Tag: Parkinson’s

How to Manage Parkinson’s Naturally

 I found this article to be well written, useful and informative.

(I will put any additional comments that I add into parinthise and italics)

By Dr. Kate Henry, N.D.

There have been many advances in medicine that allow people with Parkinson’s to maximize their health, happiness, and well-being. In this article, we’ll cover some of the basics about Parkinson’s Disease (PD), including what it is, how to manage it, and some natural methods for improving outcomes.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects roughly 1% of the world’s population. PD impacts the whole body, including the musculoskeletal system (fine and gross motor control), autonomic and nervous system, digestive system, mood, cognition, and more. Symptoms of PD are typically grouped into categories called “motor” and “non-motor” symptoms.

In the past few decades, our understanding of PD has progressed from one that was defined by a lack of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain and tremor to a more complete understanding of PD as a whole-body disorder which begins decades before we can see changes in central nervous system tissue. PD also involves multiple neurotransmitters (not just dopamine), and highly progressive forms of PD are linked with chronic inflammation, cell damage, protein glycation, high blood sugar, lack of activity, poor dietary choices, and more.

While this might feel overwhelming to hear, it means that there are tons of evidence-based, natural, lifestyle-based changes you can make to decrease your risk of Parkinson’s and to potentially decrease your symptoms if you already have it. Remember, health happens the 364 days you spend outside of the doctor’s office each year. Your choices at the dinner table, in the gym, and in your home affect your health and you can use them to improve many disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Let’s talk about the variety of exciting, easy interventions that are proven to improve outcomes in PD. 

Pharmaceuticals Are A Mainstay of Parkinson’s Disease—Here’s Why

You might be wondering, “Why is Dr. Kate’s number one ‘natural’ recommendation to take and optimize pharmaceutical medications?” Simply put, it’s because if you don’t have enough dopamine in your brain, you can’t do any of the other lifestyle changes I’ll be asking you to do later in this article. Pharmaceuticals are a mainstay of Parkinson’s disease treatment because they help to replace missing dopamine that your brain desperately needs to stay motivated and to keep moving.

Dopamine’s Role in the Brain and Body

Dopamine is the reward neurotransmitter that helps us feel motivated to do things like get outside, cook healthy meals, and exercise. It also helps us coordinate movement. When people with Parkinson’s don’t have enough dopamine, they can get symptoms like depression, apathy, fatigue, tremor, and poor balance. They can even experience freezing—a phenomenon in Parkinson’s disease where people feel stuck or unable to move.

It’s not hard to imagine how the symptom list above would make it difficult—if not impossible—to go out for a run, take medications consistently, or want to go to the grocery store to look for ingredients for a new plant-based recipe (other natural interventions that are proven to reduce progression in Parkinson’s). These symptoms can even make it hard to take supplements or eat healthy foods since a lack of dopamine can cause difficulties with swallowing. For that reason, we need to make sure dopamine levels are optimized first before we try other natural treatment options in PD.

Dopaminergic drugs and in particular Levodopa (also known as Sinemet, Rytary, Carbidopa-Levodopa, or Duopa), are the closest things to our own body’s dopamine that we can make in a lab. They work. I’ve seen people with Parkinson’s who couldn’t stand up, take a step, or smile become completely transformed within hours of taking their first dose of Levodopa. In my opinion and the opinions of most neurologists, PD specialists, and PD patients, dopaminergic drugs are effective medications. They just have to be taken the right way and with the right nutrients to make them work for you.

How to Use Optimize Parkinson’s Disease Medications With Nutrition

There are a number of ways to optimize your response to oral medications for Parkinson’s disease. One of the first is to make sure that you’re digesting and absorbing those medications adequately. For PD medications, in particular, there are several nutritional considerations you must factor in when designing a medication plan that works for you.

1. Take PD medications with small snacks, not meals

Dopaminergic medications need to be taken away from high-fat, high-protein meals because amino acids and peptides compete for absorption across the blood-brain barrier, and high-volume meals can dilute stomach acid and delay the absorption of medication into the bloodstream. If you eat a big steak with your dopamine meds, they won’t be absorbed as well as if you ate them with a lower-protein snack like an apple.

Because of the need to avoid combining protein with dopaminergic medications, people with Parkinson’s have to be very careful to make sure they still get enough total protein in the day and that they optimize their nutrition. Protein is important because it helps our bodies heal, repair tissues, and balance blood sugar, among many other things. It pays to work with a naturopathic doctor, registered dietitian, or nutritionist who can help you develop a plan that works for you to still optimize your nutrition while you increase your ability to absorb medications. Some of my strategies for PD patients involve an adjusted feeding schedule, protein shakes between meals, small and frequent snacks throughout the day, and collagen powders in drinks that my clients don’t take with meds.

2. Take B vitamins when taking dopaminergic meds

Additionally, the human body also requires cofactors like vitamin B6, choline, zinc, and vitamin B12 to metabolize and use dopaminergic pharmaceuticals. A deficiency in these vitamins and minerals can impair your ability to respond to dopaminergic medications effectively and without side effects.

Many people are surprised to learn that deficiencies in B6 and B12 are quite common. Roughly 10% of the U.S. population is deficient in B6, and 2% is deficient in B12. Because the top food sources of B vitamins tend to also be protein sources like beans and meat, people with Parkinson’s may actually be at a higher risk of these deficiencies if they’ve been attempting an unsupervised low-protein diet.

Consider taking a B complex or multivitamin that contains at least 100% RDA of B vitamins and zinc to make sure you’ve got enough of these nutrients to allow dopaminergic drugs to work their magic! If you have trouble swallowing, sublingual B12 or a liquid multivitamin may be the best option for you. Studies have shown that repleting levels of B12 and folate can help to minimize adverse reactions to L-Dopa-containing medications and protect nerve and cardiovascular tissue long-term.

3. Drink enough water and electrolytes to avoid orthostatic hypotension

One of the most common side effects of dopaminergic medications is orthostatic hypotension. Symptoms of orthostatic hypotension including feeling dizzy when you stand up, feeling fatigued due to low blood pressure, and frequent brain fog. Orthostatic hypotension also increases the chances of falling while walking. To help to reduce the chances of experiencing orthostatic hypotension when taking dopaminergic medication, make sure to drink enough fluids like water, decaffeinated teas, and low-sugar sports drinks, consume adequate electrolytes, and to consume enough protein. These factors combined help to ensure your best chances of maintaining normal blood pressure.

A Word about Natural Dopamine Replacement

Clients often ask me if they can use mucuna pruriens to help treat their PD instead of dopaminergic pharmaceuticals like Levodopa. The answer is that it depends.

Mucuna is a plant that contains significant amounts of L-Dopa. Some studies suggest that it can be as effective as Levodopa for controlling motor symptoms in PD and that it can have fewer side effects. These studies have mainly been conducted in remote areas where access to pharmaceutical medications is limited.

Currently, mucuna is not available as a prescription. This means that it is not subject to the same purity and safety regulations as pharmaceutical drugs are in the U.S. Taking it means that you’re accepting the risk that it might be contaminated or that it may contain more or less of a product that is on the label. It also isn’t covered by insurance, so the cost of taking mucuna daily is often prohibitive for many of my clients when compared to the cost of Levodopa.

If you’re willing to accept these risks and drawbacks, then mucuna could be a good herbal medicine for you to include in your PD treatment program. You have to work closely with a doctor (ideally one like a naturopathic doctor who’s also trained in herbal medicine) to determine and continually adjust your ideal dose of it.

It’s worth noting here that many other medications can be used to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms. This article is a good starting point for learning how to use lifestyle to optimize dopaminergic pharmaceuticals, but if you have more questions, schedule an appointment with a neurologist who specializes in PD and ask them what might work best for your body. 

Movement: The Mainstay of Natural Treatment for PD

Now that you’ve got enough dopamine in your system, your next best bet is to get moving! Exercise is one of the most effective interventions for Parkinson’s symptoms—second only to dopaminergic medication.

You should always work with a physical therapist to determine which exercises are safe for you depending on your symptoms and abilities. But the key takeaway from this section should be that regular exercise improves overall outcomes, quality of life, and nearly all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Whether it’s balance, fall risk, depression, energy, strength, speed of movement, or sleep, there’s at least one study proving that exercise can help improve it in Parkinson’s. It sounds simple, but it’s profound.

Some of the most studied forms of exercise for improving PD symptoms include:

  • Strength training
  • Balance training
  • Dance, including tango and foxtrot
  • Yoga
  • Running
  • Boxing

How to Use Movement as Medicine in PD

Movement is mostly free. It’s available to all of us, and it really works to improve symptoms of PD. But getting regular movement can feel tricky if you’re already someone who has a hard time with balance, strength, or motivation.

This is why you need good movement specialists on your team. Whether it’s a physical therapist, personal trainer, chiropractor,  coach, or fitness instructor, create a community of folks who can help you determine how to move safely in a way that you love so you can stay active with PD in the long term.

This is also why we talked about medications first in this section. Medications can help you to minimize motor symptoms and maximize your ability to get moving so that you can begin to practice a program that will eventually build strength, flexibility, and balance.

Additionally, because apathy and depression are often symptoms of PD, it can be hard to motivate yourself to exercise. Get friends and join a boxing group, hiking club, or pilates class. Agree to walk dogs for a local shelter, or volunteer to take younger relatives to a park. Whatever it takes to keep you accountable for moving, build it into your schedule so that your other symptoms don’t derail your movement progress. If you don’t have a community locally, find one online.

Finally, it’s worth reiterating that moving safely is the foundation for any exercise program that works long-term. Get a medical professional (physical therapist, orthopedic doctor, etc.) on board to help you determine how you can move in a way that’s best for your body, and then make a commitment to do it each day.

Dietary Changes for Parkinson’s Disease Management

In general, a diet that is adequate in vitamins, minerals, low-glycemic fiber, complete proteins, and water is more beneficial for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases than one that is high in inflammatory oils, processed sugars, and excess calories. This is because protecting nerve fibers and cell membranes is critical for keeping folks with PD healthy, and to do this we have to:

  • Provide our cells with what they need to work correctly (vitamins and minerals)
  • Reduce the food ingredients that cause cellular damage via inflammation, toxicity, and impaired cell signaling (inflammatory oils, processed sugars, and excess calories).

Plant foods (fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts, seeds, legumes) and moderate amounts of animal protein are the most beneficial foods for people with Parkinson’s to eat because they accomplish both of these goals.

Some people use diets like the Mediterranean diet, DASH diet, Wahls diet, Whole 30 diet, or other specific diets as a shorthand way of describing the diet outlined above. In general, though, a whole foods diet that includes many fruits and vegetables is the best for someone with PD.

One fascinating study, in particular, has established that the following foods seem to be associated with a dose-dependent decrease in PD symptoms long-term. (Put differently, the more of these foods you eat, the better you feel when you have Parkinson’s).

The same study suggested that sodas, canned foods, and fried foods, as well as processed sources of dairy, seem to be linked with faster rates of Parkinson’s progression (i.e. worse outcomes) long-term.

I typically advise my patients to focus on adding more of the foods in the list above to their diets, rather than restricting their diets. Simply including two servings of fruits or vegetables at each meal, adding more trail mix and nut or seed-based snacks throughout their day, and eating omega-3 rich fish like salmon several times per week can help you get there.

If you need more specific advice, consider working with a naturopathic doctor or nutrition professional to help you create a plan that’s customized for you. If you have trouble swallowing, work with an OT and your neurologist to develop a plan to help you eat the healthiest foods in a safe way for you.

Low-Glycemic Diets Improve Symptoms in PD

Managing blood sugar is vitally important for people with neurodegenerative disorders like PD. This is because hyperglycemia and diabetes are risk factors for mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired blood flow and oxygen delivery to organs including the brain, reduced brain volume, and more. All of these effects make the symptoms of PD worse.

