Diagnosing & Treating Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease


Heath Diet - Eating for Better Medication and Food Interaction in Parkinson's - By: Candice McInnes



This is not a diet as such, more a informational article about eating the correct foods to assist with the medication the patient is taking for Parkinson's. The diet is well balanced and nutritious and will be extremely beneficial in the long run as it will increase the well-being of the patient by giving them more energy and helping their bodies work more effectively.

The most commonly prescribed drug is Levodopa [there are many more but this is the one I have had the most dealings with] and the information I am giving you is based on some of the experiences I have had in my years of nursing.

Most importantly - get the patient onto a well balanced eating plan:

* ensure the patient eats a variety of foods from each food group
* maintain the patients weight with a proper balance of exercise and food
* include the high fiber foods
* watch the protein intake - can affect the medications effectiveness [ask the doctor if you think this needs to be changed]
* use foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol
* limit or avoid sugars [refined or otherwise]
* drink up to 2 liters of water a day [no less than 1 and 1/2 liters]
* limit the salt intake
* alcohol could cause the medication to work ineffectively - limit this beverage as much as possible
* a daily vitamin supplement may also be necessary depending on how well the patient reacts to his/her new eating plan

Pointers in taking the Parkinson's medication

This medicine generally works better on a empty stomach, give it to the patient 30 minutes before their meal where-ever possible [or wait at least 1 hour after a meal]. Ensure that it is taken with a full glass of water as this aids in the absorption of the medication [and assists with the daily water requirement].

This drug can cause nausea on a empty stomach and the doctor could try to control it by combining 2 of the 'dopa' class drugs [levodopa and carbidopa - named Sinemet]. If the nausea continues the patient might have to go on a separate drug to control nausea. I have listed a few tips below to try control this nausea naturally:

* avoid citrus juices - these are acidic and can increase the feeling of nausea
* do not let the patient consume fried, greasy or sweet foods - just typing that line made me slightly nauseous
* let the patient eat smaller amounts with more frequency - this could help as the patient will not feel bloated
* try not to mix hot and cold foods at the same meal - give them a hot pudding with their hot meal etc
* if the smell makes the patient nauseous - feed him or her cold or room temperature food [eliminates the smell of hot food which can be off putting to anyone with nausea]
* try getting the patient to drink between meals rather than with meals
* let them snack on light and bland foods - crackers or plain bread - if they wake up feeling nauseated in the morning [before breakfast]. Sometimes if the patient eats a high protein snack [lean meat or cheese] before going to bed they will not wake up with the nausea
* generally let the patient eat when they are feeling less nauseous [can be hard at times if you are looking after more than one patient]

REMEMBER - always consult the patients doctor before making any major changes to his/her medication or diet.


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Brain Pacemaker Reduces Symptoms Of Parkinson's Disease - By: Gloria Hao Schneider


Hyderabad is the capital and most populous city of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is known as the city of pearls, lakes and, lately, for its IT companies.

Doctors at the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences there are performing an innovative surgical procedure to help reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease, or PD, is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer's motor skills, speech, and other functions.

PD's symptoms include tremor, stiffness, and slowing of movement caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the mid brain . PD also causes neuropsychiatric disturbances, which include mainly cognition, mood and behavior problems and can be as disabling as motor symptoms.

PD usually affects seniors and older adults in the age group ranging from 55 - 75 years old, but it can also develop in younger people. The disease is progressive, with symptoms becoming more severe over time.

Deep brain stimulation, a complicated surgery also known as the pacemaker for the brain, is fast evolving into a reliable therapy for Parkinson's disease.
A team of neurosurgeons at the institute has managed to achieve an improvement of 80 per cent in the condition of patients crippled by Parkinson's.

The team has conducted close to 90 successful surgeries, helping patients lead a life of independence and dignity. While pacemakers for the brain may not cure Parkinson's, neurologists say the therapy has drastically reduced the symptoms and managed to improve the quality of life.

Deep brain stimulation involves placing electrodes in the 'sub-thalamus' region of the brain. The electrodes are connected to a pacemaker (Implantable Pulse Generator) which sends electrical signals to the brain to stimulate its activity.
The pacemaker is placed just below the collarbone, and runs on a battery, which has a shelf life of five years. Doctors program the pacemaker to deliver appropriate stimulation to the brain.

"We have seen remarkable transformation in patients. Many have gone back to lead their normal lives. The rate of worsening of the disease has reduced," says Rupam Borgohain, Professor of Neurology, who heads the DBS procedure at the NIMS.

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Surgery For Parkinson’s Disease - By: Mary Brown


Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative illness that affects about one percent of men and women over the age of 50. Despite tremendous advances in drugs and techniques to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, not everyone is able to benefit from these improvements. Parkinson’s disease is a highly individualized condition that attacks each patient differently. With the promise of stem cell therapy on the horizon, coupled with the general effectiveness of existing drug treatments, including the commonly-administered levodopa, most Parkinson’s sufferers are able to cope with their disease. There are, however, a number of cases of rapidly-progressing or unusually severe Parkinson’s that necessitate surgery as the best treatment option. Like drug therapy, surgery may decrease the effects of symptoms such as tremors and mobility problems, but is not a cure.

Is surgery for Parkinson’s the best option for you? There is no simple answer. Parkinson’s surgery is brain surgery, which by its very nature is highly risky. There is always the very real potential for permanent brain damage. If, however, all other non-invasive treatment options have been ineffective, doctor and patient may determine that surgery is the best available option to manage the Parkinson’s symptoms.

A pallidotomy may be required for Parkinson’s patients with an especially aggressive case of the disease. It may also be selected for those among the small percentage of patients who do not respond to medication. If the latter is the case, it might be worthwhile to get a second opinion for your Parkinson’s diagnosis before going ahead with surgery. It is worthwhile to note that there are several conditions that have similar characteristics to Parkinson’s but that do not respond to ant-Parkinsonian drugs. During the course of surgery, a small hole will be drilled in the skull and an electric probe inserted. The probe is used to destroy a small part of the portion of the brain known as the global pallidus. Parkinson’s experts think that an overactive global pallidus affects people who suffer from the disease, and that by destroying it, medication-induced rigidity and dyskinesia may be reduced. Pallidotomies have been used since the 1990s. A similar procedure, called a thalamotomy, is used to destroy cells in the thalamus. This surgery can be helpful in treating debilitating hand and arm tremors. A less destructive, but nonetheless risky, surgical option is called deep brain stimulation. In deep brain stimulation an electrode is implanted into the brain. The electrode transmits electrical pulses to stimulate the brain while also blocking the signals that cause Parkinson’s symptoms. Think of it as a sort of pacemaker for the brain. Compared to other surgical options, deep brain stimulation is a relatively new procedure that has been found to be helpful in improving motor function.

Surgery is not the answer for everyone. It is risky and therefore should be used as a last alternative. In addition to the health aspects and risks, prospective Parkinson’s surgical patients may also have to weigh financial considerations when deciding whether or not to have surgery. All of the surgical procedures are costly to administer and may not be covered by all health care insurance plans.

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Parkinson’s Disease - By: Groshan Fabiola


Parkinson’s disease is easily noticeable because of its physical manifestations. A problem that develops mostly in elderly people, Parkinson’s is very important to acknowledge so that it can be taken care of at its early stages. Knowing what it is and what the symptoms are will help you to catch it in the beginning and start treatment immediately. Parkinson’s disease results when brain cells deteriorate. It is a chronic condition because it has no cure and does not go away by itself. It is also a degenerative disease, which means that it breaks down the body of the person it attacks. Muscle control is lost due to a lack of dopamine in the brain and, therefore, a difficulty in walking, coordination, and severe shaking develop.

