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<channel>
	<title>About Parkinson's Disease &#187; medications</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/category/medications/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com</link>
	<description>Natural Healthy Concepts</description>
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		<item>
		<title>Can Anti-Depressants Cause Parkinson&#8217;s?</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/can-anti-depressants-cause-parkinsons</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/can-anti-depressants-cause-parkinsons#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:09:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Amino Acid Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medications]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=4686</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I just got on your website yesterday and was sooo glad to find you &#8211; I am a 65 yr old woman and  was just diagnosed with Parkinson&#8217;s and believe totally in the body healing itself and I have been on health for years. I was so shocked when I was diagnosed. I have all [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p><em>I just got on your website yesterday and was sooo glad to find you &#8211; I am a 65 yr old woman and  was just diagnosed with Parkinson&#8217;s and believe totally in the body healing itself and I have been on health for years. I was so shocked when I was diagnosed. I have all the symptoms.</em></p>
<p><em>At the present I am having a stretching therapist treat me and I get lots of relief. He also believes in the body healing itself. My main concern is how tired I am and some of  the depression. I haven&#8217;t been on your site as much as I want. I was on  10 antidepressants a day. They diagnosed me bipolar at that time ( I think I was a Guinea pig). They even had me on resperdal  for schizophrenia-</em></p>
<p><em>My daughter in law whose father is a  Dr put her on antidepressants and she went off and she now has a tremor on her head. Has there been any clarification&#8217;s that antidepressant can cause Parkinson&#8217;s?</em></p>
<p><em>Now I feel I need something (natural)  It&#8217;s not so much depression but anxiety-I saw an advertisement for suntheanine &#8211; have you heard of this product and if so &#8211; is it ok to take with Parkinson?</em></p>
<p><em>Also I am ordering your book which I know will be helpful</em></p>
<p><em>Thanks</em></p>
<p><em>Margie</em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Response:</strong></p>
<p>Fatigue and depression can be a formidable challenge for anyone! Have you checked on the side effects of the medications you currently take? It is possible that the symptoms are being aggravated by the medications. If so, it would be a smart idea to talk with your doctor about alternatives.</p>
<p>Many of the medications that are used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s have side effects that are identical to the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s. For some people there is a significant benefit to the medications in the short term since symptoms can be  controlled. In the long term, more and more of the medication has to be used to achieve the same result, so side effects are much more likely to kick in.</p>
<p>I looked at the details on the product Suntheanine and discovered it is an amino acid which is derived from a patented process. I have not heard any specific reports on use of this product. Let us know the outcome if you decide to use it.</p>
<p>I will be interviewing a physician&#8217;s assistant within the coming weeks on the Parkinsons Recovery Radio Show, David Overton. He has extensive experience with using amino acids to treat Parkinson&#8217;s symptoms. Listeners are always invited to call in during the live shows and ask question. He would be an incredible resource for you.</p>
<p>I will announce the show on the radio show page once his show date has been set:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery</a></p>
<p>Parkinsons Recovery is sponsoring a Summit in Cincinnati Ohio June 22nd and 23rd. That event would also be an ideal place to get answers to your questions.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.summit.parkinsonsrecovery.com">http://www.summit.parkinsonsrecovery.com</a></p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Pioneers of Recovery<br />
<a href="http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com">http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Medication Side Effects of Fear and Anger</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/medication-side-effects-of-fear-and-anger</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/medication-side-effects-of-fear-and-anger#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:37:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[anger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fear]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medications]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=4446</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am suffering from Parkinson&#8217;s disease since 5 years. Presently I am taking Entacom Plus and Pacetane 3 times daily. But recently I observed that I am mentally disturbed. I am not able to work easily. I am not able to put myself stable. An unknown fear or angry is developing in me. Kindly let [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p><em>I am suffering from Parkinson&#8217;s disease since 5 years. Presently I am taking Entacom Plus and Pacetane 3 times daily. But recently I observed that I am mentally disturbed. I am not able to work easily. I am not able to put myself stable. An unknown fear or angry is developing in me. </em></p>
<p><em>Kindly let me know the remedy</em></p>
<p><em>Rao</em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Response</strong></p>
<p>By your description, it certainly sounds like you are experiencing the medication side effects in the form of fear and anger. People react differently to medications. Some people have no side effects and experience only the benefits of the medications. Others &#8211; and it appears you fall into this category of people &#8211; can experience debilitating side effects.</p>
<p>I wish I could report there is a simple remedy for this problem &#8211; perhaps a pill that would solve the problem. Alas, such simple solutions are not available. I am quite sure this is not the response you were hoping to hear, but it is the honest truth.</p>
<p>At a minimum you can read the list of side effects that you will find in the prescription inserts that your pharmacist will have. This would likely pinpoint the problem.<br />
It is possible however that the problem you are experiencing is triggered by the particular combination of both medications taken together. That is to say, taking one medications may not be problematic for you, but when both are consumed, certain processes are triggered in your body that are creating the alarming fear and anger.</p>
<p>It is possible the problem may be solved by eliminating one or both medications or finding substitutes. Work with your doctor to explore alternatives. Keep in mind that with most<br />
prescription medications, it is not advisable to stop taking them. The consequences can be disastrous. For most medications, you must reduce the dosage you take very slowly and very deliberately. Make these decisions in close consultation with your doctor.</p>
<p>I would also suggest that you approach the challenge you are facing from a new perspective. While the medications appear to be triggering anger and fear, everyone holds both<br />
in their subconscious. We all have anger that is repressed and that is contained at the cellular level of our body. We all hold fear that we suppress as well.</p>
<p>A healthy approach is simply to acknowledge that everyone confronts the issues that you describe in your question. The only difference is that these issues &#8211; dealing with fear<br />
and anger &#8211; are very difficult to manage and keep under control right now.</p>
<p>There are many powerful therapies you might explore that invite your body to release all of the repressed fear and anger that are making it difficult for you to function right now. Since I do not know where you live or what country you are from, I am not in a position to be specific here. I invite you to begin your own search for therapists you offer such services.<br />
Approach your investigation by searching for people who work with the body rather than the mind. Such therapies will likely be much more helpful than talk therapists for the challenges that you describe in your question.</p>
<p>The solution lies deep within. The greatest gift you can give yourself is to acknowledge it will take time, clear intent and patience to resolve the challenges you currently confront.</p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Pioneers of Recovery<br />
<a href="http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com">www.pioneersofrecovery.com</a></p>
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		<title>Sinemet Titration</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/sinemet-titration</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/sinemet-titration#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Nov 2011 07:57:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[low dose naltrexone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sinemet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=4408</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Lexie forwarded the progress report below and gave me permission to post it. Lexie is one of the 11 individuals who contributed to Pioneers of Recovery which was just released last week. Robert Rodgers, Ph.D. Parkinsons Recovery Because of LDN, I have now titrated off of ALL of my &#8216;Sinemet &#8211; not even using that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Lexie forwarded the progress report below and gave me permission to post it. Lexie is one of the 11 individuals who contributed to <a href="http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com">Pioneers of Recovery</a> which was just released last week.</div>
<div>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com">Parkinsons Recovery</a></div>
<blockquote>
<div><em>Because of LDN, I have now titrated off of ALL of my &#8216;Sinemet &#8211; not even using that very occasional dose when I feel I might need it for a very long day, etc.  Now, when I have a foot tremor, I refuse to let my body go there and I just consciously &#8220;stop&#8221; the tremor and it is working!  </em></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Wishing you and yours a beautiful Thanksgiving Holiday!  Thank you for all that you do to give people with PD hope that they can and will get well if &#8220;they choose to&#8221; and if they do the work that it takes.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Lexie </em></p>
<div></div>
</blockquote>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Stress and Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/stress-and-parkinsons-disease-3</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/stress-and-parkinsons-disease-3#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2011 07:27:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mindfulness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress and Parkinsons]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=4232</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is well known that stress has a direct and profound impact on the symptoms that are associated with Parkinson&#8217;s Disease. The connection is immediate. When you are stressed symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s Disease will inevitably flare up. Without stress, the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s have a terribly difficult time showing up. How can you reduce the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is well known that stress has a direct and profound impact on the symptoms that are associated with Parkinson&#8217;s Disease. The connection is immediate. When you are stressed symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s Disease will inevitably flare up.</p>
<p>Without stress, the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s have a terribly difficult time showing up. How can you reduce the stresses in your daily life? One profound, natural and effective approach for reducing stress is to become more mindful and present to the each and every moment.</p>
<p>I must confess I did not have a clue how to become more mindful until I began a project in collaboration with Nancy Welch several years ago. Nancy, a psychotherapist and expert on Mindfulness as well as chronic illness, and I conducted interviews with national experts on mindfulness during 2010. Their wisdom is now captured in Nancy&#8217;s new book, <strong><em>Medicine and Meditation</em></strong>, which has just been released as a paper back and a download to your computer.</p>
<p>Nancy Welch’s new book is entitled: <a href="http://www.medicinemeditation.com"><em>Medicine and Meditation, Conversations on Mindfulness </em><em>in the Management of Chronic Pain and Illness</em></a> is a true gem. Some of you may have listened to some of these interviews when they were aired live. Her new book explains in detail how we all can become more mindful which reduces stress and invites our hormones to come back into balance. I believe the potential for reversing the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s is significant when mindfulness is practiced. .</p>
<p>The print book is $14.99 and the download is $9.99. For further information and to order, visit:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.medicinemeditation.com/">www.medicinemeditation.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Pioneers of Recovery<br />
<a href="http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com">www.pioneersofrecovery.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Is There Any Hope After the Medicines Stop Working?</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/is-there-any-hope-after-the-medicines-stop-working</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/is-there-any-hope-after-the-medicines-stop-working#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 Nov 2011 05:47:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pioneers of Recovery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stem cell implants]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=4212</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My friend&#8217;s husband is 53 and has been living with Parkinsons for 12 years.  The medicine does not seem to work anymore. He now shakes the whole day where as before it was only once the medicine wore of.   Is there any treatment that he can go for that will help him to live [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>My friend&#8217;s husband is 53 and has been living with Parkinsons for 12 years.  The medicine does not seem to work anymore. He now shakes the whole day where as before it was only once the medicine wore of.  </em></p>
<p><em>Is there any treatment that he can go for that will help him to live a normal life again? </em></p>
<p><em>Have you had any feedback on stem cell replacement therapy? </em></p>
<p><em>Regards:</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>Annelie</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Response:</strong></p>
<p>You just happened to send in your question at the perfect time for a full and complete response. Yes &#8211; there are many, many therapeutic possibilities that your friend&#8217;s husband could find that would be helpful now that the medicines are have stopped working.</p>
<p>Most people are familiar with the approach used in the specialty of western medicine. Help offered by prescription medicines has been useful to your friend&#8217;s husband for over a decade, but is now no longer working for him. He can celebrate the many years of relief he obtained from the medicines he has taken thanks to western medicine. Some people discover that the prescription medicines are only helpful for 2-3 years at best.</p>
<p>Now what? The good news is that the treatments offered by western medicine in the form of medicines and surgeries are only one among dozens of other treatment options and approaches. Recovery really hinges on broadening the perspective on recovery options and being willing to consider other treatment modalities.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Western medicine has been in existence for about 100 years. Many of the other specialties that offer profound relief to persons with Parkinson&#8217;s have been around for thousands of years and and proved true to the test of time.</p>
<p>You are likely wondering why the timing if your question is so perfect? I just released the new edition of <a href="http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com">Pioneers of Recovery</a> which reports to stories of 11 amazing individuals who reversed their own symptoms.</p>
<p>I posted clips on the <a href="http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com">Pioneers of Recovery</a> website from my radio shows of the 11 pioneers. You might suggest to your friend that she encourage her husband to listen to all 11 clips.  Pioneers are inspiring thousands of people to hop onto the road to recovery.</p>
<p>Visit the following website to hear the clips that will inspire anyone who currently experiences the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s Disease:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href=" http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com"></p>
<p>http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Yes, stem cell therapy is one among many other options. I have posted a video here on the blog by Dr. Blanca Ramirez, Ph.D. who has had success using this therapy for people with Parkinson&#8217;s. Click on the &#8220;stem cell implants&#8221; category to the right of the page to bring up the video of her discussing stem cell therapy as an option. The video was posted on April 11, 2011.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me">www.parkinsonsdisease.me</a></p>
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		<title>Parkinsons Recovery Happens Day By Day: People Get Better</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/recovery-happens-day-by-day-people-get-better</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/recovery-happens-day-by-day-people-get-better#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 16:01:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[detoxes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exercise and Parkinson's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feldenkrais]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recovery]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=4065</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Parkinsons Recovery- People Get Better I am a recently joined member from England. I am so excited about finding your web site and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are no words to express my gratitude and excitement. I am really going to enjoy my recovery as it happens day [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote>
<h1><strong>Parkinsons Recovery</strong>- People Get Better</h1>
<p><em>I am a recently joined <a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.org" rel="nofollow">member</a> from England. I am so excited about finding your web site and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are no words to express my gratitude and excitement. I am really going to enjoy my recovery as it happens day by day. I have always had a little place inside me that says &#8220;I will figure this out&#8221;.  Now I have found the way with your help and I have regained my drive.  It is fantastic!</em></p>
<p><em>I have had definite symptoms for 12 years though I have been burdening  my mind and body with severe stress for years, mistakenly believing I could handle anything. Then the oak tree collapsed: I was totally exhausted and had no idea. I have been taking requip for 5 years and sinemet for 18 months and am determined to get free of them. I know I will though I don&#8217;t know details of the how yet. Don&#8217;t worry I shall be very careful and I have a lot of support. I have learned that relationships are even more important than health.</em></p>
<p><em>The things I am doing NOW are:</em></p>
<p><em>listening to your radio shows lots of exercise,  my dog gets 2 1hr walks per day in beautiful woodland exercise bike stretches and balancing listening to guided meditations really clean healthy diet lots and lots of water singing class nintendo wi writing out and reading poetry aloud eft feldenkrais recording my progress and activities and goals. my writing is loads better already hot and cold</em> <em>showering every day. The EFT Deft is HUGE for me.</em></p>
<p><em>I am not the person I was before my symptoms came along. The changes are quite staggering that actually I am a bit overwhelmed</em> <em>and confused. It has helped uncover something of the pay- off I get from having my symptoms &#8211; a mega breakthrough.</em></p>
<p><em>I found your site, actually the radio downloads on itunes 5 weeks ago and have improved so much already ( from really quite a bad place as the drugs were beginning not to work. They work well now. I have only stared eft in the last week</em></p>
<p><em>I was doing something of the above list before but now I have designed myself a programme which is a little bit strict and a little bit flexible. I have decided to stick to working with  this before I look at supplements and more complex things. I want to give my body some time on the basics  &#8211; good food, fresh air, mental stimulation, relaxation, fun etc. I have realized how sensitive I am at last. And I forgot to mention I have started detoxing  my environment &#8211; so far I have junked all my toiletries for natural ones, and only have about 1/8 what I had before! Now I am working through the cleaning stuff. It feels so good.</em></p>
<p><em>I am 55 years young, have a great husband who doesn&#8217;t give me too much sympathy and does his own thing, yet is fantastically caring and I have 2 fantastic sons aged  24 and  27. I have a brother who I would do anything for and a sister that I value  and love though I don&#8217;t have the same rapport with her.</em></p>
<h2><em>I have just joined your membership pages today to continue my parkinsons recovery and it is great to get your emails. Encouragement is fab.</em></h2>
<p><em>The crucial thing you have given me is the knowledge  PEOPLE GET BETTER. Now I know that I am on my way.</em></p>
<p><em>With heartfelt thanks</em></p>
<p><em>Fiona</em></p></blockquote>
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		<title>Sinemet Free Anniversary Celebration</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/anniversary-celebration</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/anniversary-celebration#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 02:28:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sinemet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=3722</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hi Just a quick note to let you know that today I&#8217;m celebrating one year of being OFF Sinemet.  I&#8217;m feeling very good, with most of the day pretty normal (whatever that means) Anyway I just wanted to THANK YOU for your support. Tom]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p><em>Hi </em></p>
<p><em>Just a quick note to let you know that today I&#8217;m celebrating one year of being OFF Sinemet.  I&#8217;m feeling very good, with most of the day pretty normal (whatever that means) <img src='http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </em></p>
<p><em>Anyway I just wanted to THANK YOU for your support.</em></p>
<p><em>Tom </em></p></blockquote>
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		<title>Reducing the Dose of Medications</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/medication-issues</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/medication-issues#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 07:35:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medications]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=3613</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This discussion was filmed at the Parkinsons Recovery Summit in March, 2011. The discussion centers on issues people face who have decided to reduce the dosage of their Parknson&#8217;s medications and are taking no medications now. Compounding pharmacist Randy Mentzer offers an important insight into how compounding pharmacists help people reduce the dose of medications [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This discussion was filmed at the Parkinsons Recovery Summit in March, 2011. The discussion centers on issues people face who have decided to reduce the dosage of their Parknson&#8217;s medications and are taking no medications now. Compounding pharmacist Randy Mentzer offers an important insight into how compounding pharmacists help people reduce the dose of medications they currently take in close consultation with their doctors.  </p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me">Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease</a><br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me">http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me</a></p>
<p><img src="" /></p>
<p>If the videos you watch here start and stop, just pause the video for about 30 seconds and allow the live streaming to catch up.</p>
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		<title>MAO Inhibitors and 5-htp</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/mao-inhibitors-and-5-htp</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/mao-inhibitors-and-5-htp#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[drug interactions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drug Side Effects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[side effects of medications]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=3132</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Question:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>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. </em></p>
<p><em>What do you know? </em></p>
<p><em>Thanks</em></p>
<p><em>Darra</em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Response:</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 &#8211; so there is no beginning point.<br />
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 <a href="http://parkinsonsrecovery.com/randy.html">Randy Mentzer</a> here in Olympia, Washington. Randy offers long distance consultations for people currently experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s.</p>
<p>I can report that 5-HTP does not float to the top in the list of supplements that help people who currently experience Parkinson&#8217;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<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery"> radio show</a> 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.</p>
<p>May your energy return quickly and effortless whatever choice you make</p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/">Parkinsons Recovery </a></p>
