Category: Parkinsons Disease Information(Page 5 of 13)
Access 20 years of research focused on identifying natural approaches, therapies and treatments that offer the opportunity to celebrate relief from the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are naturally found in the digestive system of health people. The assist in the production of vitamins, facilitate complete digestion and assimilation of foods we eat, balance hormones, detoxify harmful substances and generally maintain a healthy intestinal track.
Not All Probiotics are the Same
Renowned microbiologist Lichiroh Ohhira PhD and his colleagues combined the wisdom of ancient fermentation with the tools of modern science to formulate a powerful formula that achieves much more than a mere probiotic. Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics have organic acids produced during fermentation that support the beneficial strains of bacteria necessary for good digestion.
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics (the Professional Formula) is fermented for a full five years. This highly concentrated product rapidly enhances pH in the stomach and digestive tract which helps the body strengthen its first line of immune defense. Greater levels of organic acids (such as lactic acid) result in an internal environment that is hospitable to all beneficial bacteria, including strains that are unique to the individual. Sustaining good bacteria in the gut is essential to digestive health.
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics Professional formula:
Requires no refrigeration.
Has a 3 year life span.
Are 100% vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free.
Guaranteed to be free of Soil-Based Organisms.
Orders are available at the Parkinsons Recovery website page listed below:
Since everyone depends on water for our very survival, it makes perfect sense that dehydration will inevitably result in problematic symptoms of one type or another. Persons searching for ways to reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease will discover many options exist. Without adequate hydration however, most of these options will have little chance of success.
Jaroslav Boublik PhD answers a wide variety of questions in my interview with him about the effects of dehydration on your health and what you can do about it. Dr. Boublik’s area of research centers around the effects of dehydration and is a co-developer of the Aquas. https://www.aquas.us.The Aquas are a homeopathic remedy developed by Dr. Boublik and Leonie Hibbert from Australia to facilitate good hydration throughout the body.
Here is a listing of the questions he answers:
Isn’t it possible to get better hydrated by simply drinking more water?
Why does the body become more dehydrated as we age?
Why is hydration so essential to a detox program?
How does taking the following foods help or hinder hydration: salt, energy drinks, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
How can a person know whether they are dehydrated?
What are the issues with the sources of drinking water?
What are the issues with structured water products?
Naturopath John Coleman ND provides an answer to a question from a member of my audience who asks how she can get the best movement possible when taking the least amount of medications.
Hydration becomes more and more of a challenge with aging. The trigger mechanism for thirst weakens. We are hydrated, but are never thirsty so we do not drink enough water. Or, we drink only coffee or tea.
Many people awaken from deep sleep at night because they have to pee. Why does this happen? Bladder cells are – you probably already guessed the answer – dehydrated.
Some drink water continuously throughout the day. They presume they certainly cannot be dehydrated. This seemingly logical conclusion is usually wrong.
This condition is described in the literature as short path hydration. The water you drink goes straight to your kidneys. Water is not distributed to the billions of cells in the body with short path hydration. Your body eventually becomes very dehydrated.
Relationship between hydration and Parkinson’s symptoms
Neural pathways are very juicy, noisy networks. Water is needed for the neural firings to exist. If communications through a neural network are stonewalled because the path is dead dry, neurological symptoms result. The relationship between dehydration and tremors as well as walking challenges is strong. If you are dehydrated symptoms can not resolve.
Set the intention to become well hydrated day in and day out.
Aquas
A homeopathic remedy recommended by Naturopath doctor John Coleman in this clip of my interview with him and used by many persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s are the Aquas. This homeopathic remedy resets the body’s ability to regulate hydration. When taken, we realize we need to drink water because we are thirsty. The body’s intricate system for distributing water to the billions of cells throughout the body is also reset.
Visit the website below for more information and to order:
John Coleman ND recommends constipation therapies including a homemade cocktail for people suffering from constipation. He suggests you take this cocktail in the morning and evening 1/2 hour before meals. You prepare his special cocktail yourself.
Coleman’s Constipation Recipe:
12 ounces pure water
1/2 – 1 teaspoon Vitamin C powder
1/2 teaspoon magnesium
1 ml (eyedropper) zinc liquid Aqua drops
1 drop selenium
Once you get your digestive system back on line, nutrients from the healthy food you eat will be distributed to the cells that desperately need to be nourished.
Martha Carlin brings us up to date on the latest Parkinson’s Microbiome findings and research and help connect the dots to our environment and increasingly processed and toxic food systems with idea on how to build a healthy microbiome to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
She discusses environmental toxins, diet/nutrition, stress management and exercise as ways to impact the course of your disease and how to build your own health timeline to understand what may be impacting the course of your illness and how to change the trajectory.
Has your doctor recommended that you take Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 for Parkinson’s) along with your regular medications? Many doctors do. CoQ10 has been found deficient in persons diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. Some health care professionals I have interviewed report some medications can deplete CoQ10 in the body.
CoQ10 is no doubt a key anti-aging nutrient. It prevents free radical damage to the DNA in the mitochondria. It is also usually recommended for persons with heart issues. A 10 year longitudinal study published in the European Journal of Heart Failure reported that taking CoQ10 improved the survival for patients who confront the constant threat of heart failure.
So it is important to start taking a CoQ10 supplement. But which which brand? There are so many choices on the market today.
I have hesitated to offer a recommendation for Coq10 until I discovered recently the research behind a Co-Q10 product produced by Pharma Nord of Denmark. First, let me explain why so many of the CoQ10 choices eat up your pocket book but offer no benefit whatsoever.
Most Coenzyme Q10 products sold today have negligible absorption rates. We are talking 1% at best. Why is this so? The melting point of CoQ10 is 10 degrees above body temperature. Most of the supplements you buy even those with oil, have crystallized.
Pharma Nord https://www.pharmanord.comhas developed the most studied brand of CoQ10 globally. The proprietary heat treatment process greatly facilitates absorption. More than 75 studies have now been published that document its superior absorption when compared to other brands.
Discount
The price is also reasonable. You can order the Pharma Nord Co-Q10 directly on their website. Their professional staff generously set up a 20% discount for members of my audience. You can claim this discount only if you ship to a USA destination. Enter the coupon code PRQ10WEB to claim a 20% discount (not case sensitive). The 20% discount will soon be available to those of you will live in countries other than the US.
Check out the research for yourself. It is extensive and impressive.
Posted below is a follow-up email I received from Hannah that I have permission to post. This may be an option you might consider discussing with your doctor.
Lithium deficiency. Who would have thought? After my husband read the book, The Promise of Lithium, he insisted that I read it. He never reads a book this fast.
I read it and was blown away! We immediately went to get my lithium levels tested. They were so low they were considered undetectable. I have begun taking lithium, and already seeing positive changes. I think it could change so many peoples lives!
Seriously, halting the progression?! This is so hopeful and helpful. Perhaps you will fee feel the same way after you read it and get the word out there.
I have permission to post the following email I received from Hannah:
Hello Robert and Aunt Bean,
I recently have been diagnosed with YOPD though I have been suffering for the past seven years from symptoms. Today is my birthday and I am 42 years old. Even though I go to see a functional medicine neurologist, they quickly directed me the pharmaceutical route.
Five months into it, and I am researching as much as I can for alternatives, and I do believe in healing! We love to garden.
I live in Arkansas, and my family has a large community garden that we work together. We are growing Fava beans this year, under the wonderful directions we have found on your Fava Beans Blog. I have been fermenting papaya, and purchased sprout-able fava beans to begin the process. I am 100% excited!
Some thing that recently peaked my interest after I began experimenting by taking Mucuna is that it does not have Carbidopa in it only l-dopa. To me this makes a big difference in its ability to get where it needs to go in the small intestine. I was excited to learn that unlike Mucuna, Fava has Carbidopa! Game changer. I’m excited to try it!!!
I love reading your updates Aunt Bean and the most recent I can find is end of last year. Praying you are doing well.
Robert thank you sooo much for the wealth of information you freely give. May you both be blessed.
Is a problematic symptom for you involve mobility challenges? Has rock solid walking become difficult? The new Vielight X – Plus 3 device may offer the support you need to transform wobbly walking to rock solid.
The Vielight X-Plus 3 device has four components: A head module, a body module and the nasal applicator. The information below was obtained from the Vielight.com website.
Head Module
The Head Module stimulates the cerebellum. Although the cerebellum accounts for approximately 10% of the brain’s volume, it has approximately 50% of all neurons in the brain.
The cerebellum is involved in the following functions:
Maintenance of balance and posture. The cerebellum is responsible for making postural adjustments to maintain balance. It modulates commands to motor neurons to compensate for shifts in body position or changes in load upon muscles.
