Dr Ludy Shih explores similarities between brain ageing and Parkinson’s, and how age-related changes in other body systems impact patients.
In this talk, Dr. Ludy Shih will explore the ways in which cellular and molecular mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease models are similar to and different from currently understood mechanisms of brain aging. We will also explore how non-neurologic physiologic systems undergo aging and how this can impact people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Ludy Shih is the Clinical Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School.
She is a clinical investigator, testing new therapies in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and essential tremor and studying brain aging in the Framingham Heart Study, the longest-running NIH funded study of individuals living in the town of Framingham, Massachusetts, spanning more than 3 generations of families.
Food As Medicine for Parkinson’s Series Part 5: Protein, Levodopa & Metabolic Management
As we move into the fifth part of our "Food is Medicine" series, we shift our focus to one of the most critical daily challenges for people with Parkinson’s Disease: the relationship between dietary protein and medication effectiveness. This session is designed to be the perfect next step for those who have mastered the basics and are ready for an advanced, highly specific look at metabolic management.
Protein is essential not only for anabolic health but for the production of dopamine itself. But for those taking Levodopa, it can be a double-edged sword. Because specific amino acids in protein use the same transport carrier as your L-dopa medication, the timing of taking specific protein food in relation to L-dopa, needs to be precise.
This webinar provides a specific and practical roadmap for timing protein intake relative to the time of taking L-dopa. The results will demonstrate how specialised individualised monitoring of drug response can manage the dreaded “off” periods and enable best efficacy of L-dopa. The presentation will also highlight the different metabolic processes that need to be supported in Parkinson’s Disease as well as Multidisciplinary Management.
About the Speaker: Lucille Leader (www.lucilleleader.com)
Lucille Leader is a renowned figure in the field of Nutritional Therapy specifically tailored for Parkinson’s Disease. Based in London, she has spent decades bridging the gap between clinical neurology and nutritional science. She is a Nutrition Director of the Parkinson’s Disease Integrated Nutrition Clinic and has authored and co-authored several definitive texts in peer reviewed Journals, including Movement Disorders and six Books on Parkinson’s Disease, including leading Neurologists and Parkinson’s Disease Health Care Specialists.
Her work has earned her the “Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease Award” from the United States of America, the “Outstanding Practice Award” and the “Highly Commended Outstanding Practice Award” in the UK.
She has been a Member of the Forum for Food and Health of the Royal Society of Medicine in London UK and Lecturer on Academic MSc Degree Courses in Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Medical Collaboration for Nutritional Therapists.
She has lectured at International Parkinson’s Disease Congresses.
Lucille is celebrated for her "bench-to-bedside" approach, taking complex metabolic processes and turning them into manageable, daily protocols. Her work focuses on the biochemical support of pathways that support dopamine production and other biochemical needs which contribute to functional health in Parkinson’s Disease.
Her mission, with that of her Clinic Medical Director Dr Geoffrey Leader, is to enable people with Parkinson’s and their Supporters / Carers to become empowered with as much knowledge as possible of Parkinson’s Drugs, Nutrients, Drug - Nutrient Interactions, Support of Essential Biochemical Needs, Intestinal Function and Management of Cellular Energy, amongst other aspects.
Active empowerment produces a feeling of well-being for both people with Parkinson’s and their Supporters,
She is also aware that Parkinson’s has multi-factorial implications and therefore recommends a multidisciplinary team approach, working always in collaboration with patients’ GPs and specialists for referrals to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
Lucille is celebrated for her "bench-to-bedside" approach, taking complex metabolic processes and turning them into manageable, daily protocols. Clinical Nutrition is Applied Biochemistry and her work therefore focuses on metabolic support that serves optimum cellular function within the confines of Parkinson’s Disease.
Food as Medicine for Parkinson's Part 6: Advanced Nutraceuticals for Brain Health and Mitochondrial Support
The sixth instalment of the Food as Medicine series moves beyond the kitchen to the cutting-edge of clinical supplementation. This session provides an objective look at how specific compounds can support mitochondrial function and protect the brain at a cellular level. We move past the marketing hype to examine what the latest research actually says about the supplements currently making waves in the community.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, and supporting their efficiency is a primary focus for neuroprotection. We will explore the role of NAD+ precursors and the emerging interest in low-dose lithium as potential tools for maintaining cellular energy. The discussion continues with N-Acetylcysteine, a powerful antioxidant that shows promise in supporting brain connectivity, alongside popular natural options like Lion’s Mane for maintaining cognitive clarity.
The session also addresses the broader landscape of supplements, from the role of Green Tea in managing protein health to an evidence-based review of CBD for those seeking better sleep and lower anxiety. By merging rigorous scientific data with real-world clinical observations, we aim to provide a clear roadmap through the complex world of nutraceuticals, helping you identify which options offer the most genuine potential for long-term health.
About the speaker:
We are honoured to be joined by Dr Tanya Denne, a distinguished Naturopathic Doctor and researcher. Dr Denne is a leading advocate for "Personalised Medicine," a philosophy that treats the whole person rather than just a set of symptoms. Her evidence-based approach views nutrition as a foundational pillar of care, bridging the gap between traditional neurology and complementary disciplines. With her extensive research background, including her work on Mucuna pruriens, Dr Denne empowers people to move from being passive recipients of care to proactive partners in their own health journey.
