Parkinson’s disease results from progressive damage to the nerves in the area of the brain responsible for controlling muscle tone and movement. The damaged cells are those needed to produce a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the brain) called dopamine, so people with Parkinson’s disease manufacture inadequate amounts of dopamine. Parkinson’s disease occurs primarily, but not exclusively, in the elderly. Parkinson-like symptoms can also be caused by prescription and illicit drugs.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? Symptoms include a fixed facial expression, wide-eyed stare with infrequent blinking, fluttering of the eyelids, drooling, illegible handwriting, monotone voice, and rhythmic movement of the fingers, hand, foot, or arm when at rest. People with Parkinson’s disease often have difficulty getting out of bed or a soft chair, and may tend to stand stooped over and walk leaning forward with limited arm-swing and small, shuffling steps. Depression and decreased mental functioning are also common symptoms in advanced stages.
How is it treated? There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease , but symptoms are often improved by drug therapy. The most commonly used drug, which contains both levodopa and carbidopa, which cause more L-dopa to be converted to dopamine within the brain. Other drugs used include selegiline, bromocriptine, amantadine, pergolide, pramipexole, ropinirole. All of these drugs can deplete or interact with essential nutrients. Refer to the individual drug for information on its interactions with supplements and herbs.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: People with Parkinson’s disease are at higher than normal risk for osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency. Regular weight-bearing exercise, exposure to sunlight, and a variety of supplements and dietary changes may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis.
A twice-weekly, 14-week program of intensive exercise has been shown to significantly improve the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Athletic training included resistance exercises in water to increase strength, as well as exercises increasing flexibility and balance.