<p>Books<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me/">Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease<br />
</a><a href="http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com/">Pioneers of Recovery</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fivestepstorecovery.com/">Five Steps to Recovery</a></p>
<p>Resources<br />
<a href="http://www.vibroacoustic.parkinsonsrecovery.com/">Vibration Therapy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.aquas.us/">Dehydration Therapy: Aquas</a><br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.org/">Parkinsons Recovery Membership</a><br />
<a href="http://parkinsonsrecovery.net/">Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cataracts.parkinsonsrecovery.com/">Eye Drops for Cataracts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.symptomtracker.info/parkinsons/login.php">Symptom Tracker </a><br />
<a href="http://www.news.parkinsonsrecovery.com/">Parkinson&#8217;s Disease News</a></p>
<p><strong><br />
</strong></p>
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		<title>Parkinsons Disease Treatment Options</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/parkinsons-disease-treatment-options</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/parkinsons-disease-treatment-options#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:21:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Parkinson's Disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adrenal exhaustion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alternative therapies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aquas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blood pressure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bowen Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brain fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chiropractic Treatments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[constipation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COq10]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cranial electrostimulation (CES)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deep brain stimulation surgery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[detoxes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exercise and Parkinson's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Glutathione]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hakomi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[herbs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hydration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[intramuscular stimulation (IMS)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Myofascial Release (MFR)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Natural Therapies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parkinsons Disease Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parkinsons Recovery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[radio program]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supplements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[symptom tracker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toxins in the Body]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tremors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=3060</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Angela Wensley was a guest on my radio show on October 28, 2010. You can listen to the show by visiting http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery.  Angela wrote a thorough update describing the treatment options she has pursued. Her update is posted below. Robert Rodgers, Ph.D. This update is intended not only for my friends and family, but also [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Angela Wensley was a guest on my radio show on October 28, 2010. You can listen to the show by visiting <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery</a>.  Angela wrote a thorough update describing the treatment options she has pursued. Her update is posted below. Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>This update is intended not only for my friends and family, but also for people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson&#8217;s disease (PD). Please feel free to pass this on to anyone that you may know who has a diagnosis of PD as they may find some of the information helpful. I was diagnosed with the symptoms of PD in May 2007, over 3 1/2 years ago at age 59. At the time of diagnosis, I was informed that not only was the cause unknown (&#8220;idiopathic&#8221;), but also that it was irreversible and progressive. Initially, I questioned the diagnosis but any doubts were resolved when I traveled to Los Angeles in September 2007 for a PET scan that confirmed (in medical-speak) that there was: moderately decreased dopamine accumulation into the posterior putamen on the left side of my brain, consistent with PD. Since then, I have come to accept the diagnosis as my symptoms have become rather &#8220;classic&#8221;. In particular, I have tremours in my right hand and these have become increasingly worse as the years have progressed.</em></p>
<p><em>The progression of my PD symptoms has not been linear, but instead I experience it in waves with definite peaks and valleys. The symptoms can be pronounced for a number of days interspaced by days of calm where I am almost symptom-free. Over time, however, the general trend has been a gradual progression downward (probably corresponding to dopamine depletion in the part of my brain responsible for motor activities) with the valleys becoming more savage and the peaks becoming shorter. In addition, there can be variations in my tremours during the day. When I am relaxed, I have no tremours. When under stress, or excitement, or cold, the tremours become more pronounced.</em></p>
<p><em>The worst situation is &#8220;White Coat Syndrome&#8221; whenever I visit a medical doctor or a neurologist. On those occasions, my tremours are effectively out of control. Other PD symptoms such as impaired arm swing, problems with gait, problems with balance, and constipation are so far in the mild category. Besides tremour, the other most bothersome PD symptom for me has been &#8220;micrographia.&#8221; As I can no longer move the fingers on my right hand, my ability to write has decreased to the point where I have ceased keeping a daily journal, something that I had been doing since the 1980s. Also, typing has become difficult and slow. Luckily, Dragon voice-activated software has come to my rescue and I now dictate most of my communications (such as this update).</em></p>
<p><em>I plot the progression of my PD every three months using the Parkinson&#8217;s Disease Rating Scale (PDRS) from 0 to 100 on the website www.PatientsLikeMe.com where my patient name is &#8220;Dawn Angel&#8221;. My current rating is 7. It has been as high as 14. My human tendency is to self-evaluate when I&#8217;m feeling good so it is possible that my PDRS is higher at some times.</em></p>
<p><em>So far, I have avoided taking any of the Parkinson&#8217;s medications (with a brief exception of one month after I was first diagnosed when I took Mirapex, a dopamine agonist that for me had dreadful side effects). To me, the PD medications are a last resort. Since they will only provide a certain number of years of effectiveness it seems reasonable to forestall taking them until it is absolutely necessary, that is, when having the symptoms is no longer preferable to the side effects of the meds. I have been able to work for three years post diagnosis but I&#8217;m at the point where it may not be possible to continue working as a freelance consulting engineer. I haven&#8217;t had any jobs since June 2010, so it is difficult to say if it is time for me to retire.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>RESOURCES</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I am fortunate to have two outstanding neurologists on my side, Andrew Wolfenden and Jon Stoessl, although I only see them once a year. Stoessl is the director of the Pacific Parkinson&#8217;s Research Centre. I see him at the Movement Disorders Clinic at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. With Western medicine offering only drugs that mask the symptoms of PD and unable to otherwise treat the condition, it is inevitable that a person diagnosed with PD will seek out alternative forms of medicine. My naturopath Caleb Ng </em></p>
<p><em>www.mountainviewwellnesscentre.ca/ </em></p>
<p><em>is a valuable part of my team. Ideally, a person diagnosed with PD should have a team of practitioners, including at least one neurologist, their GP, a naturopath, a physiotherapist, an herbalist, a massage therapist, a personal trainer, a psychotherapist, and others. The reality, however, is that no &#8220;team&#8221; really exists. My personal trainer may know my chiropractor, and my naturopath may have met my neurologist, but this is not team behaviour. The cold truth is that each patient is pretty well left to their own devices. So one must be proactive and become better informed, often more so then their practitioners. We are the keepers of the complete story.</em></p>
<p><em>There are many very good publications on PD available in book form. Some that I have found to be exceptional are:</em></p>
<p><em>1. Jill Marjama-Lyons and Mary J. Shomon, &#8220;What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Parkinson&#8217;s Disease,&#8221; Warner Books (2003).</em></p>
<p><em>2. Gretchen Garie, Michael J. Church, and Winnifred Conkling, &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061173223?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0061173223">Living Well With Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</a>,&#8221; Collins (2007).</em></p>
<p><em>3. David A. Grimes, &#8220;Parkinson&#8217;s: Everything You Need to Know,&#8221; Firefly Books (2004).</em></p>
<p><em>4. Geoffrey Leader and Lucille Leader, &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0952605694?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0952605694">Parkinson&#8217;s Disease: Reducing Symptoms with Nutrition and Drugs,</a>&#8221; Denor Press (2009).</em></p>
<p><em>5. Laurie K. Mischley, &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603810439?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1603810439">Natural Therapies for Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</a>,&#8221; Coffeetown Press (2010).</em></p>
<p><em>6. Abraham Lieberman, &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763704334?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0763704334">100 Questions and Answers about Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</a>,&#8221; Jones and Bartlett (2003).</em></p>
<p><em>7. David H. Anderson, &#8220;How to Tame Parkinson&#8217;s by Keeping Fit,&#8221; Authorhouse (2005).</em></p>
<p><em>8. John Ball, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=1420827898&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Living Well, Running Hard</a>,&#8221; Authorhouse (2005).</em></p>
<p><em>9. Arthur W. Curren, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=1425901859&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Dumb Bells and Dopamine</a>,&#8221; Authorhouse (2006).</em></p>
<p><em>Downloadable books from the Internet include:</em></p>
<p><em>1. John C. Coleman, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=0855723688&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Stop Parkin&#8217; and Start Livin&#8217;</a>: Reversing the Symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s Disease,&#8221; available for a fee from www.returntostillness.com.au</em></p>
<p><em>2. Robert Rodgers, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=0981976719&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Road to Recovery from Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</a>,&#8221; available for a fee from <a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me">www.parkinsonsdisease.me</a></em></p>
<p><em>3. Janice Walton-Hadlock, &#8220;Recovering from Parkinson&#8217;s Disease: Understanding its Cause and Mastering and Effective Treatment,&#8221; available for free from www.pdrecovery.org/ (I do not necessarily endorse the concepts or opinions of the author but found it a compelling and worthwhile read; too bad she won&#8217;t converse with anyone that has been on PD meds such as Mirapex for a month!)</em></p>
<p><em>There are almost unlimited resources available on the Internet. By far the best PD website is <a href="http://www.patientslikeme.com">www.PatientsLikeMe.com</a> that has over 5000 members with PD.</em></p>
<p><em>My &#8220;Dawn Angel&#8221; profile there has been browsed over 7000 times at the time of writing this update.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>PD PREVENTATIVE MEASURES</em></strong></p>
<p><em>The various measures I have taken in my attempts to slow the progression of PD are listed below in approximate order of effectiveness (my perception). The regimen I am on is constantly changing but the overall goal remains the same: to feel as good as I can.</em></p>
<p><em>1. Exercise.</em></p>
<p><em>2. Physiotherapy</em></p>
<p><em>3. Neuroprotective supplements</em></p>
<p><em>3. Diet</em></p>
<p><em>4. Chelation</em></p>
<p><em>5. Brain therapies</em></p>
<p><em>Exercise</em></p>
<p><em>The initial diagnosis of PD scared me so much that I decided I had to get into the best possible physical shape to be able to combat the progression of PD. I also engaged a personal trainer, Julie Beenham, to keep me honest. I have seen Julie since June 2007 and would consider our sessions the single most effective measure I have taken against my PD. Within a few months, I had dropped over 40 pounds through a regimen that included running every morning for 5 miles (running for my life) plus extensive workouts in the gym in the afternoon in addition to my sessions with Julie. While my initial reasoning was correct in terms of my being better prepared to withstand the ravages of the disease, I have since found out that intense physical exercise can also have neuroprotective benefits. All the more reason to keep it up. I counsel other people with PD to start exercising and keep at it even when they don&#8217;t feel like it.</em></p>
<p><em>My exercise regimen has varied significantly over the years, particularly with the seasons, but exercise still remains the most effective method I have found for relief from the symptoms of PD. I have also had to accommodate changes to my body thanks to Mr. Parkinson. For example, I have nearly-constant pain in my right hip that now prevents me from running or from using certain equipment in the gym. When I find I can no longer do one thing (use an elliptical training machine) I do whatever I can to keep that it. A &#8220;toe crest&#8221; helped keep the toes on my right foot from curling under; I still use toe sleeves to prevent the formation of corns. When these measures weren&#8217;t enough I found something else that I could use: a stationary bicycle. I will continue with this practical approach as long as I am able. Whenever possible, I indulge in two of my favourite sports, tennis and kickboxing. Not bad for someone who&#8217;s 63 years old!</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Gym</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Currently, my gym workouts consist of roughly 30 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes of weight training, and 30 minutes of stretching. As mentioned above, the cardio originally was done on an elliptical machine but now I use an upright bicycle. Weights involved a number of machines but also free weights (dumbbells). I have found that stretching is an important component of any exercise regimen and worth the time taken for it.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Personal trainer</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I see my personal trainer Julie twice a week for one hour each time. In our ever varying routine, she has me attempt a number of balance exercises. I can balance on my left leg very well but balance on my right leg is problematic. Standing on a wobble board is possible but is becoming an increasing challenge for me. We do part of each session with my eyes closed which seems to be helpful. Each session ends with stretching, the best part!</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Tennis</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I had given up playing tennis in 2005 after a rotator cuff injury made it impossible for me to raise my right arm (I am right-handed) out to the side and overhead. Little did I know that a &#8220;frozen shoulder&#8221; is often a sign of PD. In 2008, on the advice of a friend who had seen an amputee play tennis again after switching to his left arm, I resumed playing tennis as a lefty. When my right arm finally came around in 2009, I morphed into an ambidextrous player with both right and left handed forehands. We bought a condo in a tennis community in Delray Beach, Florida that we visit twice a year for a month each time and were I can indulge my tennis habit. Back home in the relatively cold Northwest I see a tennis coach on a weekly basis and play indoors during the winter.</em></p>
<p><em>When I play tennis, my PD symptoms also take a vacation although videos show that I am clearly compensating for any impaired movement. Nonetheless, my footwork is good as is my ability to run and make shots from either side of the court. Why this is so is not really clear to me. Perhaps doing something that one really loves is conducive to generating dopamine, the neurotransmitter in short supply in the brains of people with PD. I suspect that it has something to do with the repetitive nature of the game and the delightful sense of vibration when the ball is well struck. For this reason, I prefer &#8220;tennis therapy&#8221; with a coach feeding me shots, to actually playing a game. I have noticed that on those rare occasions where I summon up extra energy through adrenaline (which consumes dopamine) I pay for it later in terms of a short-lived exacerbation of my PD symptoms. The trick is to learn how to stay relaxed while playing the game.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Kickboxing</em></strong></p>
<p><em>It was Julie my personal trainer who introduced me to kickboxing. The kickboxing I do is not in the ring (!) but rather with a partner holding pads or in a gym with a kickboxing circuit. In the summer I am able to set up a punching bag outdoors in the carport but most of the time I now go to &#8220;30 Minute Hit&#8221;, a local kickboxing circuit. There is something about the contact and the vibrations from the punches that help calm the symptoms of PD. Besides, it just feels good to hit someone! There is clearly some adrenaline production involved with kickboxing as my tremours are usually set off for several minutes after I complete the circuit.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Physiotherapy</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Since my diagnosis with PD, I have seen a number of physiotherapists. I am relatively good at following orders and did whatever exercises they recommended, with satisfactory outcomes. Initially, my focus was to regain the use of my right arm. More recently, I have been addressing the progressive effects of PD on my body.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Prolotherapy</em></strong></p>
<p><em>As mentioned above, I had given up playing tennis in 2005 after a rotator cuff injury. After my diagnosis with PD in 2007, I worked very hard on regaining the function of my right shoulder. I underwent two months of prolotherapy from a naturopath where dextrose was injected into my tendons (hurt like hell) to promote improved blood supply and healing. In this regard, the prolotherapy was very effective, although I still had to follow up with more than a year of intense physiotherapy. There is still some residual pain in my right shoulder and a tendency for the femur to sit outside of its socket, but for all intents and purposes I have regained a full range of motion. I continue to receive physiotherapy on my right shoulder.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Intramuscular stimulation</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In 2009, I began to see Dan Sivertson, a physiotherapist who practices &#8220;Intramuscular Stimulation&#8221; (IMS), a therapy developed in Vancouver BC<a href="http://www.istop.org">www.istop.org</a>/. IMS is a form of &#8220;scientific acupuncture&#8221; where the needles are inserted into the problem area such as tight or shortened muscles, without application of electric current (I have little time for non-scientific or traditional acupuncture that relies on mythical meridians to determine where the needles should be placed.). The results of IMS have been amazing and muscles that I thought had been irrevocably tightened have loosened up. There has also been a significant reduction in pain, especially in my right hip. IMS must be considered as part of a complete physiotherapy package that includes myofascial release and massage.</em></p>
<p><em>Currently, Dan and I are working on improving my posture. One of the progressive features of PD is the gradual tightening of muscles that progressively cause a stooped posture. With weekly sessions of physiotherapy and daily posture exercises we are keeping the ravages of PD to a minimum at least as they affect my posture and mobility.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Chiropractic</em></strong></p>
<p><em>While some people regard chiropractic as a pseudoscience, my experience has been that it is very effective for treating lower back pain. I have had lower back pain for at least 30 years, well before my diagnosis with PD. Whenever I put my back &#8220;out&#8221; I see a chiropractor as soon as possible and usually a few adjustments set me right. In the past, I used to go for physiotherapy and it took over a month to get any benefit. Chiropractic is faster and more effective than physiotherapy for relief of lower back pain, in my opinion. In addition to chiropractic, exercises to strengthen my &#8220;core&#8221; help me to recover quickly from recurring back injuries.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Myofascial release</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Deep tissue massage is another form of physiotherapy that I have found to be beneficial for PD. In 2010, I had a package of 10 sessions of Hellerwork. Over a couple of months, my Hellerworker Melissa Patton accessed and massaged all accessible fascia of my body. Despite the intensity of the bodywork, the sessions were soothing and felt heavenly. </em><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Air splint</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I am currently experimenting with an inflatable splint of the kind used for retraining of stroke patients by immobilizing spastic limbs. The splint is used to straighten my right arm and eliminate the crook in the elbow. I use it three times a day for 10 minutes at a time. It feels good to have my arm straightened.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Minimal contact therapies</em></strong></p>
<p><em>There are a couple of therapies that have reportedly had good effect on people with PD. One of these is Bowen Therapy. I have had several sessions of Bowen and found them very relaxing but did not experience any lasting effects. I did, however, find that osteopathy was effective. I have seen in osteopath in New Zealand on a few occasions when I was working there and found his techniques to be effective in reducing lower back pain as well as being very relaxing. If there was a local osteopath, he or she would be in my &#8220;team&#8221; of caregivers.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Neuroprotective supplements</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Neuroprotective supplements are also referred to as &#8220;anti-aging&#8221; supplements or &#8220;mitochondrial enhancing agents&#8221; and are taken in addition to the conventional antioxidants (such as vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamin E, and selenium). Most of these supplements are taken orally; the very powerful antioxidant glutathione must be taken intravenously. While I am normally very skeptical of practices that come across as pseudoscience, I can appreciate the rationale for taking supplements that could protect the brain.</em></p>
<p><em>The first neuroprotective supplement I began taking (in 2007) was co-enzyme Q-10 after I read that a small clinical trial had revealed that it slowed the progression of PD. Subsequent, larger, studies have not found any beneficial effect on PD but I was willing to go with at least the chance of a good result. I have since learned that the ubiquinol form of co-enzyme Q-10 is superior to (and more expensive) the ubiquinone form.</em></p>
<p><em>In 2008, I chanced upon &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594480931?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1594480931">The Better Brain Book</a>&#8221; by neurologist David Perlmutter http://renegadeneurologist.com. The book contains a chapter on maintaining brain function using antioxidants and other compounds that facilitate the functioning of existing neurotransmitters. The protocol recommended by Perlmutter for PD patients is more extensive than that recommended for normal people who simply wish to improve their brain function.</em></p>
<p><em>I am currently taking the following neuroprotective supplements:</em></p>
<p><em>– Alpha lipoic acid* (time-release) 1200 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– N-acetyl cysteine* 600 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– Phosphatidylcholine 420 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– Phosphatidylserine* 100 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– Acetyl l-carnitine* 500 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– Co-enzyme Q-10* (ubiquinol) 600 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– NADH 5 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– DHA + EPA (omega-3*) 660 mg +330 mg two times per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– Glutathione* (intravenous) 2500 mg per week.</em></p>
<p><em>* Recommended by David Perlmutter.</em></p>
<p><em>The glutathione IVs are administered by my ND, Caleb Ng. The protocol is that recommended by David Perlmutter. By the way, there is a video with David Perlmutter showing the near-miraculous effects of glutathione injections on people with PD <a href="http://www.glutathioneexperts.com/benefits-glutathione.html">http://www.glutathioneexperts.com/benefits-glutathione.html</a></em> that to me seems to be a startling example of the &#8220;placebo effect.&#8221; I have never experienced anything even remotely resembling the improvement rapidly shown by the people in the video but again, my PD symptoms are not as advanced as those shown in the video. If glutathione has any effect on my symptoms, I believe that glutathione has produced a small (1-2) decrease in my PDRS.</p>
<p><em>In addition to the special mitochondrial enhancing supplements, I take vitamin C in both in time-release form and also as mixed ascorbates (total 4800 mg vitamin C per day), vitamin D drops (4000 IU per day), selenium drops (260 mcg per day), and zinc drops (30 mg per day) and others. I have my blood work checked regularly and have near-ideal results (all parameters within reference ranges). For years my cholesterol was chronically high and required meds for regulation; now it is excellent (high HDL and low LDL) without meds. Also, I used to be on meds for high blood pressure; now my blood pressure is close to ideal (typically 110/65) and I no longer take meds.</em></p>
<p><em>Although it is difficult to say whether all of these supplements are having any effect on my PD, I figure that at least I am extending my life!</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Diet</em></strong></p>
<p><em>The first alteration to my diet was to eat mostly organic foods to minimize the amount of pesticides that I was incidentally ingesting. Pesticides have been implicated with PD in some cases so I was not about to take the chance that my PD was unrelated to pesticides. I also began eating more fish and less red meat. In 2009, I heard about Donnie Yance, an herbalist in Ashland, Oregon, who had a protocol for treating patients with PD. I read his paper, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=0879839686&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Parkinson&#8217;s Disease and the Use of Botanical and Nutritional Compounds</a>&#8221; and was impressed withhis knowledge. In July, 2009, I traveled to Ashland and saw one of his associates, Jason Miller who has become my herbalist.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Botanicals</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Jason provides me with a number of proprietary botanical formulations marketed under the Natura brand from the Centre for Natural Healing in Ashland, Oregon <a href="http://www.centrehealing.com">www.centrehealing.com.</a> These contain botanicals that have been known to have a beneficial effect on PD, including:</em></p>
<p><em>– Mucuna pruriens (a natural source of levodopa)</em></p>
<p><em>– Hyoscyamus niger (henbane)</em></p>
<p><em>– Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)</em></p>
<p><em>– Turmeric</em></p>
<p><em>– Green tea extract</em></p>
<p><em>– Piper methysticum (kava kava)</em></p>
<p><em>– Panax ginseng</em></p>
<p><em>– Bacopa monniera</em></p>
<p><em>– Scutellaria lateriflora (skullcap)</em></p>
<p><em>Of these botanicals, the first two on the list are perhaps the most potent. Mucuna pruriens is a natural source of levodopa and has been found to be more effective than synthetic levodopa in clinical trials. I have experimented with not taking the Mucuna and not noticed any difference, although perhaps I am not yet at the stage of my PD were levodopa is necessary. I am currently in a trial of titrating in with Hyoscyamus niger that is supposed to be effective against the tremours of Parkinson&#8217;s. So far, at 30 drops a day of a 1:10 tincture, it seems to have appreciably mitigated my tremours but it is too early to confirm it as effective at this time. Any beneficial effect is overwhelmed if stress rears its ugly head. Stress trumps hyoscyamus every time in the tremour department.</em></p>
<p><em>In addition to the above botanicals I also use products such as Natura &#8220;Beyond Whey&#8221; and &#8220;NanoGreens&#8221; that, amongst a host of other ingredients including frozen blueberries, make up a morning smoothie that I make every day. The Centre for Natural Healing also prepares a custom &#8220;tonic for me that I take twice a day. The tonic contains ginkgo, gotu kola, milk thistle, orange peel, kava kava, liquorice, skullcap, and other botanicals.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><em>Gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free diet</em></p>
<p><em>In 2009, I traveled to Melbourne Australia where I met <a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/startliving">John Coleman</a>, a naturopath who has recovered from PD. Of course, I was very interested in doing whatever he did to recover. Amongst his recommendations was a change in diet to gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free (and others). I saw John again in 2010 and he said that I was doing well and to stay the course. He said the last of his symptoms to go was the tremour. This gives me some heart as tremour is the most bothersome of my symptoms.</em></p>
<p><em>In their book, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=0952605694&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Parkinson&#8217;s Disease: Reducing Symptoms with Nutrition and Drugs</a>,&#8221; Geoffrey and Lucille Leader advocate a gluten-free and dairy-free diet for people with PD. I am not lactose-intolerant nor do I have a gluten intolerance (this has been confirmed by genetic testing with www.23andMe.com) but their reasoning is compelling. It is possible that people with neurological disorders such as PD are much more sensitive to lactose and gluten than are people without those disorders. Luckily for me, we live in an age where it is possible to btain gluten-free and dairy-free foods readily. My favourite gluten-free bread is &#8220;Udi&#8221; available from Whole Foods in the US (but alas not in Canada). I substitute almond milk for regular milk. Dining out can be a problem; however, I travel a lot in my work and have found that the chefs in hotel and other restaurants are more than willing to meet my dietary requirements.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Adrenal support</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In early 2010 I had a saliva test to determine my free cortisol rhythm. Samples were taken at 8 AM, noon, 5 PM, and at midnight. My cortisol levels for morning, noon, and afternoon where all markedly depressed (only the midnight sample was normal), indicating (according to the report) marginal HPA (hypothalamuspituitary-adrenal) performance. I purchased an excellent book, &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890572152?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1890572152">Adrenal Fatigue,</a>&#8221; by James Wilson that help to explain the significance of my results. Low cortisol, or hypoadrenia, is normally characterized by fatigue, difficulty rising in the morning, a desire for caffeine, feeling run down and stressed, etc. Other than perhaps a desire for a daily cup of coffee, I have none of these symptoms. Indeed, I seldom experience fatigue and still consider myself as a high-energy person. Yet, people with hypoadrenia have a reduced ability to cope with stress. Interestingly, people with PD report that their symptoms are aggravated in times of stress. There has to be some sort of connection between the symptoms of PD and impairment of HPA performance, but so far discussions with my neurologist and endocrinologist have not revealed any knowledge by them of any connection.</em></p>
<p><em>The danger is that people with hypoadrenia are on the borderline of having adrenal fatigue (no cortisol). When cortisol reserves are too low, and a stressful situation occurs, one may not be able to produce enough cortisol to handle it. Adrenal fatigue has been responsible for high-performing individuals &#8220;crashing&#8221; and becoming effectively bedridden for months or years, too fatigued to do anything. Not wishing to come down with adrenal fatigue, I have begun taking an adrenal support botanical supplement (&#8220;Restorative Formulations Adrenal Px LOPB&#8221;) and have also tried adrenal cortex extract (&#8220;Adrenal Stress End&#8221;).</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Hydration</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I have tried the<a href="http://www.aquas4life.com"> Aquas</a> formulas available from John Coleman in Australia. These homeopathic remedies are supposed to enhance cellular hydration. I have a problem with homeopathy. If an infinitely diluted amount is good for me, then not taking it all should even be better! Yet, John Coleman swears by the Aquas and he has recovered from PD, so there may be something to it.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Red wine</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Geoffrey and Lucille Leader recommend elimination of alcohol from the diet. John Coleman, sensible man that he is, recommends 1 to 2 glasses of vintage red wine a day. I am on John&#8217;s side. Drinking fine red wine has been a passion of mine since the 1970s and one that I am loath to give up especially since I have a wine cellar containing approximately 2000 bottles! Of course a big part of the enjoyment of red wine is the bouquet. Reportedly, loss of the olfactory sense is a common complaint in people with PD and is liable to occur early in the progression of the disease. I noticed no such impairment (and can still guess in a blind tasting that a bottle of Bordeaux is a fine old Burgundy!). For now, I enjoy each bottle of fine wine as if it were my last. To me, joy = dopamine. Also, there must be some benefit from the resveratrol!</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Constipation</em></strong></p>
<p><em>As PD also affects the autonomous nervous system, constipation can be a severe problem. Since my diagnosis with PD I have had some problems in this regard especially when I travel over multiple time zones and upset my daily rhythms. Currently, I have it under control with the simple addition of one or two rehydrated prunes to my morning smoothie plus a level teaspoon of organic psyllium fibre. These seem to be enough to keep me regular.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Hedonism</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I stayed strictly on my gluten-free and dairy-free diet for over a year, but recently had the opportunity to travel to France for a combination of business and pleasure. I temporarily abandoned my diet and indulged myself for a full week in French gastronomy, eating foie gras, croissants, baguettes, rich cheeses, and just about everything else that the French are famous for. The consequence was that I had not felt better in over three years! Now, I am not so strict about my diet and allow myself the occasional indulgence.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Chelation</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In 2008, a urine test for heavy metals revealed excessive concentrations of lead and mercury and other metals such as manganese. I have been undergoing chelation off and on since then and currently receive one treatment per week from my ND Caleb Ng. The treatments involve a small IV of EDTA solution. For any benefits to be realized, numerous treatments are necessary. Heavy metal poisoning (especially manganese) has been implicated in PD and welders are one profession that is at higher risk for PD. Since I spent many years working closely with welders and breathing welding fumes, I have no doubt ingested my fair share of iron, manganese and other metals. Interestingly, a CT scan of my brain failed to reveal any abnormal concentration of manganese. Note: the claimed benefits of chelation for PD have yet to be established through rigorous clinical trials.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Brain therapies</em></strong></p>
<p><em>This section covers a number of therapies that may be useful for maintaining mental functioning and postponing the dementia that may occur as PD progresses.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Positive attitude</em></strong></p>
<p><em>It is difficult to remain positive when confronted with a disease of no known cause and inevitable progression, yet this is precisely what must be done. Depression is one of the predominant symptoms of PD. If necessary, it may be necessary to take an antidepressant. One that has been recommended to me is duloxetine.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Body-mind psychotherapy</em></strong></p>
<p><em>For several years in the 1990s, I had training in Hakomi body-mind psychotherapy arising out of the deep desire to know myself. I still keep in touch with my teacher, Ron Kurtz http://hakomi.com/. I regularly see a therapist,Mahmud Nestman, a Sufi who is familiar with the methods of Hakomi. In our explorations one useful technique is called &#8220;taking over&#8221;. In one session I had Mahmud take over (literally, with his hand) a tightness I felt around my heart.</em></p>
<p><em>When he did so, I was able to go in deeper into my own unconscious and to gain some valuable insights as to why the tightness was there in the first place. I have invariably noticed that during our sessions my tremours at first become almost uncontrollable but then they disappear, leaving me in a most serene and quiet and still place. Stillness is priceless.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>The science of happiness</em></strong></p>
<p><em>For several years I was an active member of the Ken Keyes community based in Coos Bay, Oregon. Ken was the author of the &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1870845242?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1870845242">Handbook to Higher Consciousness</a>,&#8221; &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=B002FL5J3K&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">The Power of Unconditional Love</a>,&#8221; and many other books. For a number of years, I taught &#8220;Living Love&#8221; workshops in the US, Canada, and New Zealand. These teachings have served me well, particularly now that I have the symptoms of PD. I take responsibility for my own feelings. Nothing or nobody has ever made me upset are unhappy: I do it to myself. This is good news as the only person I am capable of changing is myself.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Neurofeedback</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I have had six sessions of neurofeedback, also referred to as biofeedback from Mike de Jong, a PhD psychologist. During the first session and EEG was done to determine those parts of my brain that had abnormal brainwave patterns. Mike determined that my dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was deficient in theta wave output. Subsequent sessions (one hour each) involved application of a single electrode at the position on my head corresponding to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. I was provided with headphones to listen to the sound of surf while my eyes were closed. Whenever my brain produced Theta waves I could hear the surf; when no theta waves were being produced all I heard was static. At first, I struggled to hear the surf, but later just let my brain do all the work of figuring it out. After six sessions, some progress is being made. If I didn&#8217;t think there was some benefit to this I wouldn&#8217;t continue. Typically, it takes 20 sessions to realize any permanent benefit, so I have some time to go.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Meditation/relaxation</em></strong></p>
<p><em>For many years, I was an adept meditator and meditation was the most important part of my day. Since my diagnosis with PD, however, I have found it very difficult to get into a meditative state. Sitting cross-legged is agonizing. Instead of stillness, I have tremours. By re-casting meditation as relaxation, I can derive some of the benefits, primarily reduction in tremours and tension. I have found that electro-cranial stimulation (see below) is a good substitute for meditation.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Electrio-cranial stimulation</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In electro-cranial stimulation, a small electric current is passed through electrodes attached to my earlobes that produces a mild tingling sensation. Sessions are either 20 minutes or 60 minutes and are very relaxing, almost to the point of putting me to sleep. Tremours also appear to take a nap.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Neurocognitive screening</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In 2010, I participated in a neuropsychological screening evaluation at the Movement Disorders Clinic at the University of British Columbia. These tests revealed that my cognitive functioning was &#8220;broadly average to superior&#8221; depending on which test was being administered. I take this as a sign that I have experienced some cognitive impairment as I would have expected all the tests to result in a &#8220;superior&#8221; rating!</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Defiance</em></strong></p>
<p><em>If I had one final piece of advice for anyone who has been diagnosed with PD, it is to defy it. If it is a fight that Mr. Parkinson wants, it is a fight that he will get. The worst thing one can do is to deny it. As long as one remains in a state of denial, the PD will continue to progress. But as soon as you turn to face your tormentor and fight back, the PD will lose its grip over you. Mr. Parkinson may win in the long run but it will be a protracted fight and you will win many of the rounds. And, who knows, you may just beat him!</em></p>
<p><em>Afterward I hesitate to call this section &#8220;Conclusions&#8221; as my protocol is very much a work in progress, and the effectiveness of many of the measures has not yet been verified. I do not have time to wait for the development of a &#8220;cure&#8221; from conventional Western medicine. I will be dead long before any such treatment has passed through all the hoops and clinical trials necessary for its approval.</em></p>
<p><em>Currently, the treatment of last resort for PD is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) but it is only done when a PD patient is essentially incapacitated with an advanced form of the disease. How humiliating! For people with tremour-dominant PD the option is thalamic surgery, either in the form of thalamic DBS or thalamotomy. Canada&#8217;s medical system is unable to cope with the (growing) numbers of PD patients, so in the meantime I will do everything I can to prevent the progression of my PD to the point where surgery is even an option.</em></p>
<p><em>I am doing the best that I can to not be a burden on the medical system. What I am doing is also expensive. Canada&#8217;s medical system pays for my neurologist visits and little else. The PET scan, physiotherapy visits, naturopath visits, botanicals, and supplements are not covered. Yet if there was ever a time to start spending what I have saved, it is now. I would rather have quality of life than a fat bank account anyway. I&#8217;m currently working my way through my &#8220;bucket list&#8221; and having the time of my life.</em></p>
<p><em>Angela Wensley<br />
</em></p></blockquote>
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