Coordination of voluntary movements. Most movements are composed of different muscle groups acting together in a temporally coordinated fashion. One major function of the cerebellum is to coordinate the timing and force of these different muscle groups to produce fluid limb or body movements.
Motor learning. The cerebellum is important for motor learning. The cerebellum plays a major role in adapting and fine-tuning motor programs to make accurate movements through a trial-and-error process.
Body Module
Featured in a Vielight COVID-19 study, the body module can be used to stimulate the thymus gland to aid immune function and response. It can also be positioned over joints and certain body parts, such as the shoulder or knees, to provide anti-inflammatory relief.
Intranasal Applicator
The Intranasal Applicator is designed to improve oxygenation which leads to increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in various tissues.
Light energy absorbed by blood through the intranasal applicator leads to an increase in nitric oxide release.
Nitric oxide is one of the most important factors affecting microcirculation. This leads to increases in vasodilation which contributes to improved oxygen delivery to tissues.
Summary
I have no hesitation in recommending the X-Plus 3 Vielight device to be considered to address mobility challenges in particular. The company is so confident in their devices that they encourage users to use their devices for up to 6 months. If you do not receive the benefit you need, return the used device Vielight for a 80% refund.
The company also offers a 10% discount to members of the Parkinsons Recovery community. Coupon code is healing4me if you order on line. if you call to order, just claim your 10% discount by indicating you were referred by Parkinsons Recovery.
Light therapy has floated to the top of the list as a promising treatment for Parkinson’s after reviewing results of my 2022 Parkinsons Recovery holiday survey. A surprising number of respondents to the survey reported that low level laser light therapy (or photobiomodulation) helped them celebrate relief from their symptoms.
Light therapy is not new. It has been researched under a variety of terms for over 40 years: low level laser therapy or LLLT, laser biostimulation and most recently photobiomodulation. This noninvasive therapy has been used in clinical practices to treat healing-resistant wounds, ulcers, pain and nervous system injuries. More recently it is a therapy that has attracted the attention of researchers as a therapy for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
The interview clip below is with Dr. Lew Lim, the CEO of Vielight that has developed several photobiomodulation devices.
A July 2018 a University of California San Francisco study conducted by Linda Chao PhD offered compelling support for its application to treat dementia. Eight adults diagnosed with dementia participated in the study. Four subjects received 12 weeks of self-administered photobiomodulation treatments in their homes. Four were assigned to a control group. Treatments were administered using a commercially available device (Vielight Neuro Gamma). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-weeks.
Findings revealed significant improvement in cognition and functional connectivity. Dr. Chao concluded that photobiomodulation therapy is a safe, non-pharmacological therapy that can be used to treat patients in their homes.
Results of this study are indeed impressive. Large samples are typically required for a study to show significance. Despite its small size, this study showed significant results.
Below Dr. Lim why photobiomodulation is an effective treatment for dementia.
Light Therapy Research
Individuals who responded to the 2022 Parkinsons Recovery survey reported that photobiomodulation (or low level laser therapy) was one of the top five therapies found to be most beneficial. This finding is backed up by a series of research research studies that focus on the beneficial effects of photobiomodulation for individuals diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. Visit the link below for a listing of these study abstracts:
Since diffuse light does not easily pass through the skull, Dr. Lim’s had the brilliant idea to pass the light through a device clipped to the nose. Now, in my book of creativity, that is inventiveness at its best!
Click the image below to hear the interview and learn more about Dr. Lim’s new photobiomodulation device called the Vielight Gamma.
It would seem at this early stage that you cannot go wrong to be open to allow light to shine brightly on the surface of your body and of course your retina!
What has been the experience of persons with Parkinsons symptoms who have been using the Vielight Gamma Device?
Thus far, several hundred persons who listened to my interview on the Vielight device purchased the neuro gamma device using the 10% discount coupon code (healing4me) Dr. Lim provided to listeners of my Parkinsons Recovery Radio Show interview. Those who acquired the device were invited to return the device to the company for a 80% refund after using it for six months if it did not offer relief from their symptoms.
The company reports to me that 10% of the Neuro Gamma units have been returned. One estimate of effectiveness is that approximately 90% of users are satisfied it helps address some symptoms. The odds are certainly in your favor that the device will be beneficial. Know also that it does not help everyone.
I have also heard from a member of my audience who is connected with a wide community of persons with Parkinsons symptoms. He reports that virtually all users experienced welcome relief from some symptoms. For some, the most pronounced results were seen in the initial 4 months or so, after which the improvements tended to level off.
Anecdotal Reports about the Vielight Photobiomodulation Neuro Device as a Treatment for Parkinson’s Symptoms
Informal feedback from users who are members of my audience is captured below:
One common report from users is that the therapy does not show quick results. You apparently have to apply the therapy over a period of several weeks to a month or longer to celebrate a positive shift in symptoms.
I have heard several specific reports on tremors that were calmed.
It is unclear at this point to what degree the therapy will address balance issues, but I have heard it seems to offer help with gait issues.
Evidence does suggest that this therapy can potentially help with dementia.
One user reported a definite return of smell, but the jury was out on the effect on tremors and other symptoms.
The wife of one 85 year old man with advanced Parkinson’s symptoms reported that after 6 weeks of using the Vielight Neuro device there were no major improvements but several minor ones of some consequence: Her husband reports being more alert, sleeping better, his cough is less, he has been inspired lately to use his automatic peddler and his hallucinations have dwindled. She reports it has been an answer for a better quality of life for both of them and promises to keep me updated.
Of course, it is difficult for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s to attribute an improvement in symptoms directly to the Vielight photobiomodulation therapy when they are taking advantage of other therapies at the same time. Reports above are a general summary of the informal feedback I have received in emails and phone conversations. One person told me it did not offer them the relief they had expected and returned the unit.
Like virtually all natural therapies I have documented over the past several decades, the Vielight Neuro Gamma device will not help everyone. Odds do appear to be in your favor if you decide to try it out.
Dr. Lim has has also invented a device called the X-Plus which delivers light directly to the mid brain. This device is designed to send light to the midbrain which is the location of issues associated with Parkinson’s symptoms.
For more information, visit the Vielight website. If you decide to try out the Neuro Gamma device, be sure to tell them you are a member of the Parkinsons Recovery audience and they will apply a 10% discount (coupon code healing4me) when you order.https://www.vielight.com
Lilian has created an online HOPE-shortcut programme, based on this knowledge and experience, which currently consists of a stress test, practical course and coaching sessions:
H: get new hope – you can get better, learn a new way of thinking about symptoms;
O: observe your symptoms – so you know if your symptoms are decreasing or not – notice the variation and be aware of which situations that make your symptoms flare up;
P: pacify your symptoms, learn about the 4 main strategies that people around the world use to reduce symptoms;
E: engage yourself – get extra motivation to start the journey to better health and be persistent;
Here is a brief update on Lilian’s work: A woman 70 years old explains how her life is becoming better as she reduces her stressors via HOPE therapy. Her stiffness and tendency to freeze is reduced
My research efforts identify recently invented or formulated products that show promise in helping to reverse symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The CBD Therapy previewed in this post is just that – a new formulation that I think is worth seriously considering. It is called 10xPure Gold Super 1500 CBDa oil.
This formulation is a significant improvement over traditional CBD oils. It has been formulated to have 10 times the penetration and potency of other CBD products. This means you should be able to take fewer drops and spend less to celebrate symptom relief.
Once you purchase from CTFO as I have, you become an “affiliate” of the company. It is a direct sales company – not a MLM.
CTFO conducts laboratory testing on all of their samples to insure that the contents are organic and the concentrations match what is advertised. All laboratory testing is available for inspection. If a CBDa bottle is advertised to contain 450 mg of CBAa , you can be assured it does. When they advertise it is organic, you can rest assured it is.
I have no hesitation recommending this company. They generously extend a 100% money back guarantee if the product does not offer the symptom relief you seek. You only need to return the empty bottle within 60 days and your purchase price will be refunded.
There is no risk in trying this therapy out to see if it offers relief from your symptoms.
Watch the videos about 10X Pure Gold 1500 CBDa on the CTFO website by clicking on the secure link below:
I recommend this option because it offers the greatest concentration of CBD (450 mg) at the best price per mg. This means you will benefit from needing to take less to celebrate symptom relief.
Check out the research on CBD oil and Parkinson’s. You will be impressed with the number of studies reporting positive outcomes for symptoms of Parklnson’s disease alone.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD stands for “cannabinoid oil”. It is extracted from either the Hemp plant or Marijuana. CBD allows for the benefits of medical marijuana without the high that is associated with THC. As such, CBD in itself has no psychedelic properties and is generally considered safe for consumption. It is legal in the United States and many other countries as well.
CBD Side Effects
Studies of cannabidiol (CBD) report it is well-tolerated but may cause tiredness, diarrhea or change appetites.
Have You Already Tried CBD But Were Disappointed with the Outcome?
Know that no therapy – including CBD – will necessarily offer relief from your symptoms. Everyone has a unique body with a unique set of needs.
I have drawn the conclusion, however, that more people experience relief from their symptoms taking CBD than do not. In light of the now extensive research evidence, I have no hesitation in recommending CBD as a viable option.
There are two reasons why you might have not experienced the outcomes expected from taking CBD oil.
A first explanation for why some people do not experience symptom relief is that the concentration of CBD oil they took was insufficient. Research using patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease find that subjects who took a minimum of 300 mg showed improvement. Subjects treated with 75 mg showed no improvement.
A second possible explanation is that the concentration of CBD taken was less than the concentration advertised. Because there are millions of dollars to be made selling CBD which is now legal, many overnight companies have surfaced. Some are legitimate. Others are not. A CBD product can be listed as having a 100 mg concentration of CBD (which is a low concentration) but the actual bottle contains only 25 mg or less. As a promising new health discovery, many fly by night companies have seized the opportunity to make a quick profit by selling a product that contains little of what is advertised.
Which CTFO Products Should You Try?
CTFO continues to formulate new products that all contain their patented form of cannabinoid oil. Among the many options available I recommend that you consider getting the 10X 1500 Pure Full Spectrum CBDa oil drops. Below is the description that I copied from the CTFO website. The highest dosage (450 mg) offers the best value.
“This supercharged Full Spectrum CBD oil is hydrophilic, making it easily absorbed into the body. It provides accelerated, increased absorption and potency and acts as an anti-bacterial and prebiotic. CBD has been known to support healthy blood sugar levels, promote healthy energy levels, relieve anxiety, aid in digestion, support optimal immune function and the regeneration of healthy cells, and promote a sense of serenity and overall well-being.”
There exists a wide variety of factors that can inflame Parkinson’s symptoms. Of course, everyone knows dopamine is often deficient, but what is the cause of this? The most important reason that symptoms flare up is unrelenting anxiety caused by stress.
Members of my global audience consistently say they had to deal with extremely stressful situations before their symptoms became problematic. Reports vary but always involve challenges in their life that result in high anxiety and stress.
Perhaps their business confronted financial or legal problems.
Perhaps a family member died.
Perhaps a child became addicted to alcohol or street drugs.
Perhaps there was a stressful divorce.
Regardless of the specifics, anxiety persists day in and day out, week after week. The stressful circumstances do not let up. Relaxation is not an option. Worry is constant. The neurological system becomes locked on overdrive.
Feelings triggered by the continuous onslaught of stressful circumstances get stuck in the body like super glue. To celebrate a relief of symptoms, any and all trauma that has been trapped in the cellular structure of the body has to be released.
Is your body rigid?
Are you often anxious?
Is stress unrelenting?
The best way to calm and even eliminate symptoms is to address and release traumas from the past including childhood. In doing so the body becomes flexible, calmer and less stressed.
I have developed a free course which offers ways to release the traumas that are trapped in your physical body. Click on the link below to register:
Below are abstracts of photobiomodulation research studies that find promising outcomes for persons diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. For more information about photobiomodulation visit:
Improvements in clinical signs of Parkinson’s disease using photobiomodulation: a prospective proof-of-concept study.Ann Liebert, Brian Bicknell, E-Liisa Laakso, Gillian Heller, Parastoo Jalilitabaei, Sharon Tilley, John Mitrofanis, Hosen Kiat
Abstract
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure and few treatment options. Its incidence is increasing due to aging populations, longer disease duration and potentially as a COVID-19 sequela. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been successfully used in animal models to reduce the signs of PD and to protect dopaminergic neurons.
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of PBM to mitigate clinical signs of PD in a prospective proof-of-concept study, using a combination of transcranial and remote treatment, in order to inform on best practice for a larger randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT).
