The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine Recognizes need for Chronic Illness Research
July 10, 2023
The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine held a successful and informative two-day workshop in Washinton DC titled “Toward a Common Research Agenda in Infection – Associated Chronic Illnesses: A Workshop to Examine Common, Overlapping Clinical and Biological Factors”.
The workshop brought together clinicians, researchers, health officials and patient advocates to examine common biological and clinical factors associated with four chronic illnesses: Long Covid, Post Treatment Lyme Disease or Persistent Lyme Disease, ME/CFS, and Multiple Sclerosis. The presenting experts agreed it is critical begin to recognize the commonality of these diseases, to find the identifying biomarkers of each disease and develop accurate diagnostics and curative therapies. Discussions included the strong connection of these four illnesses to infection, immune dysfunction, autonomic dysfunction, brain inflammation and the microbiome. Repurposing of current drugs as well as the development of new drugs was discussed and new ways of helping patients to cope with pain and fatigue.
NatCapLyme’s hope is that this Institute of Medicine’s workshop will continue to lay the foundation that brings university and private-sector scientists/researchers and practicing physicians from different viewpoints together to collaborate on solving the problems of treatment failures and persistent/chronic illnesses.
| The 2-day workshop is available on-line, including all workshop materials, presentations and a complete video of the entire proceedings HERE. |
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES
The National Academies is comprised of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. Its purpose is to provide independent, objective analysis, and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform policy decisions. It encourages education and research, recognizes outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increases public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.
NatCapLyme had the privilege of being a panel member and representing the Lyme and Tick-borne community at the first Institute of Medicine workshop on Lyme and Tick-borne disease in Washington DC. on October 11-12, 2010. The workshop was titled “Critical Needs and Gaps in Understanding Prevention, Amelioration, and Resolution of Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases: The Short- and Long-Term Outcomes. A paper was submitted and published by NatCapLyme titled, THE HUMAN DIMENSION OF LYME AND OTHER TICK-BORNE DISEASES: THE PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE. It offers the reader the experiences, thoughts, concerns and needs of Lyme patients. Paper can be viewed at: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/13134/chapter/13#291