A person with Parkinson’s disease may also notice a change in his or her voice. A person’s voice may become low and monotone, with little or no inflection. Akinesia and bradykinesia may also manifest as trouble executing certain movements, and increased slowness when movements are attempted. Talking more quietly is another affect of the disease, as is difficulty with motor skills. The result is lessened in fine motor skills dexterity and may mean the person with Parkinson’s may require help with everyday tasks such as shaving, tying laces, fastening buttons, and handwriting. Oily skin and dandruff is an affect of seborrheic dermatitis. Therefore, Parkinson’s patients may notice that they have developed greasier skin, especially around the nose and eyebrows, and a greasier scalp. This symptom is often accompanied by increased sweating. Non-specific sensory symptoms include unusual sensory feelings such as numbness, pain, burning sensation, restlessness and fatigue. Lastly, depression and senility, as well
as dementia, are also symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Some of the signs of Parkinson’s to look out for include tremors and trembling. For nearly three quarters of patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the appearance of tremors or trembling is the first noticeable symptom. Muscle stiffness is another symptom of the disease. Patients experiencing stiffness or rigidity may not notice any other symptoms of this characteristic. In fact, the person may not even notice the signs of rigidity unless a physician notes it during a physical examination. The presence of physical rigidity, such as decreased arm swing, is especially useful in helping medical personnel establish a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. This may also include ’Freezing’ which is the sudden inability to move when you want to. If a foot on one side starts to drag, and you have difficulty walking through doorways and hallways, you should go to a doctor. Lacking coordination and having difficulty maintaining balance, controlling facial muscles, are causes of akinesia and bradykinesia. These cha
racteristics may manifest themselves in the face, for example, as reduced facial expression, infrequent blinking, and slow swallowing resulting in increased saliva secretion, and occasionally, drooling.

Feeling anxious, angry, discouraged or depressed is common as the brain is undergoing a number of chemical changes. Approximately forty to seventy percent of Parkinson’s sufferers experiences depression at times, while twenty percent of these are a major depressive disorder. Parkinson’s disease is not something to be taken lightly, as it is very serious and can cause permanent problems.

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Diagnosing & Treating Parkinson’s Disease - By: John H. Rogers


Characterized as a movement disorder, Parkinson’s disease often is accompanied by muscle stiffness, a slowing or loss of physical movement, tremor, etc. In addition, Parkinson’s disease may carry symptoms that include mood swings (i.e., depression, anxiety, panic attacks, apathy, etc.), changes in behavior, sensations (i.e., arms, legs, hands, etc.) and the ability to process thoughts. Because each case of Parkinson’s disease is unique to the individual it affects, the symptoms may vary from one person to another.

There are several treatment options available to patients who suffer from Parkinson’s disease, including medication that may help to ease the symptoms, surgical procedures, a customized diet consisting of nutrition and exercise. Clinical research indicates that nutrients may help to treat Parkinson’s disease and may even help to slow it’s deteriorating effects. Certain types of physical activities, including yoga and dance are believed to be beneficial in helping to maintain mobility and may ease the discomfort associated with muscle stiffness caused by Parkinson’s disease.

Certain types of medication, including those prescribed for treatment of Parkinson’s disease, carry a risk of dangerous side effects. Therefore, it is important for patients to discuss any possible side effects with their physician prior to taking any medication. It is equally important that physicians be made aware of any past or current medical condition from which the patient suffers and/or any medications that they are currently using. At times, one medication can have a negative reaction with another, which is why it is very important that the patient disclose their medical history to the doctor who is treating them for Parkinson’s disease.

To this day, research continues in the fight to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Fundraisers and donations are all a part of what makes medical research possible and what many hope will eventually lead to a cure for this life-altering illness. While Parkinson’s disease may result in the patient becoming more apt to developing other medical conditions, the most common cause of death in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease is believed to be that of pneumonia.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or treatment of Parkinson’s disease. If necessary, individuals should consult a medical doctor for information regarding the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease, a proper diagnosis and/or course of treatment.

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Six Tips for Dealing with Parkinson’s Disease - By: Carlo Morelli


That diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease can be frightening is certain. It’s a serious malady that, if left unchecked, can end in debilitating changes to one’s body. Nonetheless, advances in medical treatment in combination with some basic lifestyle changes can significantly lessen the impact of Parkinson’s disease.

Your diagnosing physician is always a valuable first resource. He or she can advise someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s about treatments and what to expect physiologicaly. Thanks to increased awareness brought about in part by actor Michael J. Fox’s disclosure that he lives with Parkinson’s and the subsequent creation of his foundation, and also due to new advances in stem cell research and other therapies, a lot of information about Parkinson’s disease is now available to the public.

Many countries have national associations with regional headquarters helping people with Parkinson’s.
Here is a list of six tips that will make living with Parkinson’s disease easier.

1. Exercise: Parkinson’s disease impacts your mobility, so it is important that people with Parkinson’s make certain their bodies are as strong and flexible as possible. Simple activities like stretching, walking, running, and swimming are ideal to build strength. If exercising by yourself doesn’t sound much fun, look into group classes, community walking clubs, or water-aerobics sessions. Many communities have low-cost facilities, equipment, space and instruction where necessary. Special classes which take particular conditions into consideration are also commonly available.

