The author tried to construct this theory in such a manner that well-read, intelligent teenagers interested in science could easily understand at least 75 % of the text as written. He also tried to construct this theory in such manner that senior neurochemists and neurologist would not be dissuaded from reading this theory because of its apparent sophomoric presentation.
In the process of constructing this theory the author tried to read and self-educate himself to the maximum extent possible, in view of the fact:
“He personally never diagnosed nor was the primary caregiver for even a single patient with any type of neurodegenerative brain disease.”
The single best article he read relative to Alzheimer’s disease was the Wikipedia presentation of Alzheimer’s. (1) He read this article multiple times in the process of confronting continuously conflicting thoughts and theories hoping to bring sense out of nonsense. This masterfully written Wikipedia article had a major influence on the development of his De novo Theory, addressing the possible causes of Neurodegenerative brain diseases.
The Connecticut College Version of the Wikipedia presentation of ALS is excellent. (2) Very few of the other versions of ALS add anything new of substance. He recommends both these articles to everyone!
The general public’s concept of the implications of a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s significantly underestimates stress resulting from this diagnosis. It is the author’s clinical impression that if a family had to choose between the lesser of two evils: Cancer or Alzheimer’s, afflicting a senior family member; the overwhelming majority most likely would choose “Alzheimer’s”. In doing they would be making a terrible mistake, resulting in great harm to themselves and their loved ones.
A newly diagnosed patient with an advanced aggressive cancer, even those with minimal financial resources, could anticipate being cared for by a first class team of nurses, doctors and other compassionate supportive staff. Even palliative care could provide hope for a prolonged remission.
The situation with Alzheimer’s is exactly the opposite. Modern day medicine has absolutely nothing to offer any patient with Alzheimer’s, whether the patient is a billionaire, pauper or former President Reagan.
Postscript:
My personal opinion is that Alzheimer’s disease will be diagnosable by simple blood tests, much sooner than one might anticipate. Moreover, specific blood test might well confirm another of the heretical assumptions of the liverbraintheory: “Alzheimer’s begins to develop much earlier than any one might imagine: possibly even before legal voting age!"
Every major pharmaceutical and technical company requires all prospective new medications or technical procedures to be evaluated by this concept; i.e. the mechanism of action or experimental data must show real promise of being able to treat the disease being evaluated or confirm the basic concept in question:
A single flight of 120 feet proved man could fly. (Dec. 17, 1903)
Sixty six years later man landed on the moon! (July 16, 1969)
This type of “Proof of Concept” is not applicable to ALS for one specific and simple reason: There are no laboratory models to study!
Repetitive plasmapheresis that demonstrates that this simple procedure can retard the rate of muscle loss and associated weakness will add some credence to the basic premise of this heretical idea. The definitive test will require a successful liver transplant.
The proximate cause(s) of ALS are: HEPATIC GENERATED NEUROTOXINS!
(Partially revised and updated March 27, 2017)
Jan 7, 2016, (via email)
Dr. Charles Sachatello
Dear Charles:
I always enjoy hearing from you and especially reports about your liver-brain-theory. As you have emphasized, the ultimate test of the hypothesis would be liver replacement.
Thus, it would be very difficult, particularly in today’s climate to justify liver transplantation for the indication of ALS. Be that as it may, I continue to watch you initiatives with lively interest.
With best regards,
Thomas E. Starzl, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Surgery
Starzl Transplant Institute
Pittsburgh, PA
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