What are Disease Modifying Therapies?

Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are treatments designed to slow the progression of chronic diseases rather than only managing symptoms. These therapies aim to alter the underlying disease process, ultimately reducing long-term disability and improving quality of life. DMTs are commonly used in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain types of arthritis. By targeting the root causes or mechanisms driving the disease, DMTs can delay or prevent irreversible damage, rather than providing temporary relief or symptom suppression.

Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) are treatments designed to slow the progression of chronic diseases, particularly autoimmune and neurodegenerative conditions. Examples of DMTs include:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS):

  • Interferon beta (Avonex, Rebif)

  • Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)

  • Fingolimod (Gilenya)

  • Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)

  • Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

  • Methotrexate

  • Leflunomide

  • Biologic agents like Etanercept (Enbrel) and Adalimumab (Humira)

  • Rituximab (Rituxan)

• Alzheimer’s Disease:

  • Aducanumab (Aduhelm) – aimed at amyloid beta plaques reduction

• Parkinson’s Disease:

  • MAO-B inhibitors like Selegiline (Eldepryl) that may slow disease progression

These therapies work by targeting underlying disease mechanisms rather than just alleviating symptoms.

Nature-based interventions (NBIs) are increasingly recognized for their role in promoting overall health and well-being, but their use as disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) remains an area of active investigation rather than established clinical practice. DMTs specifically aim to alter the underlying pathophysiology of a disease, slowing progression or inducing remission. While NBIs such as forest bathing, horticultural therapy, and nature exposure have demonstrated benefits in mental health, cardiovascular health, and immune function, evidence that they modify disease processes at a biological level to the extent of formal DMTs is limited.

Research indicates that NBIs can complement traditional medical treatments by reducing stress, inflammation, and other risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and depression. For example, time spent in natural environments has been linked with improved autonomic nervous system balance, and reduced markers of systemic inflammation, suggesting potential indirect effects on disease mechanisms. However, current clinical trials supporting NBIs primarily focus on symptom management, quality of life, and preventive benefits rather than as standalone or adjunctive therapies aimed explicitly at disease modification.

In summary, while nature-based interventions show promise as supportive care strategies and may contribute positively to health outcomes, they are not widely accepted or validated as disease-modifying therapies in mainstream clinical practice. Ongoing research is needed to better elucidate potential mechanisms and to define evidence-based protocols where NBIs could be integrated alongside conventional DMTs for chronic disease management.