My father has Parkinsons Disease any advice about medications research lifestyle diet & alternative medicine?

Answer 1

Neurological disorders benefit greatly from generous daily doses of Omega 3-6-9 oils (I recommend and use "Udo's Oil Blend", available in most fine health food stores and which is always refrigerated to preserve the product, or it can also be found online), as well as Cod Liver Oil.

Additionally, Immunocal Platinum and HMS90 are apparently successful in the relief of symptoms. This is by recommendation of a friend whose father also has Parkinson's Disease, and has relieved his tremors; he takes one pouch of Immunocal Platinum in the morning, and one pouch of HMS90 in the evening. Because this protein isolate product is so successful for his dad, he now takes it also to maintain optimum health, as do I. (This product also acts as an alkalizing agent for the blood, which enables greater health in general.)

Supplements can be an efficient and effective addition to any health care protocol.

Your father may also benefit from the recommendations made in "The China Study" by Dr. Colin T. Campbell (this book has been personally recommended to me by my naturopath). Lifestyle including proper diet is essential for health. Food for thought....

In addition to some lifestyle modifications, you might seek the expertise of a alternative healthcare professional. Of course, this is a choice, and should be done with all due consideration. There is nothing more empowering than taking control of one's own body, mind and health.

May your dad reclaim most or all of his health.

Answer 2

Treatment with medication is aimed at restoring the levels of dopamine in the brain and controlling symptoms.

There are six main groups of drugs:

* Drugs which replace dopamine – these are the most commonly used treatments. They are combinations of levodopa – a drug which breaks down in the body to form dopamine, plus a chemical which ensures the optimum dopamine concentration in the brain. They are effective at treating symptoms, although there are some side-effects. These include nausea, dizziness and constipation. Also, they can cause long term problems such as unwanted movements of the face and limbs (dyskinesia) and they may become less effective over time.
* Drugs which mimic the action of dopamine – eg. bromocriptine. Using these early on in the course of Parkinson’s disease may delay the long-term problems of the dopamine replacement drugs. Side-effects can include nausea and hallucinations.
* Drugs which block the action of the brain chemical acetylcholine – eg benzhexol. These help to correct the balance between dopamine and acetylcholine. Side-effects can include dry mouth and blurred vision. They are not usually used in people aged over 70 as they can cause memory loss, and urine retention in men.
* Drugs which prevent the breakdown of dopamine – eg selegiline. This gives a little relief from symptoms and is also a mild antidepressant. Low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat are the most significant side effects.
* Amantadine – acts like a dopamine replacement drug but works on different sites in the brain. It can cause side-effects such as sedation at high doses.
* COMT (catechol O-methyl transferase) inhibitors – eg tolcapone. This is a new class of drugs that stops the breakdown of dopamine. They are usually given when dopamine replacement drugs start to lose their effectiveness. They can affect liver function, so blood tests are needed for the first few months.

Surgery

This is currently used as a last resort when drugs no longer give benefits. Electrodes guided by X-rays (stereotactic surgery) are used to destroy the tiny areas of the brain responsible for tremor and abnormal movements.

A device called a deep brain stimulator can also be used to give the same effect as stereotactic surgery, without destroying brain tissue.

Radiosurgery is a new technique currently available at only a few specialist centres. It uses high energy radiation to focus on very precise areas of the brain.

A new treatment, where brain cells from human fetuses are transplanted into diseased areas of the brain, is at the experimental stage.
Other therapies

Other therapies that have a crucial role in managing and coping with Parkinson’s disease include physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Staying active will help to maintain muscle tone and function. A doctor or physiotherapist can recommend an appropriate range of exercises and activities.
Living with Parkinson’s disease

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease can be very upsetting. However, most people remain reasonably active, and symptoms may progress no further than slight tremor. However, some people do become debilitated, needing help with washing, eating and dressing. With proper treatment, life expectancy for people with Parkinson’s disease can be normal.
Further information

The Parkinson’s Disease Society
0808 800 0303(freephone)
http://www.parkinsons.org.uk

http://www.parkinson.org/site/pp.asp?c=9dJFJLPwB&b=71117

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson's_disease

http://www.stalevo.com/index.jsp?usertrack.filter_applied=true&NovaId=3350119467698683463

Answer 3

The Parkinson's Reversing Breakthrough?

Answer 4

hello, I would contact the website set up by Mike J. Fox. He is suffering from the same condition. he is the team leader in this crusade that can be cured in our lifetime. since he no longer is an actor, he is devoted to stem cell research and has lobbied at congressional hearings. do a google on parkinsons disease and look for his site. i'll do a search and help you with the new research. If you need help contacting with this site, then get back in touch. best wishes to you and your father, jeff