Any dietary plan should include low-glycemic foods like fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and protein sources. If you have high blood sugar, ask your doctor and nutrition practitioner to help you get it under control.

Supplements for Parkinson’s Disease Management

Many people with Parkinson’s take supplements as part of their health routines. In a study of supplement habits in people with PD, the following supplements appear to be associated with a decreased rate of progression of PD symptoms. 

CoQ10 is an important antioxidant that helps our cells make energy. Because mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired cellular energy metabolism are implicated in the development of Parkinson’s disease, it makes sense to ensure that you are—at the very least—not deficient. One of the ways to do this is to supplement regularly with an over-the-counter CoQ10 supplement. In animal studies, CoQ10 supplementation has even been shown to halt or reverse the progression of Parkinsonian symptoms.

5MTHF stands for 5-methyl-tetrahydrafolate. It’s a methylated form of folate that’s thought to be more bioavailable than folic acid. Many people with PD take this as a part of the protocol recommended at the beginning of this article to maximize the effectiveness (and reduce side effects) of some Parkinson’s medications.

Turmeric, resveratrol, and quercetin are thought to protect cell membrane health mostly via their antioxidant capabilities. Antioxidants quench free radicals that would normally damage the fatty lining of every single cell in our bodies. By doing this, they protect cell membrane health and preserve the ability of our cells to manufacture energy and signal to each other appropriately. 

Multivitamins also contain many minerals and vitamins that are antioxidants. Additionally, they can be part of a good holistic plan to prevent nutrient deficiencies, which helps any human feel healthier and maximize their chances of good health. These supplements are safe for most people, but you should always ask your health provider before adding them to your routine.

There are many reasons to feel empowered and hopeful about your ability to manage and thrive with Parkinson’s disease. I hope this article gives you a good start!

Stages of Parkinsons…

to answer a quesstion a sister asked me, because her husband has recently been diagnnosed…..what to expect?? Written by : Kelly Crumrin

There are five commonly recognized stages of Parkinson’s. Neurologists stage Parkinson’s based on the way the condition typically progresses. However, symptoms of Parkinson’s vary by the type of parkinsonism and between individuals. An individual with Parkinson’s will not necessarily experience all or even most symptoms and may not experience them at the same stage in which others experience them. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms worsen gradually over time, new symptoms appear, and disability accumulates.

Assessing the stage of Parkinson’s helps anticipate disabilities and plan accordingly for care.

The Five Stages of Parkinson’s

The stages of Parkinson’s are based on the Hoehn and Yahr scale introduced in 1967. The Hoehn and Yahr staging system focuses on disability caused by motor symptoms such as bradykinesia (slowed movements), tremor, and loss of balance. Some neurologists also use a newer scale called the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The UPDRS scale takes into account changes in mood, cognitive function such as thinking and remembering, and social behavior.

Stage 1

Motor symptoms occur on one side of the body only. There is minimal or no disability.

Stage 2

Motor symptoms worsen and begin to affect both sides of the body. There may be difficulty walking and changes in posture, facial expression, and voice. Daily activities become harder and take longer.

Stage 3

In the middle stage of Parkinson’s, loss of balance becomes apparent and falls are more common. Motor symptoms make it difficult to eat, dress, and perform self-care, but the person is still capable of living alone.

Stage 4

At stage 4, a person is no longer able to live alone. Disability is severe, and the person requires help with many daily tasks. They may or may not be able to stand and walk without assistance. Many people begin using walkers at this stage.

Stage 5

During stage 5, the person cannot rise from a chair or bed without help. Motor symptoms include stumbling and freezing. They may lose the ability to stand or walk, and a wheelchair becomes necessary. Assistance is required around the clock for all activities. Some people begin to experience psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions.

Another View of Parkinson’s Progression

A newer theory of Parkinson’s progression called Braak’s hypothesis suggests that Parkinson’s may begin years before motor symptoms develop. According to Braak’s hypothesis, loss of smell and digestive symptoms such as constipation are the earliest signs of Parkinson’s, showing up many years before motor issues. While these early symptoms do not show up on an official Parkinson’s stage yet, many researchers are working on ways to identify and treat Parkinson’s earlier, even before stage 1.

Through Sarah’s eyes

There are links included in her letter. I’d encourage you to take time to view them. Most of them seemed to be YouTube – Ted talks.

IF I could turn back the clock and write a letter to every single one of my clients on the day they were diagnosed with Parkinson’s, this is what the letter would say.” (she is a physical therapist)

“Dearest Friend,

Today likely didn’t go the way you planned nor wanted it to go. Whether you’re feeling confused, frightened, angry, or apathetic, I want you to know I’m here for you. I know a new diagnosis of Parkinson’s can knock you for a loop, but consider this letter an invitation to a new chapter of your life – one that is much brighter than you may be imagining at this moment.

I think the tendency is for someone to say “I’m sorry” right about now, but I’m going to hold off on that lingo because I have a feeling you’re likely not looking for sympathy. Instead, I want to offer my support. Please don’t consider this a hand-out (I know you’re not looking for that either) – I just ask that you consider what I’m about to say with a brave and open heart. Many people that I care about have stood where you stand now with questions, looking for hope. I’ve learned a lot watching them go through this process and, while I won’t pretend to know all the answers, what follows is my best advice for the next chapter of your life…

#1 You are Not broken.

It may be your default to take this diagnosis as a sign that your body is broken or even revolting against you but your body is simply telling you it needs serious TLC. It’s likely been telling you this for a while but up until now it’s been easier to ignore than pay attention to. Today your body shouted loud enough for you to hear it so now begins the journey of listening and tuning in to what it’s telling you.  Your body is resilient and always seeking health and repair – you just need to give it what it’s asking for.

#2 Your Future has Not been decided for you.

There will be naysayers and fear mongers, but a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is just that – a diagnosis. It’s a label for a collection of symptoms, not your prognosis or a crystal-ball prediction of what your future holds. It’s okay to believe you’ll get better, not worse, and that you’ll never need a wheelchair. This isn’t denial if this belief is paired with deliberate action on your part to improve your health and maximize your vitality. Your future is in Your hands, no one else’s, and your attitude is everything.

#3 Don’t Hide.

Your instinct is likely to hide your diagnosis and pretend all is well. The thought of walking into a Parkinson’s support group may make you want to cry – after all, who wants to be face-to-face with a future they’d rather not confront? Luckily, Parkinson’s symptoms aren’t contagious! Joking aside, the Parkinson’s community is incredibly strong and supportive and is an amazing resource. Just because others present with certain symptoms doesn’t mean that’s your fate and learning from their experience is valuable beyond measure. Find a local support group, meet-up, or just another like-minded person with Parkinson’s (PWP) who can act as a confidant through this process. There are many online support groups and you’ll definitely be able to find one that matches your current situation and attitude. Seek out resources that build you up and have a positive impact. Remember, there is strength in numbers and no one can (or should) go at this alone. JOIN OUR TRIBE – SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

#4 Start Exercising. Now.

The evidence is strong – regular exercise is neuroprotective (meaning it protects your brain) and promotes neurogenesis (meaning it helps develop new connections in your brain). The buzzword is “neuroplasticity” which means your brain is always molding and changing based on what you ask it to do. So, challenge it (mentally and physically) to change it for the better. The absorption and utilization of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that is lacking in Parkinson’s, is significantly boosted with a challenging and frequent exercise regime. The bottom line: You shouldn’t miss a day of exercise in the same way you wouldn’t miss a day of taking your medication. Yes, it’s that important! If you’re not an exerciser.. well, you are now!

#5 Small changes = Huge difference.

