Natural Options to Reverse Parkinsons Symptoms

Category: Parkinsons Disease Information (Page 9 of 15)

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.

Stem Cell Rejuvenation

 

 

Phototherapy  has been around for over a century. It uses light to facilitate healing the body from the inside out. Ancient Greeks studied the healing effects of different light frequencies.

How do the X39 Patches Work?

Your body emits heat in the infrared spectrum. The X39 patches are designed to trap this infrared light energy when placed on the body. It secrets a peptide called GHK which studies report reactivate dormant stem cells (see below). No drugs or chemicals enter the body.

Below  is a Youtube presentation by the inventor of the X39 Lifewave patches David Schmidt:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W66vQ9IcZs0

How to Order the Lifewave Patches

Order any of the patches from the website or directly from me. The website address:

https://lifewave.com/parkinsonsrecovery/

Research

The study abstracts listed  below do not specifically evaluate the impact of the X39 Stem Cell Patches on any specific chronic condition. They do offer support on the impact of the GHK peptide secreted by the patches on the rejuvenation of stem cells throughout the body. Stem cells facilitate healing of all chronic conditions.

Brain Sci. 2017 Feb 15;7(2):20. The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline.Loren Pickart, Jessica Michelle Vasquez-Soltero, Anna Margolina

Abstract

Neurodegeneration, the progressive death of neurons, loss of brain function, and cognitive decline is an increasing problem for senior populations. Its causes are poorly understood and therapies are largely ineffective. Neurons, with high energy and oxygen requirements, are especially vulnerable to detrimental factors, including age-related dysregulation of biochemical pathways caused by altered expression of multiple genes. GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) is a human copper-binding peptide with biological actions that appear to counter aging-associated diseases and conditions.

GHK, which declines with age, has health promoting effects on many tissues such as chondrocytes, liver cells and human fibroblasts, improves wound healing and tissue regeneration (skin, hair follicles, stomach and intestinal linings, boney tissue), increases collagen, decorin, angiogenesis, and nerve outgrowth, possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and anti-anxiety effects, increases cellular stemness and the secretion of trophic factors by mesenchymal stem cells.

Studies using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map show that GHK peptide modulates expression of multiple genes, resetting pathological gene expression patterns back to health. GHK has been recommended as a treatment for metastatic cancer, Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, inflammation, acute lung injury, activating stem cells, pain, and anxiety. Here, we present GHK’s effects on gene expression relevant to the nervous system health and function.

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:151479. GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health. Loren Pickart, Jessica Michelle Vasquez-Soltero, Anna Margolina 

Abstract

During human aging there is an increase in the activity of inflammatory, cancer promoting, and tissue destructive genes plus a decrease in the activity of regenerative and reparative genes. The human blood tripeptide GHK possesses many positive effects but declines with age. It improves wound healing and tissue regeneration (skin, hair follicles, stomach and intestinal linings, and boney tissue), increases collagen and glycosaminoglycans, stimulates synthesis of decorin, increases angiogenesis, and nerve outgrowth, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and increases cellular stemness and the secretion of trophic factors by mesenchymal stem cells.

Recently, GHK has been found to reset genes of diseased cells from patients with cancer or COPD to a more healthy state. Cancer cells reset their programmed cell death system while COPD patients’ cells shut down tissue destructive genes and stimulate repair and remodeling activities. In this paper, we discuss GHK’s effect on genes that suppress fibrinogen synthesis, the insulin/insulin-like system, and cancer growth plus activation of genes that increase the ubiquitin-proteasome system, DNA repair, antioxidant systems, and healing by the TGF beta superfamily. A variety of methods and dosages to effectively use GHK to reset genes to a healthier state are also discussed.

Robert
360-789-1658
robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Sleep Homeopathic Remedy

The homeopathic remedy Rescue Sleep by Bach Flower Essences has the potential to offer deep sleep throughout the night. I have anecdotal evidence it has been helping people.

The active ingredients are included because they address issues that make it impossible to drop down into a good nights sleep. Here is the listing of ingredients and what they are designed to address.

