Questions and Answers About Parkinson's Disease

[Guest guest]

Questions and Answers About Parkinson's Disease

 

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a well known neurological disease that

is the result of damage to the nerves in the area of the brain that

is responsible for controlling muscle tension and movement - the

basal ganglia. The damaged cells are the ones needed to produce the

neurotransmitter called dopamine. PD affects about 500,000 people in

the United States. While conventional drugs can ease the symptoms of

PD, they do not slow the course of the disease. However, recently

coenzyme Q10 has been shown to accomplish this goal

 

 

What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

 

The disease usually begins as a slight tremor of one hand, arm, or

leg. In the early stages the tremors are more apparent while the

person is at rest, such as while sitting or standing, and are less

noticeable when the hand or limb is being used. A typical early

symptom of PD is " pill-rolling, " in which the person appears to be

rolling a pill back and forth between the fingers. As the disease

progresses, symptoms often get worse.

 

The tremors and weakness affect the limbs on both sides of the body.

The hands and the head may shake continuously. The person may walk

with stiff, shuffling steps. In many cases, the disease causes a

permanent rigid stooped posture and an unblinking, fixed expression.

 

 

What causes Parkinson's Disease?

 

The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but it is thought that

exposure to neurotoxins cause oxidative damage to the area of the

brain that controls muscle tension and movement - the basal ganglia.

In the oxidative damage model, oxidation reactions lead to the

generation of free radicals that are capable of destroying the cell

membranes and nerve cells. Some of the neurotoxins implicated

include certain organochlorine insecticides (e.g., lindane and

dieldrin).1,2

 

A diet that avoids pesticides and pesticide residues as well as a

diet rich in antioxidant compounds that help protect against the

damaging effects of these compounds is an important preventive

measure for PD.

 

 

What Treatments are Available for Parkinson's Disease?

 

At this point in time, PD is best treated with drug therapy along

with key dietary, nutritional, and herbal recommendations can be

used to enhance the effectiveness of drug therapy.

The most popular drug used is Sinemet® - a drug that contains two

key ingredients: levodopa and carbidopa. Levodopa, or L-dopa, is

the " middle step " in the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine into

dopamine. L-dopa, but not dopamine (DA), crosses the blood-brain

barrier. Carbidopa is a drug that works by ensuring that more L-dopa

is converted to dopamine within the brain, where it is needed, and

not within the other tissues of the body. Other drugs used include

Eldepryl® (selegiline or deprenyl), bromocriptine, and amantadine.

 

These drugs are often effective at reducing symptoms, but because

they fail to address the underlying disease process and degeneration

of the basal ganglia it means that the drugs provide only temporary

benefit.

 

Clearly, the use of drug therapy to deal with the symptoms while

attempting to treat the cause with natural products is the most

rationale approach.

 

Before discussing some key supplements for patients with PD, it is

first important to point out that the value of a low protein diet in

enhancing the action of L-dopa therapy has been demonstrated in

several clinical studies and is now a well-accepted supportive

therapy.

The usual recommendation is to eliminate good sources of dietary

protein from breakfast and lunch (i.e., keep daytime protein intake

below 7 grams). This simple recommendation can offer an effective

method for the reduction of tremors and other symptoms of

Parkinson's disease during working hours.

 

 

What nutritional supplements should I take for Parkinson's Disease?

 

As I have previously described in other newsletters, I am a firm

believer in building a strong foundation. In that goal, there are

three key dietary supplements that I recommend:

 

A high-potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula (MultiStart).

A " greens " drink product (Enriching Greens).

A pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement (RxOmega-3 Factors).

As far as a specific supplements to address PD, I would recommend

coenzyme Q10, ginkgo, and phosphatidylserine.

 

 

How is Coenzyme Q10 of Benefit in Parkinson's Disease?

 

CoQ10's role in the human body is similar to the role of a spark

plug in a car engine. Just as the car cannot function without that

initial spark, the energy producing units of the cell - the

mitochondria - cannot function without CoQ10.

 

While there is a growing list of conditions aided by CoQ10, most of

the clinical research has focused on its ability to improve heart

function. In fact, over 20 double-blind studies have shown CoQ10

supplementation improves heart function by increasing energy

production in the heart muscle and by acting as an antioxidant.