Methods: Twelve participants with idiopathic PD were recruited. Six were randomly chosen to begin 12 weeks of transcranial, intranasal, neck and abdominal PBM. The remaining 6 were waitlisted for 14 weeks before commencing the same treatment. After the 12-week treatment period, all participants were supplied with PBM devices to continue home treatment. Participants were assessed for mobility, fine motor skills, balance and cognition before treatment began, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 12 weeks of treatment and the end of the home treatment period. A Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to assess treatment effectiveness at a significance level of 5%.
Results: Measures of mobility, cognition, dynamic balance and fine motor skill were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with PBM treatment for 12 weeks and up to one year. Many individual improvements were above the minimal clinically important difference, the threshold judged to be meaningful for participants. Individual improvements varied but many continued for up to one year with sustained home treatment. There was a demonstrable Hawthorne Effect that was below the treatment effect. No side effects of the treatment were observed.
Conclusions: PBM was shown to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for a range of clinical signs and symptoms of PD. Improvements were maintained for as long as treatment continued, for up to one year in a neurodegenerative disease where decline is typically expected. Home treatment of PD by the person themselves or with the help of a carer might be an effective therapy option. The results of this study indicate that a large RCT is warranted.
Medicine (Baltimore)
2021 Jan 29;100(4):e24191 Effects of concomitant use of hydrogen water and photobiomodulation on Parkinson disease: A pilot study. Chien-Tai Hong, Chaur-Jong Hu, Hung-Yu Lin, Dean Wu
Abstract
Background: Parkinson disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease, has no cure or applicable disease-modifying approach, only symptomatic therapy. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play key roles in PD pathophysiology. Animal studies have demonstrated that photobiomodulation (PBM) may enhance mitochondrial function and boost adenosine triphosphate production, thus alleviating PD symptoms; however, this process can cause increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a potent and possibly therapeutic antioxidant that can mitigate the effect of ROS. PBM targeting the brainstem may facilitate neuronal activity, and the concomitant H2 may clear additional ROS produced by PBM. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the safety and effectiveness of PBM + H2 in patients with PD.
Methods: We included 18 patients with PD (age 30-80 years) who were at Hoehn and Yahr stages II-III. All the participants received daily PBM + H2 therapy for 2 weeks. The adverse event and the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores were recorded.
Results: We noted that the UPDRS scores began significantly decreasing from the first week, and this improvement persisted until the end of therapy. Moreover, no adverse event was recorded. After 1 week of therapy cessation, UPDRS scores slightly increased but the improvement remained significant compared with the baseline.
Conclusion: This novel, proof-of-concept study demonstrated that PBM+H2 therapy is safe and reduces disease severity. A larger-scaled clinical trial is warranted to completely investigate the effects of PBM + H2 therapy on PD.
Sleep Med.2018 Apr;44:24-31.
doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2018.01.001.Epub 2018 Jan 31.
The effect of light exposure on insomnia and nocturnal movement in Parkinson’s disease: an open label, retrospective, longitudinal study.Jessica K Martino, Christopher B Freelance, Gregory L Willis
Abstract
Insomnia, hypersomnia and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RSBD) during sleep are major problems for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD) but they are also used to predict its onset. While these secondary symptoms detract from the quality of life in PD patients, few treatment options are available due to limited efficacy or risk of complicating the treatment regimen. Light therapy (LT) has been suggested as a strategy for sleep disorders but it has only been implemented recently for use in PD. An open label, retrospective study was undertaken where PD patients had been undergoing LT, using polychromatic light, for four months to 15 years prior. It was found that 1 h exposure to light, just prior to retiring, significantly improved insomnia and reduced RSBD in as little as one month after commencing LT. In addition, the improvement was maintained as long as LT was continued over a four to six year period. The efficacy of LT in alleviating these sleep related conditions was not compromised by time since diagnosis or age of the patient. These results intimate the value of long term application of non-invasive techniques such as LT for treating sleep disorders in PD and justify further controlled trials on the long term efficacy of LT.
Review of Photobiomodulation Research for Older Subjects
Ageing Res Rev. 2021 Sep;70:101415.
Photobiomodulation for the aging brain. Fabrízio Dos Santos Cardoso, F Gonzalez-Lima, Sérgio Gomes da Silva
Abstract
Longevity is one of the great triumphs of humanity. Worldwide, the elderly is the fastest growing segment of the population. As a consequence, the number of cases of age-related cognitive decline and neurological diseases associated with aging, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, has been increasing. Among the non-pharmacological interventions studied for the treatment or prevention of age-related neurocognitive impairment, photobiomodulation (PBM) has gained prominence for its beneficial effects on brain functions relevant to aging brains. In animal models, the neuroprotective and neuromodulatory capacity of PBM has been observed. Studies using both animals and humans have shown promising metabolic and hemodynamic effects of PBM on the brain, such as improved mitochondrial and vascular functions. Studies in humans have shown that PBM can improve electrophysiological activity and cognitive functions such as attention, learning, memory and mood in older people. In this paper we will review the main brain effects of PBM during aging, discuss its mechanisms of action relevant to the aging brain, and call for more controlled studies in older populations.
Many people hold the belief that Parkinsons disease is degenerative. With this expectation, a person is destined to be worse off year after year. Is Parkinsons disease degenerative? That is clearly what most people diagnosed with Parkinson’s believe.
Every holiday season, Parkinsons Recovery sponsors a survey to determine whether or not persons diagnosed with Parkinsons do in fact continue to deteriorate year after year. The 2022 survey asked respondents to answer the question:
“Since the holiday season one year ago, have you been generally feeling better, the same or worse?”
If it is in fact true that Parkinsons disease is “degenerative,” 100% of individuals responding to the 2022 Parkinsons Recovery survey will report they were worse off. No one would report they were better. No one would report they were the same.
In stark contrast to the expectation that Parkinsons disease is “degenerative”, seventy two percent (72%) of persons who answered this question reported they were either feeling better or the same. Of the 72% of respondents who reported they were either feeling the same or better, thirty-two percent (32%) reported that they were better.
Previous Parkinsons Recovery surveys found 65% of respondents has been feeling either better or the same. When we cumulate results from previous years, we find the following:
Cumulative Results: All Survey Years
HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING:
NUMBER OF ANSWERS
PERCENT
1027
100%
BETTER
247
24%
ABOUT THE SAME
422
41%
WORSE
358
35%
Results for the most recent survey show a modest increase in the number of persons reporting they were doing better when considering results for all years (i.e.: 32% versus 24%).
You might well believe that when a person reports they are the “same” it always means they continued to struggle with the same troublesome symptoms over the previous year and thus did not report feeling better or worse. This is certainly the experience for some respondents.
Other respondents who reported they were “doing the same” over the previous year were actually doing quite well overall (not poorly). When a respondent reports “about the same” it does not mean necessarily that their symptoms are problematic.
We also know that none of us are accurate trackers of our personal health. When ask about our health it is not uncommon for any of us to report we have been about the same over the previous year when in reality our health improved. For this reason our results are conservative estimates.
Summary
While a majority of persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease hold he belief that their condition is degenerative, these survey results clearly indicate this false belief is misguided. Yes – some people do “deteriorate”. Our results estimate approximately one-third of persons we surveyed fall into this category. The vast majority of the individuals who responded to the Parkinsons Recovery annual survey report they were either doing better or the same.
Is it really possible to recovery from a diagnosis of Parkinson’s? Results of the Parkinsons Recovery show the answer is yes.
Members of my audience have been telling me that singing strengthens and supports the ability to talk loudly and clearly. The news link below provides a brief preview of a choir composed of persons currently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
If you are thinking this is not an option you can seriously entertain because you are not now and have never been a singer, think again. Singing offers an opportunity to strengthen speech whether you are a singer or not!
Are people with Parkinson’s having successful journeys down the road to recovery? And if they are, how?
Every holiday season, I ask members of my audience to answer a 5 minute survey. Your input helps us all understand what therapies help to reverse Parkinson’s symptoms.
Please reply email me (robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com) answers to the following two questions:
1. Since the holiday season one year ago, have you been generally feeling better, the same or worse?
2. Please list below any and all therapies, methods or approaches that have offered relief from your symptoms.
By way of thanking you for responding to the Parkinsons Recovery Annual Survey I will post on this blog here a summary report of what you and others report.
Ross Pelton, the Natural Pharmacist, discusses how the prescription drug rapamycin can increase longevity.
The discovery of rapamycin resulted in scientific studies that have enabled scientists to gain a totally new understanding of the aging process and how we might use this new information to improve health and delay the onset of age-related diseases. The topics in this book are collectively one of the most important breakthroughs in the science of life extension that has ever been discovered.
The Rapamcyin Story: An interview with Ross Pelton, author of Rapamycin, mTOR, Autophagy & Treating mTOR Syndrome.