Professional Ethics In Complementary And Alternative Medicines In Management Of Parkinsons Disease
A good, succinct summary of the evidence for various Complementary and Alternative Medicine treatments for PD including Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, etc., with a good discussion of the ethical and safety considerations physicians should keep in mind when discussing CAM with patients and their families.
The Benefits Of Alternative Treatment
There is no cure for Parkinsons but genetic testing can be done to assess your risk for early diagnosis. In conventional medicine, Parkinsons treatment is focused on slowing down the progression of the disease through medications that either imitate dopamine in the brain, convert to dopamine in the brain, or slow down the breakdown of dopamine.
The problem with these medications is that they often have their own set of side effects that can be equally as debilitating to live with as Parkinsons symptoms with hallucinations being the one of them. But the question is, can you live with Parkinsons without medication? If so, can Parkinsons disease be reversed naturally?
In functional medicine we aim to both slow down progression and put symptoms into remission without the need for medication. While sometimes medication is necessary, we look for solutions that offer the least amount of side effects that are still effective at addressing symptoms. Sometimes a combination of medication and natural solutions are needed depending on how far along Parkinsons has progressed and sometimes alternative solutions can be enough to be effective.
Alternative Therapies For Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a brain disorder that affects more than 10 million people around the world. The disease symptoms appear when the brain lost a special group of cells called dopaminergic neurons. These cells produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for movement. The typical symptoms of the disease include tremor, slowness of movement, rigidity, and abnormal gait.
A growing number of alternative therapies have been reported for treating Parkinsons disease symptoms. Claims about the efficacy of these therapies are largely based on personal experience and a rather a small body of scientific research. Some of these emerging alternative therapies are the following.
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How Should This Medicine Be Used
The combination of levodopa and carbidopa comes as a regular tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, an extended-release tablet, and an extended-release capsule to take by mouth. The combination of levodopa and carbidopa also comes as a suspension to be given into your stomach through a PEG-J tube or sometimes through a naso-jejunal tube using a special infusion pump. The regular and orally disintegrating tablets are usually taken three or four times a day. The extended-release tablet is usually taken two to four times a day. The extended-release capsule is usually taken three to five times a day. The suspension is usually given as a morning dose and then as a continuous dose , with extra doses given no more than once every 2 hours as needed to control your symptoms. Take levodopa and carbidopa at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take levodopa and carbidopa exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release tablets whole do not chew or crush them.
To take the orally disintegrating tablet, remove the tablet from the bottle using dry hands and immediately place it in your mouth. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. No water is needed to swallow disintegrating tablets.
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How Might Chiropractic Help
Chiropractic is commonly used for conditions affecting the muscles, bones and joints. Most people use chiropractic to relieve pain, especially back and neck pain. Theres some evidence that chiropractic can help with this.
Chiropractic can also be used to treat mental health conditions, such as phobias, depression and anxiety, but there is little evidence of its effectiveness.
There are no studies on the effects of chiropractic on people with Parkinsons.
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How Much Does It Cost
If your chosen therapy isnt available on the NHS or HSC, you may have to pay. Costs for complementary therapies will vary, depending on the type of therapy you want, the length of the treatment and where you live.
At your first session the therapist will usually take a medical history and get to know you a bit better. As a result the first session may cost more than any follow-up sessions.
Practitioners usually recommend several treatment sessions. Before committing yourself to a course of treatment, make sure you ask about the cost.
You may also find it useful to ask when you can expect to feel any improvement and when to call it a day if you dont see the results youre hoping for.
Private health insurance may pay for some types of complementary therapy. Before you book a treatment session, ask your insurer if its covered by your policy and how to arrange payment.
Weve heard from many carers who have tried complementary therapies, some with very positive experiences. Again, its a personal choice.
If you care for someone with Parkinsons, its important to look after your own physical and mental health. You may find that complementary therapies are a good way to have time to yourself, reduce stress and do something you enjoy.
In some areas, the NHS, local councils and charities offer free or low-cost therapies to carers. Speak to your GP or a Parkinsons local adviser about whats available in your area.
The Chronic Mouse Mptpprobenecid Model
Initial motor deficit is detected at 3 wk and deteriorated further 6 mo after treatment. Decrease of TH-immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra, associated with significant loss of substantia nigra neurons Persistent reduction in the levels of striatal terminal DA, its metabolites and uptake Murine inclusion bodies immunoreactive to a-synuclein and ubiquitin contain lipofuscin and lysosomal structures. Morphologically, these inclusion bodies resemble those detected in the cortex of PD. striatal levels remain low. The loss of DA neurons in the substantia nigra 6 mo after treatment is estimated to be at least 60 . The first sign of motor deficit in chronic MPTP probenecid treated mice as evidenced by the rotarod performance test is detected at 3 wk and persists for at least 6 mo after treatment .
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Research On Tms As An Alternative Treatment For Parkinsons
Some researchers hypothesize that since TMS is so effective neurologically, there is a chance that the pulses could aid the parts of the brain that control movement, which could greatly improve PD patients quality of life.
Most studies use groups of patients with PD and measure control groups who receive no treatment, several who are administered only antidepressant medication, and groups who receive TMS.
The results of these experiments reveal that while those PD patients who receive TMS treatment show great improvements to their mental health, there is little to no evidence that the neurostimulation improves motor function.
While it may not relieve the physical effects of PD, several studies concluded promising findings that this connection could exist. A meta-analysis was conducted on all studies that included patients with PD and depression. The analysis included studies that reported pre-and-post-rTMS depression inventory scores. In the findings, it was shown that out of the 7 studies, 6 showed that patients had improvement in their depression.
Another study tested 46 patients with PD and mild to moderate depression with half of the patients receiving rTMS treatment and the other half receiving a placebo. Over 10 days, patients received high-frequency rTMS applied over the primary motor cortex bilaterally. Results found that patients that actually received the treatment saw improvement in their depression and health-related quality of life.
How Would You Advise A Patient To Start When They Look Into Beginning Integrative Medicine Treatment
I would focus on making a small meaningful change in your lifestyle. Since my main interest is the mind-body approach, perhaps you can start with yoga or mindfulness. If that is not available to you, then consider getting out into nature or incorporating some form of prayer. If you can, add social connection by including other people.
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Parkinsons Disease Natural Treatment & Remedies In 5 Steps
Parkinsons disease is a degenerative illness of the nervous system that results in loss of intentional movement and impaired motor functioning. Parkinsons disease symptoms affects smooth, natural movements of the body, and can make it hard to perform everyday tasks like speaking properly, walking, swallowing and sleeping.
With Parkinsons, the area of the brain that controls muscular movements receives less dopamine than usual. Dopamine is an important chemical necessary for not only coordinating proper body movements, but also things like learning, increasing motivation and regulating moods. This is one reason why depression and other mood changes often affect those with Parkinsons.
What causes Parkinsons, and is it curable? There is no specific known cause, but some aggravating factors include exposure to certain chemicals and toxic water, plus inflammation of the brain. While there is no cure for Parkinsons , there are medications available to boost dopamine in the brain and help manage symptoms.
A 2016 study by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan also found a possible way to stop the progression of Parkinsons. Researchers created caffeine-based chemical compounds which also contained nicotine, metformin and aminoindan that prevented the misfolding of alpha-synuclein, a protein necessary for dopamine regulation.
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The Difference Between Alternative And Complementary Medicine
The terms complementary medicine and alternative medicine are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they refer to different concepts.
Alternative medicine is used in place of traditional medical care. It has not necessarily been tested in clinical trials. Complementary medicine is used along with traditional medicine.2
There have been research studies on many CAM practices to determine their effectiveness in treating many conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not review CAM therapies.2
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Foods High In Saturated Fat
Although the specific role of saturated fat in Parkinsons is still being studied, research suggests that a high dietary fat intake may increase your risk of this disease .
Generally speaking, diets high in saturated fat have been linked to chronic conditions like heart disease. As such, you may wish to keep these foods in moderation (
- some baked and fried foods
Conversely, a very small study notes that the keto diet which is high in fat is beneficial for some people with Parkinsons. However, a low fat diet also showed benefits. Overall, more research is needed .
Alternative Treatments For Parkinson’s Disease
For people with Parkinson’s disease, treatment typically involves the use of medications that help minimize movement problems and control symptoms. A disorder of the central nervous system, Parkinson’s disease also can be better managed with the help of certain lifestyle changes.
In addition to medication, people who have Parkinson’s disease often seek alternative treatment options.
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Naturaltreatment For Parkinsons #9 Exercise And Other Alternative Therapies:
Regular exercise has been shown to help Parkinsonssufferers by reducing muscle stiffness, increasing mobility, and enhancing postureand balance. Exercise also increases oxygen levels and neurotransmitters, alongwith releasing potent mood elevating chemicals called endorphins.
The type of exercise performed for PD is crucial. Aqua orwater aerobics can be particularly useful as traditional exercise is usuallyquite difficult for many Parkinsons sufferers. Muscle decline, loss of strength,stiffness and loss of balance can make conventional exercises difficult toperform. The great thing about aqua aerobics is it still has the same benefits as other exercise regimens,but the risk of falling is eliminated.
Other types of exercises that can be beneficial for PDsufferers include Tai Chi, Yoga, dancing, walking, aerobic/jazzercise classes,and general stretching.
For more information on the different exercise programsavailable for Parkinsons patients, you can check out this website Exercise and Physical Therapy for ParkinsonsDisease
Parkinsons Disease Alternative Medicine
Hope is a powerful thing. Without hope for a better future, the will to live is lost and recovery, no matter what the affliction, is impossible.
Imagine then, being told by your doctor that you have a progressive and degenerative disease that robs you of the ability to control your own body. A disease for which there is no cure.
This is the reality for those diagnosed with Parkinsons disease.
Hope is offered in the form of medication such as Levodopa. Levodopa acts to restore levels of dopamine in the brain. The lack of dopamine is the primary reason for the symptoms associated with the condition. Since it first began being administered in the 1960s, it has lessened much of the suffering experienced by millions of people throughout the world, and is recognised as the gold standard in medical treatment of the disease. However, it can not completely reverse the symptoms, and like all drugs, is more effective in some than others.
Consequently many have sought hope in alternative treatments. Parkinsons disease has been a recognised ailment in virtually all cultures since ancient times. Many of these ancient treatments are becoming popular in the west and are increasingly validated by western medicine.
Broad beans Australian researchers discovered that broad beans are also an extremely effective natural source of L-dopa. The highest concentration of L-dopa is found in the pod so they are most effective when consumed whole.
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Parkinsons Disease Treatment Options
Parkinsons is incurable, but the symptoms can be managed as the disease progresses. Initially, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as ongoing aerobic exercise, healthy diet, and advice for avoiding falls.
Medication
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Carbidopa-levodopa : Sometimes simply called Levodopa, is the most effective Parkinsons disease medication and has been since its breakthrough in the late 1960s. It is an effective first-line treatment for Parkinsons and comes in many formulations, including slow- and extended-release pills, and infusions. It works by introducing a natural chemical to the body which converts into dopamine in the brain. This helps reduce symptoms of stiffness and tremors. The medication does not slow the progression of the disease.
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Catechol O-methyltransferase inhibitors: These pills can boost the effectiveness of carbidopa-levodopa. It helps block the brains dopamine breakdown to help reduce some of the tremors and motor symptoms of Parkinsons.
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Dopamine agonists: This medication mimics the effect of dopamine in the brain and may be used with carbidopa-levodopa. It can be prescribed in the early stages of Parkinsons, and it can lengthen the effectiveness of carbidopa-levodopa.
Innovative surgical options
Clinical Trials
Complementary And Alternative Therapies For Parkinson Disease
Findings indicate that some CAM therapies may have a promising future in the management of Parkinson disease.
CONFERENCE REPORTER
Patients who have Parkinson disease may benefit from complementary and alternative therapies . These treatment therapies can help alleviate symptoms or slow down disease progression. It is estimated that approximately 40% of patients with Parkinson disease have used at least one type of CAM therapy.1 Commonly used options for Parkinson disease including exercise, herbal remedies, and interventions such as acupuncture.
Each type of CAM therapy may have its own mechanism of action and outcomes, and while the effects of an individual type of CAM therapy on Parkinson disease may be examined on its own, they are often evaluated as a group. There are still many unanswered questions, however, about the mechanisms and effects of various CAM therapies. Findings indicate that some CAM therapies may have a promising future in the management of Parkinson disease.
Exercise
Several techniques, including Tai Chi, meditation, and yoga, have all been examined as CAM approaches for management of Parkinson disease. A recent meta-analysis identified 21 studies that assessed the effects of Tai Chi or Qigong on several aspects of Parkinson disease, including motor and non-motor function and quality of life.
Herbal treatments
Acupuncture
Proposed mechanisms of action
Summary
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Using Alternative Medicine For Parkinsons Disease
Conventional medicine and alternative therapy have not been found to stop the progression of Parkinsons disease. If youre interested in using alternative medicine as part of your Parkinsons disease treatment program, talk to your healthcare provider about which alternative therapies might be helpful for you. Self-treating or avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed healthcare provider. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstance or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your healthcare provider before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.
Treatment Of Late Stage Complications Of Parkinsons Disease
Postural hypotension
Levodopa and dopamine agonists worsen postural hypotension and it may be necessary to lower the dose of levodopa or withdraw the agonist. Treatment is difficult, but patients should be advised to sleep with the head of the bed raised by one or two bricks and to add salt to their diet. Fludrocortisone can then be added at a dose of 0.1 mg in the morning, increasing if necessary up to 0.5 mg in the morning. If these measures are ineffective, the alpha agonist midodrine 10-20 mg four hourly can be useful but it is experimental and only available via the Special Access Scheme. Patients treated for postural hypotension need to have electrolytes, renal function and supine blood pressures closely monitored.
Parkinsonian psychosis, depression and dementia
Psychotic symptoms such as visual hallucinations and persecutory delusions occur most commonly in the setting of dementia, which may be mild and therefore easily missed. Most drugs for Parkinsons disease make these symptoms worse. Depression is also common and requires treatment in its own right.
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