I discuss below six myths about Parkinsons. What we so often believe is true turns out to be false.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Myth #1: Parkinson’s disease is degenerative.

Truth:

The neurological symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease are a signal  the body is sending that something is out of balance. Once the cause of the imbalance is identified and treated symptoms can resolve.

Myth #2: Symptoms of Parkinsons are always caused by a dopamine deficiency.

Truth:

While some people experience relief from symptoms when they take dopamine supplements, others do not. Some people who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons have an overabundance of dopamine in their body.  Their bodies are simply unable to synthesize it.

Myth #3: Scientists do not know what causes the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s .

Truth:

Study after study has shown toxins play a key role in disrupting the neurological system. Research also demonstrates a compelling correlation of symptoms with trauma and stress.

Myth #4: Once a person has been diagnosed with Parkinsons, they might as well purchase a wheel chair and hire a care taker.

Truth:

A surprising number of individuals with Parkinsons continue to lead vibrant lives. Some regularly run marathons. Others compete in bike races. Still others compete in a variety of activities: tennis, ping pong, kick boxing, martial arts, landscaping, tai chi, chi gong, sailing  … you name it. Some people are more physically active after their diagnosis than before!

Myth #5: Once diagnosed with Parkinsons, people will have to quit doing what they love to do the most.

Truth:

Many people who have been diagnosed with Parkinsons say the best years of their life came after their diagnosis. Why? They had a good excuse to quit their jobs that were draining their creative energy and begin doing what gives them genuine pleasure and joy.

Myth #6: Of the six myths about Parkinsons, This one influences whether people get better or worse. The myth is that Parkinsons disease is progressive, meaning you are destined to get worse over time.

Truth:

Symptoms are progressive. They either get better or they get worse. The direction of progression depends on how the person responds to the diagnosis. People who expect someone else needs to fix them experience symptoms that get progressively worse. People who take positive action to bring their bodies back into balance  get progressively better. It is a choice.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease