Top Functional Medicine Doctor for Neurodegenerative Disease in New York City
With functional medicine, patients can finally take a stand against neurodegenerative diseases. At the Kellman Center in New York City, Dr. Raphael Kellman provides a deeply personalized, root-cause approach designed to support the brain, strengthen the body, and help patients preserve function and quality of life for as long as possible.
Dr. Kellman’s global reputation is built on the Microbiome Breakthrough, a comprehensive model that views the gut and the brain as an interconnected ecosystem. Inflammation, immune imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, hormone disruption, and microbiome dysfunction can all accelerate cognitive decline.
By restoring balance, patients often experience improvements in clarity, resilience, mood, mobility, and overall well-being.
The Gut–Brain Axis: The Foundation of a Functional Approach
Decades of research now confirm what Dr. Kellman has long taught: the gut and brain communicate constantly. When the gut is inflamed, imbalanced, or harboring harmful bacteria, that immune response extends into the brain, worsening neuroinflammation—a major driver of neurodegeneration.
Dr. Kellman evaluates the microbiome with precision so he can understand how dysbiosis, leaky gut, or pathogenic overgrowth may be contributing to symptoms. By restoring healthy microbial diversity and strengthening the intestinal lining, patients often experience better cognition, better mood regulation, and more stable energy. The gut–brain axis is not just a theory. It is a foundational therapeutic target for slowing or easing the trajectory of many neurodegenerative illnesses.
Thyroid Health and Cognitive Function
Thyroid dysfunction is another overlooked contributor to neurological decline. Low thyroid hormone slows metabolism in every cell, including neurons. It can lead to brain fog, reduced memory capacity, slower processing speed, and mood disturbances that mimic or accelerate degenerative processes.
Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, and subclinical thyroid imbalances are especially common in people with neurodegenerative disease. Dr. Kellman’s thyroid-focused testing identifies subtle imbalances that standard labs often miss. When the thyroid is optimized and inflammation is reduced, patients frequently notice improvements in clarity, focus, and cognitive stamina. In functional medicine, the thyroid is a key that unlocks better brain function.
Early Symptoms of Neurodegenerative Disease
One of the most important aspects of care is early detection. Many individuals ignore early warning signs, attributing them to aging or stress. Functional medicine encourages early evaluation so treatment can begin long before advanced neurological changes set in.
Common early symptoms include:
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Mild memory lapses, such as misplacing items or forgetting recent conversations
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Difficulty finding words or keeping up with conversations
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Changes in mood, personality, or emotional regulation
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Increased anxiety, depression, or apathy
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Subtle changes in balance or coordination
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Loss of smell, taste, or sensory sharpness
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Sleep disturbances and increased fatigue
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Difficulty managing tasks that once felt simple
These symptoms may not mean a neurodegenerative disease is present, but they do signal that the brain, immune system, microbiome, or thyroid may be under strain. Addressing these issues early is one of the most powerful ways to support brain longevity.
5 Neurodegenerative Diseases That Respond Well to a Functional Approach
While functional medicine is not a cure, it offers many people meaningful improvements in symptoms, daily functioning, and long-term brain resilience. Dr. Kellman works with patients at every stage—from the earliest cognitive changes to advanced disease.
Here are five of the most common neurodegenerative conditions that can benefit from a comprehensive functional strategy:
Supporting Patients at Every Stage
same: support the whole person. Functional medicine approaches neurodegenerative disease by identifying and removing triggers while nourishing the systems that help the brain heal and adapt.
Plans often include:
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Microbiome testing and targeted protocols
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Thyroid and hormone optimization
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Anti-inflammatory nutrition plans
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Detoxification support
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IV therapy
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Mitochondrial restoration
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Peptides and regenerative medicine where appropriate
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Cognitive and mood-supportive supplementation
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Environmental and lifestyle modifications
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Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
The goal is not simply to manage decline—it is to help patients feel more present, more capable, and more connected to their loved ones and their lives.
A Better Model for Brain Health in New York City
Neurodegenerative care should never be limited to medication alone. Patients need a strategy that considers every biochemical, hormonal, metabolic, and microbial factor that influences brain function. At the Kellman Center, patients receive care shaped by decades of research and experience in understanding how the gut, thyroid, microbiome, and immune system shape neurological health.
Dr. Kellman’s team partners with patients and families to create personalized protocols that reduce inflammation, strengthen cognitive resilience, and promote long-term neurological stability.
Get Started with Dr. Kellman in NYC
If you or a loved one is experiencing early cognitive changes or has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition, you are not alone—and you are not out of options. The earlier you begin supporting the brain and body, the more meaningful the results can be.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kellman at the Kellman Center in New York City to explore a functional, root-cause approach to neurodegenerative disease. Experience care that prioritizes your health, your history, and your future.