Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection affecting humans and animals. It can be very serious as it can involve the joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Known in Europe since the early-mid 20th century, it was identified in the U.S. only in 1975 after a mysterious outbreak of what appeared to be juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children who lived in Lyme and Old Lyme, Connecticut, for which it was originally (mis)named. Although early recognition and treatment lead to resolution of the illness, there are many persons who live with debilitating symptoms and persistent infection. Yet, after these several past decades, Lyme and other tick-borne diseases remain poorly understood and often undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or over-treated. There still are controversies and challenges as to diagnosis and treatment! This book elucidates these diseases and addresses the associated controversial and challenging issues. While the scientific evidence continues to evolve, it must be recognized that many in the greater medical community may not be sufficiently versed in it, giving rise to misconceptions about the disease. Beyond strongly encouraging patients to be actively involved in decisions affecting their medical care, I also describe ways they can do something about it in addition to seeking medical treatment.
Author Biography:
DR. ALAIN L. FYMAT is a medical-physical scientist and an educator. He is the current President/ CEO and Institute Professor at the International Institute of Medicine & Science with a previous appointment as Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer and Professor at the Weil Institute of Critical Care Medicine, California, U.S.A. He was formerly Professor of Radiology, Radiological Sciences, Radiation Oncology, Critical Care Medicine, and Physics at several U.S. and European Universities. Earlier, he was Deputy Director (Western Region) of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Office of Research Oversight). At the Loma Linda Veterans Affairs Medical Center, he was Scientific Director of Radiology, Director of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center and, for a time, Acting Chair of Radiology. Previously, he was Director of the Division of Biomedical and Biobehavioral Research at the University of California at Los Angeles/Drew University of Medicine and Science. He was also Scientific Advisor to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council, for its postdoctoral programs tenable at the California Institute of Technology and Member of the Advisory Group for Research & Development, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He is Health Advisor to the American Heart & Stroke Association, Coachella Valley Division, California. He is a frequent Keynote Speaker and Organizing Committee member at several international scientific/medical conferences. He has lectured extensively in the U.S.A, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He has published 475 scholarly scientific publications and books. He is also Editor-in-Chief, Honorable Editor or Editor of numerous medical/scientific Journals to which he regularly contributes. He is a member of the New York Academy of Sciences and the European Union Academy of Sciences, a Board member of several institutions, and a reviewer for the prestigious UNESCO Newton Prize, United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO. Dr. Fymat's current research interests are focused on neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, dementias, and others), oncology (glioblastoma), epigenetics & ecogenetics, and nanomedicine & nanobiotechnology. These are represented in part in his latest books: "From the Heart to the Brain: My collected works in medical science research (2016-2018)", "Alzhei ...Who? Demystifying the disease and what you can do about it", "The Odyssey of Humanity's Diseases: Epigenetic and ecogenetic modulations from ancestry through inheritance, environment, culture and behavior" Volumes 1, 2, and 3, and "Parkin..ss..oo..nn: Elucidating the disease and what you can do about it."
