Neurology 2026

Aims: To investigate a new theory that there may exist a common mechanism among Macular Degeneration, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis which would be associated with chronic infection by bacteria-viruses (Human Herpesvirus-6, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Porphyromonas gingivalis), and the biochemical activities of odontoblast and odontoblast-like cells. The current study proposes a model for interdisciplinary research involving the field of dental cell biology, infectious disease and neurodegenerative diseases, and presents preliminary clinical data on patients being managed under this model. Method: Retrospective analysis of patients treated by one clinician who had been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, or Multiple Sclerosis. In addition to treating their respective disease(s) in accordance with standard practice, these patients received treatment aimed at reducing the potential contributions of suspected contributing viruses and bacteria. Over time, the clinical condition of each patient was monitored via physical exam and self-reporting from the patient. This was an unblinded case-series of uncontrolled cases and did not include a comparison group of untreated patients or those receiving only conventional treatment. Findings: Some of the patients in this case-series showed evidence of apparent stability of their respective disease conditions while undergoing this intervention. As these results are based upon observation alone, they serve only as hypothesis-generating. No comparative statistical analyses were completed comparing this group to either control groups or standard of care groups. Therefore, no claims can be made regarding causality within this type of study design. Conclusion: Although these preliminary findings provide justification for conducting additional studies to determine if there exists a relationship between viral/bacterial infections and odontoblast cell biochemistry in the pathogenesis of these four diseases, along with justification for investigating whether this relationship warrants the inclusion in controlled clinical trials, the purpose of this presentation was not to conclude that such relationships have been established, but rather as a hypothesis-generating model to promote dialogue and collaborative research among investigators representing the disciplines of dentistry, infectious disease, ophthalmology, and neurology.

Dr. Jeremy W. McMeen, O.D., optometric physician, Superior Vision, P.C., discovered the cause of macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. His practice has operated for over 30 years in Superior, NE and Mankato, KS. He graduated from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN in 1996. He presented at both the 19th and 20th International Conferences on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases and Related Neurological Disorders. He is scheduled to speak at the Neurology World Conference this September in Miami.