Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system. It causes tremors (especially in the hands) and rigidity (especially in the face). The disease affects men and women equally, primarily after age 60. However, approximately 10 percent of those with the disease are under age 40. Although no cure for the disease is available at this time, drug therapy can help alleviate the symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Shaking
Poor balance
Stiffness and rigid limbs
Walking problems
Extremely slow movement
Involuntary eye closure

Secondary symptoms may include the following

Memory loss
Constipation
Sleep disturbances
Dementia
Speech, breathing, swallowing problems
Stooped posture

What Causes It?

Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter (brain chemical) dopamine, which affects muscle activity. The brain's inability to produce enough of these cells may be due to environmental factors (such as toxins or viruses), heredity, certain other brain chemicals, the aging process, and heroine use.

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Since no test can positively identify Parkinson's, your provider will rely largely on interviews with you and your family. He or she may order brain scans to measure dopamine activity. Genetic testing may help identify a specific illness (like Huntington's disease) linked to the disease.

Under the concepts of functional medicine, assessment is oriented toward determining what is impeding your body's ability to function normally. While some of the conventional medical approaches may help in this determination, they may not necessarily apply to a functional approach. Your healthcare provider will determine which assessment tools are most helpful in establishing a treatment strategy specific to your health needs.

Treatment Options

Treatment Plan

Several drugs treat the symptoms of Parkinson's, but they do not cure it. Certain drugs used to treat glaucoma, heart disease, and high blood pressure are also effective in the treatment of Parkinson's. Exercise is important in maintaining or improving mobility. Speech, physical, and occupational therapy also can help. Psychotherapy can help you cope with depression and the other emotionally stressful aspects of the disease.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies may provide some relief of symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Nutrition

Essential fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. A mix of omega-6 (evening primrose, black currant, borage, pumpkin seed) and omega-3 (flax seed and fish oils) may be best (2 tbsp. oil per day or 1,000 to 1,500 mg twice a day).

Antioxidants vitamin C (1,000 mg three times a day), vitamin E (400 to 800 IU per day), and the trace mineral selenium (200 mcg) may slow progression of Parkinson's. Other antioxidants are alpha-lipoic acid, grape seed extract, and pycnogenol.

A vitamin B complex is helpful.

Vitamin B6 (10 to 100 mg per day) may help with symptom control, but should be given with zinc (30 mg per day).

Manganese: excessive exposure increases the risk of Parkinson's

Amino acids: Low-protein diets may help control tremors. However, D-tyrosine (100 mg per kg per day) increases dopamine turnover.

Glutathione: antioxidant, (200 mg twice a day)

Choline increases brain function; various forms include lecithin, phosphatidyl choline, and DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)

Neurotransmitters made from amino acids such as glutamic acid and GABA (Gamma-aminobutyricacid) are used for Parkinson's

Herbs

Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica): historic use in Parkinson's. One cup tea twice a day, or 30 to 60 drops tincture twice a day

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): circulatory stimulant and an antioxidant (as a supplement 120 mg per day)

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha): circulatory stimulant, antioxidant (2 to 5 g per day)

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus), and Bupleurum species provide liver support.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum),skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia), oats (Avena sativa), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) help support the structure of the nervous system.

Homeopathy

Usually, the dose is 12X to 30C every one to four hours until your symptoms get better.

Argentum nitricum for ataxia (loss of muscle coordination), trembling, awkwardness, painless paralysis

Causticum for Parkinson's with restless legs at night, contractures

Mercurius vivus for Parkinson's that is worse at night, especially with panic attacks

Plumbum metallicum especially with arteriosclerosis

Zincum metallicum for great restlessness, and depression

Physical Medicine

Chelation therapy may be effective if the Parkinson's is due to heavy metal toxicity or environmental toxins.

Acupuncture

May be helpful, particularly for the tremor involved.

Massage

May help with increasing circulation and decreasing muscle spasm.

Following Up

Since Parkinson's disease advances with time, you will need to be under constant medical care. Drug treatments often become less effective over time, and you must keep a close eye on your symptoms.

Special Considerations

Exercise will also help you improve mobility.

Supporting Research

Bartram T. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Dorset, England: Grace Publishers; 1995:328?329.

Blumenthal M, ed.The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: OneMedicine; 1998:138.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998.

Morrison R. Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Albany, Calif: Hahnemann Clinic Publishing; 1993:32?33, 111?113, 244?247, 303?304, 401?403.

National Institutes of Health. Accessed at www.ninds.nih.gov/healinfo/disorder/parkinso/pdhtr.htm on January 16, 1999.

Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Accessed at www.pdf.org on January 16, 1999.

Perry TL, Godin DV, Dansen S. Parkinson's disease: a disorder due to nigral glutathione deficiency. Neurosci Lett. 1982;33:305?310.

Thierney LM Jr, McPhee SJ, Papadakis MA. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 1999.38th ed. Stamford, Conn: Appleton & Lange; 1999.

Werbach, M. Nutritional Influences on Illness. New Canaan, Conn: Keats Publishing; 1988:346?349.

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The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.

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