Archive for March, 2010

Mar 31 2010

Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Published by under road to recovery

Hi  Robert:

We have corresponded before. I  live in Victoria BC. My name is Linda Ralph. I have had symptoms of PD for 12+ years now.

First let me say that I just finished reading your book on Parkinson’s: On The Road To Recovery AND IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!

I loved the way  you presented it in a clear, concise, easy – to- read fashion, so that even I could  understand it from cover to cover.(Ha.) At last a hands- on reference book for Parkis that is useful. Yeah!

Because of the chosen format, the wealth and variety of information, the adaptable index and contents, readers like myself, can access pertinent  information readily, or, if not, be shown alternative ways to gain such information. Good stuff.

I really enjoyed the inclusion of the anectodes of others who had/have this condition. Reading their stories, as well as listening to the guests that are featured on your radio show, have provided me with some new ideas and strategies that I would like to try. And hearing the success stories of those
who are completely free of the symptoms of Parkinson’s – well – that’s  my kind of reading. Yes!

The  Q. and A. section was personal and informative and  reminded me, and probably other readers as well, of some of  the same questions that we too  have pondered at some time or another along our way. Such questions are real.

Most importantly I think that your book provides Parkis and their family members with some HOPE in a society where doctors are still professing, even today, much gloom and doom to the newly diagnosed. And, HOPE where there is depression, anger, resentment, pain and lack of understanding about this condition.

I have already lent my book to a newly diagnosed friend of mine. I just wish that I had been given a copy way back in 1998 when I was first diagnosed. Perhaps my bout of depression, brought on by: fear, hopelessness, misinformation, and by the way my doctors treated me at that time could have been avoided. (Who knows?)

What you ARE NOT  providing for those of us with this condition is  a cure. And some may say,”Darn.”(or maybe something a wee bit stronger.)  But what  I am saying that you ARE providing, is something to hold onto. Something tangible that Parkis can use to fight their symptoms right now and in the future, a reference book that those of us with the symptoms of Parkinson’s and our families can pick up, look inside and maybe  find an idea or two that may just work. And dare I say maybe  glean just  enough information, and try just hard enough, to recover completely from this condition.

Thank you so much for this book. And  thanks to your staff, who worked alongside you to help you reach your goal. And thanks to you for all the work that you have done and continue to do  for those of us with this condition.

You are appreciated!

Linda Ralph

Linda gave me permission to post her review of my new book on the blog. You can find more details about Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease by visiting: http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

If you order Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease on April 1st, enter the coupon savings  code “aprilfools” (without the quotes) on the shopping cart for a 10% discount. The discount is only valid if you order on April Fools Day (April 1st) – and this is no joke!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Radio CDs
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network
Daily News about Parkinson’s Disease

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

No responses yet

Mar 31 2010

Urinary Retention and Parkinson’s Disease

Published by under caretaking,insomnia

Question:

I’m reaching out to you today because my father’s Parkinson’s disease is taking a major toll on my mother’s health (his only caregiver) and I need your help. Among the many issues, the main one that my mothers struggles with is when my father wakes up two to three times per night to use the bathroom. My mother has to wake up and help him. I’ve taken care of him many times before and I’ve noticed that while he has the intense urge to go, he doesn’t actually urinate very much. My mother has a full time job and at the age of 63 she is beginning to wear down and become very tired and depressed.

Please, do you have any idea what can be done about this?

I would really appreciate any help!!

Thanks,

Joe

Answer:

Thanks for sending in your question. What a formidable problem you present! In one small paragraph, many issues present themselves. It sounds like your question pertains more to a concern about your mother’s overall health than your father’s PD. Let me first address your mother’s challenge.

I am guessing that your Mom has been sucked into (virtually) full time caretaking (aside from some relief you and perhaps other siblings provide). The job of the sick person is to take the energy from people who are well. Your father is doing his job very well indeed it appears.

