Patient Outcomes Is Focus of 2021 Functional Medicine Conference

Trends in medicine with the greatest potential for improving patient health outcomes is the subject of the Institute for Functional Medicine’s 2021 Annual International Conference (AIC). Titled Advancements in Clinical Research and Innovative Practices in Functional Medicine, AIC will be held virtually in June.

Among the research and clinical applications that will be presented is Stephen Porges’s, PhD, research on polyvagal theory and trauma-related dysfunction. The vagus nerve, a core part of the parasympathetic nervous system, is a key modulator of the body’s response to stressors such as chronic stress, fear, and trauma. Understanding the role of the vagus nerve may influence disease pathology and inform new treatment strategies for trauma-related dysfunction.

Robert Naviaux, MD, PhD, will present on the concept of exposome-metabolome interactions. Early childhood exposure to environmental chemicals and toxins influences an array of sensitivities from childhood to adulthood. The burden of these toxins has been shown to alter mitochondrial DNA, which may lead to a range of chronic conditions. Research now suggests these chronic disorders have a unique metabolic signature that can be used in early diagnosis and prevention.

Certain types of phytochemicals, found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, are being studied for their potential to influence the immune system response to viral and bacterial infections and to influence the inflammatory pathways in autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. These isothiocyanates will be discussed in a session presented by Jed Fahey, PhD.

A panel of researchers will present their findings from a new study that applied the functional medicine approach to patients with early-onset dementia and cognitive decline. The study tested the efficacy of personalized interventions as compared to drug therapy in improving cognition or preventing further decline, and the results offer insights into designing effective treatment protocols.