 

Although the body makes some of its own CoQ10, considerable research

shows significant benefits can occur with supplementation especially

in people with low CoQ10 levels. How does this related to PD?

 

People with PD have been shown to have low CoQ10 levels. Without

the CoQ10, the cells of the basal ganglia become very susceptible to

damage by circulating toxins.3

 

In addition, by improving the function of mitochondria,

the " powerhouses " that produce energy in cells, CoQ10 helps provide

the brain cells the energy necessary for proper function. Through

this effect CoQ10 has been shown to be quite helpful to PD patients.

To illustrate this benefit, let's take a look at the most recent

study.4 All of the patients had the three primary features of PD -

tremor, stiffness, and slowed movements - and had been diagnosed

with the disease within 5 years of the time they were enrolled.

After an initial screening and baseline blood tests, the patients

were randomly divided into four groups. Three of the groups received

CoQ10 at three different doses (300 mg/day, 600 mg/day, and 1,200

mg/day), while a fourth group received a matching placebo for 16

months.

 

The group that received the largest dose of CoQ10 (1,200 mg/day)

displayed a percent less decline in mental function, motor

(movement) function, and ability to carry out activities of daily

living, such as feeding or dressing themselves. The greatest effect

was on activities of daily living. The groups that received 300

mg/day and 600 mg/day developed slightly less disability than the

placebo group, but the effects were less than those in the group

that received the highest dosage of CoQ10. These results indicate

that the beneficial effects of CoQ10 in PD are achieved at these

higher dosages. No significant side effects were seen in any of the

patients.

 

 

Why is Such a High Dosage Necessary?

 

It may not be if CoQ10 is used along with other antioxidants or if

more bioavailable forms are used. Scientists have known for quite

some time that antioxidant could theoretically prevent or slow down

the progression of PD. Several studies have shown quite clearly that

high dietary intakes of antioxidant nutrientsare associated with a

lower risk of developing PD.5 In addition, patients with early

Parkinson's disease given 3,000 mg of vitamin C and 3,200 IU of

vitamin E each day for a period of seven years fared better than the

placebo group.

 

6 Although all patients eventually required drug treatment, the

patients receiving the vitamins were effectively able to delay the

need for medication for up to 2 to 3 years longer. These results

were quite promising, but a 10-year study with vitamin E only at a

daily intake of 2,000 IU failed to show any real benefit in slowing

or improving the disease.7

 

The failure of vitamin E alone reflects a major shortcoming of many

intervention studies with antioxidants - researchers often focus on

the effects of just one antioxidant. The problem is that these

antioxidants do not work as single agents, instead they work as part

of a system.

 

Studying a single antioxidant, in a way, is like judging an entire

symphony by listening to a single trombone. Such research has its

value, but it's not complete and often raises more questions than it

answers. It seems that many researchers become too focused on the

tree instead of looking at the forest because they fail to

understand the importance of the way that individual antioxidants

interact within the entire antioxidant system of the human body to

produce their benefits.

 

Mounting scientific evidence confirms that a combination of

antioxidants will provide greater protection than any single

nutritional antioxidant. The reason that I continually stress the

importance of a strong foundation (MultiStart, Enriching Greens, and

RxOmega-3 Factors) is to provide full-spectrum support. This

foundation enhances the effectiveness of any specific natural

product, whether it is glucosamine sulfate, ginkgo, or coenzyme Q10.

 

So, lack of supporting antioxidants may be a reason that vitamin E

at high dosages alone was not effective. It may also be that vitamin

E may not be the right antioxidant because it does not easily cross

the blood-brain barrier. In one study, giving people a daily dosage

of 4,000 IU of vitamin E did not raise the vitamin E level in the

brain.8 In contrast, it appears that CoQ10 gets into the brain and

provides more meaningful antioxidant protection to the brain than

vitamin E.

