Parkinson’s disease is a common neurological condition afflicting about 1
percent of men and women over the age of seventy.
Parkinson's affects at least 500,000 people in the United
States alone. Individuals with Parkinson’s
disease have tremor of the hands, rigidity, poor balance, and mild intellectual
deterioration. The tremor is most apparent at rest and is less severe with movement. In
Parkinson’s disease, a small region in the brain, called the substantia nigra, begins
to deteriorate. The neurons of the substantia nigra use the brain chemical dopamine.
With the loss of dopamine, tremors begin and movement slows. Despite current drug
therapies, Parkinson’s disease remains a progressive and incurable condition. Many
patients with Parkinson’s disease may also suffer from age related cognitive decline
or have some of the symptoms of
Alzheimer’s disease.
Although Parkinson’s disease can
occur from viral infections or exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides, the
causes of the majority of cases are not well known. Scientists suspect that oxidative
damage to neurons in the substantia nigra could well be one of the major causes,
particularly due to the depletion of the antioxidant glutathione. People who sustain
substantial head injuries may face an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s
disease years later. Patients with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop
Parkinson's disease.
Mucuna Pruriens has been tested for Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's Disease and
diet
Eating foods rich in Vitamin E may help protect against Parkinson's
disease. A review of eight studies that looked into whether
Vitamins C and
E and beta carotene had an impact on the odds of developing Parkinson's
disease showed that a moderate intake of Vitamin E lowered the risk.
Neither Vitamin C nor beta carotene seemed to have a protective effect. The researchers said they did not know whether
Vitamin E supplements would have any benefits. Foods rich in Vitamin E include nuts, seeds, wheat germ, spinach
and other green leafy vegetables.
If you plan to take
vitamin E supplements,
limit your dose to 200 units a few times a week. Vitamin E is fat soluble
and stays in the body; therefore, daily intake is not needed. Also, use
natural mixed Vitamin E complex rather than the synthetic dl-alpha tocopherol.
It's possible other supplements could be useful in Parkinson's disease.
Those with high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of
Parkinson's disease.
Exercise and Parkinson's disease
Six weeks of intensive treadmill training improves gait and quality of life in
patients with Parkinson's disease: a pilot study.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2007 Sep;88(9):1154-8. Movement Disorders Unit,
Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Department of Physical Therapy, Sackler School
of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.
To evaluate the effects of 6 weeks of intensive treadmill training on gait
rhythmicity, functional mobility, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with
Parkinson's disease (PD). An open-label, before-after pilot study. Outpatient
movement disorders clinic. Nine patients with PD who were able to ambulate
independently and were not demented. Mean age was 70+/-6.8 years. Patients had
mild to moderate PD. Patients walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes during each
training session, 4 training sessions a week, for 6 weeks. Once a week, usual
overground walking speed was re-evaluated and the treadmill speed was adjusted
accordingly. Our results show the potential to enhance gait rhythmicity in
patients with PD and suggest that a progressive and intensive treadmill training
program can be used to minimize impairments in gait, reduce fall risk, and
increase quality of life in these patients.
Uric acid and Parkinson's
disease
Gout is associated with a lower risk of Parkinson disease. There appears to be a
link between uric acid and PD.
Treatment Strategies for Parkinson’s disease
The nutritional therapy for
Parkinson’s disease is still an uncharted
territory. The most promising approach appears to be the use of antioxidants to slow the
oxidation and damage to the substantia nigra. It’s possible that additional
nutritional approaches may be found in the future.
There are basically three types of drugs that
are commonly prescribed for patients with Parkinson’s disease. First, doctors
prescribe dopamine precursors, such as L-dopa, which converts into dopamine. A second
approach is using drugs that block the breakdown of dopamine. A common medicine used for
this purpose is selegiline (also known as deprenyl). And third, drugs are provided that
influence dopamine receptors directly. The two most commonly prescribed are bromocriptine
and pergolide.
Improving the Antioxidant System
Of all the nutritional strategies available for
Parkinson’s disease,
antioxidants appear to be the most promising choices to prevent or slow the progression of
this condition. Individuals whose diets include plenty of healthy foods containing
antioxidants are less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. Patients should consume
foods, such as fruits and vegetables, that contain glutathione or can help produce it. Cyanohydroxybutene, a chemical found in broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and
cabbage, is also thought to increase glutathione levels. High intake of dairy products may
lead to a higher incidence of Parkinson's disease.
Vitamin E antioxidant for Parkinson's
disease
Eating foods rich in Vitamin E may help protect against Parkinson's
disease.
Parkinson's disease occurs when brain cells that produce a chemical called
dopamine malfunction and die. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slow
movement and poor coordination and balance. A review of eight studies that looked into whether
Vitamins C and
E and beta carotene had an impact on the odds of developing Parkinson's
disease showed that a moderate intake of Vitamin E lowered the risk.
Neither Vitamin C nor beta carotene seemed to have a protective effect. The researchers said they did not know whether
Vitamin E supplements would have any benefits. Foods rich in Vitamin E include nuts, seeds, wheat germ, spinach
and other green leafy vegetables.
If you plan to take Vitamin E supplements,
limit your dose to 200 units a few times a week. Vitamin E is fat soluble
and stays in the body; therefore, daily intake is not needed. Also, use
natural mixed Vitamin E complex rather than the synthetic dl-alpha tocopherol.
It's possible other supplements could be useful in Parkinson's disease.
Those with high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of
Parkinson's disease.
Blocking Dopamine Breakdown
Dopamine is broken down in the brain by an enzyme called monoamine oxidase
(MAO). When the activity of MAO is inhibited, dopamine stays around longer and this
benefits those with Parkinson’s disease. Several drugs are available that block the
activity of MAO. Selegiline is the most effective and the one used most commonly. The
prescribed dosage is 5 mg a day.
No nutrients are currently known that prevent
the breakdown of dopamine. However, a study conducted on rats at the College of Humanities
and Sciences, Beijing Union University, in Beijing, China, indicates that the Chinese
herbs codonopsis and astragalus can inhibit MAO type B and increase the activity of the
antioxidant SOD. We don’t have any human trials to determine whether these two herbs
would benefit patients with Parkinson’s disease. Although selegiline is a very helpful medicine, high doses
may increase the risk of heart irregularities.
Parkinson's Disease
cause
Oxidative stress to dopaminergic neurons as models of Parkinson's
disease.
Gille G.Veterinary University of Vienna, Veterinarplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna,
Austria.
Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Jun;1018:533-40.
The effects of exogenous toxins (MPP(+), rotenone) and potentially neurotoxic
properties of levodopa (L-DOPA) on the survival rate of dopaminergic neurons in
dissociated primary culture are presented. Dopamine agonists show a capacity to
counteract MPP(+)-toxicity. Moreover, a preserving potential of the antioxidant
and bioenergetic coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) on the activities of tyrosine
hydroxylase (TH), complexes I and II of the respiratory chain, and hexokinase
activity in striatal slice cultures against MPP(+) is demonstrated.
Chemical cause of Parkinson's
disease
Parkinson's disease occurs when a protein in the brain, called alpha-synuclein,
or AS, clumps together. This causes brain cells that produce dopamine to
die or stop working properly, which in turn triggers the symptoms of
Parkinson's disease. Dopamine itself plays a role in destroying the
neurons that produce it. The mediating factor is a chemical by-product of
dopamine known as 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, or DOPAL. DOPAL causes
alpha-synuclein to clump together. Acta Neuropathologica, October 27,
2007.
Statin drugs and Parkinson's disease, is there a link?
January 2007 - There may be a link between Parkinson's disease and low
levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina are planning clinical
trials involving thousands of people to see whether statin drugs, which
lower low LDL levels, might actually trigger Parkinson's in some people.
Other research has for several years suggested that people with abnormally
low levels of LDL might be at higher risk of Parkinson's disease. Xuemei
Huang and colleagues found that patients with low levels of LDL
cholesterol are at least 3 times more likely to develop Parkinson's
disease than those with higher LDL levels. Reporting in the journal
Chemistry & Industry, the investigators said they plan a bigger study of
patients taking statins, the biggest-selling drugs in the world. "I am
very concerned, which is why I am planning a 16,000-patient prospective
study to examine the possible role of statins," Huang said in a statement.
Parkinson's disease
natural and alternative treatment emails
Q. Would a L Tyrosine supplement be
helpful in for Parkinson's disease?
A. L Tyrosine is not an effective supplement for those with
Parkinson's disease.
Q. I was wondering if my 82 year old
mother could use the Mind Power Rx as she has Parkinson's disease and is in the
3-4th stages of it. She seems to have good hearing but she is legally blind. She
only takes med for Parkinsons and oxybutinin for bladder control. She seems to
have trouble remembering what she sees on t.v. and has trouble with her thoughts
sometimes.
A. If her doctor approves she can take half a capsule with
breakfast for a week and thereafter perhaps every other day. We don't have
feedback regarding the interaction of Mind Power Rx with osybutinin and
sometimes in older people unexpected side effects can occur when combining
supplements and medications.
Q.
I am a biomedical researcher with a 77 y.o. father who has Parkinson’s Disease.
Dissatisfied with the side effects of the drugs he has tried; (Mirapex, Requip
and Amantadine, we have switched to an herbal supplement – Mucuna Pruriens,
which has offered some relief. We have had ordered, the genetic test for
Parkinson’s, in order to determine which gene is responsible for his enzyme
deficiencies. The test will not be returned for 4 weeks. He is also attempting
Tai Chi, twice a week, to encourage exercise and help with gait and balance
issues. I am researching Chinese herbs which may offer some help in retaining
his Dopabean levels from being degraded. I found the research abstract cited
below, listing 4 chinese herbs, the last of which is written up on your website.
