HRI Research Studies and Papers

Behavior Research: A seminal paper on our behavior therapy was published in October, 2004 in Physiology and Behavior, a respected peer-reviewed journal. This paper describes the major impact of nutrients on neurotransmitters and brain function, describes the chemical imbalances prevalent in behavior disorders, describes the Pfeiffer clinical approach, and presents outcome data which show striking reductions in the frequency of assaultive and destructive incidents after individualized biochemical therapy.

Advanced Photon Source Brain Scan Project: As part of a multi-center FDA initiative studying the root causes of Alzheimer’s Disease, we are engaged in a collaborative effort with Argonne scientists and researchers at LSU aimed at identifying the root cause of Alzheimer’s Disease. The team is attempting to achieve the world’s first detailed accurate chemical analysis of tiny individual brain cells and cell components. In our first experiment, we obtained more than 2 million individual assays involving 14 elements for two Alzheimer and two control brain sections. Preliminary analysis of the database indicates striking metal abnormalities in the Alzheimer samples. We were able to obtain tens of thousands of chemical assays for nuclei, amyloid plaque, neurofibrillary tangles, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and other cell components. Bill Walsh of Pfeiffer is the Principal Investigator of this most exciting research project.

Oxidative Stress Study: In a collaborative effort with Case Western Reserve University, University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, Immunosciences, and Dr. McGinnis, we are engaged in a study (funded by a private donor) to measure oxidative damage in autistics and controls. The NIH is providing funding for this study. A successful outcome could decisively prove that autism is a condition of oxidative stress, and support the HRI finding of a metallothionein disorder in autism.

Ariel School Project: In a study funded by the National Recreation Foundation, Pfeiffer has provided biochemical therapy to 14 at-risk students in Chicago’s inner city. The first phase of the project has been completed and a final report is being prepared for the NRF which shows impressive gains in academics and behavior control for most of the study participants. NRF is funding a second year of this project aimed at developing a low-cost biochemical therapy system for inner-city children.

Post-Partum Depression: A retrospective study by Crayton and Walsh has provided strong evidence of elevated serum copper levels in females with a history of post-partum depression. A manuscript has been submitted to the peer-reviewed journal, Archives of Women’s Mental Health.

Metallothionein and Autism-Spectrum Disorders: A database study of 503 autism-spectrum patients has revealed strong evidence of severe copper and zinc abnormalities in this population. Blood testing of autistics and controls indicates (a) most autistics exhibit low levels of the protein metallothionein (MT) compared to controls, and (2) these levels approach normality following our novel MT-Promotion therapy. An outcome study is underway to measure the efficacy of MT-Promotion therapy in treatment-naïve autistics.

Study of Hormone Levels in Autistic Patients: HRI-Pfeiffer is engaged in a study of hormone levels in autistic children and controls funded by the BHARE Foundation. This experiment is aimed at testing the hypothesis that most autistic-spectrum patents exhibit relatively low levels of estrogen and progesterone and elevated levels of testosterone. If the hypothesis can be verified, a hormone-normalization therapy will be developed.

Alzheimer’s Outcome Study: A clinical study measuring the efficacy of MT-Promotion therapy in Alzheimer’s patients is underway. Patient status is evaluated using interactive computer software which measures memory and other cognitive functions. The MT-Promotion treatment is aimed at overcoming oxidative stresses in the brain, which have been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease, and normalizing metal levels.

Treatment-Naïve Autism Database Study: We have begun an in-house study of biochemical factors in autism which is restricted to patients who have never received nutritional supplements, chelation, secretin, or other non-dietary autism therapies. The purpose is to define the innate biochemical characteristics of autistic persons, in the absence of therapies which could alter body chemistry.

Can you help?

Metallothionein Promotion Therapy for Autism Symptoms: The Pfeiffer Treatment Center is looking for healthy kids between the ages of 3 and 10 to participate in a research study to find new and more effective treatments for Autism. Participation in the study would involve a small sampling of blood, urine and hair for laboratory testing. A $35 gift card will be issued at the completion of test collection as a token of our thanks. Pfeiffer Treatment Center is a non-profit, outpatient medical facility specializing in biochemical testing and individualized nutrient therapy for children and adults. For additional information, please call 630-505-0300.

Nutrient Therapy for Alzheimers Symptoms: The Pfeiffer Treatment Center offers a clinical program for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. The clinical intervention uses nutrient therapy aimed at slowing or halting the progression of the disease. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and is interested in nutrient therapy, please call 630-505-0300. To participate in the program you must be between the ages of 56 and 85 and have a caregiver, family member or friend who can provide monthly progress information. A fee will be charged for services. The Pfeiffer Treatment Center is a non-profit, outpatient medical facility specializing in biochemical testing and individualized nutrient therapy for children and adults.