Apr 27

What is Parkinson’s?

A Yogi’s Journey with Parkinson’s – Volume 2

The facts about Parkinson’s (according to Wikipedia) with SOME PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE IN BOLD RED CAPITALS.

THESE ARE THE COLD HARD FACTS WITHOUT ANY WARM AND FUZZY FILTERS. HOPEFULLY, THIS WILL BE THE LEAST FUN POST TO READ IN A “YOGI’S JOURNEY WITH PARKINSON’S”

Parkinson’s Disease (“PD”) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. The motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease result from the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain; the cause of this cell death is unknown (although genetics and environmental toxins are implicated). Early in the course of the disease, the most obvious symptoms are movement-related; these include shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with walking and gait.

SO FAR, SHAKING IN MY RIGHT HAND IS THE PRIMARY SYMPTOM. HOWEVER, IT IS EASY TO PROJECT SYMPTOMS UPON REGULARLY OCCURRING EVENTS. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “RIGIDITY” AND WAKING UP STIFF BECAUSE I’M OVER 50?

Later, thinking and behavioral problems may arise, with dementia commonly occurring in the advanced stages of the disease, whereas depression is the most common psychiatric symptom. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep and emotional problems. Parkinson’s disease is more common in older people, with most cases occurring after the age of 50.

Treatments are effective at managing the early motor symptoms of the disease, mainly through the use of L-DOPA and dopamine agonists.

MANY PEOPLE QUESTION THE USE OF L-DOPA.

PRELIMINARY RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THE NATURAL FORM OF L-DOPA IN MUCUNA PURIENS PROVIDES EQUIVALENT (OR BETTER) RESULTS COMPARED TO SYNTHETIC LEVODOPA; AND WITHOUT THE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF NAUSEA, VOMITING AND INVOLUNTARY MUSCLE MOVEMENT.

As the disease progresses and dopaminergic neurons continue to be lost, these drugs eventually become ineffective at treating the symptoms and at the same time produce a complication called dyskinesia, marked by involuntary writhing movements. Diet and some forms of rehabilitation have shown some effectiveness at alleviating symptoms.

DIET IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF MY “PLAN” WHICH I WILL ELABORATE ON IN FUTURE POSTS (& AS IT EVOLVES).

Surgery and deep brain stimulation have been used to reduce motor symptoms as a last resort in severe cases where drugs are ineffective. Research directions include investigations into new animal models of the disease and of the potential usefulness of gene therapy, stem cell transplants and neuroprotective agents. Medications to treat non-movement-related symptoms of PD, such as sleep disturbances and emotional problems, also exist.

NO ONE SAID THIS WAS GOING TO BE EASY, BUT THERE ARE SUCCESSFUL ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS OUT THERE PRESENTLY.

“Never become so much of an expert that you stop gaining expertise. View life as a continuous learning experience.” – Denis Waitley

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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on this site are my opinions. My words should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical expertise. This blog is designed to chronicle my journey, share what I learn in the process, and connect with others on a similar path.