ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – Protocol
About Us
Atlantis Clinic was set up in May 2022 based in Mellieha, Malta offering a science-based holistic approach to healthcare. The clinic has grown through word-of-mouth recommendations without advertising and has helped over 600 clients. In March 2024, Atlantis Clinic’s excellence was recognized with six nominations at the prestigious Maltese Business Awards. The clinic has expanded from a team of two to five professionals, with the recent addition of a Doctor of Chiropractic in May 2024. We have a five-star Google rating and many testimonials from delighted clients, which can be found on our website: www.atlantis.clinic. Â
Mellieha is our Research & Development center where we research new forms of diagnostics, telehealth, therapies, and wellness systems. As a wellness product manufacturer, we have what is thought to be one of the most advanced natural healthcare clinics in Europe, with a vast range of health check screening services and advanced energy medicine therapies. Atlantis Clinic is committed to providing outstanding and affordable holistic care to the Maltese community, a rapidly growing expatriate population and medical tourists.
ALS Protocol
Our unique approach to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is based upon the latest research and a comprehensive screening test to identify pathogens, toxins, metals, chemicals, genetic polymorphisms, and nutrient shortages that could have triggered or contributed to ALS or an ALS-like condition. Once the screening test results are available, we arrange additional blood tests for confirmation followed by the development of a personalised therapy plan. We can work directly with the client or in conjunction with the patient’s GP or specialist, should they be open to an integrative approach and collaboration with Atlantis Clinic. In cases where collaboration is not feasible, we provide the client’s specialists with our diagnostics data to help inform an allopathic diagnosis or treatment plan.
Screening Tests
We use a combination of seven bioenergetic testing systems in our clinic and a specialist German laboratory for blood tests. We have taken testing and symptom-based analysis to a new level of reliability using NASA’s CLIPS (C Language Integrated Production System) expert systems to aid in diagnostic decision-making by processing rules and facts to simulate human expertise.
Our comprehensive screening test helps us decide which Lab tests are most appropriate. Â
We initially look at the top pathogens thought to trigger ALS and then expand the search to find rare conditions that are often contracted while travelling abroad.
We have found that ALS clients often have what has been described as a Multiple Systemic Illness Disease (MSIDS) including parasites, mould, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other toxins present. These pathogens are typically overlooked or have not been addressed.
The TOP ALS Triggers
1. Lyme Disease
In recent years Borreliosis, commonly known as Lyme Disease in the UK and US was reported to have increased by 40%. This disease used to be rare in Malta, however, cases are increasing rapidly, and it is now a growing health issue.
Fifty per cent of ALS patients test positive for Lyme Disease, which is well above the national average, however, given Lyme disease tests are notoriously inaccurate, we suspect a far higher percentage of ALS patients have an active Lyme disease infection as a primary or secondary trigger for their ALS.
For Lyme disease, we carry out 10 separate tests including live blood analysis and three lab tests to confirm if this bacterium is present.
As our screening test has a 100% correlation with our German lab partner who quotes a 99% accuracy for individual tests, so we can infer from this that our screening test has a similar level of accuracy. If all of our screening tests are positive, we can determine that there is less than a 0.0001% chance of the combined result being wrong (Type II false positive or negative).
Currently, we have 10 clients confirmed and 46 with suspected Lyme Disease including one diagnosed with ALS. All clients sent for confirmatory tests have tested positive by Lab Testing in Germany.
The picture below is from a client with advanced ALS. The tell-tale shape of a Borrelia spirochete (Lyme Disease) is highlighted by the arrows seen in the picture below.
Research indicates that Lyme Disease can trigger ALS. Research confirms that many vaccines (Including HPV and Flu) can activate a dormant Lyme disease infection, which may explain an increase in ALS cases in the last few years.
Some studies have concluded that Lyme is a major cause of ALS while other studies are less supportive of this link. Two interesting studies to read if you would like to know more.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ccr3.2569
The encouraging news is that there have been cases where intravenous (IV) antibiotics used to treat Lyme Disease can reduce ALS symptoms. There are also many natural therapies for Lyme disease.
In 2020 Atlantis Clinic helped develop LymeClear, a new holistic approach to clearing a Lyme infection which we would recommend as one option however IV Antibiotics may be better for advanced-stage clients.
2. Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6Â
Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a common virus that infects nearly all humans, usually in early childhood and is known for causing roseola (also called sixth disease) in infants, characterized by a sudden high fever followed by a distinctive rash.