The most important job of the caretaker is to take care of themselves.What is your mother doing for herself? She needs time to do what she loves doing. She needs time away from taking care of your Dad. I am of course guessing here – but she probably thinks to herself -

Who else is here to take care of him?

The best answer to this question is another question:

To what extent is your day taking care of himself?

You are asking about a medical challenge your father is facing -  but your father is not writing in about his problem. Has he resigned himself to a dismal fate of continuing ill health and disease? If this is the case, he is sure to manifest his expectation. And if that is the case, your mother is enabling this expectation.

If your Dad is not willing to take care of himself – why should anyone else step up to the plate and assume that role for him? That just dis-empowers him. He will be able to do less and less as the weeks unfold.

People with Parkinson’s who get worse refuse to do anything for themselves other than do what they are told. People who get well insist on taking care of themselves. They experiment. They do research. They try out new therapies.

In my opinion, your Mom needs to begin taking huge chunks of time out for herself. She may be amazed to discover how much your Dad can do for himself when he is challenged to do so. I can assure you that your Dad does not want to make your Mom sick. The best gift she can give to him is to stay healthy. The only way to accomplish this is to break away from him and take time out for herself.

As for the more immediate problem of night time visits to the bathroom…the question turns on what is causing the problem.  What is his body trying to tell him? Here is where naturopaths are wonderful assets. Once the problem has been identified – it can be remedied. The body always knows how to heal itself. Possibilities include:

  • Side effects of medications he takes
  • Dehydration of the tissues (he drinks less because he thinks that will make him pee less)
  • Insufficiency of certain minerals (like magnesium, etc.)
  • Prostate enlargement
  • Inflammation
  • Other?

The problem may be related to the deterioration of your Dad’s neurological system.  When a cup or so of urine has collected into your Dad’s bladder, a signal is triggered from from the physical expansion of the bladder that travels through the nerves located in the bladder wall. This signaling cue is transmitted to nerves in the spinal cord and the brain. The brain in turn sends a signal that contracts the bladder wall and relaxes the sphincter muscle.

As your Dad is able to reverse the neurological damage (if he chooses to do so), it is likely that this signaling system can come back on line.

The solution depends on the cause. Can it be solved? Of course! I interview naturopaths all the time on my radio program who are incredible resources. If there is not one near where you live, you can get help from one of the naturopaths I have interviewed on a long distance basis. You can get to know the naturopaths through my radio program at:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

Does your father want this night time problem to be solved? If he does,what is he doing about it? Or, is this really just a problem for your Mom?

The hardest challenge for a son who loves his parents is to honor whatever choices they make. Perhaps your Dad will not take any positive action to help himself recover. As his son, your job is to honor and accept his decision.

Perhaps your Mom will insist on taking care of him to the detriment of her own health. As her son, your job is to honor and accept her decision.

We all get to depart this earth in our own way and time. Who is to say their choices are wrong for them?

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Radio CDs
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network
Daily News about Parkinson’s Disease

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

One response so far

Mar 25 2010

Parkinson’s Disease: An Integrative Individualized Approach

What follows is an article written specifically on Parkinson’s that was written by Dr. Daniel Newman, M.D., N.D., M.S.O.M. and presented to a Parkinson’s support group in Portland, Oregon in October, 2009. For those who are attentive to initials that appear after people’s names, you may have already observed that Daniel Newman is a medical doctor, a naturopath doctor and an expert in Chinese medicine. What a powerful combination that is!

I will air an interview with Dr. Newman next month on my weekly radio program. He has a wealth of experience working with persons who have the symptoms of Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. Dr. Newman reports evidence of recovery during the interview. He has a clinic in Vancouver, Washington where he sees Parkinson’s patients in addition to individuals with other chronic conditions.

This is an insightful and exciting article. I encourage everyone with the symptoms of Parkinson’s to take the time to read it through to the end.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

It is estimated that Parkinson’s Disease affects 1.5 million people in the United States, and about 1% of all Americans over age 60. While a small percentage of Parkinson’s Disease can be considered hereditary, in the vast majority of cases, the cause is deemed ‘idiopathic,’ or unknown. Nevertheless, there is increasing evidence that environmental toxins play a role in the destruction of the substantia nigra, the nest of dopamine producing neurons in the midbrain whose loss is the defining anatomical feature in Parkinson’s Disease.

