Ep 117. Lyme, Pathogens and Brain Health with Nikki M. Schultek

What if the root cause of neurodegenerative disease isn’t just genetics, but something we’ve been overlooking?In this episode, I sit down with Nikki Schultek to explore the connection between pathogens, brain health, and chronic illness. We dive into how infections like Lyme and other often undetected microbes may influence cognitive decline, and why so many people are being missed in the current system.Nikki shares her journey from patient to researcher and the work she’s leading to uncover how infections, genetics, and environment interact to shape disease. This conversation will challenge what you think you know about Alzheimer’s, brain health, and what it really means to address root cause.In This Episode:The connection between infections and neurodegenerative diseaseWhy Lyme and other pathogens are often overlookedHow infections can impact the brain across the lifespanThe role of genetics, and why they’re not the full storyWhy standard testing may miss chronic infectionsEarly signs like changes in smell and cognitive functionHow to advocate for your health and dig deeper into root causesLearn more about our guest Nikki M. SchultekExecutive Director, AlzPI, Founding Director of the Pathobiome Research Center and Research Assistant Professor at The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), and Principal Founder, Intracell Research Group, LLC View the full show notes to read more about Nikki!RESOURCES:Connect with Nikki Schultek:https://www.intracellresearchgroup.com/aboutilads.orgmedmaps.orghttps://healthyawakening.co/2026/03/30/episode117/Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcastFind listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/linksP.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast