A newly released book is bringing renewed attention to the relationship between Parkinson’s disease, the gut microbiome, and chronic illness, combining one family’s personal experience with decades of scientific exploration.
Published by Silversmith Press, Connected: Love, Loss, and the Unseen Forces Behind Chronic Disease chronicles author Martha Carlin’s efforts to better understand Parkinson’s disease after her husband, John Carlin, received an early-onset diagnosis at the age of 44 despite being physically active and having recently completed a marathon.
Rather than accepting conventional treatment options focused primarily on symptom management, Carlin embarked on a long-term investigation into the biological and environmental factors that may contribute to chronic disease. Her research eventually led her into fields including microbiome science, the gut-brain axis, nutrition, environmental health, and systems biology.
The book combines memoir, scientific discussion, and reflections on caregiving, documenting Carlin’s transition from a corporate career into the world of health research and biotechnology. Over the years, she founded several microbiome-focused companies and collaborated with researchers studying the connections between gut health and neurological disorders.
Throughout Connected, Carlin explores the idea that chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s may involve complex interactions among the immune system, nervous system, gut microbiome, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors. Rather than focusing on individual symptoms, the book encourages readers to consider broader biological systems that may influence long-term health.
The publication also examines topics including environmental toxins, food systems, emotional stress, and emerging microbiome research, presenting these subjects through both personal experiences and scientific perspectives.
The book has received praise from members of the scientific community. Among them is former National Science Foundation Director Rita R. Colwell, who described the work as an engaging combination of personal storytelling and scientific inquiry that explores both the challenges and possibilities surrounding Parkinson’s research.
According to the publisher, Connected is intended for a broad audience, including patients living with chronic illnesses, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and readers interested in emerging scientific approaches to understanding complex diseases.
Martha Carlin has spent more than two decades working in microbiome research and innovation. She is the founder of companies focused on gut health and has participated in research collaborations related to the microbiome, neurological health, and systems-based medicine. Her work has also included scientific publications, public speaking engagements, and contributions to broader discussions surrounding chronic disease research.
Connected: Love, Loss, and the Unseen Forces Behind Chronic Disease is available in paperback and eBook editions through major online booksellers.