Toxins implicated in the development of Parkinson’s Disease include: recreational drugs (such as cocaine and amphetamines); pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., phenothiazines and metoclopramide); pesticides (such as β-hexachlorocyclohexane or B-HCH and rotenone); solvents (e.g., toluene, hexane, and trichloroethylene or TCE); and metals (such as mercury, lead, copper, and manganese).

Parkinson’s Disease can present as a spectrum of symptoms, from mild to severe. Aside from the characteristic tremor, patients with Parkinson’s Disease may manifest problems with: movement (slow arm swing, small handwriting, accelerating small steps when walking, rigidity, freezing, and decreased facial expression); balance (instability and the tendency to fall backwards); speech (slurred or muffled); diminished reflexes (including blinking and swallowing); sleep disturbance; mood disorders (anxiety or depression); difficulty thinking (cognitive dysfunction or dementia); constipation; and skin problems (either dry or oily).

Because of this broad spectrum of symptom type and severity, the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease patients must be individualized. The treatment program for a patient with simply a mild hand tremor should not be the same as for a patient with long-term, severe, incapacitating symptoms.

Treatment should accomplish three goals:

  • 1. Symptom management – control of symptoms that have already manifested.
  • 2. Neuro-protection – slow or prevent the further loss of dopaminergic neurons by providing the body with compounds that facilitate protection of nerve cells.
  • 3. Detoxification – lower the burden of toxic chemicals in the body to prevent further destruction of dopaminergic neurons.

An Integrative Approach to Treatment

My approach to the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease combines conventional treatment, naturopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine. I believe that each of these approaches has something unique to offer. Conventional treatment, in particular pharmaceuticals, can be helpful in managing the symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s Disease. However, conventional medicine has little to offer in the realms of neuro-protection or detoxification.

Naturopathic medicine has a breadth of modalities that can be useful in addressing neuro-protection and detoxification, and can be helpful in symptom management, but may not be able to blunt the symptoms of late stage disease without pharmaceutical support.

Chinese medicine utilizes a different paradigm than Western medicine (either allopathic or naturopoathic), looking at the body energetically. It may therefore be helpful in all 3 arenas of treatment, particularly when two of the primary treatment modalities, acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas, are combined.

Symptom Management

Management of Parkinson’s Disease symptoms may involve the use of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the later stages of illness. Drugs used for Parkinson’s Disease include those that: boost the amount of dopamine in the brain by offering dopamine precursors (such as Sinemet, Apokyn, and Stalevo); act like dopamine in the brain (e.g., Mirapex, Requip, Permax, and Parlodel); block dopamine’s competing neurotransmitter, acetylcholine (e.g., Artane, Cogentin, Akineton, and Benadryl); and prevent dopamine from being broken down as quickly (Comtan, Tasmar, Eldepryl, and Azilect).

While these medications can be useful in some circumstances, they are not without side effects, sometimes serious ones. Also, they may become less effective over time requiring ‘drug holidays.’ And, there is some suggestion that by overly exciting the remaining dopamine producing neurons in the brain, they may actually accelerate the progression of disease.

In some cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be helpful in lessening the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease where medications fail. However, this is an expensive neurosurgical procedure that carries its own attendant risks. It is not a cure, and though it may reduce motor symptoms by up to 60%, worsening of other symptoms, like cognitive dysfunction, is not uncommon.

Exercise, such as balance work, Tai Ji, and Qi Gong, has been shown in recent studies to be helpful in mitigating the balance issues in Parkinson’s Disease, and should be a part of any treatment program. Other types of exercise to promote general fitness, such as stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercise, can be useful in promoting general health and well being, thereby improving symptoms as well.

Dietary changes and appropriate personalized supplements may be helpful in addressing issues with skin condition, bowel function, sleep disturbance, and mood. A whole foods, organic, anti-inflammatory diet is a basic foundation. Diet should be further individualized based upon food sensitivities and digestive tract issues.

Chinese herbs and acupuncture may also be helpful with symptom management. Two systems of acupuncture, auriculotherapy (the use of needles retained in the ear) and scalp acupuncture (the use of needles retained in the scalp) are particularly useful in treating neurologic conditions like Parkinson’s Disease. Chinese herbs are best administered in synergistic combinations, specifically formulated for each individual based upon their Chinese energetic diagnosis.

Psycho-emotional health is very important in controlling symptoms. Individual counseling, support groups, meditation, and social networks can all be useful in supporting the spirit of the afflicted individual.

Neuro-protection

Protecting neurons against further damage is an essential part of preventing progression of disease in Parkinson’s Disease. While some nutritional supplements have been studied and show promise in this regard (Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E, for example), there are many others for whom more indirect evidence of antioxidant / neuro-protective effects exists. These include: R-lipoic acid, Carnitine, Acetyl-carnitine, Uridine, Alpha-glycerophosphorylcholine (alpha-GPC), Vitamin C, N-acetyl cysteine, Fish oils, Lithium orotate, Zinc, Vitamins B1, B5, B6, B12, Folic acid, and Phosphatidyl serine.

There are also a number of herbs that have shown promise in protecting neurons against damage, and / or improving dopaminergic activity in the brain. These include: Gingko biloba, Mucuna pruriens, Vinpocetine, Withania somniferens (Ashwaganda), Bacopa  monniera; Rosemary; and several Chinese herbs (Dan Shen, Ye Jiao Teng, Bai Zi Ren, Huang Qi and Suan Zao Ren, to name a few).

Not all supplements or herbs should be used in all Parkinson’s Disease patients, nor should they be used in the same amounts. The extent of progression of disease, size and age of the individual, use of concurrent medications, and additional medical problems must all be considered in personalizing a safe and effective regimen.

Exercise, as mentioned above, particularly cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise, can increase cerebral blood flow by promoting healthy vasculature, thereby exerting a neuro-protective effect as well.

Detoxification

We live in a toxic world. Unprecedented pollution of our land, water, and air, due to decades of emissions, has reached the far corners of the globe. Radioactive plutonium can be found in remote areas of the arctic. Lead from gasoline banned in the United States 30 years ago can still be found in the atmosphere. Residues of pesticides banned over 40 years ago, such as DDT, can still be detected in our food supply.

Low levels of long-term toxin exposure tend to have an insidious effect on health over many years. Most toxicology studies look at the effects of acute poisoning, that is, a large dose given over a short period of time. Such studies form the primary basis for government recommendations of safe contact levels. However, we are all exposed to low levels of a multitude of toxins over a long period of time. Data on the effects of this real life exposure pattern is scant. However, experiments have demonstrated that even a single contact to legally acceptable levels of tainted air can have a lethal effect on laboratory animals.

Until the point when the sum of cellular damage from toxicity exceeds your body’s ability to compensate, you may feel perfectly well. The moment your body can no longer compensate for the amount of cellular damage you have accumulated, you get sick. It may seem like disease came on suddenly, when in fact you could not sense the accumulation of cellular toxicity until it reached a critical threshold.

The total amount of toxicity we have accumulated during our life-times is referred to as our ‘toxic load.’ This is not a single number, like a blood pressure, for there is no way to calculate the total of all the poisons and damage from toxicity we have experienced in our lifetime. Rather, we can get a general idea based upon our past history of exposure to certain toxins. We can also perform tests to detect certain toxins that we may suspect, or that are highly toxic or ubiquitous, such as heavy metals. We can also test for toxicity indirectly, by looking at chemical end products of oxidation (rusting), or levels of antioxidant protection.

