Parkinson Disease

Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Parkinson’s disease is a type of neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for coordinating smooth and controlled muscle movements. In Thailand, Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, following Alzheimer’s. It primarily affects individuals over 60 years of age and is 50% more common in men than in women. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease typically progress gradually over several years, and while they may vary slightly from person to person, common symptoms include:

• Tremors: Often occurring at rest, but may also manifest in other forms.
• Slowed Movement: Difficulty in initiating and controlling movements.
• Stiffness: Inability to move arms or legs freely.
• Impaired Balance and Gait: Issues with walking and maintaining balance.

Causes of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is primarily caused by the degeneration of a region in the brain called the substantia nigra, which is responsible for producing dopamine. Dopamine facilitates the transmission of signals between nerve cells, enabling smooth and coordinated muscle movements. As the substantia nigra deteriorates, dopamine levels drop, leading to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and slow movements. The disease may progress to the point where patients become bedridden and require full-time care.

Identifying Parkinson’s Disease

Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and specialized tests such as blood tests, CT scans, or MRIs to rule out other neurological disorders. Advanced diagnostic techniques like Functional MRI or F-Dopa PET scans can detect abnormalities in dopamine levels in the brain, providing a more accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Approaches

Current treatments for Parkinson’s disease focus on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease. Medications that increase or mimic dopamine levels can improve movement in the early stages. However, these treatments do not stop the underlying neurodegeneration and may lead to complications such as hallucinations, depression, or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Advanced therapies like deep brain stimulation or delivering medication through the skin or intestines can help manage symptoms but do not address the root cause of the disease.

Potential Causes of Substantia Nigra Degeneration

• Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of Parkinson’s are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
• Toxin Accumulation: Exposure to pesticides, preservatives, and heavy metals can contribute to neuronal damage.
• Vascular Degeneration: Poor blood circulation to the brain can accelerate neurodegeneration.
• Diet and Nutrition: Diets high in sugars, refined carbohydrates, and fried foods can exacerbate inflammation in the nervous system.
• Gut Microbiome Imbalance: Emerging research suggests that gut bacteria may influence neurotransmitter synthesis, immune function, and genetic expression, impacting brain health.
• Impaired Autophagy: The failure of neurons to clear damaged proteins can accelerate the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

An Integrative Approach: Hope for Parkinson’s Treatment

Integrative medicine offers a comprehensive approach to managing Parkinson’s disease by addressing multiple factors that contribute to brain cell degeneration. Treatment strategies may include:

• Detoxification: Chelation therapy to remove heavy metals like lead, manganese, or excess iron, which can damage neurons in the substantia nigra.
• Intermittent Fasting: A natural method to enhance autophagy, helping neurons clear out damaged proteins and improve cell function.
• Immune Modulation: Balancing the immune system and reducing inflammation to slow neurodegeneration.
• Nutritional Therapy: Supplementing with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants such as CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, ginseng, cordyceps, and EGCG from green tea can help regulate neurotransmitter balance and reduce neuronal damage.
• Infrared Light Therapy: Stimulating the enzyme cytochrome c in mitochondria, potentially improving the function of damaged neurons.
• Molecular and Cellular Therapy: Treatments like Cerebrolysin or stem cell therapy show promise in repairing damaged neurons in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients.

Personalized Care

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The goal is to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal and restore itself, providing patients with the best possible quality of life.