Observe your diet. We swallow food just like we swallow pills – why expect that one will have an affect on your symptoms and the other will not? Toxins come in many forms – pesticides, hormones, pollution, food additives and sugar, to name a few – and they burden your immune system and brain. Eat as organic and close to nature as you can afford. Explore supplements but realize you can’t supplement away a bad diet. (Healthy) fats are your friend. Find activities that calm your mind and fill your soul – do them daily. Meditate. Laugh. Prioritize sleep – this is where your brain heals and flushes out toxins. Treating your body like a temple will dramatically affect the way you move, think, and feel.

#6 Take Action Now, don’t wait.

You may feel you’re “not that bad”. Your symptoms are minimal and you feel you can pretend they don’t exist and for a while, yes, you’ll be able to go on as if nothing’s ever happened. Your urge to “stay normal” in the eyes of others for as long as possible is strong – I get it. However, when it comes to Parkinson’s there is no waiting, whether you have symptoms or not. Taking immediate action to uplevel your exercise program, manage your stress, regulate your sleep cycle, and overhaul your nutrition is crucial to preserving your precious brain and is the only option. Medication will help your symptoms and DBS may reduce your tremors, but these are simply masking the dysfunctions in your system, not fixing them. Very similar to the way money compounds in your bank account – not changing your habits now will only compound your problems down the line. Starting today, put yourself first and make your health and future your top priority.

#7 Find Acceptance to Dissolve Fear

Accepting where you are is different than surrendering – it inspires action instead of passivity. Embrace where you are in this moment. You may have heard the saying, “What you resist, persists”, so don’t push away your feelings. Instead, feel them fully. Cry.. Scream.. Laugh.. By being here, right now, you’ll find that you’re OK. Fear has no place here because you’re not in any immediate danger. The fear comes when you leave this moment and your mind floats into a fabricated future. Stay present and focus on what you can do in this moment. I believe in you. 

“There is something you must always remember: 
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

— Winnie the Pooh

With all my love and support,

Of Mice and Men

It remains to be seen if the success with mice can also be incorporated in humans. But the implications from this recent Press Release from the University of California in San Diego are incouraging.

June 24, 2020 | By Heather Buschman, PhD

One-Time Treatment Generates New Neurons, Eliminates Parkinson’s Disease in Mice

Inhibiting a single gene converts many cell types directly into dopamine-producing neurons

Left: mouse astrocytes (green) before reprogramming; Right: neurons (red) induced from mouse astrocytes after reprogramming with PTB antisense oligonucleotide treatment.

Xiang-Dong Fu, PhD, has never been more excited about something in his entire career. He has long studied the basic biology of RNA, a genetic cousin of DNA, and the proteins that bind it. But a single discovery has launched Fu into a completely new field: neuroscience. 

For decades, Fu and his team at University of California San Diego School of Medicine studied a protein called PTB, which is well known for binding RNA and influencing which genes are turned “on” or “off” in a cell. To study the role of a protein like PTB, scientists often manipulate cells to reduce the amount of that protein, and then watch to see what happens. 

Several years ago, a postdoctoral researcher working in Fu’s lab was taking that approach, using a technique called siRNA to silence the PTB gene in connective tissue cells known as fibroblasts. But it’s a tedious process that needs to be performed over and over. He got tired of it and convinced Fu they should use a different technique to create a stable cell line that’s permanently lacking PTB. At first, the postdoc complained about that too, because it made the cells grow so slowly.

But then he noticed something odd after a couple of weeks — there were very few fibroblasts left. Almost the whole dish was instead filled with neurons.  

In this serendipitous way, the team discovered that inhibiting or deleting just a single gene, the gene that encodes PTB, transforms several types of mouse cells directly into neurons. 

More recently, Fu and Hao Qian, PhD, another postdoctoral researcher in his lab, took the finding a big step forward, applying it in what could one day be a new therapeutic approach for Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Just a single treatment to inhibit PTB in mice converted native astrocytes, star-shaped support cells of the brain, into neurons that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. As a result, the mice’s Parkinson’s disease symptoms disappeared.

The study is published June 24, 2020 in Nature.

https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/one-time-treatment-generates-new-neurons-eliminates-parkinsons-disease-in-mice

Incontinence

Whew! I think this is about the last symptom I had listed in the Index, but I haven’t addressed the cognative issues and mental issues yet, so my work isn’t done.

Urinary Incontinence. People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may experience bladder problems. The most common difficulty is a frequent and urgent need to urinate, even when the bladder is not full.

For PD patients, bladder issues are often due to fluctuations in dopamine levels affecting the bladder muscles and nerves, which are critical to how it functions. PD is also thought to impact the nerve pathway between the bladder and the area of the brain that controls bladder function.

Many PD patients end up having other bladder problems, including issues with urgency and frequency. Nocturia, or the need to urinate many times during the night, is also common, along with difficulty in emptying the bladder.

Half of all women and 17% of men will experience urinary incontinence, or the inability to hold urine,… for Parkinson’s disease patients, those numbers escalate.

the excerpts above were taken from: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/brain-health/parkinsons-disease-and-your-bladder

Constipation / Gastroparesis

The enteric nervous system controlling the GI tract is part of the autonomic nervous system which is affected in PD. Gastroparesis occurs in most people with PD, as contractions in the GI tract become sluggish. This is why constipation is so common in PD, often appearing years before motor symptoms.

The ways in which Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of constipation include: lack of dopamine (a neurotransmitter) in the brain – impairs control of muscle movement throughout the body. Bowel muscles can become slow and rigid.

Constipation is a common complication of Parkinson’s disease, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes such as adding extra fibre to your diet, or medical treatment.  Many people who have Parkinson’s disease notice difficulties with constipation before they notice motor symptoms such as tremor or stiffness.

I’m going to simply direct you to a document that covers just about every thing about what can help.. except I didn’t see my solution. I take 1 capsule of Tripple Magnesium Complex (ordered from Swansons) along with 1 capsule of Cape Aloe 250 mg (ordered from NaturalHealthySolutions.com) each morning and each evening. Both products attract fluid to the digestive zone helping things to be soft enough that, with digital stimulation, movement can be iniated.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/parkinsons-disease-and-constipation

Sialorrhea (drooling)

I realized there are various symptoms associated with Parkinson’s that I have listed in the index… but not posted any information on them, so I guess I will begin to complete the task.

Sialorrhea, or drooling, is the medical term for an excess spillage of saliva from the mouth. Chronic sialorrhea is when you’ve experienced this drooling for at least 3 months.

Sialorrhea can affect up to 3 out of 4 patients with Parkinson’s disease.
In many patients with sialorrhea, it’s not that their salivary glands are making too much saliva — it’s that their neurodegenerstive disease, such as PD, makes it hard to swallow. The saliva builds up or “pools” in the mouth, which leads to drooling.

For me, I think it isn’ really all that hard to swallow. But when I am focusing on a task, I don’t feel the saliva building up or falling from my mouth, until it hits my hands. It is that I don’t think to swallow.

I have learned to keep a cloth in the corner of my mouth, when I retire for the night and the Amandatine is no longer in effect, to wick out the saliva.

I saw an ad today for Myobloc… an injection therapy for resolving the problem, but the possible side effects sound so horrific, I’d have to pass on giving it a try.

Peyer’s Patches and The Lymphatic system

I read a very in-depth blog entry today https://branchbasics.com/blog/16-ways-to-activate-your-lymphatic-system/

I found it very informative. For example: I knew about lymph nodes but did not understand how the tonsils, adenoids, appendix, and peyer’s patches –contribute. I don’t even remember ever hearing about peyer’s patches before. According to the internet, they are like “Tonsils in the intestine”. I also learned how the thymus, spleen and bone marrow contribute to the lymph system.

The person who led me to the article said; “The post has ideas to help (lymphatic) circulation, and the list of symptoms they report that are associated with poor circulation are the same as some of the Parkinson’s symptoms, as are the remedies. Give it a go!”

I already have incorporated a number of the 16 ways mentioned. Since my sweetheart was able to put our infared sauna in the master bath, we spend half an hour in it 5 0r 6 mornings of each week. Way #11 just reaffirms the benefit for me.

