Conditions

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease affecting the nervous system. The underlying cause is unknown, but symptoms appear when there is a lack of dopamine (a neuro-transmitter) in the brain.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Tremor, most present unilaterally; increases with stress and improves with rest
• Rigidity
• Gait disturbance and postural abnormalities
• Poor balance
• Walking problems

Secondary symptoms may include the following:

• Memory loss
• Sleep disturbances
• Stooped posture
• Ocular abnormalities
• Constipation or incontinence
• Dementia in 20% of patients
• Speech, breathing, and swallowing problems

Diagnosis:

There are no definitive diagnostic procedures for Parkinson's disease. In most cases, a doctor will examine the patient and, through symptoms and past medical health, be able to provide the diagnosis.

Treatment Options:

Depending on the type, number, and severity of symptoms, treatment options include the
following.

• Medication
• Surgery
• Exercise to improve mobility and physical, occupational, or speech therapy as required.

Traditional Treatments:

Levodopa, which the body converts into dopamine, has proven to be the most effective drug treatment for correcting the imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain. High doses are required because much of this drug is taken out of the blood stream before it reaches the brain. Unfortunately, the beneficial effects of levodopa diminish with prolonged use, while there is an increase in longer term side effects. Once levodopa stops working, your doctor may prescribe bromoscriptine or a combination of levodopa and carbidopa. These drug therapies do not work as well as the original levodopa treatments do; however, your doctor may switch you back to the levodopa after a cleansing period. Speak with your doctor about the serious side effects of levodopa before taking this medication.

The most common secondary drugs used against Parkinson's disease include levodopa plus carbidopa, bromocriptine, amantadine, and pergolide. All of these drugs can have serious side effects. Speak with your doctor about them and read the inserts carefully before taking these drugs.

A surgical procedure, thalamotomy and pallidotomy reduces rigidity and small tremors. Both procedures require only local anesthetic. A neurosurgeon creates a very small opening in the skull and uses a probe to send electrical impulses into the areas of the brain that are causing the symptoms. The effects are almost immediate and most patients are ready to go home within twenty-four hours. These procedures are considered relatively safe, even for older adults.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Complementary and alternative therapies may provide some relief of symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The primary focus is decreasing oxidation. Hair analysis may be useful to determine if there is heavy metal toxicity.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• To prevent or correct possible nutritional deficiencies take a high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplement.
• Acidophilus and bifidobacteria are friendly bacteria that help to prevent constipation, which is often a problem for people with Parkinson's disease. Follow the label directions.
• Calcium and magnesium help maintain a healthy nervous system. Take a multimineral supplement that supplies 500 mg of calcium and 250 mg of magnesium, as well as trace minderal, twice daily.
• Coenzyme Q10 is an oxygenation antioxidant. Take 30 mg two or three times daily.
• Evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil contain valuable essential fatty acids. Take1 tablespoonful of either or both twice daily.
• Low levels of phosphatidylserine are associated with Parkinson's disease. Take 50 mg of phosphatidylserine three times daily.
• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals. Take 1,000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids three times daily for one month. Then gradually increase your intake to the highest level you can tolerate.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that prevents free-radical damage. Take 200 IU daily, then gradually increase the dosage until you are taking 400 IU in the morning and another 400 IU in the evening.
  Warning: If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.
• Selenium is an antioxidant that works with vitamin E and helps to increase circulation and tissue oxygenation. Take 200 mcg of selenium daily.

Alternative Therapies:

• Ginkgo biloba scavenges free radicals and boosts circulation to the brain. Ginkgo biloba is known for improving memory and brain function. Start by taking 40 mg three times daily. Gradually increase to as much as 80 mg three times daily.
• Black cohosh, catnip, lemon balm, passionflower, skullcap, and valerian root have antistress properties and can help nourish the nervous system.
  Warning: Do not use black cohosh during pregnancy.
• Consult a homeopathic practitioner for a constitutional remedy that may help.

General Recommendations:

• Moderate daily exercise helps to maintain muscle tone and function.
• Physical therapy, including active and passive range-of-motion exercises, can be valuable.

Warnings:

• If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.
• Do not use black cohosh during pregnancy.
• If you are on a blood thinner do not take ginkgo biloba without first consulting your health care practitioner.