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) by Chinese herbal medicines.
Department of Internal Medicine, Municipal Taipei Ho-Ping Hospital, Taiwan.
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) catalyzes the oxidative deamination of biogenic
amines accompanied by the release of H2O2. Two subtypes, MAO-A and MAO-B, exist
on the basis of their specificities to substrates and inhibitors. The regulation
of MAO-B activity is important in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Twenty-seven species of plants used in traditional Chinese medicines, selected
from an enthnobotanical survey, were used in an investigation of their
inhibitory effect on MAO-B in rat brain homogenates. The 50% aqueous methanol
extracts of four active extracts, Arisaema amurense, Lilium brownii var.
colchesteri, Lycium chinense, and Uncaria rhynchophylla, exhibited the best
activity and selectivity towards MAO-B. Would you be able to help me with a protocol including an herb
which may inhibit the degradation of Dopamine?
A. Thank you for the email, but we are not in a position to offer
individual advice on Parkinson's disease treatment.
Q. I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and have a tremor in left
hand, what's the best Parkinson's
vitamins and herbs or drug to prevent tremors, I am on
primadone with little results.
A. We can't give individual advice, but your doctor can read this
page for more info.
Q. I care for my 84 yr. old mother who has
Parkinson’s disease. I have taken her off all allopathic medications with the
exception of sinement. carb/levo 25/100mg. I am supplementing her with your
mucana puriens. Two mucana capsules in the morning before meal along with
thyroid and sinement. She functions well with the two mucana caps in the morning
but it seems to loose it’s affect by the afternoon. Is it acceptable to increase
this to two in the afternoon as well? Can u advise on the frequency of using
mucana please? Also I would like to give her Good Night Rx and would like to
know if that would be safe with her sinement.
A. Each person with Parkinson's disease has a different need and
dosage requirement for medication and supplement treatment. The dosage
requirement may also change over time. It is not possible for us to know what
the ideal mucuna pruriens dosage and timing would be for her. As to Good Night
Rx, you may ask her doctor if it is appropriate for her to use this sleep
formula perhaps a couple of times a week, but not every night. It is difficult
to predict the reaction of Good Night Rx with Sinemet and mucuna pruriens. Good
Night Rx is best taken on an empty stomach about 2 to 4 hours before bed. We
wish your mother well.
Q. Parkinson's disease involves dopamine, are other brain
chemicals also involved?
A. Although Parkinson's
disease research shows dopamine to be the primary neurotransmitter problem with
this condition, as people age there are usually other aspects of the brain or
neurotransmitter imbalances that can occur as a normal part of the aging
process.
I am from East London, Republic of South Africa. In 2006 my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and the name of the tablets he has been on is called Requip. I have read that this disease is caused by a shortage of dopamine, and secondly my dad is currently having problems such as stiffness of his joints, especially his knees and has difficulty in keeping his balance. Fortunately, we detected this early when my mum realised he used to twitch in his sleep. Ever since he was diagnosed these twitches have been kept under control. I would like to know from you whether there is any medication that we can use that will help with this illness. My father smoked for 40 years or so and has given it up for last year or so. I have read that smoking could be cause of the shortage of dopamine in the brain, however, due to the lack of knowledge of this illness, I would like to know from you where and how we may start to sustain and help the body to restore and produce these important substances?
My husband has parkinsons he currently is
on no meds, however I have him on supplements, dhea, iquity, nadh, vitamins,
omega 3, coq10 (1200mg). i was reading about mucuna, i ordered some. he has
slight dementia which we are concerned over, also slow gait, drooling, can
mucuna help his memory, as you see I have him on other memory products that
should help, i also have him on a few other vitamns b subligual and tremplex do
not want to over dose him, however concerned over his memory he also gets
depressed just ordered a product call uplift. trying to find the right
combination that works for him, any suggestions i would appreciate. he is age
80, besides the parkinsons in pretty good health.
Sorry but we are not in a position to offer individual
advice.
I am from East London, Republic of South
Africa. My father was diagnosed in 2007 with Parkinson’s Disease, and
fortunately for us, we detected this in the early stages. He is still currently
using Requip 1,5 mg since his diagnosis and appears that he is responding well
to it. There are times that his legs still twitches in his sleep, but this
occurs maybe twice or three times a month. Recently he has been complaining
about stiffness of his legs and we are not certain whether it is his knees or
the muscles that are affected. Will you please explain this and if there is any
medication that he can use with the Requip? Lastly, we would like to know what
herbal medication can be used in his case for the Parkinson’s and the stiffness
of the knees and joints?
We can't provide specific advice but perhaps the information
on this page and the page on osteoarthritis would be helpful.
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