Jan 22 2012

Neuro-Optometry Can Address Parkinson’s Symptoms

Published by under optometry

My guest on the Parkinsons Recovery Radio Show this week was Dr. Janet Kohtz, member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.  After extensive diagnostic assessments, she provides prisms and glasses to assist a persons with Parkinsons who are having mobility challenges. I asked Dr. Kohtz during the show what symptoms can be relieved with optometric treatments.

One of the problems has to do with locomotion.  The Parkinson’s patient can get stuck in space.  He wants to walk over to the kitchen table, but has to sometimes be given a gentle push to start the movement. One of  the most important aspects of peripheral vision is goal-directed locomotion. Remember, the vestibular system is in charge of gaze stabilization in space.  But, possibly the most important aspect of our vision is not 20/20 central vision, but the sub-conscious peripheral vision.  This is what makes  a great football player who is able to wind his way down a football field avoiding other players. And this sub-conscious peripheral vision is what STARTS our movement forward.   

Glasses, prisms, color, and vision rehabilitation therapy can help.  Parkinson’s is a problem of the brain, and the eyes work through the brain also.  They aren’t just sitting there on the edge of the head, operating all by themselves.  As a matter of fact, the eyes hook up with all the other systems of the body in the brain.

Dr. Janet Kohtz

If you are on the lookout for options that will help with locomotion and balance be sure to listen to my radio show interview with Dr. Kohtz which opens up a new treatment alternative that is natural, safe and effective.

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

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com

 

No responses yet

Jan 22 2012

Sleep Disorder with Parkinson’s

Published by under sleep disorders

I have been dealing with Parkinson’s for 2 years. Last December right after Christmas I took a nap at the kitchen table and my family could not wake me up. They said I slept for 15 minutes. They called EMT. This has been going on at least once a month or twice sometimes.

I was admitted in the hospital twice but no one cannot find the cause.  Please help.  My wife is losing her mind.  

Thanks  

Lloyd

Response:

What a challenge you and your family are currently encountering!  Your sixty-four thousand dollar question is:

Why in the world is this strange thing happening to you?

The leading question I would ask you to consider is:

What has changed recently in your life?

Have you begun any new medications? Has there been unusual stress in your life? The answer to this question – whatever it might be – may suggest a reason why this is now happening to you.

At a minimum I suggest you carefully review the side effects of any and all medications you currently take. The symptom you describe sounds to me like a possible side effect of a medication. If this turns out to be true, you can explore substitute medications in consultation with your doctor or entertain another solution to address the symptom that the medication was intended to address.

Perhaps the sleep problem is not due to the side effects of medications. What then? You have already had two extensive check ups at the hospital with no resolution and no insight into what is happening here. I suggest that it is now time to consider other alternatives.

One possible diagnostic option is to take advantage of the Free Happy Hour offered by Sound Health Options. Every two weeks, Sharry Edwards offers free diagnostic services using Bioacoustic voice profiling. I suspect the underlying source of the imbalance could be identified with a Bioacoustic analysis of your voice and set you on a course of recovery to the relief of  you and your entire family.

Another alternative is to attend the Parkinsons Recovery Summit in Cincinnati this summer. Parkinsons Recovery is convening the 2012 Parkinsons Recovery Summit June 22 and 23 which will assemble practitioners from many different modalities. You might well succeed in finding a solution to the problem by consulting with one of the health care practitioners who will provide consultations at the Summit.

My guess is that you are deficient in one or more substance the body needs to maintain balance. Once you know the source of the imbalance, you can help your body come back into balance through diet and taking the specific supplements your body needs right now.

Robert Rodgers
Pioneers of Recovery

http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com

 

No responses yet

Jan 16 2012

L-Tyrosine Treatment for Parkinsons Symptoms

Published by under Amino Acid Therapy

Have you had any experience with taking L-tyrosine and if so in what doses?

Are there any resources or people that I could contact?

Thank you

Lisa

Response:

This question is clearly a question for readers out there.  Who has had  experience taking L-tyrosine? Please comment on your experience.

Marty Hines, MD, has been researching the relationship between amino acids and Parkinson’s symptoms for many years. He trains other doctors in administering amino acid therapy to help provide symptomatic relief for persons with Parkinson’s Disease.

It is my understanding from talking with one of his clinic staff members that this particular amino acid treatment protocol requires weekly monitoring through urine tests and regular adjustments of amino acid doses that are administered.  Apparently it is not a treatment that can be administered without close and continuous supervision by a medical doctor.

You can read Dr. Hines’ research on amino acid therapy to treat Parkinson’s symptoms by visiting the website listed below:

http://www.neuroassist.com

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com

No responses yet

Jan 16 2012

Healing Power of Art

Published by under art therapy,diet

I’m doing well, it’s hard to believe it’s almost been five years since my PD diagnosis. I’m blessed to say it is progressing very slowly and I am quite mobile and active. I recently lost 95 lbs. and it has made a huge difference in my life….I feel 100% better.

I’ve given up sugar, white flour, and processed food and now realize what a negative impact they were having on my health. I’m still painting daily and truly believe in the healing power of art!

Cindy

Preview Cindy’s awesome artwork that “makes the heart smile” by visiting her website at www.thedreamypalette.com

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com

 

 

 

No responses yet

Jan 13 2012

Painting for Parkinsons

Published by under painting,recovery

My guest on the radio show this week was Anne Atkin who has made remarkable discoveries for herself about what helps her get sustained relief from her symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Her radio show interview is remarkable in every respect and I strongly encourage everyone to listen.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery 

Anne was kind enough to send me a copy of her book, Living and Laughing with Parkinsons which I have now devoured. I did not stop reading and laughing until I landed on the final page.

Her book is a thorough and comprehensive review of the symptoms that are associated with Parkinsons and the frustrations that they present. Anne has drawn provocative and very funny cartoons that complement each explanation of a symptom and that embody the many challenges she personally encountered. You can purchase her book (which Anne sends to people to any country in the world) on her website: http://www.anneatkinart.com

Living and Laughing with Parkinsons is a beautifully written and illustrated book  that reveals the work of an incredibly creative woman. Anne points out in the book that the creativity of many people with Parkinson’s soars and blossoms.  Her work soundly confirms this hypothesis. When you see her book you will understand why,

In addition to sending me her book, Anne forwarded a letter she wrote in response to a question about what she has been doing to get relief from her symptoms, Anne gave me permission to post the letter which follow. May this not however be a substitute for listening to her interview which is full of golden treasures for anyone who currently experiences the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com  

I am very careful about how I describe what is happening to me. Recovery is a word that is too strong; I like to think that I have reached an equilibrium and a state of balance with Parkinson’s. I feel that I am always improving some aspect of myself. If you think you have recovered, then you may allow bad habits to come back whereas to keep in balance you have to keep working at it. It all becomes second nature.

Yes, it is true that I no longer use a cane and that has happened because my quad muscles are much stronger and that helps balance. Also, my overall balance has improved because I spend time just practising standing on one leg then the other.

I don’t do hours of exercise because I would be bored silly. I exercise no more than 10 minutes at a time but at frequent intervals. This way I don’t get tired or bored. I do all my own housework, which is also exercise! I love gardening and I will talk about gardening more.

I don’t do anything that is complicated or difficult. Nor do you have to do everything exactly the way I do it. After a while you will find your own pathway and it will feel right and comfortable.

So I use a combination of:

•    creativity
•    socialization- being with people from all walks of life is the way to go. Don’t isolate yourself.
•    humor – develop a sense of humor as laughter is so good for our bodies
•    exercise – and you don’t have to join a gym. There is a great book on exercise for us and it is called ‘Delay the Disease.’ It is by Jackie Russell and David Zid.
•    Mindfulness
•    Wellness   These three are handled beautifully on the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation website
•    Visualization
•    Positive thinking
•    Not giving in to negative thoughts

In everything I do I have a little catch-cry -

‘You’ll never, never know if you don’t have a go.’

You can retrain your brain through thinking positively. It is very important if you have depression.

Whoops! I forgot about gardening. Gardening is an activity that is both creative and exercise. You get the best of both worlds. I love gardening and spend at least an hour a day in mine.

My book ‘Living and laughing with Parkinson’s’ is just at the very beginning of my journey and it is my second book which is being published later this year which will do a lot of talking about the dot points above.

I hope I have given you some ideas but I must impress on you that  you can find you own path to wellness and mindfulness. There is more than one pathway because Parkinson’s is such a mixture of symptoms. We are all different and therefore our pathways are going to be all different too.

I also started this journey about 4 years ago and the further along the pathway I went, the more easily I found it to take control of some symptoms. For example, anxiety attacks are now no problem because when I feel one starting, I just visualize myself drawing, or sniffing my roses or I see myself bathed in sunlight with, sitting on a hill and watching the clouds.

Anne

Postscript:

I do believe that the complexity of Parkinson’s means that there is a complexity of different ways you can tackle the condition. I concentrated on the motor skills because I like being physically independent. Plus, retraining the brain is vitally important. I hope people see that if a late middle-aged mum from Australia can help herself then it is something within the reach of most.

But the key word is Persistence.

Cheers

Anne Atkin
http://www.anneatkinart.com

No responses yet

Jan 12 2012

Numbness in Feet and Legs

Published by under back problems,sinemet

Can someone help me I was told I have Parkinsons in 2007  I am on 7 Sinement a day and I have numbness in feet and legs and difficulty walking. I have to walk and work. I have had two back surgeries and I am looking for help

Kathleen

Response:

I have been conducting research the past 6 years on the various factors that cause symptoms of Parkinsons Disease the therapies that are helping people recover. The good news for you is that there are incredible resources that are available to you. Start listening to archives of the the Parkinsons Recovery Radio Show. You will discover a wealth of information and resources there. Any of the shows I have aired can be downloaded for free. Many of my guests give out their contact information so you can contact them directly for further input.

Parkinsons Recovery is sponsoring a Summit in Cincinnati Ohio June 22-23. Why not attend the Summit? You will discover a wealth of resources there.

http://www.summit.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Finally, you might consider taking daily baths with Epson salts which essentially are a form of magnesium. I am guessing the source of the problem may lie with a deficiency of magnesium in your body. You might discuss with your doctor the advisability of taking baths with Epson salts.

 

Help is available. You have taken the first important step by asking for it!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com

4 responses so far

Jan 12 2012

Stem Cell Treatment for Parkinsons

Published by under stem cell implants

I am a 41 year old male with PD for 5 years now. I am still a stage I but have noticed some deterioration of my condition recently. I am seriously considering a stem cell treatment where adipose (fat tissue) stem cell will be extracted from my belly area, cultured and then re-injected back to me via a nasal spray and IV.

Can you tell me if  you know if any of your members or anyone following this website have had such a treatment and what results did they achieved, if any?

Darek

Response:

I have not received any input on this particular stem cell therapy. How about it out there? Please comment if you have had a personal experience with this particular stem cell therapy. It certainly sounds interesting to me!

There is a video here on the blog on a different form of stem cell therapy which was explained by Dr. Blanca Rameriz at the 2011 Parkinsons Recovery Summit in Vancouver. I have posted that video here on the blog. Look below to see it.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com

One response so far

Jan 12 2012

Stem Cell Therapy

Published by under stem cell implants

The following interview of Blanca, Rameriz, Ph.D., was taped at the Parkinsons Recovery Summit in Vancouver, Washington on March 8, 2011. Dr. Rameriz  previews of the therapeutic approach she is taking with stem cell therapy that she uses in Mexico for individuals who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Robert

No responses yet

Jan 10 2012

2012 New Year Survey

Published by under surveys

How have persons who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease been feeling over the past year? Are they feeling better, the same or are they feeling worse?

Join with others who have reported how they have been feeling over the past year.  The 2012 New Year Survey has only two questions. The first needs to be answered by a person who has Parkinson’s Disease. The other question needs to be answered by another person in the family (spouse, family member. etc.) who does not have Parkinson’s Disease.

It only takes two minutes to answer the two questions you will see on this informal, Parkinsons Recovery survey. Click on the survey link below to participate.

http://app.getresponse.com/survey.html?survey_id=9706

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com

 

 

No responses yet

Jan 07 2012

Most Amazing Journey on the Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

My radio show guest this week is Anne Atkin from Victoria, Australia. Anne offers painting workshops throughout Victoria to persons with Parkinson’s where she discusses everything that really counts when it comes to reversing the symptoms of Parkinson’s.  Below is a brief email from Anne that gives your a sneak preview at the incredible story she will be telling on the radio show this Wednesday.

To get a snapshot preview of Anne’s ground breaking book, Living and Laughing with Parkinsons, visit her website at: http://www.anneatkinart.com

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Pioneers of Recovery
http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com

You know Robert, when I look back about 4 years ago to how I was doing PWP, I can’t believe how much both the group and myself have developed.
I have found it all to have been a most amazing journey and one that I would not have missed for the world. I have changed so much as a person and developed skills that I never thought I would have.

I have attached some of my Parkinson’s cartoons which I hope you will find amusing. The are from my book ‘Living and laughing with Parkinson’s’

Cheers

Anne

 

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