceuticals, and cofounder of LiveFullOut Media. Dr. Neustadt has published more than 100 research reviews.

Dr. Neustadt wrote the books, Thriving through Dialysis with Jonathan Wright, MD, A Revolution in Health through Nutritional Biochemistry, A Revolution in Health Part 2: How to Take Charge of Your Health, and the textbook, Foundations and Applications of Medical Biochemistry in Clinical Practice. Dr. Neustadt is an editor of the of the textbook, Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine and is on the editorial advisory boards of the Journal of Prolotherapy and Remedies Magazine. Dr. Neustadt was voted Best Doctor among all physicians in the area in the annual Best of Bozeman survey. This is the first time a naturopathic physician has ever won this category. Dr. Neustadt has also received 15 US FDA Orphan Drug Designations for the use of natural products for the potential treatment of rare diseases. Dr. Neustadt was recognized by Elsevier as being a Top Ten Cited Author for his article, “Mitochondrial dysfunction and molecular pathways of disease.”

Dr. Jacob Leone, ND

Overview of Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Infectious Diseases

Although the potential for microbes to contribute to mental illness has been discussed in the medical community for over a century, infectious disease is often overlooked in the differential diagnosis of treatable etiologies underlying neuropsychiatric conditions.  This presentation will provide an overview of the peer reviewed literature discussing the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical presentations of various infectious diseases and their association with specific neuropsychiatric conditions.  The presenter will also draw on his 10 year history treating chronically infected patients to provide the practicing clinician with clinical pearls throughout the presentation, including a practical framework for how to screen patients for underling infectious disease.

At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to confidently:

• Understand the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases.
• Understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms of infectious disease-induced neuropsychiatric conditions.
• Understand which specific infectious diseases are associated with neuropsychiatric conditions.
• Understand which neuropsychiatric patients are candidates for an infectious disease work up and how to initiate an appropriate work up (or refer out).

Biography
Dr. Jacob Leone is a licensed naturopathic doctor, and Medical Director of two successful private healthcare practices in the state of California.   He has 10 years of experience practicing as an integrative primary care doctor with a specialty focus in complex chronic disease including Tickborne Diseases.  He holds certifications in Intravenous therapies and is an active member of several professional organizations including the California Naturopathic Doctors Association (CNDA), American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), and the International Lyme Disease Society (ILADS).  He currently serves on the ILADS Integrative Medicine Committee.  Dr. Leone has been involved in several clinical research studies, investigating such diverse topics as HCV, HIV, mental health, and diabetes.  Dr. Leone is committed to education and has been asked to present to several physician groups regarding the proper diagnosis and treatment of Tickborne Diseases.  He has served as core faculty of the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been a guest lecturer at the California Institute of Integral Studies and UCSF Medical School.

Dr. Peter Bongiorno, ND, LAc

Nutrigenomics and Mental Health
With regards to anxiety, depression, bipolar, and autism, genetic variability will clearly affect mental health. As the field of genetics moves forward, we are constantly learning that the phenotype is not necessarily determined by genotype, because the epigenome modulates gene expression in response to many different factors such as nutrient status, stress, environmental toxins and of course, food. Join Dr. Bongiorno as he defines nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics, and discusses various genetic predispositions to disease. Finally, he will discuss how food is a key factor in epigenetic modulation and present his clinical experience working with foods to heal mood. He will also discuss specific supplements that can be used tactically to greatly enhance clinical results.

At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to confidently:

• After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
• Discuss with confidence why nutrigenomics should be included in our clinical work.
• Understand epigenetic mechanisms in relation to mental health disorders
• Review the important SNP’s when working with mental health concerns.
• Identify the foods that can modulate the cellular processes affected by genetic SNPs.
• Create a list of important supplements and dosages when reviewing gene SNPs.

Biography
Peter Bongiorno, ND, LAc is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist who specializes in mood disorder. He is medical director of InnerSource Natural Health and Acupuncture, a thriving practice with two clinics in New York City and Long Island.  Dr. Bongiorno was a pre-doctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health and at the National Institute of Mental Health’s department of Clinical Neuroendocrinology before his medical and Chinese medicine training at Bastyr University. His latest professional text is Holistic Therapies for Anxiety and Depression, released by WW Norton in 2015.  Dr. Bongiorno is a sought-after author and speaker. His best-selling books for the public are Put Anxiety Behind You: The Complete Drug Free Program and How Come They’re Happy and I’m Not? The Complete Natural Program for Healing Depression for Good.  Dr. Peter can be reached through
www.InnerSourceHealth.com and www.drpeterbongiorno.com and tweeted @drbongiorno.

Dr. Leah Hollon, ND, MPH

Unwinding PTSD and Trauma: Unique Perspectives in Pathophysiology, Therapeutics and Aftercare  

Trauma and more specifically PTSD can lead to neurological, hormonal and immunological disturbances within the system. By way of complex forces including childhood development, epigenetics, and the environment, the trifecta can serve as an entryway impacting methylation, cell signaling and self-recognition. PTSD specifically changes methylation but what risk factors exist and what can be done for potential prevention and therapy? Within this session, we will discuss the pathophysiology, various therapies and maintenance support that serve to unwind the sequelae of trauma and more specifically, PTSD. Current supportive literature and research will be shared to provide insight and therapy for PTSD and trauma though pharmacotherapy, pharmacognosy, homeopathy, nutrition, and lifestyle support. The session will consist of lecture and case based learning.

At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to confidently

• Provide specific pathophysiological changes or pathognomonic characteristics that occur for those exhibiting PTSD.
• Identify populations with a higher risk for the development of trauma or PTSD.
• Understand that genetic variant enzymes can be related to methylation changes that has been linked to PTSD.
• Understand various treatment modalities (pharmacy, botanical, or lifestyle support) that can be used to manage PTSD.

Biography
Dr. Leah Hollon holds a BS in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and a Master in Public Health (MPH) from VCU School of Medicine. Dr. Hollon completed her ND degree and residency training at NUNM. She has also served as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and is a co-owner of Richmond Natural Medicine. She has been an editor for the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education (AJPE), has been published in the use of alternative medicine in Central Appalachia, and assisted in the establishment of a drug court program in Southwest Virginia. Her time within Appalachia led to tailored support for PTSD, where today the bulk of her patients’ present with unresolved trauma or PTSD. She has worked within the field for 18 years, where some of her earliest research took place within a level 1 trauma center where she assisted a team of forensic nurse examiners (FNEs) to address the trends of intentional injury within the emergency department to specifically develop future prevention and intervention techniques. Additionally, she is passionate about fostering and encouraging the development of future ND physicians and thus Dr. Hollon presently serves as the residency site coordinator for the first accredited naturopathic residency in Virginia.

Dr. Jennifer Bahr, ND

When Strep Makes You Crazy: Integrative and Homeopathic Management of PANDAS

This presentation will give practitioners the tools to improve diagnosis and management of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS). The presentation will start with a case presentation, followed by a review of the diagnostic criteria and mechanism of action of the condition. It will review integrative and naturopathic therapies before diving into an in depth exploration of homeopathic management through case presentation and analysis. Targeted homeopathic remedies will be reviewed for important keynotes.

At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to confidently:

• Have an enhanced understanding of diagnostic criteria and mechanism of action in PANDAS.
• Understand integrative, naturopathic, and homeopathic management of PANDAS.
• Be able to better identify symptoms that are strange, rare, and peculiar for homeopathic prescribing.
• Understand the process for case analysis through multiple case examples.
• Understand keynotes of prominent homeopathic remedies used in the treatment of PANDAS.

Biography
Dr. Jennifer Bahr, ND, is a naturopathic doctor located in San Diego, CA. Dr. Bahr is the founder of Resilience Naturopathic, a center for the natural and integrative treatment of psychiatric conditions. She completed her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ and her naturopathic psychiatric residency in a private clinic setting in Santa Cruz, CA. She also taught the mental health course and supervised clinical rotations at Bastyr University. Her practice focuses on the homeopathic and integrative treatment of mental, behavioral, and neurological health conditions. She has become known in the PANDAS community for her success in helping kids recover when all else had failed. Prior to pursuing naturopathic medicine, Dr. Bahr studied physiology and neurobiology at the University of Maryland, College Park and served 6 years in the US Navy as an Arabic translator. Dr. Bahr is the immediate past president of the California Naturopathic Doctors Association, and was the founding Vice President of the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Dr. Daniel Amen, MD

Memory Rescue

Memory is the fabric of our soul.  It makes us who we are and allows us to keep our loved ones close, even when they are far away.  When our memory is diminished or damaged, it can rob us of our ability to make good decisions because we forget important life lessons and it causes us to become disconnected from those we love and our purpose in life.  In this lecture, physician and neuroscientist Daniel Amen will share with you his BRIGHT MINDS approach to enhance your memory, reverse cognitive decline and remember what matters most to you.

At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to confidently:

• Identify the 11 major causes of memory loss.
• Learn the 7 major lab tests to use to assess memory loss.
• Understand the 11 primary interventions to prevent or reverse memory loss.

Biography:

The Washington Post called Dr. Daniel Amen the most popular psychiatrist in America and Sharecare named him the web’s most influential expert and advocate on mental health. He is a double board-certified psychiatrist and ten-time NY Times bestselling author, with such blockbuster books as Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, and The Daniel Plan, co-authored by Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Mark Hyman.  In November 2017, he published his newest book: Memory Rescue. Dr. Amen is the founder of Amen Clinics, which has 7 locations across the United States, soon to be 8 in Los Angeles. Amen Clinics has the world’s largest database of brain scans related to behavior, totaling more than 135,000 SPECT scans on patients from 111 countries.
Dr. Amen’s research team has published more than 70 scientific articles on a wide variety of topics related to brain health.  Discover Magazine named his research on distinguishing posttraumatic stress disorder from traumatic brain injury as the Top neuroscience story of 2015. He has also hosted 11 national public television shows about the brain, which have aired over 80,000 times across North America.