An Alternative Treatment for Parkinson’s Diseases

Parkinson’s Disease

- An Alternative Treatment for Parkinson’s DiseasesKnown as one of the most common nervous system disorders in the world, Parkinson’s Disease affects approximately 7 to 10 million individuals across the globe. In fact, a lot of famous people suffer from this condition – from boxing great Muhammad Ali to “Back to the Future” star Michael J. Fox.

An Overview: What is Parkinson’s Disease?Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological condition that arises from the slow degradation of midbrain nerve cells that govern bodily movement.

Body movements are controlled by the basal ganglia, whose nerve cells depend on a delicate balance of dopamine and acetylcholine – neurotransmitters essential for nerve impulse transmission. In Parkinson’s, dopamine-producing cells degenerate gradually, leading to an imbalance of the said neurotransmitters.

Parkinson’s develops progressively, and usually worsens with time. It typically affects individuals aged 50 to 65, affecting about 1% of the population. Although this is the case, the disease can manifest in earlier ages, as with the case of Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed at age 42.

As for prevalence, Parkinson’s is more common in men than in women. The combined direct and indirect costs of this disease is said to be a whopping $25 billion annually, in the United States Alone.

There is no known cure for Parkinson’s, although its signs and symptoms can be treated with certain medications.

CausesParkinson’s is said to be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

• Genetic predisposition
• Viral infections
• Stroke
• Brain Tumor
• Brain Encephalitis caused by infection
• Hydrocephalus (excess fluid around the brain)
• Thyroid and parathyroid illnesses
• Exposure to toxins, such as metal manganese, carbon monoxide and pesticides
• Adverse reactions to prescription medications
• Use of illegal drugs
• Repeated head injury

While there are many mechanisms behind Parkinson’s, the cause for most cases remains to be unknown.

DiagnosisThere are no definitive diagnostic examinations for Parkinson’s Disease, although several physicians (especially expert Neurologists) identify the disorder with the help of the following evaluation tools and imagery tests:

• Medical History

The physician will conduct a thorough medical history of the patient. Questions to be included are the following:

• Relatives who have been afflicted with Parkinson’s
• Medications taken
• Exposure to toxins, if any
• History of repeated head trauma
• Neurological Exam

The doctor will conduct a neurological exam to evaluate the patient’s walking, coordination, and fine motor skills.

• Hoehn and Yahr Scale

Published in 1967 in the journal “Neurology,” the Hoehn and Yahr Scale is a system used to describe the progression of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. It ranges from stage 1 (minimal or no functional disability) to stage 5 (bedridden or wheelchair-bound.)

• CT Scan

With the use of X-rays that yield images of the brain, a CT scan can help the doctor diagnose the presence of Parkinson’s disease in the patient.

• PET Scan

The physician recommends a PET scan for the assessment of brain regions associated with movement.

• MRI

Also known as magnetic resonance imaging, MRI is a valuable tool that yields clear images of a person’s brain. It is utilized to determine the presence of Parkinson-related changes in the brain.

Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s DiseaseThe signs and symptoms of this disease vary according individuals, as well as the stage of the disorder. The most common symptoms, however, are the following:

• Resting tremors. Tremors, or shaking of the arms, hands or legs, that manifest when the individual is standing or sitting still. It usually subsides when the person moves about.
• Rigid, aching stiff muscles of the face, neck or legs. One of the first symptoms of Parkinson’s is a reduced arm swing when walking, which usually affects one side of the body.
• Bradykinesia, or slow, limited movements. This is often manifested when the individual mobilizes from a resting position.
• Muscle weakness, especially of the face or throat. A Parkinson’s-afflicted individual often demonstrates difficulties in talking and swallowing. As a result, he often ends up drooling, choking and coughing. He also might exhibit tedious and softer speech. Such individuals often have vacant and fixed facial expressions, also known as “Parkinson’s Mask.”
• Gait disturbance or difficulty walking. A person with Parkinson’s usually takes small steps and shuffles with his feet placed close to each other.
• Postural variability. A Parkinson’s-afflicted individual usually demonstrates a stooped posture, where he is slightly bent over the waste.

PreventionWhile there is no proven way to prevent the development of Parkinson’s Disease, researchers suggest that the consumption of a Mediterranean diet, which constitutes fish, high-fiber food, fruits and vegetables can provide some degree of protection from the disease. Other studies also suggest that a diet low in dairy and red meat can help lower the risks of developing Parkinson’s.

Conventional Treatment MethodsWhile there are no treatments for Parkinson’s, there are medications that can address the signs and symptoms. They are:

• Carbidopa-Levodopa. Known as the most effective drug for Parkinson symptoms, this drug contains Levidopa, which is altered to dopamine when it reaches the brain.  It is paired with carbidopa, which prevents the early conversion of Levodopa to dopamine outside of the brain. Carbidopa also averts nausea, a side effect that comes with the medication.
• Amantadine. A drug that provides short-term relief from symptoms of early-stage Parkinson’s. It is also prescribed to patients with Late-Stage Parkinson’s, as it can curtail the dyskinesia or involuntary movements that result from prolonged Carbidopa-Levidopa use.
• Dopamine Agonists. Such medications, including Ropinirole and Pramipexole, imitate the effects of dopamine on the brain.
• Catechol O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Inhibitors. Used in conjunction with Levodopa, COMT inhibitors block the enzyme that breaks down the said medication. Examples include Tolcapone and Entacapone.
• MAO B Inhibitors. These drugs inhibit monoamine oxidase B, an enzyme that utilizes brain dopamine. Examples include Selegiline and Rasagiline.
• Anticholinergics. Medications such as Trihexyphenidyl and Benztropine work by managing Parkinson’s-related tremors.

A novel form of surgical treatment has also been introduced to patients with Parkinson’s. The procedure, known as Deep Brain Stimulation, includes the placement of electrodes in several parts of the brain. The electrodes are linked to a chest generator. This generator, in turn, sends electrical pulses that can minimize the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

Natural CuresApart from pharmacologic treatments, there are several natural cures that are said to be effective in minimizing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. They are:

• Coenzyme Q10. This fat-soluble compound is said to be effective in individuals suffering from early-stage Parkinson’s.
• Massage. Known to promote relaxation, massage is an effective method of reducing tension and movement problems related to the disease.
• Tai Chi. This ancient form of Chinese exercise is said to enhance muscle strength, balance and flexibility in patients with Parkinson’s.
• Music Therapy. Another form of relaxation, music therapy is said to help individuals with difficulties in speaking and walking.

Alternative Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease – Purtier Placenta
Purtier Placenta is a stem cell supplement that has helped countless disease-stricken individuals with various sicknesses and health conditions nurse their body back to health through boosting their body’s ability to effect self-repair.

This bodily self-repair is known as stem cell therapy – it involves the process of introducing new adult stem cells in diseased or damaged tissue in order to treat the underlying disorder.

Since stem cells are ‘generic,’ they can be transformed into any kind of cell. With such a capacity, it can help the body regenerate and repair itself of just about any ailments or illnesses.

Patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease can potentially benefit from Purtier Placenta Stem Cell Supplement for regeneration of healthy cells to help them overcome this devastating disease.

Enquire about Purtier Placenta today! Call +60173467073 or Email: purtierclub@gmail.com