Archive for January, 2011

Jan 31 2011

Cell Therapy with Stem Cells as Treatment for Symptoms of Parkinsons

Published by under cell therapy with stem cells

The following brief article on stem cells was written by Dr. Blanca Elena Ramírez Calderón who is from Mexico. I have heard from one of her patients who reports wonderful results. The patient plans to attend the Parkinsons Recovery Summit in Vancouver, Washington on March 7th.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.

CELL THERAPY WITH STEM CELLS
Dr. Blanca Elena Ramírez Calderón, Ph. D.

Cell therapy known in Europe for more than 3 decades and just over 10 years in Mexico, is the most advanced and innovative treatment of modern medicine.  The application of stem cell appear to restore the lost or damage in old cells, as well as in diseased tissue, restoring health and vitality of the body.

Currently cell therapy level III (highest level in regenerative medicine) based on undifferentiated, multi-potential stem cells with lineage-specific targeting endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm, according to each disease, is now available in Mexico, and its formula is patented in Switzerland, approved by the University of Geneva, by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the International Society of stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine and anti-aging S.C, as well as by the Medical Center of cell therapy for regenerative medicine and anti-aging.

This treatment is safe and effective because it is non-invasive and has not shown any organ rejection, and works for any kind of chronic degenerative disease, including heart disease, sequelae of any brain-vascular accidents, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, Hungington disease, myasthenia, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, etc. Immune system diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc, and disorders in pediatric patients as under development of sexual organs, cerebral palsy, delayed puberty, growth retardation, Down’s syndrome, among others.

This treatment is offered in Puerto Vallarta on a personalized basis.  Previous medical check is performed by with a qualified, multidisciplinary and professional staff.

Dr. Blanca Elena Ramírez Calderón, Ph. D.General Medical from the University of Guadalajara with specialized studies in cell therapy, regenerative medicine and anti-aging, Diploma in Medical and Surgical Emergencies by UNAM; Diploma in Haematology and IIB.

2 responses so far

Jan 29 2011

Parkinsons Recovery Summit

Published by under Summit

The Summit on March 7th is shaping up to be an historic event. We have a number of health care practitioners who are volunteering their time to be present. Some are offering free consultations and services.

Come! Meet people on the road to recovery.  Get incredible ideas about what steps you can take for yourself to get well. Learn all about the cutting edge therapies that are making a difference to people on the road to recovery.

Yes – you will have to pay for travel to Portland, Oregon.  Yes – you will have to pay for a hotel room. Will it be worth it? Trust me on this. The unequivocal answer is

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Come if you are serious about getting well. Learn more and register here:

http://www.summit.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Although it is free, please do register so we will have a room large enough to hold everyone.

Robert

No responses yet

Jan 25 2011

Symptoms Getting Worse – What Can I Do?

Question:

I have been suffering from PD for last four years (Started at the age 50). Currently I am on Apo_Pramipexold 3x1mg and Azilect 1x1mg. Tremor is under control and can walk easily but the problem I am facing now is that when I wake up its very difficult to get out of bed. I tried Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Massage therapy but situation is going to worsen day by day.

Any suggestion of exercise or home remedy may be welcomed

I Abbasi

Response:

My hunch is that movement will help the most right now – any movement be it dance, walking, swimming, weight lifting, forced exercise – you name it. Perhaps your physiotherapist might have some great recommendations on exercise that might help you in particular.

I received a call yesterday from a women who was diagnosed about the same time as you. She tells me she is doing great. No one would ever know she had Parkinsons given her symptoms are not evident to anyone.  How does she do it? She explains – exercise! The more the better.

My initial reaction is to suggest that you begin to move your body as often as possible – every day. Most of the therapies you have explored require passive participation on your part. Why not become more active?

What else might I recommend? The therapies you have considered so far represent a very small number of the natural and safe therapies you can consider in addition to the medications.  I have now documented 44 therapies that have given people currently experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson’s relief in one form or another. I discuss these many therapies in my book, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease.

Parkinsons Recovery is sponsoring a Summit March 7th. Why not join us? You will hear directly from people stories about what they are doing to recover.

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

One response so far

Jan 25 2011

About Fava Beans

Published by under fava beans

Question:

I have very early symptoms and would to try fava beans before medication.  I found blanched and shelled beans but I don’t know if they have enough dopa to make them worthwhile or how to prepare them to retain the maximum dopa.

Can you give me some advice?

Thank you

Joe

Response:

Eating fava beans are a delicious, natural food in themselves that also happen to enhance dopamine in the body. For regular updates on fava beans be sure and become a regular visitor of the Parkinsons Recovery Fava Bean blog sponsored by Aunt Bean who has a four acre farm in Tennessee where she grows fava beans and mucuna.

http://www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com

You will get the most mileage out of the value of fava beans if you sprout them first. Aunt Bean formulates a homemade tincture using the tips of the fava bean plants. Why not consider growing your own – as does Aunt Bean?

Keep in mind that ingesting fava beans in whatever form may have an effect on your medication, so be sure and consult with your doctor about any adjustments that may be required if you decide to add fava beans to your diet.

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

No responses yet

Jan 19 2011

An Inside Look at How Neurologists Leverage Emerging Research and Trends

Published by under neurologist

WEBEX CONFERENCE JANUARY 25 AT 4:00 P.M. (ET)

Parkinson’s Disease: An Inside Look at How Neurologists Leverage Emerging Research and Trends

Plus: What’s New, What’s Next

PD News To Share With Your Readers

WHO:           Lawrence Elmer, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Medical Director of the Center for Neurological Health; Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program within the Department of Neurology, University of Toledo College of Medicine

Dr. Elmer to discuss:

  • The latest in PD management and treatment
  • How neurologist approach diagnosis and treatment of PD
  • Current and investigational treatments

Dr. Elmer to provide:

  • During the WebEx and upon request only — Tools to help your readers improve communication with their physicians and health care providers, and ultimately, better manage their PD — for example –  patient-friendly copy, graphs and charts which encourage conversations re PD treatment

Dr. Elmer to answer your questions, such as:

  • What does the latest research suggest about the best strategies for managing PD?
  • What are the key treatment options today….tomorrow?
  • How close are we to finding a cure?
  • What can patients do to take control of their own PD?
  • What new therapies are currently in development for PD?

WHEN:         January 25, 2011 — Presentation at 4 p.m. ET; Q&A at 4:30 p.m. ET

HOW TO REGISTER:

To reserve a space, please respond to this email; be sure to include a phone number.  After making your reservation, we will send instructions on how to log-in.  You may need to download add-on programs in advance; they address technical issues so you don’t experience them during the conference.  This WebEx is supported by an educational grant from Teva Pharmaceuticals.

SPACE IS LIMITED – RESERVE NOW!

ABOUT LAWRENCE ELMER, M.D.

Dr. Elmer joined the faculty of the University of Toledo College of medicine in 1998 where he holds the position of Professor of Neurology and Medical Director of the Center for Neurological Health.  He is also director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program within the Department of Neurology.  He has served in a variety of leadership positions throughout the University, recently as President of the Faculty Senate at the University of Toledo Health Science Campus.  Dr. Elmer speaks frequently at patient and medical education programs throughout the region and country.

Dr. Elmer’s research is primarily focused on emerging medical treatments for Parkinson’s disease.  His career passion involves caring for people with Parkinson’s disease and their families, giving them the opportunity to deal successfully with this disease and enjoy life to the fullest.

Lawrence Elmer received his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Florida, completed postgraduate training at the Baylor College of Medicine, internship in internal medicine at the Sioux Falls Veterans Administration Hospital and residency in neurology at the University of Michigan. He then completed a basic science and clinical fellowship in movement disorders at the University of Michigan Department of Neurology.

2 responses so far

Jan 19 2011

Lyme Disease and Parkinsons Disease

Published by under lyme disease

Question:

Hi Robert,

Do you have any information on Lymes disease and Parkinsons? I was bitten by a tick in 1998 and diagnosed with Parkinsons 30 months later.

Thank you in advance,

Marilyn

Response:

Oh my goodness. This sounds like a huge clue regarding a probable cause of your symptoms. The symptoms of Lyme disease are very similar to those of Parkinson’s. Many people get mis-diagnosed with Parkinson’s when the true culprit is a Lyme infection.

The treatment for Lyme is a long term use of antibiotics. The challenge of the treatment is that antibiotics destroy the immune system and the digestive system which cause other problems of their own.

We know that the factors which cause neurological complications are multi-faceted. One root cause turns out to be bacterial infections. There is a particular bacterial infections which is extremely difficult to detect in tests called mycoplasma which are a bacteria that causes a neurological disaster in the body. From my recent research, it appears many people have this bacteria and do not even know it (because it is so difficult to detect).

Let us all know the outcome of your investigation into Lyme disease as a possible cause of your symptoms.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

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

Resources
Vibration Therapy
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Eye Drops for Cataracts
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News


No responses yet

Jan 18 2011

MAO Inhibitors and 5-htp

Question:

Do you know anything about 5-HTP? it is 5-Hydroxytryptophan which is a precursor of serotonin. Friends with PD tell me it gives them more energy and I tried it and it did but then I did a little research and found it is very dangerous if you are taking MAO inhibitors.

What do you know?

Thanks

Darra

Response:

There are potentially serious side effects associated with MAO inhibitors that can be triggered by the addition of any supplement or certain foods. I would certainly be very cautious in any decisions that you make with regard to supplements and diet and would recommend that you consult closely and regularly with your physician.

I am not in a position to address the specifics of your question for several reasons. First and foremost is that any decision hinges on the full complement of drugs, supplements and food that you ingest. Such decisions can involve very complicated analysis interactions and drug depletions. You do not list them – so there is no beginning point.
Second, I am not qualified to provide such an analysis! These decisions involve extensive information about side effects and drug depletions. I suggest that you seek out a consultation with a nutritional counselor. We refer clients who have questions like yours to get consultations with Compounding Pharmacists Randy Mentzer here in Olympia, Washington. Randy offers long distance consultations for people currently experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

I can report that 5-HTP does not float to the top in the list of supplements that help people who currently experience Parkinson’s symptoms. If the issue turns on needing an energy boost, the best place to focus your attention is on nourishing the mitochondria (which occupy each cell and produce the ATP which gives us energy). Listen to my radio show with Randy Mentzer. One of the topics he covers in this show is how to reverse low cellular energy. Possible remedies include N-Ribose, CoQ10 and oxygen.

May your energy return quickly and effortless whatever choice you make

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

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

Resources
Vibration Therapy
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Eye Drops for Cataracts
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News


No responses yet

Jan 17 2011

Creativity and Parkinson’s

Question :

Somewhere I remember reading that PD people sometimes become more artistic.  Can you point me towards any information about PD and the arts? I have to write a short bio of myself for a small, local gallery where they are showing some of my paintings, and I wanted to include a blurb about PD.

Susan

Response:

Yes indeed – the gift of symptoms associated with a diagnosis of  Parkinson’s Disease is that many people shift gears in their life as they become incredibly creative. In some cases this translates into artistic endeavors. Sounds like this has been your experience too!

Why does this happen? I suspect the body demands that mental (as well as physical) activity slow down several notches. The body demands that standard routines of the past are interrupted.

The question then turns on – what now? What do I do with my life now? With a little reflection, many people realize that they have not been pursuing their life’s passion. A creativity switch gets turned on. Off they go into the world of art or some creative endeavor of one type of another.

If you have art work – I would be delighted to post it on the blog if you would like! If you have a story you have written about yourself – I would be delighted to post that as well if you would like – with links to your work.

Finally – I am convening a Parkinson Recovery Summit Monday, March 7th, to be held in Vancouver Washington (15 minutes from Portland, Oregon airport).  It is a one day free event where everyone on the road to recovery will convene together as a group, connect and network. It would be the perfect place to display (and sell) your work perhaps? Jump Start to Wellness follows on March 8th and 9th for those interested.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

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

Resources
Vibration Therapy
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Eye Drops for Cataracts
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News


No responses yet

Jan 17 2011

Do Parkinson’s Symptoms Come and Go?

Published by under Parkinsons Disease Symptoms

Question #1:

Do other PD people notice a change/worsening of symptoms seasonally?  I just realized that for several years now my symptoms seem to increase about Dec or Jan or there abouts. This time period is when I have been starting or changing or increasing medications.

Susan

Response:

Yes – my experience is that many people experience a flare up of symptoms during the winter. I suspect there are several reasons:

  • Diet – the holidays trigger unhealthy eating.
  • Lack of exercise – the winter months can mean colder weather with more rain and snow.
  • Lack of sunshine – Although you live in a rather hot climate, vitamin D3 may not be an issue – but Naturopath Doctor Laurie Mischley finds most people with Parkinson’s symptoms have severe vitamin D3 deficiencies. If there is less sunshine – your body will be getting less D3 the natural way.
  • Change or addition of medications – If you have been adding new medications or increasing the dosage, that could also be a possible cause of a symptom flare up due to interactions and side effects.

All in all – there are a multitude of factors that can potentially contribute to shifts in symptoms seasonally. Since there are typically fluctuations – you can always celebrate improvement down the road.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

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

Resources
Vibration Therapy
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Eye Drops for Cataracts
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News


No responses yet

Jan 10 2011

Antioxidants and Parkinsons Disease

Published by under anti-oxidants

Question:

Will Noni Juice help with Parkinson’s symptoms?

Paul

Response:

There is a very long list of symptoms that have been linked to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. In fact – if you  examine and analyze this list of symptoms, you will cover just about any diagnosis imaginable.

I am aware of no research that directly evaluates the use of Noni juice on the symptoms of Parkinson’s, but this is the norm. Little formal evidence exists that evaluates natural treatments.

Certainly, anti oxidants could potentially lend relief to some of the symptoms. We know that anti oxidants help the body reverse the process of aging. To the extent that aging is associated with a degradation of the neurological system, it seems reasonable to suspect that you should be able to expect improved health on some level with the ingestion of anti-oxidants.

Be aware that there are many choices you can make with regard to the use of anti oxidants. A search on the Internet will list for you foods that have natural anti oxidant properties (like blue berries for example).

The decision to take Noni juice or some other anti oxidant hinges on cost and personal preference. I believe everyone – regardless of whether they currently experience the symptoms of Parkinson’s or not , should be taking anti-oxidants of some form or another.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

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

Resources
Vibration Therapy
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Eye Drops for Cataracts
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News

No responses yet

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