Why Bodyworkers Should Be Paying Attention to Alzheimer’s Research

The conversation around Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is evolving rapidly. While most practitioners are familiar with MLD for post-surgical recovery, lymphedema care, and inflammation management, researchers are now exploring something even more fascinating: the relationship between the glymphatic system and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

The glymphatic system is often described as the brain’s “waste clearance system.” During rest and sleep, this network helps remove metabolic waste and proteins from the brain, including beta-amyloid, one of the proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Emerging research suggests impaired glymphatic function may play a role in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.

This has opened an entirely new conversation within the lymphatic and bodywork fields.

While research is still developing, many healthcare professionals and manual therapists are beginning to ask important questions:

• Can manual therapies support healthy fluid movement connected to glymphatic function?

• Could cervical lymphatic pathways play a larger role in neurological wellness than previously understood?

• How might bodyworkers become part of future preventative wellness conversations?

  
  

This area of study is gaining attention quickly, and it is likely to become one of the most important emerging specialties within lymphatic education over the next several years. One article that I discuss in my course states about their research, "Combined, this data provides compelling proof-of-principle evidence for the potential of MLD as a standalone or adjunct therapy in the treatment of AD."

That’s why I created Manual Glymphatic Drainage: Exploring Potential Prevention and Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease, an educational course to expand on advanced MLD designed for certified and licensed body workers, nurses, or anyone who is interested in the growing connection between the lymphatic and neurological systems.

This course explores current theories, anatomy, emerging research, and practical applications surrounding glymphatic function and manual therapy while maintaining an evidence-informed perspective.

As the field of lymphatic therapy continues expanding beyond traditional applications, practitioners who stay informed on emerging science will be better positioned to grow alongside it.

The future of lymphatic work extends far beyond swelling and recovery care, and this is only beginning.

Interested in learning more?

Join the course, Manual Glymphatic Drainage: Exploring Potential Prevention and Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease, by clicking here.

Are you a licensed professional body worker and want to become an advanced certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist online? Learn more here, Online Advanced Manual Lymphatic Drainage Certification.

Nicole Shea LMT, MMP, CLT

Advanced Lymphatic Practitioner and Educator

Citation

Bartlett MJ, Erickson RP, Frye J, Doyle KP, Pires PW, Witte MH. Manual lymph drainage massage of the head and neck improves cognition and reduces pathological biomarkers in the 5x-FAD mouse model of Alzheimers disease. Preprint. bioRxiv. 2025;2025.08.08.669361. Published 2025 Aug 12. doi:10.1101/2025.08.08.669361