White Chestnut offers relief from repetitive  thoughts
Star of Bethlehem softens the impact of shock
Cherry Plum supports a balanced mind when losing control
Impatiens institutes patience when you are having problems with other people
Clematis enhances focus
Rock Rose boosts courage and presence of mind

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Rock Solid Walking
Fundamentals of Health

 

 

Update from Christian Hageseth

Robert and I have recorded interviews three times in the past:

  1. September 2016: Five years no medications. Parkinson’s improving. How I had gone for 5 years without meds and was doing well using exercise and yoga
  2. January 2017: Wholistic (or holistic) how different PWPs approach their treatment.
  3. October 2018: Shifting the Parkinson’s disease mindset.
  • This is my fourth appearance on the show today, and I still hold to my beliefs.  
  1. EXERCISE. EXERCISE, EXERCISE. I cannot exercise as hard as I did before. Gradually I had to walk more and jog less. Could only 3 – 4 miles.
  2. More convinced than ever that MINDSET/ATTITUDE is the key, PARKINSON’S IS A CHALLENGE, NOT A CURSE.  When I was formally diagnosed, I was 70 years old. Life expectancy for me was 84.1. Well, now I’m 82.4. In a year and a half, I will have reached my life expectancy.
  3. YOGA remains critical.
  4. WAIT UNTIL you really must take Levodopa. Levodopa induced dyskinesia (LID) is a real deal and can be disabling. Google it on YouTube. 
  • Let’s look at my life since we last met, year by year.

That year I also went to Uganda to demonstrate the practices I used to manage so long without meds. (Robert, this is quite a tale, plus I have pictures.)

  • 2019 – After directing the local Parkinson’s support group, I resigned so new blood could take over.

BUT: New symptoms emerged that I didn’t know about:

  1. Anomia: a language specific disturbance arising after brain damage whose main symptom is the inability of retrieving known words. But it’s not dementia!
  2. Pseudo Bulbar Affect Crying or laughing excessively upon feeling any deep feeling.
  3. Dysphagia: difficulty or discomfort in swallowing as a symptom of disease. It starts out with mucus as postnasal drip. Get to an OT!
  4. Oily, flakey skin
  5. Sleep disturbances. Fall into deep sleep in the middle of the day. And then don’t sleep well at night.
  6. Pain in bed at night. Interfered with sleep.
  • 2020 – It was a remarkable and horrific year. PANDEMIC!

No more yoga classes! No gym with weightlifting. Social interaction approached zero. 

  • 2021 – Then, a condition worse than Parkinson’s emerged: Major Depression.

March 2021 – Fell and shattered right knee – 16 days in hospital.

July 2021 – Fell and broke my right hip.

August – Severe depression, I became suicidal.

September – Chose to have a course of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT)

October- It worked, and my PD improved a lot.

The falls were due to the antidepressant I was taking may increase fall for people with Parkinsons.

LESSON: Make sure you MD goes through all meds in case a med might make falling more likely

My story with Depression

Family history is strong.

Parkinson’s did not cause my suicidal depression, genetics and environment did.  Antidepressant medication failed to work and led to my falls!

2022 – I returned to my new normal. And that’s where I am today. I just have more symptoms and feel weaker.

I followed up with PWPs who I have advised in the past.

It became clear to me: I want to coach people with PD. 

I HAVE A LOT TO OFFER!

Teach PWPs how to become a “Bad Ass with PD.” 

No more withdrawal and depression.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Fake Product Recommendations

No doubt about it. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence will revolutionize the production and marketing of products. Some of what happens will be beneficial. Some harmful.

AI makes the development of fake product recommendations easy and profitable. Recommendations can appear to be legitimate, but they are all fakes. AI makes it possible to have a video of a real person who claims to be using a product that has transformed their lives. The person looks to be a real human – but they are actually a product of AI.

Fake testimonials have always been a problem. With AI on the scene they present  impossible obstacles to making informed choices about therapies that will actually prove to be beneficial. I personally cannot tell the difference between an authentic recommendation and a fake one. Can you?

My suggestion to you is to forgot about considering or even searching for product recommendations. If half of them are fake – the information will obviously not be informative or helpful.

If you do not take into consideration product recommendations, what is the alternative? My answer is to ask the one and only resource that will always give you a correct and useful answer. This resource is always available to you 24 hours a day. The information is always free to access. And this resource is Robert Rodgers PhD? Duh! Wrong.

The resource that will always give you the right recommendation is to access the wisdom of your body. Trust your own instincts and inner wisdom. Your body really does know the best choices to make.

You can access the wisdom of your body by using muscle testing which I know many of you already do. If you would like to know how to muscle  questions without involving a second person, email me and I will send you my Muscle Testing PDF booklet where I present four muscle testing methods I personally use all the time.

The answers have always been available to you all the time. You only need to ask.

Email your request to robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Shut Down Anxiety

Naturopath John Coleman ND from Australia offers suggestions for how to shut down anxiety. Specifics on helpful therapies and methods are included in my Shut Down Anxiety online course. For more information visit the Parkinsons Recovery blog post here:
https://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/shut-down-anxiety-2/

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Probiotics

What Are Probiotics?

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:

https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/dr-ohhiras-probiotics

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

 

Dehydration and Prospects for Recovery

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?
  • Can good hydration …
    1. Address the symptoms of diseases?
    2. Improve mental clarity?
    3. Improve digestion?
    4. Soften skin tissue and help us look younger?
    5. Help to control a person’s body weight?

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

 

How to Get the Best Movement Possible

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.

John Coleman’s website: http://www.returntostillness.com.au/

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Rock Solid Walking Online Course

 

Hydration

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:

https://www.aquas.us

Constipation Therapies

John Coleman’s Home Remedy for Constipation

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.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Gut Brain Connection with Parkinson’s

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.

Probiotics website: https://biotiquest.com

Martha Carlin’s My Parkinson’s blog https://www.marthasquest.com

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

 

 

Lithium Deficiency

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.

Hannah

Source of L-Dopa in Fava Beans

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.

With love, Hannah

X – Plus 3: New Photobiomodulation Device from Vielight

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. 

Photobiomodulation Research for Parkinson’s

BMC Neurol. 2021 Jul 2;21(1):256.

Improvements in clinical signs of Parkinson’s disease using photobiomodulation: a prospective proof-of-concept study. Ann Liebert Brian BicknellE-Liisa LaaksoGillian HellerParastoo Jalilitabaei Sharon TilleyJohn MitrofanisHosen 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 CardosoF Gonzalez-LimaSérgio 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.

Is Parkinsons Disease Degenerative?

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.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Solution for Parkinsons Speech Challenges

Is your Parkinsons speech compromised?

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.

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/parkinsons-disease-patients-join-n-j-rehab-facility-choir-to-improve-their-condition

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!

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery 

Overwhelmed by the Dozens of Natural Options that Make Recovery Possible?

The good news is that dozens of natural therapies offer relief from Parkinson’s symptoms. When I launched my search in 2004, I thought there would be a handful. How wrong I was!

The bad news is that the multitude of options have created serious problems for people searching for solutions to their symptoms. It is nearly impossible to wade through the 270 replays of my radio show interviews to find therapies that can help, much less the hundreds of posts on my blog.

Many people begin a search for solutions to their symptoms but are overwhelmed by the massive body of resources I have created.

I have now solved this problem by creating a series of online courses focused on specific symptoms and themes. Instant access to the content is available when you register.

Visit the Parkinsons Recovery page listed below for information about each online course.

https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/courses

robert@parkinsonsrecovery.com
Olympia, Washington
877-526-4646

Natural Sleep Remedy

Here is an awesome suggestion from a member of my audience.

I recently started taking at bedtime,

1capsule of Magnesium Citrate,
1 capsule mucuna
1 capsule Bosweliia extract

I was diagnosed with PD in 2013 and I know what off means, and it is how I usually wake up. But with these capsules, I wake up almost like my old self. It is truly remarkable.

I would be interested to know if there is some way to share this with others.

If you have some enthusiastic members with open minds, this might help a lot of sufferers.

Barry Knerr

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder in 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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