2. Diet: nutritional health is essential for strength and vitality no matter what your health situation. Through eating right, Parkinson’s patients can steady their energy and better control their weight, which can have a big effect on struggling muscles. Check with a physician to establish whether diet could have an adverse effect on medication. Case in point- high-protein foods may interfere with absorption of medications. Keeping a food journal can be an invaluable tool in pinpointing problems with medication.

3. Wardrobe: Parkinson’s reduces motor skills, which can make buttoning of shirts and pants, or doing up a bra difficult. Go for loose (but not flapping) clothing with elastic waists, pull-on shirts and dresses and a minimum of buttons, zippers, hooks and ties, as well as slip-on or Velcro-fastened shoes. This may not be required in the early stages of the disease, but will become important later on.

4. Compensating tactics: strategize about ways to overcome problems associated with Parkinson’s disease, like dropping things. For instance, Parkinson’s patients find they may often drop their wallets when fumbling for change.

To counteract this problem, buy a large wallet that is easy to grip and doesn’t send you digging into deep corners. Using a debit or credit card may be an easier alternative to searching for coins and bills. Another example of a helpful compensating strategy would be to switch from delicate porcelain tableware to more durable shatter-proof or plastic pieces.

5. Take naps: Parkinson’s can interfere with restorative sleep, even though many people who have the disease suffer from fatigue. Take a short nap a couple times a day to keep your energy up.

6. Be understanding: medical treatment and lifestyle changes can do a lot to minimize Parkinson’s symptoms, but it’s likely that people will notice things like tremors or tics at some point. Children, in particular, may ask blunt questions. Try not to be offended, and when possible, use it as a chance to educate about Parkinson’s and its effects.

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Signs of Parkinson's Disease - By: Mike Herman


Parkinson's disease tends to be a very frightening disease to be diagnosed with. Knowing what it is and what the symptoms are will help you to catch it in the early stages and begin treatment right away.

What is Parkinson's Disease?

When brain cells (neurons) deteriorate, Parkinson's disease is the result. It is considered a chronic condition, as opposed to acute, because it has no cure and doesn't go away by itself. It is also a degenerative disease, meaning that it breaks down the body of the person it attacks. Muscle control is lost due to a lack of dopamine in the brain and, because of this, a difficulty in walking, coordination, and severe shaking develop.

Characteristics and Signs of Parkinson's

Some of the signs of Parkinson's to look out for include:

• Tremors or Trembling: for nearly three quarters of patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the appearance of tremors or trembling is the first noticeable symptom.

• Muscle stiffness -Parkinson’s patients experiencing stiffness or rigidity may not notice any other symptoms of this characteristic. In fact, the person may not even notice the signs of rigidity unless a physician notes it during a physical examination.

The presence of physical rigidity, such as decreased arm swing, is especially useful in helping medical personnel establish a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

This may also include 'Freezing' which is the sudden inability to move when you want to , a foot on one side starts to drag, and difficulty walking through doorways and hallways.

• Lacking coordination

• Difficulty maintaining balance

• Difficulty controlling facial muscles - Akinesia and bradykinesia - these characteristics may manifest themselves in the face, for example, as reduced facial expression, infrequent blinking, and slow swallowing resulting in increased saliva secretion, and occasionally, drooling.

A person with Parkinson’s disease may also notice a change in his or her voice: it may become low and monotone, with little or no inflection. Akinesia and bradykinesia may also appear as trouble executing certain movements, and increased slowness when movements are attempted or executed.

• Talking more quietly

• Raspy voice

• Difficulty with motor skills - The result is lessened in fine motor skills dexterity and may mean the person with Parkinson’s may require help with everyday tasks such as shaving, tying laces, fastening buttons, and handwriting.

• Oily skin and dandruff - Seborrheic dermatitis: Parkinson’s patients may notice that they have developed greasier skin, especially around the nose and eyebrows, and a greasier scalp. This symptom is usually accompanied by increased sweating.

• Non-specific sensory symptoms - Unusual sensory feelings such as numbness, pain, burning sensation, restlessness and fatigue can also be indicators of Parkinson’s disease.