Some people clearly have high toxic loads based upon their history. I have had patients, including those with Parkinson’s Disease, who acted as flaggers for crop dusting planes, dipped their hands in poisonous solvents to clean mechanical parts, chewed on lead rope, or as children, ran behind trucks spraying DDT or played with balls of mercury. Other patients I have attended to may not have had such clear contact, but upon testing had extremely high levels of environmental toxins from unknown exposures.

The first principle of detoxification is not to get toxic in the first place. This means avoiding toxins wherever possible. It is not feasible to avoid toxicity altogether, as there is nowhere on earth that is truly a pristine environment anymore. Nevertheless, there are many specific ways to limit toxic exposure.

The most critical step in toxicity avoidance, however, is to be conscious about it. Educate yourself about what is toxic, what alternatives there are or what protective steps you can take. And, keep toxicity exposure in mind when you decide where to live, what to eat or drink, or what products to use.

Apart from toxicity avoidance, which is preferred and of paramount importance, the second most important principle is to learn how to work with your body to improve your ability to detoxify. In order to do this, it is helpful to know something about the detoxification process.

Detoxification occurs both at the level of the cells and the body as a whole. At the level of the cells, detoxification involves several factors. First, wherever possible, the toxic substance must be removed from the cell and/or neutralized. Anti-oxidants help neutralize chemically reactive toxic substances called ‘free-radicals.’ There are proteins called metallothioneins, which help neutralize and removed toxic heavy metals, such as mercury.

The cell membrane, which is the bag that surrounds our cells, is a complex border where decisions (in effect) are made about what gets in and out of the cell. It is mostly made of fat, and having the right balance of lipids in the cell membrane can effect the removal of toxins from the cell.

With regard to the body as a whole, enhanced circulation such as with exercise can improve blood flow to the cells, facilitating the removal of cellular toxins. Since much of the body’s toxic load is stored in the fat, breaking down fat with proper diet and exercise can also boost detoxification.

Once toxins have been mobilized from cells into the circulation, they must exit the body. They may exit via the urine (kidneys), stool (colon), sweat (skin), or breath (lungs). Elimination may be improved through these organs by various means. However, arguably the most important organ of detoxification is not an organ of direct elimination, but rather the liver.

The liver may be likened here to the sewage processing plant of the body. Chemical toxins (raw sewage) must be metabolized (processed) in order to be safely eliminated (dumped) by the body. Most petrochemical toxins, such as herbicides, pesticides, solvents, cleaning compounds, plastics, and cosmetics are primarily lipid soluble. Lipid solubility means that they dissolve more easily in fat than they do in water. To facilitate their elimination, the liver converts them into compounds that are more soluble in water. The liver also attempts to mitigate their toxicity by converting them into compounds that are less toxic than the original compound. By converting poisons in this way, they can more easily be eliminated, and, while in circulation, are likely to be less toxic.

Effective detoxification is an ongoing process of avoiding toxins wherever possible, and eliminating those that have accumulated in the body. Elimination involves the mobilization and removal of toxins that have built up in the body. This is most effectively accomplished by a well orchestrated program of facilitating toxin mobilization from the tissues, supporting their removal by the organs of detoxification, and optimizing the function of the body as a whole.

Detoxification is not necessarily an entirely benign process. If toxins are mobilized faster than they can be eliminated from the body, or if the body is not properly supported during detoxification, then people can feel more ill than they did before the process was started.

This may occur due to a phenomenon known as ‘re-distribution,’ in which a toxic molecule residing in a harmless location (let’s say, the fat in your buttock) is mobilized into circulation, but before it can be eliminated from the body it ends up re-depositing in a not so benign location, like the brain.

Thus, while some aspects of detoxification are safe for individuals to self-administer, others are best guided by well-trained physicians. Even in the best of hands, depending upon one’s initial state of health, constitution, and toxic load, it is not uncommon for people to feel initially worse before they get better.

A successful detoxification program is therefore a bit like conducting an orchestra or making a soup: you need the right components or ingredients, in the right amounts, introduced at the right time. Sometimes, small well-placed adjustments can mean the difference between a serenade and cacophony, or delectable versus inedible.

Successful detoxification requires a degree of vigilance for toxicity avoidance: eating clean food, drinking clean water, and generally avoiding chemicals in one’s environment. The remainder of the detoxification process, which should be supervised by a physician skilled in this process, would include diagnostic testing to assess hormone balance, nutritional deficiencies, signs of inflammation, and other disease states. Following this, appropriate supplements and procedures to facilitate toxin elimination would be prescribed.

Conclusion

In summary, an integrative individualized treatment program for Parkinson’s Disease takes into consideration the stage of disease progression, and overall health and age of the patient. There are three main areas of focus: symptom management; neuro-protection; and detoxification. Conventional, naturopathic, and Chinese medicine modalities should be skillfully blended to maximize treatment efficacy.

Daniel I Newman, M.D., N.D., M.S.O.M.
RISING HEALTH
Classical & Modern Medicine
www.drdanielnewman.com
Naturopathic Medicine 8301 NE Hazel Dell Ave.
Acupuncture P.O.B. 65759
Chinese Herbs Vancouver, WA 98665
Internal Medicine Board Certified TEL 360-696-3800
Pain Medicine Board Certified FAX 360-696-09067

2 responses so far

Mar 24 2010

Toe Spasms

Published by under spasms

Question:

I get bad toe spasms.  How do I  relieve this or get rid  of the spasms?  Thank you.

Oresia

Response:

What an interesting question. You  might investigate the cause of the spasms. What is their origin? What are they really all about?

There are meridian points in each toe. If the spasms are dominate in one or several toes, you might investigate to see what meridians they are connected with.

The spasms may be tied to a trauma of some sort or another. Some researchers have concluded that the source of the Parkinson’s symptoms is rooted in some type of trauma to the feet. The therapy used by a group of researchers in Santa Cruz California is Tin Tui Na. If trauma is the cause, once it is released the spasms should resolve.

Have you listened to my radio show with Ed Bender?

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery.

Ed talks about getting relief from cramping in his toes from using vibroacoustic therapy.

Have you listened to the radio show with Susanne Jonas? She has created an acoustic CD for Parkinson’ s disease that might prove useful in giving you relief. The truth is you never know what might help until you try it.

Probably the best strategy is to begin to notice if the spasms are connected with anything in particular – like stressful situations perhaps or the weather or pollens or ….

The source of course may also be toxins which would suggest an entirely different course of action through detoxing.

You might also ask yourself when your toes spasm:

What do you want me to notice now?

Your body is trying to tell you something. The question to solve is to figure out what!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Radio CDs
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network
Daily News about Parkinson’s Disease

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

One response so far

Mar 21 2010

Parkinsons Eye Problems

Published by under cataracts,Eye Problems

Are you having issues with your eyes? Perhaps dry eyes. Perhaps double vision. Perhaps jittery eyes.

My uncle Gordon Ward developed advanced cataracts 15 years ago. A former college president and Wyoming State Legislator, Gordon loved to play tennis, read books and write about history. Cataracts made it so difficult to read that Gordon reluctantly decided to have cataract surgery, one eye at a time. There was no other good options 15 years ago.

Cataract surgery on his first eye healed beautifully. Surgery on the second eye was a miserable flop. Gordon developed double vision and was essentially blinded. He could not read. He could no longer play tennis. It was all a horrible shock.

My Aunt Betty said that the stress of cataract surgery caused Gordon to begin experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. He was diagnosed shortly after his failed surgery. Had Gordon been able to see, I believe he would still be playing tennis today at the age of 81. He died in the spring of 2009.

As part of my work to identify natural remedies, I am excited to report that I have located the source of a natural anti-oxidant eye drop that reverses cataracts and addresses other eye problems caused by inflammation. Had this antioxidant therapy been available to Gordon 15 years ago, he could have reversed his cataracts without having to resort to cataract surgery.

The discovery of this remedy originated with the work of a Russian medical researcher Dr. Mark Babizhayev, Ph.D. who made the simple but profound observation that people who had no cataract problems had sufficient levels of N-Acetyl-Carnosine in their eyes. This substance happens to be a natural antioxidant. People with cataracts had insufficient levels of N-Acetyl-Carnosine in their eyes.

Dr. Babizhayev took his research to the second level by developing eye drops that contained N-Acetyl-Carnosine. He then began doing research to see if the new antioxidant eye therapy worked.

Studies confirmed his hypothesis. Add N-Acetyl-Carnosine to the eyes and the eyes heal themselves. Cataracts are reversed. Most eye problems are caused by inflammation. The eye drops thus help reverse many eye problems. Isn’t that totally cool?

In addition, the eyes are physically located next to the part of the brain that is responsible for manufacturing dopamine.  I am wondering if healing eye problems might have an indirect, but positive impact on Parkinson’s symptoms in general.  The jury is still out on that one, but you never know…  You can find more information about this discovery by visiting :

http://www.cataracts.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Or, listen to my interview with Jennifer Jones by visiting the Parkinsons Recovery radio program website and scrolling back to my February 11, 2010 program:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Radio CDs
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network
Daily News about Parkinson’s Disease

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

One response so far

Mar 18 2010

Hydrotherapy Home Treatment

Published by under hydrotherapy

The following is a home hydrotherapy treatment that has been used by Karen (who has the symptoms of Parkinson’s.  Karen describes this procedure during my radio program interview with her that aired on January 7, 2010. She did this treatment three times a week and saw remarkable results. You can listen to the interview by visiting the Parkinsons Recovery Radio Program Web Site and scrolling back to my interview with Karen in January.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a special technique that greatly enhances recovery from many of acute and chronic health problems.  These simple treatments improve the circulation of blood and lymph, promote better digestion, and increase the elimination of toxins.  Hydrotherapy works so well because it acts to stimulate the body’s own healing force.

Directions for treatment that is done to you:

Part One:

Soak two terry cloth towels in hot water that is tolerable to the touch.  Soak one terry cloth towel in cold water.  Wring out hot towels.  (Note: as an alternative, you can make the hot towels by wringing out two towels in tap water and putting them in the microwave.   Be careful not to burn yourself, as microwaved towels can be very hot)  Lying on your back, cover the bared chest and abdomen with the two hot towels.  Cover entire body tightly in blankets. Leave the hot towels in place for 5 minutes.

Part Two:

Wring out cold towel.  Replace the hot towels with a single cold towel.  Cover entire body tightly in blanket.  Leave the cold towel in place for 10 minutes.

Part Three:

Repeat the same procedures of Part One and Part Two, but do the treatment face down with the towels being applied on your back. The entire treatment should take about one-half hour.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Radio CDs
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network
Daily News about Parkinson’s Disease

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

No responses yet

Mar 17 2010

Vibroacoustic Therapy for Parkinson’s

Published by under vibroacoustic therapy

Question:

First I want to thank you for the comprehensive answer on my question you broadcasted on your radio show.
I would like to ask you what would be the best choice vibroacoustic lounge or mattress and what is the best company to purchase it from.  I am a great believer in vibrational healing.  Actually when my husband is meditating he does not have any tremor at all.

Sincerely,

Yelena

Response:

I am so glad to hear you found Randy Mentzer’s answer to your question helpful on the radio program last week.

I do indeed have a recommendation for a vibroacoustic therapy that might prove beneficial. Visit the website below for more information:

http://www.vibroacoustic.parkinsonsrecovery.com

People have been reporting incredible results from using the Vibroacoustic lounge. There is also a VibroMat which is much more portable and less expensive.

During my March 4th radio show Lee Bender and Holly Hughes (both of whom have Parkinson’s) raved about the benefits they are getting from using vibroacoustic therapy.  You can listen to this program by clicking on the link below and scrolling down to the March 4th program:

http:///www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Radio CDs
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network
Daily News about Parkinson’s Disease

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

No responses yet

Mar 10 2010

Medications for Parkinson’s Disease

Published by under medications

I am airing Compounding Pharmacist Randy Mentzer’s answers to questions you have submitted to me regarding Parkinson’s medications on my radio program Thursday (March 11th) at 11:00 am pacific time.  I have already heard the answers.

Everyone needs to hear this program. What you learn from his answers could save your life. Literally!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources

Reverse Cataracts Naturally
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Weekly Reader
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network
Aqua Hydration Formulas

Books

Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

No responses yet

Mar 10 2010

Natural Remedy for Parkinson’s Weakness

Published by under weakness

I have been talking with a member of my audience for several months now who has been telling me about a profound weakness he feels throughout every muscle of his body. He has been experimenting with various therapies to see which ones provide relief. I get the benefit of periodic reports on his progress.

He called today with a very heightened sense excitement. Why? A sure fire remedy had been found.

He discovered eating something every two hours did the trick. I asked if it mattered what he ate (thinking that healthy food would certainly make a difference). His answer?

It didn’t matter. Just eat something every two hours.

You are probably thinking this is too simple to be true. Certainly eating more frequently can’t be the solution to a long standing symptom like weakness? All I can report to you is that it works for him.

Why not give it a try if you experience weakness? We all have to eat. Just eat something more often.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources

Reverse Cataracts Naturally
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Weekly Reader
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network
Aqua Hydration Formulas

Books

Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

No responses yet

Mar 07 2010

Parkinsons and Dystonia

Published by under dystonia

What follows is a footnote from Brad whose comments were posted on my most recent entry,

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Robert, I apologize for not including this footnote.  Not being a professional researcher and being academically lazy, I failed to reference my source, so I see why you had to say I “speculate”.  The date of this paper is 2006.  Of course, further research would be entailed to corroborate the statement, but my point was that traditional doctors and neurologists don’t do their research either, or they just don’t care to share it with laypersons and/or patients.  The relationship is paternalistic.

Unless you go to public research symposiums (such as those occasionally offered by the MJFF) your fifteen minute office visit is not going to get into a detailed analysis of your symptoms or their etiology.  When I asked questions regarding my toe curling (which is only triggered by bicycling) of my family doctor, a sports medicine doctor, and a neurologist, all three merely shrugged and offered no explanations or further interest in the matter.  Even after PD fully emerged, it was considered a secondary symptom and in any event it is controlled by L-dopa, so the course of treatment is the same.

Brad

An abstract of the article Brad refers above follows:

Eduardo Tolosa1  and Yaroslau Compta1 (2006), Neurology Service, Institut de Neurociències, Hospital Clínic i Universitari de Barcelona, c./ Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Abstract

Dystonia can occasionally be found in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. It is very uncommon in untreated patients and is more frequently seen as a complication of its treatment. In this review, the various types of dystonia occurring in PD, the differential diagnosis with other parkinsonian syndromes associated with dystonia and treatments available are revised.

Dystonia unrelated to treatment can be typical (blepharospasm, torticollis), atypical (parkinsonian writer’s cramp, camptocormia, anismus), or occurring in early-onset Parkinson disease (the so-called kinesigenic foot dystonia, considered a hallmark of earlyonset Parkinson’s disease). Early and prominent dystonia in untreated patients with parkinsonism should raise the suspicion of other entities other than Parkinson’s disease, such as progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy or corticobasal degeneration.

In patients on chronic dopaminergic treatment, peak-dose dystonia, diphasic dystonia and off-dystonia can be seen. The later constitutes the major dystonic feature of chronic levodopa therapy, and a wide variety of strategies are available to manage this complication. Among them, deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus has proved to be the most effective one.
Dystonic reactions (mainly involving oculomotor cranial nerves and limbs) in operated patients (especially carriers of deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices) are increasingly being reported, constituting a new type of dystonia in patients with Parkinson’s disease: dystonia linked to surgical treatment.

One response so far

Next »