 

Vitamin E is important to the action of CoQ10, however, because it

is used to convert CoQ10 to its most active form. I believe that

ultimately the dosage of CoQ10 required to provide benefit will be

lowered because of the synergistic effects of other antioxidants. I

also believe that the dosage of CoQ10 can be lowered by using

formulas that enhance the absorption. To get the most benefit from

CoQ10, look for products in soft-gelatin capsules with rice bran oil

or, better yet, look for products where the CoQ10 has been dissolved

in pure natural vitamin E (e.g., Clear Q from Natural Factors). In

this latter form, both the CoQ10 and vitamin E are biologically

enhanced due to increased absorption, utilization, and function. In

a preliminary study, blood levels of CoQ10 at six hours after taking

CoQ10 dissolved in pure vitamin E produced an increase that was 235%

greater than the increase achieved with standard CoQ10. So, with

improved absorption the dosage required may be lower.

 

 

What Else May Be Useful for Parkinson's Disease?

 

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) may also be helpful. In a one-year open

trial of 25 patients with Parkinson's disease and additional signs

of Alzheimer's disease, GBE was shown to produce significant

improvement in brain wave tracings.9 These improvements were thought

to signify improved brain metabolism. Obviously that is an important

goal.

 

Phosphatidylserine is also an important supplement for patients with

PD. Phosphatidylserine is the major fatty substance in the brain

where it plays a major role in determining the integrity and

fluidity of cell membranes. Normally the brain can manufacture

sufficient levels of phosphatidylserine, but there is evidence that

insufficient production in the elderly may be linked to depression

and/or impaired mental function in the elderly. Good results have

been obtained in numerous double-blind studies where

phosphatidylserine supplementation has been shown to improve mental

function, mood, and behavior in elderly subjects including those

with early stages of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.10

 

 

Summary of Supplement Recommendations for Parkinson's Disease:

 

MultiStart - follow dosage recommendations on label.

Enriching Greens - two serving daily.

RxOmega-3 Factors - two capsules twice daily.

ClearQ - 2 capsules daily (provides 100 mg CoQ10 and 800 IU vitamin

E).

CoEnzyme Q10 - 1,000 mg (Natural Factors provides a 200 mg CoQ10

capsule)

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) - 420 mg.

Phosphatidylserine - 300 mg daily

 

Key References:

 

Corrigan FM, Wienburg CL, Shore RF, et al. Organochlorine

insecticides in substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease. J Toxicol

Environ Health 2000;59:229-34.

Ritz B, Yu F. Parkinson's disease mortality and pesticide exposure

in California 1984-1994. Int J Epidemiol 2000;29:323-9.

Beal MF. Mitochondria, oxidative damage, and inflammation in

Parkinson's disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003;991:120-31.

Shults CW, Oakes D, Kieburtz K, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 in

early Parkinson disease: evidence of slowing of the functional

decline. Arch Neurol 2002;59(10):1541-50.

de Rijk MC, Breteler MM, den Breeijen JH, et al. Dietary

antioxidants and Parkinson disease. The Rotterdam Study. Arch Neurol

1997;54:762-5.

Fahn S. A pilot trial of high-dose alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate in

early Parkinson's disease. Ann Neurol 1992;32:S128-32.

Shoulson I. DATATOP: a decade of neuroprotective inquiry. Parkinson

Study Group. Deprenyl And Tocopherol Antioxidative Therapy Of

Parkinsonism. Ann Neurol 1998;44:S160-6.

Vatassery GT, Fahn S, Kuskowski MA. Alpha tocopherol in CSF of

subjects taking high-dose vitamin E in the DATATOP study. Parkinson

Study Group. Neurology 1998;50:1900-2.

Youdim KA, Joseph JA. A possible emerging role of phytochemicals in

improving age-related neurological dysfunctions: a multiplicity of

effects. Free Radic Biol Med 2001;30(6):583-94.

Funfgeld EW, Baggen M, Nedwidek P, et al. Double-blind study with

phosphatidylserine (PS) in parkinsonian patients with senile

dementia of Alzheimer's type (SDAT). Prog Clin Biol Res

1989;317:1235-46.

 

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_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

[Guest guest]

Thanks once again JoAnn! I actually have ms, and HAVE

been advised to go w/CoQ10, wasnt sure what THAT

supplement was suggested, but after reading your info,

guess I'll get the CoQ10!

 

Thanks,

 

Renato

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

, renato alexander

<renato23451> wrote:

> Thanks once again JoAnn! I actually have ms, and HAVE

> been advised to go w/CoQ10, wasnt sure what THAT

> supplement was suggested, but after reading your info,

> guess I'll get the CoQ10!

>

> Thanks, Renato

 

 

Hi Renato!

CoQ10 is useful for rebuilding the myelin sheath. There are

testimonies regarding the efficacy of Evening Primrose as well.

One testimony in particular mentioned total healing from EPO.

This is not surprising as substantial doses of GLA are beneficial for numerous

diseases. I used it liberally during my illness.

JoAnn

 

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 12:36 pm

Post subject: Multiple Sclerosis-by Adelle Davis.

 

--

 

 

Taken from a book called

Lets Get Well by Adelle Davis.

 

 

 

Multiple Sclerosis

 

This disease is characterised by calcified patches on the brain and spinal cord,

muscular weakness, muscular weakness, incoordination, strong jerky movements or

spasm of the arm, leg and eye muscles and difficulty in bladder control.

 

Autopsy studies show a marked decrease in the lecithin content of the brain and

the myelin sheath covering the nerves, both of which are normally high in

lecithin. and even this lecithin is abnormal, containing saturated instead of

unsaturated fatty acids.

 

Furthermore Multiple Sclerosis is more common in countries where the diet is

particularly high in saturated fats, which invariably means that the amount of

lecithin in the blood is markedly reduced.

 

Probably because the need for lecithin has been decreased persons with multiple

sclerosis have had fewer bad periods of shorter duration when given low fat

diets.

 

 

 

Even greater improvement has been made when 3 of more tablespoons of lecithin

have been added to the daily diet .

 

 

 

Probably the lack of any nutrient that prevents lecithin production, whether,

 

magnesium

 

Vitamin B6

 

cholin

 

inositol or

 

essential fatty acids

 

can make multiple sclerosis worse

 

 

 

Muscle spasm and weakness, involuntary twitching and the ability to control the

bladder have been produced in volunteers by a diet lacking in magnesium. These

symptoms quickly disappeared soon after magnesium was given also when patients

suffering from multiple sclerosis have been given vitamins E, B6, and other B

vitamins the illness has been arrested, even advanced cases improved in walking

and had better bladder control and fewer leg and arm spasms. The calcification

of soft tissues has been prevented with vitamin E. It seems to me that all these

nutrients should be emphasised in the diet of any individual suffering from this

disease.

 

Multiple scleroses in the people I have worked withhas invariably brought on by

extremely severe stress during periods when panthothenic acid has been deficient

in their diets. In experimental animals a lack of panthothenic acid causes an

actual loss of the myelin sheath covering the nerves such as occurs in multiple

sclerosis.

 

 

 

Deficiencies of vitamins

 

B1,

 

B2,

 

B6

 

E or

 

panthothenic acid

 

the need for which is tremendously increased by stress-

 

results in nerve degeneration in both humans and animals and in animals such

damage can be corrected by adding the missing vitamin. Furthermore, multiple

sclerosis is often treated with cortisone, indicating that every effort shoud be

made to stimulate normal hormone production.

 

I have seen a number of persons who have recovered completely from multiple

sclerosis when dietary improvement was made soon after the disease was

diagnosed. These individuals have stayed on the antistress programme ( p. 18 and

a highle adequate diet such as the one outlined on page 303.

 

 

 

In some cases 600 units of vitamin E taken with each meal - 1800 units daily -

have brought spectacular improvement.

 

 

 

Recently I was talking to a young woman who told me that for several years she

had been an invalid because of this disease but after following an excellent

diet she had no signs of the illness except occasional foot cramps which

disappeared when she increased her magnesium intake. In advanced cases, however,

irreparable damage may have been done.

 

 

 

Mrs Violet Kazakoff of Arlington, Virginia, who has applied nutrition

conscientiously, wrote me recently: 'I have had MS for almost 19 years. In 1956

I became helpless as a baby.

 

I could not walk, could not speak one word and my hands were too weak to write

my name, yet I recovered and today, although I still have some problems I go to

dances, parties, church, entertain, do much of my housework and live a very

happy life'

 

Mrs Kazakoff wisely adds that plenty of est, a happy mental outlook, and a

determination to try to get well are probably as helpful as sound nutrition. I

have also seen a few cases in which persons with multiple sclerosis made marked

progress when under psycotherapy, which undoubtedly relieved much emotional

stress.

 

 

 

Adelle Davis 1989

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes