The Lyme Disease Connection Medicine Can’t Afford to Ignore | Nikki Schultek | Ep. 165

What if some of the chronic diseases we struggle to understand are being driven by infections we have not learned to look for?

In this episode of A Healthy Point of View Podcast, Sam Tejada sits down with Nikki Schultek, researcher, patient advocate, and collaboration architect whose own battle with Lyme disease transformed the direction of her life.

After experiencing debilitating symptoms across multiple systems and being passed between specialists without answers, Nikki began investigating the scientific literature herself. That journey ultimately led her from patient to researcher and to building collaborations between scientists, physicians, innovators, and patients searching for deeper answers.

Sam and Nikki explore the complex world of Lyme disease and chronic infections, including why Lyme can be difficult to diagnose, the role of co-infections such as Babesia and Bartonella, and why some patients can spend years moving between specialists. Nikki also shares how her experience inspired her work with the Alzheimer’s Pathobiome Initiative, where researchers are investigating whether infectious processes may contribute to neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

The conversation goes deeper into the emerging research around infections, inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, MS, PANS/PANDAS, and other chronic conditions, as well as the challenges researchers face when pursuing ideas outside traditional medical frameworks. Nikki explains why collaboration across scientific disciplines matters, why better diagnostics and research funding are desperately needed, and why science must remain willing to question assumptions when patients are still searching for answers.

This is a powerful conversation about Lyme disease, root-cause research, scientific curiosity, collaboration, and what can happen when a patient refuses to stop asking questions.

If you or someone you love is struggling with unexplained chronic symptoms, this episode may introduce questions and research worth discussing with a qualified healthcare professional.

**Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.**