Natural Options that Reverse Symptoms

Category: Parkinsons Disease Information (Page 1 of 16)

Access 20 years of research focused on identifying natural approaches, therapies and treatments that offer the opportunity to celebrate relief from the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease.

Infections and Parkinsons

The recent studies listed below provide compelling evidence of an association between infections and a diagnosis of Parkinsons. Central nervous infections include Streptococci, Tuberculosis, Lyme disease, Neurosyphilis, spinal abscess and others.

My standard recommendation for individuals dedicated to launch a successful journey down the road to recovery is to determine the cause of symptoms first. Once you know the cause, appropriate therapies can be used to address it.

A formidable complication arises when there are a multiplicity of causes. Infections may not be the only one. Toxins, trauma and limiting thoughts about the prospects of recovery can all be causes along with infections.

Oh my. How in the world do you figure out a viable therapy to treat infections? There are two options:

  • Work with your doctor to identify which infection needs to be treated.
  • Support your body to heal from the inside out.

A limitation of the first option is that antibiotics are the standard treatment. The good news is that antibiotics can usually address an infection successfully. The bad news is that they kill the good bacteria as well as the bad in the gut. Given that digestive problems drive symptoms, this is not a welcome outcome.

A limitation of the second option is that while there are many options that nurture healing from the inside out, some will work much better than others for us and everyone is different. Healing from the inside out requires a strict adherence to a toxin free diet. This means no packaged foods, regular exercise and a transformation of beliefs that symptoms are destined to get worse. Traumas that have been embedded at the cellular level also need to be released.

Did you get thoroughly exhausted from reading these limitations? I certainly did. Still, pursing the second option enables the body to heal not only infections, but release toxins and bring a compromised digestive system back on line. Taking a long term strategy which requires patience, commitment and focus will support recovery in the long run.

Since I am a researcher and not a medical doctor, my focus is on the second option which involves helping the body come back into balance and harmony with natural methods and approaches. The body does need extra support when symptoms are problematic.

New therapies have happily emerged in the last few years that offer healing options supported by research studies. These involve the delivery of frequencies through light and sound. Down the road this is unquestionably the medicine of the future.

While the challenge to heal from the inside out is indeed challenging, recent treatment options are making partial or full recovery possible for more and more people with neurological problems. The good news is that more people are celebrating a relief from their symptoms today when compared to 20 years ago.

Recent Studies on Infections and Parkinsons

Neurol Sci. 2026 Jan 6;47(1):110. The spectrum of movement disorders in neurosyphilis: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Neurosyphilis is a well-recognized mimicker and may present with diverse movement disorders resembling neurodegenerative or autoimmune syndromes. This systematic review aims to elucidate the comprehensive clinical, laboratory, imaging, and outcome spectrum of movement disorders in neurosyphilis.

Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines with a protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251135620). PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched. Eligible studies included case reports, case series, and observational cohorts with confirmed or probable neurosyphilis and clinically diagnosed movement disorders. Data on demographics, clinical features, cerebrospinal fluid, neuroimaging, treatment, and outcomes were extracted.

Results: We analyzed a total of 48 individual cases reported across 44 publications and two retrospective cohorts (n = 223, with 61 movement disorder patients). The mean age was 47 years (range 10-83), with 76.3% male and 76.3% human immunodeficiency virus negative. Movement disorder subtypes included ataxia (28.9%), parkinsonism (18.4%), choreiform disorders (15.8%), dyskinesias/dystonia (15.8%), and myoclonus (7.9%). The orofacial “candy sign” was noted in 7.9%. In 10 cases, complex presentations mimicked progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and autoimmune encephalitis. CSF serology was positive in 84.2% of cases. Imaging showed cerebral or cerebellar atrophy (34.2%), basal ganglia infarction (15.8%), white matter changes (15.8%), hydrocephalus (5.3%), or normal scans (18.4%). Penicillin was mainstay of therapy (57.9%). Outcomes included marked improvement in 44.7%, partial recovery in 34.2%, persistent decline in 15.8%, and death in 5.3%.

Conclusion: Neurosyphilis should be recognized as a treatable cause of secondary movement disorders. Ataxia and parkinsonism predominate, but frequent misdiagnosis delays therapy.

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J Med Microbiol. 2026 Mar;75(3):002136. Association between spirochaetal infection and neurodegenerative diseases: a systematic review and quantitative synthesis of observational studies

Abstract

Introduction. Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are a growing global health concern. While age remains the primary risk factor, infectious agents have been proposed as potential contributors to disease onset or progression.

Spirochaetal bacteria, such as Treponema pallidumBorrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira spp., can invade the central nervous system, yet the extent to which these infections influence neurodegenerative outcomes remains unclear.

Aim. This systematic review aimed to evaluate observational evidence on the association between spirochaetal infections and neurodegenerative diseases and to identify gaps in the literature to inform future research.

Methodology. A systematic search of SCOPUS, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and CINAHL was conducted for studies published between January 2000 and May 2025. Eligible studies were observational, involved adult human populations and reported both spirochaetal infection and cognitive or neurodegenerative outcomes using standardized methods. Data were extracted using a standardized form. Owing to heterogeneity in study design, diagnostic approaches, outcome measures and reporting formats, an overall pooled meta-analysis was not feasible; however, a quantitative synthesis using meta-analytic methods was conducted for studies reporting mini-mental state examination data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results. Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria: 13 on T. pallidum, 13 on B. burgdorferi and one on Leptospira spp. No eligible studies were found for Brachyspira spp., and studies involving Treponema denticola were excluded due to confounding by periodontitis. Studies investigating syphilis and leptospirosis consistently reported cognitive impairment and increased dementia risk. In contrast, findings for Lyme disease were heterogeneous, with some studies reporting persistent symptoms or increased Alzheimer’s risk, while others found no long-term cognitive effects.

Conclusion. This review highlights a potential link between spirochaetal infections and neurodegenerative outcomes, particularly for syphilis and leptospirosis. Evidence for Lyme disease remains inconclusive.

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ReviewViruses. 2025 Jan 31;17(2):203. Viruses and the Brain-A Relationship Prone to Trouble

Abstract

Neurological disorders, some of which are associated with viral infections, are growing due to the aging and expanding population. Despite strong defenses of the central nervous system, some viruses have evolved ways to breach them, which often result in dire consequences.

In this review, we recount the various ways by which different viruses can enter the CNS, and we describe the consequences of such invasions. Consequences may manifest as acute disease, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or result in long-term effects, such as neuromuscular dysfunction, as occurs in poliomyelitis.

We discuss evidence for viral involvement in the causation of well-known chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, as well as vascular dementia in the elderly.

We also describe the approaches currently available to control a few of the neural viral infections. These include antivirals that are effective against human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus, as well as vaccines valuable for controlling rabies virus, poliomyelitis virus, and some flavivirus infections. There is an urgent need to better understand, at a molecular level, how viruses contribute to acute and, especially, chronic neurological diseases and to develop more precise and effective vaccines and therapies.

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Below is a 2012 study of 18,648 patients with Parkinsons that kicked off the interest among researchers in the connection between infections and Parkinsons

Int J Epidemiol. 2012 Apr 19;41(4):1042–1049. doi: CNS infections, sepsis and risk of Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Background Neuroinflammation may play an important role in the aetiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, little is known about infections in relation to future PD risk.

Methods We conducted a register-based nested case–control study in Sweden to examine infections of the central nervous system (CNS) and sepsis in relation to PD with 18?648 patients and 93?240 matched controls. We defined the index date as the date of first recorded PD diagnosis in the Swedish Patient Register.

Results Overall, PD patients were more likely to have a previous hospitalization for CNS infections [odds ratio (OR)?=?1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–1.9] or sepsis (OR?=?1.6, 95% CI: 1.4–1.7) than controls, largely due to hospitalizations in the year before PD identification (CNS infections: OR?=?3.0, 95% CI: 1.6–5.7; sepsis: OR?=?3.5, 95% CI: 3.0–4.0). However, we found that subjects with multiple CNS infections at least 5 years before the index date had higher PD occurrence than those without CNS infections (OR?=?3.3, 95% CI: 1.4–8.2), whereas the corresponding OR for sepsis was 1.4 (95% CI: 0.8–2.4). After the index date, PD patients were more likely to be hospitalized for CNS infections [hazard ratio (HR) =1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.7] or sepsis (HR?=?2.2, 95% CI: 2.1–2.4) than controls.

Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence for an association between CNS infections, but not sepsis, and a higher future risk of PD. It also shows that PD patients were more prone to CNS infections and sepsis than controls.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Getting Older Presents New Challenges

When young, we could all eat anything and get away with it. It mattered little that the comfort food we all loved to eat in our youth acidify the body.

Young bodies have the magical ability to buffer acidity. This helps us remain active and happy since an acidic body lowers oxygen levels in the body.

This buffer sadly is just about exhausted by age 45. If we continue to eat the same comfort food diet we loved to eat as a child, our body morphs more cells that extract oxygen from – of all foods – sugar which is the deadliest toxin when it comes to inflaming Parkinsons symptoms.

The good news is that stem cells repair, rejuvenate and regenerate other cells, one among many miracles body performs for us day in and day out. The bad news is that stem cell production peaks at age 25.

This means for everyone – and especially persons struggling with neurological challenges – that if we continue to eat the same comfort foods that gave us such joy when we were young, we will eventually confront one horrible symptom after another. Our body will fight a losing way to keep us healthy and strong.

  • Why then do so many older people have illnesses of one type of another?
  • Why is there such a dramatic increase in the number of persons diagnosed with Parkinsons and Alzheimers?

The Answer: Most people are not able to change their diet to one that offers a daily infusion of good bacteria in the form of prebiotics. Let’s face it. Comfort food gives us emotional comfort, even if for only a few minutes, which is hard for anyone to give up.

I personally would like to continue eating foods that I loved eating as a child. But if I continue along this pathway to destruction, I will get sick.

Making the change is indeed difficult. It takes time, commitment and focus to eat healthy food. After all, there was always so much comfort in the foods that gave us such joy when we were young when we never had to worry about the damage it might do.

Those days are over for those over 45 who are determined to live in a healthy body.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Gut Bacteria and Parkinsons

A growing body of research reports a compelling connection between gut bacteria and Parkinsons. Studies conclude the cause of Parkinsons does not originate from the brain. It originates from a compromised digestive system.

Check out the abstract of a study posted below for confirmation. Hundreds of studies that now draw the same conclusion. Individuals with Parkinsons tend to be highly constipated years before the diagnosis.

The flow of energy through the various meridians of the body is what sustains life. What meridians connect to the brain? Answer: The digestive meridians – all of them. If your digestion is compromised, your brain will be too.

Do you experience issues with your digestive system? Are you constipated? Your gut is likely to be the source of the neurological problems you confront.

Solution for a Sick Gut

  • What do you do about a sick gut?
  • How can you improve the overall function of your digestive system?

A diversity of gut bacteria is the key to a healthy digestive system and subsequent relief from neurological challenges. How diverse are we talking here? As many as ten or perhaps 20 good bacteria in your gut to facilitate good digestion?

The gut contains between two and six pounds of bacteria which have their own genes. One gram from a stool contains billions of bacteria. In short, we are talking here about a multitude of bacteria that are needed to digest and process the food we ingest.

Some are “bad” bacteria that eat up the “good”. If you do not have a sufficient number of the “good” – the “bad” will prevail which is a formula for digestive disaster.

Or, the “good” bacteria can target the “bad” for destruction. The gut is a battlefield of a never ending war. The conclusion of this never ending war is that the “bad” bacteria always prevail.

“Bad” bacteria are nourished in this battle for survival when processed foods and sugar are the dominant diet for a person. “Bad” bacteria feed on sugar. People who live in underdeveloped countries tend to have a rich diversity of bacteria in their gut and as a result, are less likeyl to have neurological challenges.

This is why diversity of the “good” bacteria in your gut is the first step in celebrating relief from Parkinson’s symptoms.

You can infuse your digestive system with “good” bacteria by eating a diet composed of 80% plant foods. You really do not need to be specific here – the more the differences the better. Foods like celery, maca root, apples cinnamon, raison, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, apples, bananas, berries, beans fit this category.

You may be allergic to some of the foods in this list so be judicious about the foods your body can tolerate. There are many plants that contribute to the diversity your gut needs, so there are many foods that can be eaten that qualify as providing “good” bacteria.

A companion strategy to diversity the bacteria in your gut is to take probiotics. The gold standard probiotic is Dr Ohhiras.

Conclusion: What is the first step to take on a successful journey down the road to recovery? Focus on bringing a compromised gut back on line.

Rsearch on the Gut Bacteria and Parkinsons

Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2025;125(11. Vyp. 2):18-23. Brain-gut-microbiome» axis in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract 

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common motor neurological diseases. The clinical presentation of PD includes both motor symptoms (hypokinesia, muscle rigidity, and tremor) and non-motor manifestations (asthenia, depression, hyposmia), as well as cognitive disorders.

The primary link in PD pathogenesis is considered to be the accumulation of pathological ?-synuclein; however, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and dysregulation of the Brain-gut microbiome axis also contribute to the pathological processes.

This review of modern medical literature, encompassing domestic and foreign authors, summarizes recent studies on the significance of gastrointestinal tract changes in PD patients. The analysis revealed the involvement of the microbiome and specific bacterial taxonomic groups in the development of PD.

In addition, the accumulation of alpha-synuclein, according to recent data, begins specifically in the nerve plexuses of the intestine and then spreads along the nerves upward into the central nervous system, affecting the substantia nigra, in particular.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Pioneers of Recovery

People Who Discovered Natural Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease
Tell Stories of Their Recovery 

Pioneers of Recovery is a 364 page book that covers natural therapies for Parkinsons recommended by health care professionals and persons with Parkinson’s who discuss the ways they reversed their symptoms.

Each person has a unique story, but each story is packed with hope and promise for a better tomorrow. Of course, recovery can be slow and frustrating, but the stories reveal an indisputable truth. A little experimentation and courage goes a long way toward fitting pieces of the puzzle of recovery together.

People with Parkinsons are discovering effective ways to get good relief from their symptoms with natural methods. Some people are symptom free today. There is hope, especially when you see what smart things people with Parkinson’s are doing for themselves to get well.

About the Interviews with Pioneers

What follows the questions I asked of each pioneer. Each person I interviewed read and edited the transcript of their interview. The interviews capture what the person really said and meant, not my interpretation of what they said or meant. 

Andrew Bentley – Herbalist

Andrew Bentley
Herbalist

  • What does a herbalist do for people? 
  • What herbs in your past experience are helpful for people who have central nervous system challenges? 
  • If a person came in and had a dominate tremor, that would inform a certain set of herbs or maybe just one dominate herb  versus if someone came in with a dominate symptom of pain and rigidity, that would inform a different recommendation of herbs?  
  • Many people ask me a question about excessive salivation. Is there anything you would suggest as a possibility in the herbal area for that? 
  • What would be recommendations for a person who presents depression as a primary symptom? 
  • Could you talk about your experience with people who have the symptoms of Parkinsons and how these herbs have helped them? 
  • It sounds like for the people with Parkinson’s that you have seen the results are indeed encouraging. People are seeing relief from their symptoms.  You offer hope that there are people who have become virtually symptom free – maybe not totally – but virtually symptom free. Do I understand that correctly? Is that what you said? 
  • One specific herb that I do not think you have mentioned (and what many people are interested in is called Mucuna.
    Many people have been acquiring that from India as a dopamine supplement. Do you prescribe Mucuna for your patients? 

Carl Buchheit
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) 

  • Can NLP be useful to persons who have the symptoms of Parkinson’s? 
  • One of the common symptoms of Parkinson’s is anxiety. If a person were to focus on a specific
    event or events that create the anxiety, then would it be possible working with an NLP therapist to find quick relief from that anxiety? 
  • You mentioned some of the misinformation on the internet about NLP. Do you have other books or tapes or CD’s that you would recommend people might look at to find out more about NLP? 
  • There are many people that believe once they are diagnosed with Parkinson’s they are always going to get worse. From my understanding of what you have said, you have worked with individuals with Parkinson’s who have gotten better. Is that correct? 

Chris Bliss
Comedian, Juggler 

  • When you are juggling and when you are in that place of perfect balance and harmony, hat does it feel like? 
  • In your shows you do both the comedy and juggling. As I understand it, what you are saying is that many times that place of perfect harmony and balance is actually present when you are doing both, not just when you are juggling? 
  • For people with the symptoms of Parkinsons fear and tress are huge issues. When fear and stress are up, symptoms flare. Do you ever feel fearful or stress when you are juggling? How do you get yourself out of being in fear when fear rolls in while you are performing, if it ever does? 
  • People with Parkinsons who are finding ways to feel better tell me that there are certain things that help them feel more in balance. I want to ask you if you do these things. 
  • Many who have the symptoms of Parkinson’s tell me they are very careful about making sure they are properly hydrated, that they drink enough water. Is that anything that is conscious for you? 
  • People also tell me they have various ways they relieve stress. Everybody faces stress every day. One of the ways to release stress is humor. Is humor one of the biggest ways you relieve your own stress? 
  • A number of people have told me that they have had great relief from their symptoms because they have such strong support systems and support networks. Yet, you are often traveling. You are all over the place. Do you have a strong social network or support system for yourself? 
  • What practical suggestions do you have for people who are trying to live their lives in that very same space you are in when you are juggling? 

Jean Oswald, R.N., CCA – Aromatherapist 

  • When I use the term “essential oils” what is that exactly? What is an essential oil? 
  • How would I know what type of essential oil will help me? For example, if my symptoms are tremors and rigidity, are there specific essential oils that can help offer me some relief from my symptoms? 
  • Has there been research to evaluate the impact of essential oils? 
  • What if an individual has problems with muscle rigidity and it is very difficult for them to move with ease. What is an essential oil that might help relieve that particular symptom? 
  • How about the problem of tremors? What essential oils might be recommended to relieve that symptom? 
  • A problem some people have is with excessive salivation. Are there any essential oils that come to mind specifically for that symptom? 
  • How about insomnia? 
  • Many people I interview talk quite extensively about stress and how that affects them.  When they are under extreme stress their symptoms flare up. Can essential oils address the problems that stress creates? 
  • There are some reports that pathogens and bacterial infections confound the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Do essential oils have the potential to address those pathogens? 

Lisa Brown
Physical Therapist 

  • If I am a person who has had these challenges, when I go to you is it a question of your moving my arms and legs around so that they are more flexible or do you work with me in terms of helping me how to walk? 
  • A lot of people you see have had difficulty with falls or other problems. Is there any reason why a person who is first diagnosed with the symptoms of Parkinson’s should come to you in the very beginning? 
  • When a person comes to see you is it likely that they will get a relief from symptoms and feel better or are they going to feel worse? 
  • You have extensive experience working with persons who have Parkinson’s. Do you have an exercise protocol that you give to people that you recommend everybody does or is the work you do very specific to the person’s needs? 
  • What would you say is the most important thing for persons with Parkinson’s to know about movement and about flexibility? What would you want them to know would be most important?

Steve Fenwick, Ph.D. – Psychologist  

  • What often happens then is that when a person comes to see you, they will come with a dream and you will help them sort through what that dream means? 
  • Let’s say a person with the symptoms of Parkinson’s is shaking or tremoring. What might be an interpretation that is possible of the shaking or tremoring in the context of the person’s entire life? 
  • Let’s say I had Parkinson’s and I came to you. We begin to work together and the approach is to help me exaggerate my symptoms which is tremoring of my hand. Am I going to have certain thoughts that I didn’t expect? Will I have certain feelings that I didn’t expect or revelations? What is likely to happen?
  • How might people with Parkinson’s be helped if they do Process Work? Is it going to be connected somehow with being able to get some relief from their symptoms and feeling better? 

John Coleman, ND
Naturopath 

  • How did you come to the realization you could get better when all indications were that you would get worse? 
  • There is so much information out there about what is supposed to help – vitamins, supplements, body therapies, etc. etc. How did you go about deciding what to try in terms of therapies, supplements, doctors, etc.? 
  • Which therapies/approaches did not work for you? 
  • What has helped you get the most relief from your own symptoms? 
  • Is there anything in particular that you recommend for the symptoms of:
    • Inability to sleep 
    • Pain
    • Constipation
    • Tremors
  • What was recovery like for you?  
  • What about your patients… what has their experience been like?  
  • Among your patients with Parkinson’s, how many are getting relief
    from their symptoms? How many have been able to see full relief from
    their symptoms? 
  • Does a person have to make any lifestyle changes to recover? 
  • It took you three and a half years to recover. That is a long time to sustain hope. How did you do it? 
  • How can I reduce or manage my rigidity, spasms and burning sensations? 
  • When should we start taking medication? 
  • Could you discuss the approaches using the Emotional Freedom Technique for my Parkinson’s condition and your opinion of the value of the technique?  
  • How long did it take you see substantial symptom relief? How long did it take to become symptom free? 

Max

  • Can you talk a little bit about the detoxing work that you have done and the Ayurvedic work? 
  • Is it hard to stick to a diet? 
  • Your experience varies from day to day? Every day is a new experience? 
  • You notice a very strong, direct relationship between stress and the symptoms? 
  • What types of things do you do other than all the meds to be able to release some of that stress that you’re under? 
  • If there is one thing you would say about what’s helped you the most to be able to feel better and get relief from your symptoms, what would it be? What would you tell people they really should do, whatever it may be? 

Sandy

  • What are some of the struggles you have had with Parkinson’s? Are you taking traditional medications? 
  • Do you take other supplements or herbs or vitamins? 
  • What are some of the things you do to help you feel better? 
  • You have really been able to continue doing all the things you have always done without much interruption? 
  • I am sure there are modalities, therapies and approaches that you have tried since you have had Parkinson’s that really did not offer much help. Could you talk about those? 
  • What about other approaches, therapies and modalities that you have tried that have offered you some relief and have helped you feel better? 
  • When you say they tested you for lead and mercury, was this with saliva or blood or hair samples or …? How did the test actually work? 
  • Many believe once you begin to have the symptoms of Parkinson’s you are always going to get worse and feel worse. From what you have described it sounds like that really has not happened for you. Is that right? 
  • When tension comes up what happens when you choose to exercise rather than relax?    
  • Do the symptoms get better when you exercise? 

Stan

  • We are all interested to know what you have tried, what has worked and what has not. Could you talk a bit about what your experience has been?
  • When you talk about meditation could you possibly say a little more about specifically what type of meditative approach works best for you? 
  • Do you notice when you do this meditative technique that there is a relief in symptoms? 
  • What other approaches or natural therapy do you use that you find gives you relief of your symptoms? 
  • Are there any dietary concerns that you have or that you would like other people to know about that seem to make a difference?
  • So what about exercise? Do you notice any connection between activity, exercise and feeling better? 
  • What would you want to say to someone who has just heard the news that they have Parkinson’s? 
  • Over the course of the period that you have had the symptoms, it sounds like what you have been able to do is to find a number of ways to get relief as those symptoms begin to flare up?

Mary

  • What you have been doing to get relief from your symptoms? 
  • What about craniosacral work? 
  • You have done so many therapies and tried so many things. Some of them haven’t helped and some of them have. Are you getting better? 
  • Is there anything that you would want to be sure and say to a person who is just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s? 
  • About how much time everyday or every week do you spend on your exercise program? 
  • You definitely notice a difference? When you exercise you feel better and when you don’t exercise you feel worse? 

Nathan

  • Tell us who you are and what your story is in terms of having had Parkinson’s and being able to recover. 
  • You mentioned that a lot of the work that you were doing was challenging. After you were able to recover, were you able to go back full steam into doing work and other kind of activities? 
  • What would you say to somebody who has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
  • Are you in contact with or do you know many other people whose story is similar to yours – people who had Parkinson and have been able to get relief from their symptoms? 
  • Could you summarize for people, from just your own experience and observations of others, what is it that happens to others who do not recover – who are not able to feel better? 
  • You’ve also described your own recovery is not exactly a smooth ride up. Are there some rocky spots on the path to recovery? 
  • What do you have to do to help your body detox? 

Carl

  • What generally did the doctors recommend would be a good path to pursue? 
  • Can you talk a bit about exactly what you’re doing now? Are you still doing the craniosacral therapy? 
  • Are you taking supplements of one kind or another? 
  • Are there any dietary rules that you have for yourself that are important? 
  • What would you say to anyone who’s just discovered that they’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s? What kind of help, insight or comments would you want them to hear? 
  • Is there anything that you’ve regretted doing?  Or trying? 

Taube

  • So, you’ve responded by getting a lot of good medical advice and attention. What other kinds of things have you done in response to this medical challenge? 
  • What do you suppose might have been the contributing factors that created the symptoms for you?
  • You’re out there exploring and experimenting and have quite fascinating
    experiences. For a person that might first be discovering that they have the symptoms of Parkinson’s, what would you want to say to them? What advice would you give to them? 
  • When you say you do eat well, could you provide any specifics on that? I mean, steak, mashed potatoes, french fries, milkshakes? What is it that you like to eat? What do you try to avoid?
  • Did you get some relief from your symptoms after attending Hypocrates?  Have you been able to keep up with the dietary regimen? 
  • When you are eating food that your body needs and loves you feel better, so that is a motivator in itself?

Summary

I invite you to select some of the approaches to recovery previewed in Pioneers of Recovery to launch your own personal program of recovery. There are many genuinely rich and useful approaches to recovery. Once you discover options that work the magic for you you have launched a successful journey down the road to recovery.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
Olympia, Washington
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Research on Photobiomodulation for Parkinsons

Seven years ago there were no studies that evaluated photobiomodulation as a treatment for Parkinsons. Since that time the research has exploded.

Selected below are listings of 2025 studies that focus on photobiomodulation as a treatment for Parkinsons. All five studies conclude it is a viable in home, non invasive therapy that offers the opportunity of symptom relief.

The positive experiences of persons in my audience who use photobiomodulation combined with the research evidence leads me to recommend photobiomodulation as a natural, safe therapy for Parkinsons.

The gold standard company that has invented photobiomodulation devices that are in use by members of the Parkinsons Recovery® audience is Vielight.com. They now have published 25 studies using their devices.

The device used in the Vielight.com Parkinsons studies is the Neuro Gamma which is available at a 10% discount when using the coupon code healing4me.
The company offers an 80% refund when any device is returned after six months of use. I might add that when you call the company – you connect with a human being who will patiently answer all of your questions. You will not be talking with AI.

Ninety percent (90%) of users in my audience have kept their device. Only 10% return a device to claim the 80% refund. The risk associated with the Vielight option is minimal when contrasted with the expected benefits.

The mission of Parkinsons Recovery is to support the recovery of more and more persons diagnosed with Parkinsons. The Vieight photobiomodulation devices are helping to manifest this mission.

Photobiomodulation Parkinsons Studies

Lasers Med Sci. 2025 Oct 20;40(1):441. Posture stability and functional activity changes after transcranial photobiomodulation for patients with Parkinson’s disease: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an incapacitating progressive neurological disorder that exerts a significant effect on quality of life. There is no cure, so current treatments aim to decrease symptoms due to central nervous system dopamine deficiency.

Purpose: The study was to monitor how transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) improved patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial study, where thirty-eight patients of both genders, aged 50-70 years, suffering from postural instability and limited functional activity level due to PD, were randomly assigned to two groups: group A of the experimental group was treated with transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), and group B of the control group was provided with standard treatment. All the assessments were conducted before and after the 12-week treatment schedule.

Results: Statistically significant differences in limit of stability and functional level of the experimental group were observed in favor after 3 months of training (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: tPBM might be effective in improving posture stability and functional activity level of Parkinson’s disease patients

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J Clin Med. 2025 Oct 22;14(21):7463. Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation to Treat Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial with Extended Treatment

Abstract

Background/Objective: Few treatment options improve symptoms and the quality of life of Parkinson’s disease (PD); more treatment choices are needed. This study examined the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMt) combined with exercise to improve PD symptoms and quality of life. 

Methods: Participants were randomised into Active (n = 32) or Sham (n = 31) PBMt groups. Stage 1 was an 8-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial using either active or sham PBMt to the head, back of the neck and abdomen three times weekly at home, followed by a 4-week washout. Stage 2 was 8 weeks of active PBMt for all participants. In Stage 3, participants chose to continue active PBMt treatment (‘continuers’) or receive no PBMt treatment (‘non-continuers’) for up to 48 weeks. Participants continued vigorous exercise throughout the study. Participants were assessed on enrolment and after each stage. The primary outcome measure was timed up-and-go, with a range of secondary motor and non-motor outcomes, including UPDRS. 

Results: There was no significant difference between the Active and Sham Groups after Stages 1 or 2, apart from minimal increase in MoCA score/cognition (Sham Group) in Stage 1. After Stage 3, continuers showed a significant improvement in the primary outcome measure compared to non-continuers. Anxiety and the motor experiences of daily living (MDS-UPDRS Part II) were also significantly improved, while other outcomes approached significance, including MDS-UPDRS Total score (p = 0.062). 

Conclusions: As the largest study to date, results add increasing weight to previous clinical trials and highlight potential for at-home, scalable treatment as adjunctive therapy alongside medication and exercise.

J Clin Med. 2026 Jan 4;15(1):368. Five-Year Follow-Up of Photobiomodulation in Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Series Exploring Clinical Stability and Microbiome Modulation

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves neurodegeneration with clinical or subclinical disturbance of the gut-brain axis, including altered gastrointestinal motility and enteric nervous system involvement. Clinical studies have reported gut microbiome alterations in PD, with shifts in taxa associated with inflammatory signalling and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism.

Photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive light therapy, has been investigated as a potential adjunctive treatment for PD, with proposed effects on neural, metabolic, and immune pathways. We previously reported the five-year clinical outcomes in a PBM-treated Parkinson’s disease case series. Here we report the five-year gut microbiome outcomes based on longitudinal samples collected from the same participants. This was an exploratory, open-label longitudinal study without a control group. 

Objective: Our objective was to assess whether long-term PBM was associated with changes in gut microbiome diversity and composition in the same Parkinson’s disease cohort as previously assessed for changes in Parkinson’s symptoms. 

Methods: Six participants from the earlier PBM proof-of-concept study who had been diagnosed with idiopathic PD and who had continued treatment (transcranial light emitting diode [LED] plus abdominal and neck laser) for five years had their fecal samples analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing to assess microbiome diversity and taxonomic composition. 

Results: Microbiome analysis revealed significantly reduced evenness and significant shifts in diversity over five years, as assessed by Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA). At the phylum level, Pseudomonadota and Methanobacteriota decreased in four of the six participants. Both of these phyla are often increased in the Parkinson’s microbiome compared with the microbiomes of healthy controls. Family-level changes included increased acetate-producing Bifidobacteriaceae (five of the six participants); decreased pro-inflammatory, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing Enterobacteriaceae (two of the three participants who have this bacterial family present); and decreased LPS- and H2S-producing Desulfovibrionaceae (five of six). At the genus level, Faecalibacterium, a key butyrate producer, increased in four of the six participants, potentially leading to more SCFA availability, although other SCFA-producing bacteria were decreased. This was accompanied by reductions in pro-inflammatory LPS and H2S-producing genera that are often increased in the Parkinson’s microbiome. 

Conclusions: This five-year case series represents the longest follow-up of microbiome changes in Parkinson’s disease. The parallel changes in improvements in mobility and non-motor Parkinson’s symptoms observed in this cohort raises the hypothesis that photobiomodulation may interact with the gut-brain axis via the microbiome.

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Geroscience. 2025 Jun;47(3):2777-2789. Light buckets and laser beams: mechanisms and applications of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, a non-thermal light therapy using nonionizing light sources, has shown therapeutic potential across diverse biological processes, including aging and age-associated diseases.

In 2023, scientists from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Intramural and Extramural programs convened a workshop on the topic of PBM to discuss various proposed mechanisms of PBM action, including the stimulation of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase, modulation of cell membrane transporters and receptors, and the activation of transforming growth factor-?1. They also reviewed potential therapeutic applications of PBM across a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, retinal disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive impairment.

Workshop participants largely agreed that PBM holds immense potential as a safe and effective therapeutic approach for a wide range of age-related diseases and cognitive decline. The findings presented at the NIA workshop provide strong evidence for the continued investigation and clinical translation of this promising, inexpensive, safe technology, to aging and age-associated diseases.

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Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2025 Oct:55:104712. The role of photobiomodulation in modulating neural activity and brain function: A systematic bibliometric analysis

Abstract

This systematic bibliometric analysis evaluates the scientific evidence, impact, and trends of photobiomodulation (PBM) for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Analyzing 150 relevant PubMed-indexed studies (including 46 clinical trials) up to September 2024, we demonstrate PBM’s positive effects on the CNS. Key mechanisms include enhanced ATP synthesis, modulated nitric oxide signaling, improved neuronal excitability, suppressed oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, and ion channel modulation. PBM offers therapeutic flexibility: shorter-wavelength, high-irradiance power lasers effectively target deep brain structures, while both modalities suit superficial cortical applications where fine spatial control is nonessential.

Crucially, PBM induces long-lasting biological effects, highlighting significant potential for chronic CNS conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Many Causes of Parkinsons

Is a deficiency of dopamine the only reason for Parkinsons? Actually, there are many causes of Parkinsons which include toxins, trauma and infections.  

Some people take medications or supplements to boost dopamine levels. They welcome a temporary relief of symptoms. A conclusion drawn particularly by individuals who celebrate quick, though temporary relief, is that the only cause of symptoms centers on dopamine deficiencies.

Actually, infections are only one of the many causes of Parkinsons. Not convinced? Consider research that links Tuberculosis to Parkinsons, an infection becoming more prevalent in many countries.

I know. You are probably thinking: How could there be any connection between Tuberculosis and Parkinsons?

The study abstracts below document that there is a connection between Tuberculosis and Parkinsons. And get this. Tuberculosis is only one among other infections that have been documented to cause neurological problems. Others include Lyme disease, Mononucleosis, Epstein Barr and many others as well.

The study abstracts below document that there is a connection between Tuberculosis and Parkinsons. And get this. Tuberculosis is only one among other infections documented by studies to cause neurological problems. Others include Lyme disease, Mononucleosis, Epstein Barr and others as well.

For some people, dopamine deficiencies play a minor role when it comes to identifying the cause of symptoms. Recovery for some people requires treating infections that may be contributing to their symptoms. Taking L-dopa supplements or medications do not address infections in the body, though they may offer temporary relief.

Tuberculosis is one of Many Causes of Parkinsons

Can J Neurol Sci. 2025 Sep 29:1-10. Movement Disorders in Central Nervous System Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) affecting the central nervous system (CNS) can lead to a broad range of movement disorders, which are frequently overlooked in clinical settings. This review explores the various presentations, underlying mechanisms and patient outcomes related to these disorders.

Methods: We systematically reviewed published case reports, series and cohort studies that described patients with CNS TB who developed movement disorders. Extracted data included patient characteristics, type of CNS TB, imaging and CSF findings, types of movement disorders, treatments used and outcomes.

Results: A total of 61 patients with CNS TB and associated movement disorders were analyzed. The most common manifestations were ataxia, dystonia, chorea or hemiballismus and parkinsonism. Less frequent symptoms included opsoclonus-myoclonus, segmental myoclonus, tremors, cervical dystonia and stereotypy. TB meningitis was the predominant form, often accompanied by infarcts, hydrocephalus or tuberculomas. Proposed causes included vascular injury, inflammatory lesions, immune mechanisms and drug-related effects. All patients received anti-tuberculosis treatment, and nearly half required corticosteroids or surgical procedures. About 25 patients (41%) fully recovered, 17 (27.9%) had significant improvement, 13 (21.3%) showed partial improvement, 11 (18.0%) had ongoing problems and 1 (1.6%) died. Cohort studies also reveal that movement disorders – particularly tremors, dystonia, parkinsonism and ataxia – are frequent but underrecognized in CNS TB. These typically emerge early, often within three weeks, and are linked to lesions in the basal ganglia or thalamus.

Conclusions: Movement disorders in CNS TB are more common than generally recognized. Prompt diagnosis through imaging and timely therapy can greatly improve neurological outcomes.

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Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2025 Jul:153:102653. Hippocampal syndrome secondary to tuberculosis: From neuroinflammation to neurodegeneration

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a primary global health concern, with significant long-term sequelae. Central nervous system TB (CNS-TB) is a clinical spectrum with entities such as tuberculous meningitis and tuberculomas. Emerging evidence suggests that Mtb may directly or indirectly affect the hippocampus, a critical memory, learning, and cognition structure.

Objectives: This review aims to summarize the current biological understanding of Mtb’s impact on the hippocampus, elucidate its potential role in neurodegeneration, and introduce the concept of “Hippocampal syndrome secondary to tuberculosis (HSST)” as a novel chronic entity within the CNS-TB spectrum.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze how Mtb gains access to the brain, its neurotropism, and the resulting neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative effects on the hippocampus. Data from clinical, histopathological, and experimental studies were evaluated to assess potential links between TB and cognitive impairment.

Results: Mtb can access the CNS through hematogenous dissemination, the “Trojan Horse” mechanism, or via the olfactory pathway, bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Once in the brain, Mtb induces chronic neuroinflammation and disrupts hippocampal structure. Studies suggest that TB increases the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, with evidence of Mtb-driven amyloid-beta accumulation and neuronal loss. Furthermore, specific Mtb strains exhibit neurotropism and produce virulence factors that facilitate CNS invasion.

Conclusions: Understanding the interaction between TB and neurocognitive disorders is critical for improving post-TB care. Recognizing HSST as a chronic condition within the CNS-TB spectrum may support early diagnosis and targeted interventions to mitigate long-term neurological consequences.

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Microorganisms. 2024 Sep 13;12(9):1890. Mycobacterium paratuberculosis: A HERV Turn-On for Autoimmunity, Neurodegeneration, and Cancer?

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis: A HERV Turn-On for Autoimmunity, Neurodegeneration, and Cancer?

Abstract

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections that, over millions of years, became integrated into the human genome. While normally inactive, environmental stimuli such as infections have contributed to the transcriptional reactivation of HERV-promoting pathological conditions, including the development of autoimmunity, neurodegenerative disease and cancer.

What infections trigger HERV activation? Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a pluripotent driver of human disease. Aside from granulomatous diseases, Crohn’s disease, sarcoidosis and Blau syndrome, MAP is associated with autoimmune disease: type one diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and autoimmune thyroiditis. MAP is also associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Autoimmune diabetes, MS and RA are the diseases with the strongest MAP/HERV association.

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Med Hypotheses. 2002 Oct;59(4):373-7. Parkinson’s: another look

Abstract

Recent studies in the Parkinson’s literature have cited a tuberculosis-like germ called Nocardia as being responsible for Parkinson’s disease. Kohbata seemingly cemented a relationship between Nocardia and Parkinson’s by finding serologic evidence in 20 of 20 Parkinson’s patients, acknowledging that blood tests for Nocardia and the mycobacteria such as tuberculosis often cross-react, as they belong to the same order of bacteria, the Actinomycetales. Besides this difficulty in differentiation, a well-used medical school textbook of microbiology, Atlas, points out that even among experts, different observers may classify the same strain of bacteria as Nocardia or Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Parkinson’s: another look is a theoretical article which presents compelling, well-documented evidence for an infectious cause for Parkinson’s disease on historical, epidemiological, pharmacologic, microbiological, and biochemical levels.

Why Are People with Parkinsons Skinny?

Most people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease struggle to gain weight. Why are people with Parkinsons Skinny?

Reason Why People with Parkinsons Skinny

Researchers have recently identified a primary cause of Parkinson’s symptoms to be a faulty digestive system. Constipation is a prevalent problem for many people. Efforts to improve it often fail. People are understandably frustrated from being physically and emotionally constipated all the time.

Why are digestion problems so common among persons with Parkinsons? Their sympathetic nervous system – the one that is our “get up and make things happen” – is on overdrive. While this energy makes people successful in their jobs and careers, it can also lead to neurological problems when its “on-off” switch remains stuck on the “on” switch.

What happens when anxiety and stress are forever present? What happens when we are rarely able to quiet down the intensity of an overactive nervous system that causes tremors, mobility challenges and other neurological problems?

Answer: The digestion system shuts down. We are never hungry. Eating becomes a huge irritant. We become skinny, so much so that we need to gain some weight.

Why? The wisdom of the body allocates energy to the organs needed for survival. When we are stressed and anxious, our body preserves the ability to …

  • Breath oxygen through our lungs.
  • Receive nourishment to our cells through our cardiac system.

We do not need to eat food when our very survival may be an issue. Digestion will always be suspended when the body allocates resources to our lungs and heart during stressful times.

This problem is solved when a better balance is achieved between our active life and our “chill out and relax and have fun” life. When we shut down anxiety, our body reallocates resources to our digestive system. We finally are hungry.

To support those of you who want gain weight and get anxieties under control, I teach a three month online class that covers ways proven by research to Shut Down Anxiety in a flash. Visit the link below to register. Use the coupon code succeed to claim a 50% discount.

Shut Down Anxiety Online Class

I am always surprised at the many people with Parkinsons who devote their attention and resources to improving their digestive system which seldom succeed. The reason for this failure? Attention and resources need first be devoted to shutting down the continuous problem of anxiety and anxiety attacks.

When anxieties are shut down, digestion resumes. Gaining weight becomes possible. At long last we want to eat good food rather than force ourselves to eat something when we are not hungry.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Eating Too Much Sugar?

I have a clever way for you to determine if you are eating too much sugar.

Studies conclude the toxin that causes the most neurological damage is sugar of all forms. The word sugar is rarely listed as an ingredient in packaged foods, but I can assure you sugar is an ingredient in most of them. Rather, you will likely see listed other names of ingredients that sweeten the product such as:

  • Fructose
  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Corn syrup
  • Glucose
  • Maple syrup
  • Maltose
  • Rice syrup
  • Dextrose
  • Malt syrup
  • Lactose
  • Brown rice syrup
  • Galactose
  • Barley malt
  • Sucrose
  • Carob syrup
  • Golden syrup
  • Sorghum syrup

Is your head spinning? Mine is. And this is only a partial list of how sugars are listed as an ingredient in packaged food products. Often the ingredient appears at the top of the list.

Your body may well be able to tolerate some of these sweeteners but not others. In the end the most toxic substance that damages neural networks is sugar in whatever form it is eaten.

OK. Everyone knows that it is best to avoid sugars whenever possible. But when your grandmother Perl or your Aunt Betty makes her favorite Tipsy cake during the holidays, are you going to turn it down? Certainly not! That is food that nourishes our emotions. 

When we are honest with ourselves, we all have to admit that we do eat sugar now and then despite knowing it is bad for us. How then can you know if you are eating too much sugar which has a direct impact on your neurological symptoms?

Are You Eating Too Much Sugar?

My answer is simple. It does not involve an expensive diagnostic test or a visit to a medical clinic. Your finger nails reveal the truth about your intake of sugars.

White dots on your finger nails reveal the degree and timing of when we have eaten foods contaminated with sugars. If you have no white dots, you are not eating too much sugar.

If you do have white dots on any (or all) of your fingers nails, the location of the spot on the nail reveals the approximate date when the sugars were eaten. Nails take 6 to 9 months to grow. If your entire nail grows in 6 months and if a white spot appears at the middle of the nail, sugar was eaten 3 months ago. If the spot appears a third up your nail from the root, the contamination occurred two months ago.

What was happening in your life two or three months ago? Was this when you ate Grandma Perl’s Tipsy Cake? Ah – there it is.

When I ask members of my audience whether sugar might be an issue for them the typical answer is “I try my best to avoid eating sugar.” Well, so do I. Are your attempts succeeding? Our bodies can process a limited quantity of sugar over time. But when we eat too much sugar, the body has to eliminate it in several ways – one of which is to send the sugar to our nails.

Summary: You can quickly determine the success or failure of your efforts to avoid eating package products that contain harmful sugars. How? Look whether your finger nails have white spots on them. If they do, re-examine your intention to avoid eating sugars. Your body is struggling to eliminate the toxins from ingesting too much sugar.

And yes. You can even figure out when approximately you ingested too much sugar for your body to process. If the white spots are up and down many of your finger nails, please set a firm intention to stop eating foods sweetened with sugar toxins in whatever name they are listed on any packaged food product you eat.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Vitamin B12 Deficiencies with Parkinsons


Vitamin B12 with Methylcobalamin is recommended as a treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms. Why? It reduces neurotoxicity and helps reverse symptoms. Research studies report high-dose B12 methylcobalamin inhibits enzymes related to PD, thereby protecting neurons and improving motor/non-motor symptoms.

The bottom line: vitamin B12 supplement plays a leading role in helping to reverse symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinsons.

One of B12’s key roles is helping to maintain myelin, the insulating sheaths covering the nerve endings in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. A lack of sufficient B12 is responsible for faulty sheaths that result in nerve dysfunction.  Deficiencies cause issues with neurological conditions including gait, instability and cognitive decline.

There is a two edged sword at play here. People with Parkinsons avoid foods enriched with B12 including meat products because they can interfere with absorption of their medications.

More importantly, levodopa depletes vitamin B12. The positive results when persons on medications take a B12 supplement are supported by research studies posted below.

There are several forms of B12. The natural form known as methylcobalamin is recommended as a therapy for neurological conditions. It has superior absorption. If you are currently taking a B12 supplement make sure it is the methycobalamin form. If not, purchase a B12 supplement that has it

Studies on Vitamin B12 Deficiencies with Parkinsons

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2026 Mar 14:glag048. Dietary One?Carbon Nutrients and Genetic Risk in Parkinson’s Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Several studies have investigated the effects of dietary one-carbon metabolism (OCM) nutrients, such as methionine, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, on Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, current evidence remains insufficient to definitively establish a link between OCM intake, PD incidence, and genetic risk.

Methods: Among 202171 individuals aged 37-73 in the UK Biobank, we assessed dietary OCM nutrient intake via repeated 24?hour recalls, determined PD incidence via validated ICD?10 codes, and quantified genetic risk with polygenic risk scores. Employing Cox proportional hazards models supplemented by sensitivity analyses, we evaluated the associations and potential interactions among OCM nutrient intake, genetic risk, and PD incidence.

Results: Over a median 12.27-year follow-up of 202171 participants, 1037 incident PD cases occurred. In multivariable-adjusted Cox models, compared with participants in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of methionine, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12 had a lower risk of PD [HR (95% CI)=0.83 (0.69-1.00), 0.75 (0.62-0.90), 0.71 (0.59-0.85), and 0.79 (0.65-0.94)]. Genetically-stratified analyses showed folate inversely associated with PD risk in the low-risk group [HR (95% CI)= 0.65 (0.48-0.88)] (P for interaction = 0.48); vitamin B12 linked to lower risk in the high-risk group [HR (95% CI)= 0.78 (0.63-0.99)] (P for interaction = 0.83); and vitamin B6 inversely associated across both strata [high-risk HR (95% CI)= 0.77 (0.62-0.97); low-risk HR (95% CI) = 0.59 (0.44-0.80)](P for interaction = 0.08).

Conclusions: Higher OCM nutrient intake is inversely associated with PD risk. 

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Front Psychiatry. 2025 Aug 19:16:1569826. Exploring neuropsychiatric manifestations of vitamin B complex deficiencies

Abstract

B complex vitamins, a group of eight water-soluble vitamins, play interconnected roles in maintaining nervous system health. Thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), and niacin (B3) are essential as co-enzymes in numerous metabolic reactions related to energy production. Thiamine is involved in the Krebs cycle, riboflavin in the electron transport chain, and niacin plays a key role in both glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. These metabolic processes are vital for sustaining the integrity of the nervous system, as the energy produced is critical for the functioning of nerve cells.

Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to significant neurological and psychiatric conditions, including Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and various mental illnesses.

Additionally, pyridoxine (B6), folate (B9), and cobalamin (B12) are indispensable coenzymes for the methylation of homocysteine to methionine, a process critical to nervous system function. Elevated homocysteine levels, resulting from deficiencies of these vitamins, are associated with higher risks of depression and dementia.

Imbalances in these vitamins can disrupt key biochemical pathways, leading to neuropsychiatric disorders. The literature reviewed underscores the importance of daily intake of B complex vitamins to maintain normal serum levels and optimal neuronal function. This review aims to elucidate the neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with deficiencies in these vitamins.

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J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2024 Dec;131(12):1495-1509. Parkinson’s disease and vitamins: a focus on vitamin B12

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been linked to a vast array of vitamins among which vitamin B12 (Vit B12) is the most relevant and often investigated specially in the context of intrajejunal levodopa infusion therapy. Vit B12 deficiency, itself, has been reported to cause acute parkinsonism. Nevertheless, concrete mechanisms through which B12 deficiency interacts with PD in terms of pathophysiology, clinical manifestation and progression remains unclear.

Recent studies have suggested that Vit B12 deficiency along with the induced hyperhomocysteinemia are correlated with specific PD phenotypes characterized with early postural instability and falls and more rapid motor progression, cognitive impairment, visual hallucinations and autonomic dysfunction. Specific clinical features such as polyneuropathy have also been linked to Vit B12 deficiency specifically in context of intrajejunal levodopa therapy.

In this review, we explore the link between Vit B12 and PD in terms of physiopathology regarding dysfunctional neural pathways, neuropathological processes as well as reviewing the major clinical traits of Vit B12 deficiency in PD and Levodopa-mediated neuropathy.

Finally, we provide an overview of the therapeutic effect of Vit B12 supplementation in PD and posit a practical guideline for Vit B12 testing and supplementation.

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Neurol Res. 2014 Dec;36(12):1121-8. Involuntary movements due to vitamin B12 deficiency

Abstract

Deficiency of vitamin B12 produces protean effects on the nervous system, most commonly neuropathy, myelopathy, cognitive and behavioural symptoms, and optic atrophy. Involuntary movements comprise a relatively rare manifestation of this readily treatable disorder. Both adults and infants deficient in vitamin B12 may present with chorea, tremor, myoclonus, Parkinsonism, dystonia, or a combination of these, which may precede diagnosis or become apparent only a few days after parenteral replacement therapy has begun. The pathogenesis of these movement disorders shows interesting parallels to certain neurodegenerative conditions.

The clinical syndrome responds well to vitamin B12 supplementation in most cases, and an early diagnosis is essential to reverse the haematological and neurological dysfunction characteristic of this disorder.

We elucidate the association of vitamin B12 deficiency with movement disorders in adults and in infants, discuss the pathogenesis of this association, review previously reported cases, and present a young adult male with severe generalized chorea that showed a salutary response to vitamin B12 supplementation.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Vitamin D Deficiencies

Studies consistently find vitamin D3 deficiencies in persons diagnosed with Parkinsons. On the one hand, you might say to yourself – so what? There are so many presumed deficiencies reported for subjects in the studies. Should you take this one that seriously?

My answer is yes. While there are over 120 natural treatments and therapies that help reverse symptoms, the sunshine vitamin (D3) lies at the foundation of what keeps us alive.

Put aside the complexity of the dozens of recommendations reported to help people celebrate relief from their symptoms. What is really necessary?

  • Sunshine
  • Water
  • Air

We become ill when any of these are missing or deficient. These are the essentials that keep us alive day in and day out.

None of us would have issues with vitamin D3 if the sun shined every day. In the pacific northwest, we do not see the sun for months on end some winters. Most people who live in sunshine deprived areas have a life threatening Vitamin D3 (sunshine) deficiency.

Cardiologists will be the first to tell you heart disease is more common in the winter months. Blood pressure is highest in the winter and for persons who live far from the equator.

Studies have also reported the lowest levels of vitamine D3 are associated with the highest rates of breast cancer.

In any season of the year, the lower the vitamin D3, the higher the blood glucose. This poses problems for the many people with Parkinsons symptoms that have insulin resistance.

In short, optimizing your exposure to the sun and taking supplements to address D3 deficiencies is one of the most important steps you can take to support recovery and sustain overall health.

The best option is always to spend as much time outdoors in the possible. There are benefits even when the sun is not shining brightly. When the sun is not shining, supplementation is recommended.

Studies on Vitamin D3 and Parkinsons

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2026:1493:51-67. Vitamin D and Brain Health

Abstract

Vitamin D is widely known for its influence on the homeostasis of calcium and phosphate levels in the body and its involvement in maintaining musculoskeletal health. In its active form, 1,25-dihydroxy cholecalciferol has immunomodulatory effects on both the innate and adaptive immune systems.

The active form of vitamin D plays a neuroprotective role in the central nervous system, highlighting its importance in maintaining brain health. Studies have noted the role of vitamin D in the formation of antioxidants, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, lowering of oxidative stress, improvement of mitochondrial respiratory health, and slowing of the progression of neuronal damage. This vitamin may also influence development by facilitating the differentiation of cells, the expression of neurotrophic factors, the regulation of cytokines, the synthesis of neurotransmitters, intracellular calcium signaling, and the expression of genes involved in neuronal differentiation.

An association has been noted between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing several neuronal diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, headaches, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. The neuroprotective role of vitamin D suggests the potential benefit of vitamin supplementation in slowing the progression of such conditions and promoting brain health.

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Curr Nutr Rep. 2025 Jun 4;14(1):77. Vitamin D and Neurodegenerative Diseases Such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A Review of Current Literature

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review explores the role of Vitamin D3 and its derivatives as inhibitors of pathological metabolic modifications in neurodegenerative diseases. The manuscript investigates how Vitamin D3 impacts neuronal calcium regulation, antioxidative pathways, immunomodulation, and neuroprotection during detoxification, beyond its known functions in intestinal, bone, and kidney calcium and phosphorus absorption, as well as bone mineralization.

Recent findings: Recent studies have highlighted the synthesis of the active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3 (vitamin D) in glial cells via the hydroxylation process of CY-P24A1, an enzyme in the cytochrome P450 system in the brain. The effects of vitamin D occur through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear steroid receptor, which has been identified in various brain regions, including the cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, hippocampus, olfactory system, temporal, and orbital regions.

Neurodegeneration is primarily associated with oxidative stress, protein aggregation, neuro-inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and autophagy changes, all of which Vitamin D and VDR are believed to influence. Vitamin D and VDR are recognized as both environmental and genetic factors in the etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

A deficiency in Vitamin D is postulated to have detrimental effects on the brain and other diseases throughout various stages of life. This review consolidates findings from clinical and experimental studies, as well as past publications, focusing on the implications of Vitamin D deficiency in these neurodegenerative conditions. Current articles published in PubMed were extensively considered for this review.

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ReviewMolecules. 2025 Sep 21;30(18):3823. Vitamin D Associated with Exercise Can Be Used as a Promising Tool in Neurodegenerative Disease Protection

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease, represent unmet medical and social needs. Still, no definitive cure exists for these illnesses, hence a therapeutic approach with molecules able to prevent/downtone/modify the disease seems highly attractive.

Remarkably, a higher risk of neurodegenerative disease is associated with low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is a multifaceted molecule able to target critical neuroinflammatory processes underlying neurodegeneration, acting through genomic or rapid signaling. This narrative review aims to focus on vitamin D’s potential to be an optimal neuroprotective molecule, based on its ability to target and counteract aberrant biomolecular processes involved in neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration.

Noticeably, exercise can potentiate vitamin D’s protective effect through some anti-inflammatory actions exerted on shared biomolecular targets. Thus, although vitamin D is not strictly a drug, it could be potentially allocated within the therapeutic approach to neurodegenerative diseases in combination with adapted exercise, best as an early intervention.

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Front Nutr. 2025 Jun 9:12:1500875. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Introduction: Lower serum vitamin D levels may associate with higher motor symptom severity in Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to test the efficacy of supplemental vitamin D on ameliorating motor symptoms in PD, which is the most comprehensive study to assess the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and PD motor symptoms to date.

Methods: An electronic literature search supplemented by hand searching up to Sep 2024 identified 8 randomized controlled trials involving 646 cases of PD. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of PD were assessed through pooling the collected data from eligible studies using Stata software.

Results: The results indicated that supplemental vitamin D did not reduce the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III score (WMD=-0.56, 95% CI=[-2.34, 1.23]), 10/8 m walk test time (WMD=0.59, 95% CI=[-0.46, 1.64]) and timed up and go (TUG) test time (WMD=-0.57, 95% CI=[-1.45, 0.31]). A statistically significant benefit of supplemental vitamin D was observed on 6-Minute walking test distance (WMD=24.85, 95% CI=[6.54, 43.16]).

Discussion: This meta-analysis suggested that supplemental vitamin D may extend 6-Minute walking test distance, improve partial motor symptoms. Vitamin D supplementation may play an active inhibitory role in the mechanisms of the development of PD.

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J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Jul 3;44(1):235. Outdoor light spending time, genetic predisposition and incident Parkinson’s disease: the mediating effect of lifestyle and vitamin D

Abstract

Background: Previous studies suggest that outdoor sunlight exposure was associated with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the interaction of genetic predisposition and the potential role of lifestyle risk factors in mediating this association remains unclear from prospective evidence.

Methods: A cohort study based on the UK Biobank enrolled participants between 2006 and 2010, with the latest follow-up in November 2022. In the prospective population-based study 375,599 UK adults aged 37–73 years were enrolled. The outdoor light time was assessed using a questionnaire survey to investigate how many hours were spent outdoors on typical summer and winter days. New-onset PD was identified through linkage with inpatient hospitalization and death registers. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used. The polygenic risk score (PRS) for PD comprised 44 single-nucleotide variants. The mediation analysis of lifestyle risk factors and vitamin D on this association was performed.

Results: A total of 375,599 participants (mean age, 56.8 years; 46.3% males) were included, and 2,824 individuals were first-ever diagnosed with PD. Compared with the individuals with shorter outdoor light time, those with longer time in summer (HR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68–0.88), in winter (HR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75–0.96), and on average (HR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73–0.93), were prone to have lower PD risk. There was a joint association between outdoor light time and genetic predisposition in PD incidence, and higher genetic risk of PD could be modifiably decreased through longer outdoor light exposure. In mediation analyses, physical activities mainly explained 15.83% on average, while the mediating effects of sleep patterns (2.71%) and vitamin D (4.91%) were relatively mild of the association between outdoor light time and PD, respectively.

Conclusion: In this cohort study, a longer duration of outdoor sunlight exposure was associated with a lower risk of PD, and was more pronounced in individuals with high genetic risk. This association was partly mediated by physical activity, sleep patterns, and vitamin D. These findings highlight the potential of promoting regular outdoor activities as a practical strategy to mitigate PD risk, especially among genetically susceptible individuals.

Robert Rodgers Phd
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Has Your Recovery Flopped?

Everyone with neurological symptoms embraces one approach or another to celebrate either temporary or long lasting relief from their symptoms.

  • Some people focus on medicines as a therapy
  • Some focus on supplements
  • Others focus on diet
  • Still others focus on exercise

All of these approaches can yield welcome benefits. Regardless of what has been your focus,

  • Has your recovery flopped?
  • Are you disappointed with the meager results that resulted from whichever approach you embraced?
  • Is your recovery at a stand still?

If answers to these questions are yes, you are not alone. You have good reason to be depressed. All of these options are known to be beneficial, so why have they not generated symptom relief?

There are hundreds of possible reasons why any program of recovery may have flopped. One strategy is to investigate why your current approach to recovery is not succeeding. The answer to this question will involve expensive diagnostic tests and assessments that may well reveal important insights. Still …

If whatever you are doing to get well is not working, think of yourself as digging a deep hole you cannot dig yourself out of.

If you are focused on medicines as the answer, then the idea is to have your doctor prescribe other medications. If supplements are not helping, the idea is to find more supplements to take. Although other options are adopted, you continue to pursue the same strategy.

I have another approach for you to consider. What is my suggestion? Step back and embrace an entirely different set of options known to facilitate recovery.

For example, sound therapies have proven successful for many persons as have light therapies (or photobiomodulation) and energy healing of one form or another. Acupuncture helps some people. Chiropractic adjustments help others.

I have now documented over 120 natural therapies including those listed above that offer the opportunity for symptom relief. Consider embracing natural options that research demonstrates can be beneficial.

In summary, if your recovery is stuck in the mud, jump out of the hole you have been digging. Embrace other approaches proven by research to reverse one symptom or another. A little experimental makes the difference between success and failure.

I have documented partial or full recovery of many individuals who confronted neurological challenges. They jumped out of the hole they were digging and embraced a fresh approach that flipped a failing recovery into one that was successful.

Are you curious about the many natural options that can help offer symptom relief? Natural options proven by research that reverse one symptom or another are covered in my Parkinsons Recovery online courses.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Unconscious Dynamics of Trauma

Many people believe trauma plays little role in contributing to the symptoms of Parkinsons. The unconscious dynamics of trauma would suggest otherwise.

Why do people conclude trauma is not a problem for them to address? Answer: Because they have no memory of troublesome past traumas in their life.

When I press the issue in my conversations with individuals currently experiencing symptoms of Parkinsons – I will often ask a few follow-up questions.

Have you ever been in an automobile accident?

Have you ever been hospitalized?

Have you visited family and friends who were hospitalized?

  • Have you ever lost a family member to an untimely death at a young age?
  • Were you confronting unrelenting stress, particularly before your systems reared their ugly head?
  • Does a close member of your family have a mental illness?
  • Have you or a member of your family served in the military in a war zone?
  • Have you ever been divorced?

I could devote the next 10 pages to adding questions like the above. Some people will acknowledge that yes – one or a few of these apply to them, but still do not believe trauma could contribute to their symptoms.

There is another dynamic at play here which embodies the unconscious dynamics of trauma. When experiences become too overwhelming for a child to tolerate before their prefrontal lobes in their brains have developed, the brain will not record them as experiences. There is no stored memory of “this is what happened to me.”

Rather, the child (and keep in mind I am referring to all of us adults when we were children) will record these scary experiences as fragments in the form of images, emotions, kinesthetic sensations, smells, sounds, tastes or impulses to take action or shout out certain words. These are all implicit memories stored in the right side of our brain as unconscious fragments.

We will often be triggered by the most harmless of situations. Perhaps a smell. Perhaps a song. Perhaps a taste. Perhaps a food that makes us vomit. Perhaps certain sounds.

In short we are triggered by events that have no impact on others whatsoever. My point?

If you have concluded trauma plays no role as the foundational cause of your symptoms, please evaluate that conclusion. My research conclusively reveals trauma of one form or another is a leading cause of neurological symptoms.

The earlier past traumas are acknowledged, released and cleared, the sooner the opportunity for symptoms to resolve.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Benefits of SAM-e for Parkinsons

People who experience Parkinson’s symptoms are low in S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine – otherwise known as SAM-e. There is a logical reason for this widespread deficiency. Levodopa depletes SAM-e in the body relatively quickly.

Benefits of SAM-e for Parkinsons

SAM-e stimulates the dopamine system as well as other neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. It acts a methyl donor, a crucial step in the synthesis and regulation of dopamine in the brain.

SAM-e is crucial for maintaining energy metabolism, as well as maintaining the integrity of nerve membranes. It contributes to more than 100 biochemical reactions in every cell of the body. SAM-e protects against free radical damage, repairs damaged cells and produces essential neurotransmitters, proteins and antioxidants. It is a highly effective treatment for depression, a frequent problem for persons with neurological challenges.

SAM-e is responsible for a multitude of essential functions in the body which include boosting levels of glutathione. It is a protective agent for livers that have been overloaded with too many toxins. In short, it removes the trash and slug out of the body.

What specific functions does SAM-e deliver? It:

  • Boosts high energy molecules
  • Protects the body against the harmful effects of stress
  • Recharges the neurological system
  • Sharpens mental clarity
  • Enhances concentration
  • Holds attention to tasks
  • Heightens pleasure
  • Serves as a natural anti-depressant
  • Improves mood
  • Heals nerve cell membranes

SAM-e is used to address many conditions including depression, anxiety, heart disease, fibromyalgia, pain, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, chronic lower back pain, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, the aging process, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), dementia, liver disease as well as Parkinson’s disease.

SAM-e Boosts Effectiveness of Medications

A welcome benefit of SAM-e is that it increases the effectiveness of medications. This means the dosage of medications will not necessarily need to be increased to celebrate symptom relief. If you now take the maximum dose of medications your doctor is willing to prescribe, talk with them about the option of taking SAM-e to increase the absorption and effectiveness of the medications.  

Richard Brown MD is a useful resources for additional informaton about SAM-e and other useful treatments for many diseases including Parkinsons. His  research has revealed persons with Parkinson’s symptoms tend to be very low in SAM-e and benefit greatly from supplementation. www.haveahealthymind.com 

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery ®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Cistus Incanus Tea as Therapy for Parkinson’s

About Cistus Incanus Tea as Treatment for Parkinson’s

Dietrich Klinghardt MD discusses a simple treatment for many illnesses including Parkinsons in this 11 minute video. Click the link below to watch (scroll down to find his video)

Release of Retro Viruses are a foundational cause of Parkinson’s

Here are Dr. Klinghardt’s instructions for brewing the tea:

  1. Boil slowly with the lid on.
  2. Steam for 5 minutes
  3. Add Stevia
  4. Drink 6-8 cups every day
  5. Re-brew the tea several times

Below is the source of the tea Dr. Klinghard recommends

 

Research Evidence on Cistus Incanus Tea

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jan 23;26(3):947. Antiviral Activity of Water-Alcoholic Extract of Cistus incanus L

Abstract

Recently, previously known viruses have changed their pathogenicity and encompassed new types of host populations. An example of such an infection is that caused by SARS-CoV, belonging to the “well-known” coronavirus family. Another group of viruses that are of great importance to the human population are the herpes viruses.

Due to increasing viral resistance to existing antiviral drugs, plant extracts are attracting increasing interest due to their complex composition and their simultaneous attack of different viral targets. Based on the above, we tested the antiviral potential of water-alcoholic extract obtained from a commercial sample of the plant Cistus incanus L. against the enveloped viruses SvHA1, SvHA2 (ACV resistant) and HCoV 229E.

The results showed both complete inhibition of the intracellular stages of the viral replication and a strong effect on extracellular virions in the three viral models. In a study of the effect on the replication of SvHA 2, the calculated selectivity index was over 10. From the experiments on the virucidal effects on the two herpes viruses, it was found that the viral titer of the samples decreased by about 4 lg compared to the control sample. The extract is of interest for introduction into practice.

Photobiomodulation Studies

There has been an explosion of photobiomodulation studies over the past several years. I have previously reported results of studies that conclude photobiomodulation (light therapy) offers relief from neurological conditions such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers. These, however, are only a few of the conditions photobiomodulation studies conclude offer symptom relief.

Given the explosion of photobiomodulation studies recently – over 1500 studies alone published since 2025 – what conditions do the studies find photobiomodulation offer relief from symptoms?

Here is the list. Get ready to be surprised at the diversity of conditions photobiomodulation studies find this therapy to be effective.

  • Mitochondrial function
  • Cognition
  • Parkinsons
  • Alzheimers
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Transmission of stem cells
  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Sperm motility
  • Wound healing
  • Inflammation
  • TMJ
  • Pain
  • Cancer
  • Alopecia
  • Brain function
  • Port wine birthmarks in infants
  • Bone regeneration
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Cardiovascular disese
  • Retinal Disease
  • Sleep
  • Spinal injuries
  • Neuropathy

And this is not even an exhaustive list!

As you can see above, there is at long last compelling evidence that light therapy is a medicine of the future. This prediction is no longer an idle speculation on my part!

Vielight.com is the gold standard company that has been inventing photobiomodulation devices since 2016. They deliver light therapy with patented helmet and nasal applicators. There have now been 25+ published studies using their devices that address many of the conditions listed above.

Vielight offers a 10% discount on purchases – coupon code is healing4me. If users do not celebrate a welcome relief from symptoms, the company offers an 80% refund for units returned within 6 months of use.

Over the past two decades I have documented dozens of natural treatments that offer the opportunity to experience relief from neurological symptoms. My top recommendation in 2026 is the Vielight photobiomodulation therapy which has been documented in studies to produce consistent welcome relief from neurological conditions.

The company has humans (not AI) who answer the phone and answer your questions – 1-877-355-8012. They are a Canadian company but units are shipped from the USA to USA destinations so no tariffs are involved. https://www.vielight.com

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
360-789-1658

Let me Be Your Mentor for 2026

Give Yourself The Christmas Gift That Will Last a Lifetime

Make 2026 Your Best Year Ever. Imagine How Differently You will Feel After Working 1 on 1 With Me For One Full Year when we join together all the pieces of a successful recovery.

Introducing my One on One  Mentorship Program – Your Personal Roadmap to Recovery from neurological challenges.

One on One Mentoring with Robert

 My mentoring program is all about having the right plan of recovery customized specifically for your unique situation as you celebrate relief from Parkinsons with natural therapies and methods.

What is Included

1. Initial strategy session with me personally to flesh out the potential causes of your symptoms so we can identify therapies and treatment that will successfully address them. This is not some surface-level consultation. It is a deep dive into your specific history and situation. We evaluate what you have tried that did not succeed and what did help. We consider new options.  

2. Together we lay out a custom-crafted program of recovery created specifically for your situation.

3. With bimonthly meetings (with a video type interface similar to Zoom or telephone/email contact), we review, update and revise your program of recovery throughout the year. 

  • We review your progress since our last session
  • Identify and solve any roadblocks you’ve encountered
  • Refine strategies based on real-world results documented by research
  • Help keep you on track with taking the actions you’ve committed to
  • Accelerate your progress with new insights and opportunities

4. Unlimited email access to me personally

  • We review your progress since our last session
  • Identify and solve any roadblocks you’ve encountered
  • Refine strategies based on real-world results documented by research
  • Help keep you on track with taking the actions you’ve committed to
  • Accelerate your progress with new insights and opportunities

Why do I offer this 1 on 1 mentoring in 2026? 

First – After nearly 22 years of researching the causes of neurological conditions and the natural therapies that can reverse them,  I have reached a point where my greatest satisfaction in life comes from seeing more and more individuals transform their health.

Second – The individuals I have mentored over the years become my greatest success stories.

To enroll in this 2026 one on one mentorship program, visit the registration link below.
One on One Mentoring with Robert

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Top Recommendation of a Treatment for Parkinsons

Studies have now systematically documented over 120 natural therapies that offer relief from symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to one extent or another. After over two decades of conducting research focused on Parkinsons, what is my top recommendation of a treatment option for Parkinsons?

My answer: photobiomodulation (light therapy). Why?

The gold standard company that first invented photobiomodulation devices beginning in 2016 is Vielight.com. Twenty-five studies have now been published using a Vielight photobiomodulation device. Every single study reports significant findings for a surprising variety of conditions including Parkinsons and Alzheimers.

I first learned about the Vielight photobiomodulation devices from interviewing Vielight’s CEO Dr. Lew Lim in 2018. At that time there was only one published study that reported significant findings for a sample of 5 subjects with early Alzheimers. Today there are 25 published studies using one of the Vielight devices.

Eight years later, hundreds of members of the Parkinsons Recovery audience have used the Neuro Gamma Vielight device. Feedback I have received has been consistently favorable which is why I rank their device as my top recommendation as a treatment for Parkinsons.

There has been an explosion of studies that evaluated photobioomodulation for one condition or another. Fifteen hundred studies that focus on photobiomodulation alone have been published since January, 2025.

Vielight offers a generous warranty on their photobiomodulation devices. If a user does not celebrate relief from symptoms they had anticipated within six months of use, they need only return the device for an 80% refund!

Only 10% of individuals in my audience have returned their device for a refund. The risk of getting one of the Vielight devices is clearly minimal given their generous 80% warranty offered by no other company.

Vielight (https://www.vielight.com) also offers members of the Parkinsons Recovery audience a 10% discount on any of their devices with the coupon code healing4me. Keep in mind that everyone in the family can use the device, not just the person who confronts neurological challenges.

A study published in 2026 offers groundbreaking evidence that the Vielight devices make the brain more resilient. Each of their devices include a helmet that emits the light and a nasal applicator that sends the light through the blood stream. A brief summary of this new study follows.

The Brain Becomes More Resilient with Photobiomodulation Home Treatments

A 2026 published study evaluated the effectiveness of a Vielight photobiomodulation device using a treatment group and a control group, the gold standard for any study. The study population consisted of active, healthy NCAA Division I collegiate football players over the course of their season. The treatment group administered the Vielight photobiomodulation at home three times a week. The control group wore an identical device that delivered no therapeutic light.

Both groups of players were subjected to head traumas from falls and other injuries typical of any college football season.

The active group showed no significant increases in inflammation or axonal remodeling markers in their brains while the control group exhibited significant increases.

This is truly a ground breaking result. Instead of always treating head traumas when they happen (such as head traumas to college football players or persons with Parkinsons), photobiomodulation makes the brain more resilient, better able to withstand repeated traumas to the head.

Some people who experience Parkinson’s symptoms fall frequently, causing repeated injury to their body and head. Making the brain more resilient makes it possible to avert problematic symptoms that result from repeated falls.

Studies using the Vielight devices using Parkinson’s subjects and Alzhiemer’s subjects have documented significant outcomes from regular use. This is still another reason why I make the Vielight photobiomodulation devices my top recommendation as a therapy to address symptoms of both conditions.

The Neuro Gamma device is recommended for persons with Parkinsons. The Duo device can be used if sleep and/or memory are also issues in addition to other Parkinsons symptoms.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Herbs Can Be Treatments for Parkinsons

Often the simplest solutions are the best. Research below finds herbs can be treatments for Parkinsons, in particular rosemary, sage and lavender The cost is minimal and the potential value in offering temporary symptom relief is high.

Why Herbs Can Be Treatments for Parkinsons

Front Neurosci. 2022 Jun 28:16:909833.  Neuroprotective Potential of Aromatic Herbs: Rosemary, Sage, and Lavender

Abstract

Hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer from neurological disorders or have experienced them intermittently, which has significantly reduced their quality of life. The common treatments for neurological disorders are relatively expensive and may lead to a wide variety of side effects including sleep attacks, gastrointestinal side effects, blood pressure changes, etc.

Several herbal medications have attracted colossal popularity worldwide in the recent years due to their availability, affordable prices, and few side effects. Aromatic plants, sage (Salvia officinalis), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) have already shown anxiolytics, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects.

They have also shown potential in treating common neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, migraine, and cognitive disorders. This review summarizes the data on the neuroprotective potential of aromatic herbs, sage, lavender, and rosemary.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Studies Recommend Betaine for Parkinsons

Studies recommend Betaine for Parkinsons. Trimethylglycine (TMG) is also called glycine betaine. The name trimethylglycine signifies that it has three methyl groups attached to each molecule of glycine.

 Wheat bran and beets are a good dietary source of TMG, with smaller amounts available in other cereal grains. TMG can also be made in the body from choline, an essential nutrient found in eggs, soybeans and other foods.

Why Studies Recommend Betaine for Parkinsons

Trimethylglycine or TMG is a recent and potential  addition to a Parkinson’s treatment program.  It helps as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxification and energy enhancement.

TMG is also called betaine because it was first isolated from sugar beets.  It is not the same however as betaine hydrochloride.

It is now part of all development programs.  A dosage to consider is 1000 mg daily for women and 3000 mg daily for men.  Children need less, depending on their size. Always consult with your doctor about dosages.

SOURCES OF TMG

Dietary sources of TMG.  The main foods high in TMG are broccoli, beets and many other vegetables.  Cooking does not destroy the TMG in vegetables.

The problem is that most people do not eat nearly enough of these foods to get a sufficient amount of TMG from their diet.  Even if you eat plenty of these vegetables, it is usually not enough.

WHY SUPPLEMENT WITH TMG?

TMG is excellent for the liver and for detoxification.  Stress, infections, inflammation and other disease conditions may use up the TMG the body makes, so more is needed.  Toxic metals and toxic chemicals require more TMG in our bodies for their detoxification and removal.

Toxic Metals Delete Availability of TMG

Mercury interferes with the natural TMG production in the body and thus increases the body’s requirement for TMG.  If you have silver/mercury dental amalgams, you also likely need more of it.  Mercury can contribute to hundreds of health conditions.

Copper toxicity interferes with the production of TMG in the body and increases the need to supplement  it.  One cause of the copper toxicity is widespread zinc deficiencies in the soil and in food.  This tends to cause more accumulation of copper in the body.  Women tend to be more copper toxic than men, although it affects both men and women.

Cadmium also increases the need for TMG, either by interfering with its production or enhancing the demand for it in order to detoxify and remove cadmium from the body through the liver. Cadmium toxicity is very common. In part, this is due to widespread zinc deficiency in the soil, the food and in refined food diets.  The body takes up cadmium if there is insufficient zinc available in the diet.

Below find two studies that recommend Betaine (TMG) as a treatment for Parkinsons and other conditions as well.

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Curr Neuropharmacol. 2025 Aug 8. Betaine: A Promising Natural Product for Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases

Abstract

Neurological and psychiatric diseases pose a considerable global burden. Exploring additional potential prevention strategies and therapies is ongoing. As a prevalent natural product and nutraceutical from food, betaine’s pharmaceutical applications suggest benefits for both health and disease in multiple organs.

Recently, its efficacy on neurological and psychiatric health has been proposed and has drawn considerable attention. In addition to its well-known osmotic protection, due to methyl donation, it regulates metabolism, alleviates oxidative stress, and reduces inflammation. To manifest neurological and psychiatric health benefits, betaine acts by affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid associated with its transporters, related neurotransmitters, downstream and neurological pathways, and other specific mechanisms in the nervous system.

Betaine demonstrates therapeutic potential against various neurological and psychiatric diseases, such as epilepsy, neurocognitive disorders (including Alzheimer’s disease), Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, sleep disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome, syringomyelia, neonatal brain injury, neuropathic pain, and motor dysfunction.

Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2023 Nov;133(5):485-495. Betaine-The dark knight of the brain

Abstract

The role of betaine in the liver and kidney has been well documented, even from the cellular and molecular point of view. Despite literature reporting positive effects of betaine supplementation in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and schizophrenia, the role and function of betaine in the brain are little studied and reviewed. Beneficial effects of betaine in neurodegeneration, excitatory and inhibitory imbalance and against oxidative stress in the central nervous system (CNS) have been collected and analyzed to understand the main role of betaine in the brain.

What Makes Us Crazy

Two forms of energy dominate the universe as well as our bodies. The state of expansion and the state of contraction. Disease results when these two states become unbalanced which is what makes us crazy.

Our ancestors were unable to open up bodies. They instead became keen observers of our behavior. Two very different energies have been documented century after century. The Chinese refer to these two opposing energies as Yang (the state of expansion) and Yin (the state of contraction).

When neurological systems rear their ugly head, the two energies are unbalanced. Yang energy becomes the driving force of our life. What is wrong with Yang energy? Nothing! That is what makes us successful in whatever we choose to in our life. We focus, set goals and activate the energy required to manifest our dreams.

It is indeed difficult to surrender the get up and go energy that makes us successful in life. But when this expansive state dominates our life day in and day out, our neurons become stressed out and exhausted. It is this imbalance that is what makes us crazy as troublesome symptoms of Parkinsons surface.

While medicines and supplements thankfully suppress problematic symptoms, the solution to soothing overexcited neurons is to learn over time how to balance the two energies so that there is not too much Yang nor too little Yin.

The four seasons best describe the energetic state that is necessary to engage a successful journey down the road to recovery.

  • Summer: Mostly yang (expansion)
  • Fall: More in balance
  • Winter: More Yin (contraction)
  • Spring: Balance of two energies

Yang is known as hot energy. Yin is known as having cool energy. The liver (which gets overloaded with toxins with symptoms of Parkinsons and the brain are both considered the hot organs of the body.

Cooling down what makes us crazy requires an ongoing balance of the two diametrically opposed energies. Members of the Parkinsons Recovery audience tell me frequently that their symptoms seem to vanish for a day or week, then explode. It becomes a vicious juggling act.

What is happening here? The welcome relief surfaces when the two energies are at long last balanced: Not too much expansion nor too little contraction.

To summarize, we can always turn down the volume of what makes us crazy and frantic with confronting tremors that flare up and impaired mobility. It is not a question of medications or supplements. It is all about living a day to day existence that balances the “get up and go” energies with the “let go and relax” energies.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

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