The potential link between Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and ALS has been explored in several studies, though the evidence remains inconclusive and requires further research. These studies suggest potential mechanisms by which HHV-6 could contribute to ALS, but they also highlight the need for further research to establish a definitive causal link.
Here are some key studies that have investigated this potential connection:
Detection of Viral DNA in ALS Patients:
A study published in the Journal of Neuro-Virology in 2009 investigated the presence of viral DNA, including HHV-6, in the spinal cords of ALS patients. The researchers detected HHV-6 DNA in a subset of ALS patients, suggesting a possible association between viral infection and ALS. Biochimica et Bio-physica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease, 2007:
Viral Hypotheses of ALS Pathogenesis:
A review article in Biochimica et Bio-physica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease in 2007 discussed various viral hypotheses of ALS pathogenesis, including the role of HHV-6. The review highlighted the potential for neurotropic viruses, like HHV-6, to contribute to the development of ALS through mechanisms such as chronic inflammation and direct neuronal damage. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 2017:
Neuroinflammation and Viral Infections:
An article in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience in 2017 examined the role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. The study discussed how chronic viral infections, including HHV-6, might lead to persistent inflammation in the central nervous system, potentially contributing to neurodegeneration observed in ALS. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2016:
Immune Response and Viral Infections in ALS:
Research published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation in 2016 investigated the immune response to viral infections in ALS patients. The study found evidence of an altered immune response in ALS patients that could be linked to viral infections, including HHV-6. This suggests that viral infections might play a role in modulating the immune system in a way that could contribute to ALS pathogenesis. Immune response and viral infections in ALS
3. Echo Virus
While Echovirus itself is not typically associated with directly causing ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), there are some theories and studies that explore the potential role of viral infections, including enteroviruses like Echovirus, in the development or exacerbation of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
Echovirus is a polyphyletic group of viruses associated with enteric disease in humans. The name is derived from “enteric cytopathic human orphan virus“. These viruses were originally not associated with disease, but many have since been identified as disease-causing agents. The term “echovirus” was used in the scientific names of numerous species, but all echoviruses are now recognized as strains of various species, most of which are in the family Picornaviridae.[1]
The proposed mechanisms include:
Chronic Infection: Some researchers suggest that chronic viral infections could lead to persistent inflammation or immune responses that may damage motor neurons over time.
Molecular Mimicry: In fighting off a viral infection, the immune system might mistakenly attack the body’s neurons due to similarities between viral proteins and neuronal proteins.
Inflammatory Response: Viral infections can trigger widespread inflammatory responses in the body, which might contribute to the development of neuroinflammatory conditions that could accelerate neurodegeneration.
Genetic Susceptibility: Individuals with a genetic predisposition to ALS may be more vulnerable to the effects of viral infections, which could act as a trigger or accelerant in the disease process.
Several studies have explored the potential link between viral infections and the development of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. While definitive causative links are not established, some research has suggested possible associations. Here are a few notable studies and findings:
Enteroviral RNA in Spinal Cords of ALS Patients:
A study published in the Annals of Neurology in 1989 found enteroviral RNA in the spinal cords of ALS patients, suggesting a potential link between enteroviral infections and ALS.
Annals of Neurology, 1989: Detection of enteroviral sequences in the spinal cord of ALS patients
Infection of Motor Neurons by Echovirus 7:
Research published in the Journal of Virology in 1997 showed that Echovirus 7 can infect motor neurons in vitro. This suggests that enteroviruses can target and infect motor neurons, which could contribute to neurodegenerative processes.
Journal of Virology, 1997: Enterovirus infection of motor neurons
Role of Viral Infections in ALS:
A review published in the Journal of Neuro-Virology in 2014 discussed the potential role of viral infections, including enteroviruses, in the pathogenesis of ALS. The review highlighted the need for more research to understand the mechanisms by which viruses might contribute to ALS development.
Journal of Neuro-Virology, 2014: The role of viral infections in ALS
Association Between Viral Infections and Neuroinflammation:
Another study discussed in Frontiers in Neurology in 2018 examined the link between viral infections, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. It suggested that chronic viral infections could contribute to the inflammatory environment seen in ALS, potentially accelerating disease progression.
Frontiers in Neurology, 2018: Viral infections and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases
While these studies suggest a potential link between viral infections and ALS, it is important to note that the evidence is still inconclusive, and more research is needed to establish a definitive connection. ALS is a complex disease likely involving multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and possibly infections.
However, these connections remain largely theoretical and under investigation. The exact causes of ALS are still not fully understood, and likely a combination of genetic, environmental, and possibly infectious factors contribute to the disease.
4. Coxsackie VirusÂ
Coxsackie Virus – We can test for 15 strains of coxsackie.
5. Bartonella
Bartonella is a pathogen that is typically transmitted by ticks and is common with Lyme disease. We can test for the top 3 strains.
6. MSÂ
Research in 2022 by the US military shows 100% of people with MS have an active EBV Herpes Virus infection.
7. Mycoplasma Fermantans
8. Fatty Acid Deficiency
Fatty acids are used to protect the myelin sheath, and a shortage of these is thought to prevent the repair of the nerve sheath when damaged. This could be caused by a shortage in the diet, a genetic factor or chromosome damage leading to a deficiency.
Lipid Deposition Disease is improperly depositing fatty acids into Myelin which can appear as demyelination.Â
Top Factors Associated with ALS
Here are the known or suspected causes, triggers, or factors associated with ALS:
9. RadiationÂ
We have seen evidence that exposure to radiation such as EMF may increase the risk of ALS, we suspect this is related to chromosome damage.
10. Genetic MutationsÂ
Approximately 5-10% of ALS cases are familial (FALS), meaning they are inherited. Mutations in several genes, such as SOD1, C9orf72, TARDBP, and FUS, have been linked to familial ALS.
Al-Chalabi, A., et al. (2017). Genetic advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Current Opinion in Neurology, 30(5), 577-584.
11. VaccinesÂ
Some people are unable to detoxify the components of vaccines and often they have an immune response that can be detrimental to recovery. Clients with ALS have a higher number of vaccine-related stresses, so we spend time identifying and addressing anything found during testing.Â
12. Environmental ToxinsÂ
Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals (e.g., lead), and other chemicals, has been suggested as a potential risk factor for ALS.
Wang, H., et al. (2017). Environmental factors and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A case-control study of ALS in Michigan. PLOS ONE, 12(3), e0172073.
13. Viral InfectionsÂ
Certain viral infections, such as those caused by enteroviruses and retroviruses, have been proposed as potential triggers for ALS due to their ability to cause chronic inflammation and neuronal damage.
Wood-Allum, C. A., & Shaw, P. J. (2010). Motor neurone disease: a practical update on diagnosis and management. Clinical Medicine, 10(3), 252-258.
14. Immune System DysfunctionÂ
Abnormalities in the immune system, including chronic inflammation and autoimmune responses, have been implicated in the development of ALS.
Henkel, J. S., et al. (2013). Regulatory T-lymphocytes mediate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression and survival. EMBO Molecular Medicine, 5(1), 64-79.
15. Oxidative StressÂ
Oxidative stress, which results from an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to detoxify them, has been linked to the neuronal damage observed in ALS.
Barber, S. C., et al. (2006). Oxidative stress in ALS: Key role in motor neuron injury and therapeutic target. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 40(3), 319-330.
16. Mitochondrial DysfunctionÂ
Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy in cells. Dysfunction in mitochondrial function can lead to energy deficits and cell death, which may contribute to the development of ALS.
Wiedemann, F. R., et al. (2002). Mitochondrial DNA and respiratory chain function in spinal cords of ALS patients. Journal of Neurochemistry, 80(3), 616-625.
17. Military ServiceÂ
Studies have shown that military veterans are at a higher risk of developing ALS, potentially due to factors such as exposure to environmental toxins, physical trauma, and extreme physical exertion.
Horton, D. K., et al. (2003). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis among 1991 Gulf War veterans: evidence for a time-limited outbreak. Neuroepidemiology, 22(4), 250-256.
18. Physical TraumaÂ
Repeated physical trauma, particularly to the head, may increase the risk of developing ALS. This is observed in some athletes, such as football players and soccer players.
Pupillo, E., et al. (2012). Physical activity and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A European population-based case-control study. Annals of Neurology, 72(6), 846-854.
19. SmokingÂ
Smoking has been identified as a potential risk factor for ALS, with studies suggesting that smokers have a higher risk of developing the disease compared to non-smokers.
Wang, H., et al. (2011). Smoking and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pooled analysis of 5 prospective cohorts. Archives of Neurology, 68(2), 207-213.
20. Heavy Physical ActivityÂ
There is some evidence suggesting that intense and prolonged physical activity, particularly in professional athletes, may be associated with an increased risk of ALS.
Beghi, E., et al. (2010). ALS and sports: a case-control study in Italy. European Journal of Neurology, 17(11), 1501-1504.Â