11. Infrared sauna “Fact: Infrared saunas provide a gentle, side-effect-free, effective mechanism for detoxification. Their waves penetrate deep into the human body, elevating the body’s surface temperature, activating circulation, sweating and excretion of toxins from the lymph and blood through the skin. The heat also increases your heart rate and encourages deeper breathing, which boosts the drainage process even further.”

“Tip: If you have access to an infrared sauna, take advantage of this effective lymphatic activator. Practice conscious deep breathing during your sauna to supercharge lymphatic drainage. Take a break every 15 minutes to shower in cold water for 30 seconds to promote even more circulation and stimulation of the lymph.”

“Understanding how the lymph works and what to do to mobilize your lymphatic system is priceless information. It can make the difference in smoother detox process, catching or not catching a cold, or having a “flu-free winter”. The exciting news is that keeping the lymph moving doesn’t have to cost money – just move with a few daily exercises, drink plenty of water, and eat healthy food. When the lymph is working, the complexion glows and the body is full of vitality; and if you become ill, you have tools to help regain your health. This is a fundamental part of a conscious preventive health care plan.”

define… ‘Progress’

My neurologist referred me to physical therapy. I couldn’t go until they opened up the state a little. The main focus is to improve my posture, with a variety of muscle stretches and exercises, but when I told the therapist I’d discovered I could no longer skip or even do a little hop, he showed me a machine that enables me to experience jumping again. I did three reps of thirty little jumps on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Yesterday, when home I attempted to jump, I was able to get a little air between my feet and the floor. 🙂

I am encouraged! Today I went to glean corn from a field. I would fill a bucket, and a brother would come along with another empty bucket to trade me. I wouldn’t have been able to lift the full bucket, but as I walked down between two rows of corn, I was able to move the bucket along, Since beginning the B-1 Thiamine therapy protocol, my balance has improved so much! And since beginning the Amantadine, my energy has been wonderful to experience. After two hours in the hot Florida sun, I was able to sit on the kitchen stool and shucked three dozen ears of corn, to prep for the freezer. Life is good.

For those PwP who are not seeing the type of improvement that I am enjoying, I thought I would share a perspective from Cory King’s blog ‘The crooked Path’ he defines “progress” as “no backward movement.” . “This ingenious technique usually works, at least partially.  As an example, it’s been used to coerce the Medicare program to continue to spend money on physical therapy for people with Parkinson’s when there is no clear evidence of improvement – as long as you’re slowing down the rate of degeneration, that’s progress”.

Making progress

I have started going to physical therapy, per my neurologists instructions. Yesterday the therapist (Mike) allowed John to come in and observe. Mike took time to explain why he was having me do each activity and instructed John on how he could assist me at home, to help me stretch the muscles and tendons which are typically drawn tight with Parkinson’s.

I have always been pretty limber and could touch my toes without bending my knees. So I never saw the benefit of stretching before exercising. But times have changed. He had me stand on a foot board which angled the foot up to a 45 degree angle, which stretched the muscles in the calf of the leg. I felt it for three days after.

Mostly, the effort is to improve my posture. And level my shoulders, because I lean to the left so much. Mike also works with me, giving me suggestions to help me remember to swing my arms and where to place my feet. He says I walk in a scissor step crossing one foot in front of the other.

I went to my primary care doctor today for him to review all of the results of the recent blood work and other tests he had ordered. He said everything looked perfect. No sugar problems, no high cholesterol, heart, thyroid, liver and kidney function are all great.

I received a bonus container of “Pure Creatine” with a mail order. A couple months ago, I decided to go to the internet to see what it was used for and was surprised to see claims that some people feel it has been helpful for PwP. I use an electrolyte drink mix recommended by my primary care doctor. To my surprise, a scoop of the Creatine added to a 12 oz bottle of electrolyte blends right in and is flavorless. So, I am using it up.

Who knows? Perhaps the Creatine will work in synergy with the StemEnhance I am taking. I can definitely report the B1 Thiamine has helped resolve my balance issues, And the Amantadine continues to provide me with unparalleled energy.