• Depression and senility, as well as dementia, are secondary symptoms of Parkinson's.

Feeling anxious, angry, discouraged or downright depressed is common as the brain is undergoing a number of chemical changes. Approximately 40-70 percent of Parkinson’s sufferers experience depression at times, while 20 percent of these are considered a major depressive disorder.

Anxiety or panic attacks are common psychological elements of the disease as well. An average of 70 percent of people who have pre-existing depression also develop anxiety whereas 90 percent who first experience anxiety fall victim to depression.

Dementia is evidenced in 20-30 percent of sufferers and this gradual decline first starts with slowness in thought and advances to a difficulty in properly organizing thoughts.






In most cases, only one side of the body will be affected in the early stages of the disease, and the hands and feet are the most likely area where tremors will first be noticed.

One symptom does not mean that you have Parkinson's. It usually arrives in the form of a combination of symptoms over a prolonged period.

If you have concerns, consult your doctor.

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Parkinson's Disease - Things to Consider - By: Mike Herman


Being faced with the diagnosis of Parkinson's or any other disease is a frightening, but don't allow that initially felt fear, confusion, or even denial to cloud your judgment.

Doctor's are great at diagnosing diseases, but they 100's of patients and together with all of the paperwork and insurance headache, they tend to not personally get involved with each patient.

Meaning that you need to be the "captain of your own ship". You need to consider a number of things, such as:

Finding the "right" doctor, or doctors, for you. Develop a team of doctors, therapist, etc., that you trust and enjoy speaking with.

Join a support group near you and be on the look out for forums on the Internet where you can "chat" with others similarly affected so as to learn about solutions to problems and new treatments that you and your doctor may not be aware of.



All of the questions and thoughts to consider here are for you to ask yourself, your doctor(s), and other Parkinson's patients who you get to know via support groups and/or Internet forums.

* Why did I get this disease?

Might have been a genetic predisposition for them to develop it or environmental factors that played a role, such as where they lived or elements of their workplace.

Or were lifestyle choices such as diet, personal habits and/or exercise to blame?



* What treatments are available?

If the symptoms are mild some doctors may prescribe nothing more than change in diet or suggest including more exercise into the patient's day-to-day routine.

For symptoms to are more severe the doctor may prescribe medication. Levadopa (Sinemet ® ) is the most common, but newer drugs, Requip ® and Mirapex ® are being prescribed now days too. However medications don't always have the same effect on patients, so while on drug may help one person considerably, it may not work for someone else.

In some cases, usually the severest, surgery is the best option.



* Along with the benefits of the medications, don't forget the potential side effects.

Parkinson's' sufferers are often going through enough discomfort so you must make sure that you are aware of and prepared for any potential side effects of a medicine.



* Not all Parkinson patient are the same in the symptoms they suffer and some respond to medicines and other treatments differently.

What are the short and long term benefits of each treatment, is there anything that can be done to decrease the potential side effects of the treatment (particularly medicines)?

Don't just "sit back" and let your doctor decide everything, ask questions of your doctor but also be willing to allow yourself to accept what your doctor is recommending.



* Look at Yahoo, Healthboards.com, and BrainTalk Communities which are my favorite forums.

You can ask other members if there any alternative and/or non-drug related options that could help your condition?

You may find that some of the members have made modifications to their lifestyles (i.e. diet, exercise, reducing stress levels, etc.) that are helping them physically and emotionally to cope better with the progression of the disease.

Are there particular foods, drinks, over the counter medications and/or vitamin supplements that I should stay away from or look into?

Your health is not as it once was, even the "common" colds aren't so "common" any longer.



* You don't want any adverse drug reaction when your treatment and medications begin, be very careful about what you do and don't put into your body, especially supplements and other not so common over the counter vitamins and medications. Be sure to speak with your pharmacist.

* Can your doctor, your support group, or the Internet forum members recommend any non-traditional (or naturopathic) techniques for relaxation and reducing stress levels?

Look at city services, the local junior college for classes in yoga, meditation, reflexology, massage, deep breathing, etc.

The local support group may be aware of classes that would be of help to you.



* Are there any trials or clinical studies that you can be a part of?

If the idea interest you be sure to speak with your doctor, your support group and be on the look out, via the Internet, yourself.

Clinical studies need willing participants and these studies occasionally have very good results for the participants.

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