subject: Symptoms, Causes and Home Remedies for Parkinsons Disease [print this page] Symptoms, Causes and Home Remedies for Parkinsons Disease
The immediate cause of Parkinson's disease is degeneration of brain cells in the area known as the substantia nigra, one of the movement control centers of the brain. Damage to this area leads to the cluster of symptoms known as "parkinsonism." In Parkinson's disease, degenerating brain cells contain Lewy bodies, which help identify the disease.
The cell death leading to parkinsonism may be caused by a number of conditions, including infection, trauma, and poisoning. Some drugs given for psychosis, such as haloperidol (Haldol) or chlorpromazine (thorazine), may cause parkinsonism. When no cause for nigral cell degeneration can be found, the disorder is called idiopathic parkinsonism, or Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism may be seen in other degenerative conditions, known as the "parkinsonism plus" syndromes, such as progressive supranuclear palsy. The substantia nigra, or "black substance," is one of the principal movement control centers in the brain.
By releasing the neurotransmitter known as dopamine, it helps to refine movement patterns throughout the body. The dopamine released by nerve cells of the substantia nigra stimulates another brain region, the corpus striatum. Without enough dopamine, the corpus striatum cannot control its targets, and so on down the line. Ultimately, the movement patterns of walking, writing, reaching for objects, and other basic programs cannot operate properly, and the symptoms of parkinsonism are the result.
It is possible that early exposure to some as-yet-unidentified environmental toxin or virus leads to undetected nigral cell death, and that Parkinson's disease then becomes manifest as normal age-related decline brings the number of functioning nigral cells below the threshold needed for normal movement. It is also possible that, for genetic reasons, some people are simply born with fewer cells in their substantia nigra than others, and they develop Parkinson's disease again as a consequence of normal decline.
As of 1998, however, no gene or toxin had been identified to explain the large number of cases of Parkinson's disease seen each year. Environmental toxins, infections, and other triggers can provoke excessive production in the body of oxygen free-radicals, damaging particles that may play a major role in the deterioration of nerve cells that lead to Parkinson's. A viral presence in the Lewy bodies and swollen nerve pathways of Parkinson's brains. Influenza and other potent viruses have long been known to be a cause of parkinsonism.
Symptoms of Parkinson's
Bradykinesia is slowness in voluntary movement. It produces difficulty initiating movement, as well as difficulty completing movement once it is in progress. The delayed transmission of signals from the brain to the skeletal muscles, due to diminished dopamine, produces bradykinesia. Bradykinesia and rigidity that affects the facial muscles can result in an expressionless, "mask-like" appearance.
Tremors in the hands, fingers, forearm, or foot tend to occur when the limb is at rest, but not when the patient is performing tasks. Tremor may occur in the mouth and chin as well.
Rigidity, or stiff muscles, may produce muscle pain and facial masking. Rigidity tends to increase during movement.
Poor balance is due to the impairment or loss of the reflexes that adjust posture in order to maintain balance. Falls are common in people with Parkinson's disease.
Parkinsonian gait is the distinctive unsteady walk associated with Parkinson's disease. There is a tendency to lean unnaturally backward or forward, and to develop a stooped, head-down, shoulders-drooped stance. Arm swing is diminished or absent and people with Parkinson's tend to take small shuffling steps (called festination). Patient's with Parkinson's may have trouble starting to walk, may appear to be falling forward as they walk, may freeze in mid-stride, and may have difficulty making a turn.
Causes of Parkinson Disease:
In most individuals, Parkinson's disease is idiopathic, which means that it arises sporadically with no known cause. However, about 15% of individuals have family members with Parkinson's disease. By studying families with hereditary Parkinson's disease, scientists have identified several genes that are associated with the disorder. Studying these genes helps understand the cause of Parkinson's disease and may lead to new therapies. So far, five genes have been identified that are definitively associated with Parkinson's disease.
SNCA (synuclein, alpha non A4 component of amyloid precursor): SNCA makes the protein alpha-synuclein. In brain cells of individuals with Parkinson's disease, this protein aggregates in clumps called Lewy bodies. Mutations in the SNCA gene are found in early-onset Parkinson's disease.
PARK2 (Parkinson's disease autosomal recessive, juvenile 2): The PARK2 gene makes the protein parkin. Mutations of the PARK2 gene are mostly found in individuals with juvenile Parkinson's disease. Parkin normally helps cells break down and recycle proteins.
PARK7 (Parkinson's disease autosomal recessive, early onset 7): PARK7 mutations are found in early-onset Parkinson's disease. The PARK7 gene makes the DJ-1 protein, which may protect cells from oxidative stress.
PINK1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1): Mutations of this gene are found in early-onset Parkinson's disease. The exact function of the protein made by PINK1 is not known, but it may protect structures within the cell called mitochondria from stress.
LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2): LRRK2 makes the protein dardarin. Mutations in the LRRK2 gene have been linked to late-onset Parkinson's disease.
Find powerful herbal remedies Natural Cure for Parkinsons Disease
These Natural Remedies are Effective:
Multi-Vitamins
Some prescription medications may contribute to certain nutritional deficiencies so taking a potent multivitamin everyday may help counteract these nutritional deficiencies. It is recommended that those with the disease take a multivitamin that comes in a gel-cap form so that it is more easily digested. This natural remedy for Parkinson's disease can help to alleviate certain symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, weakness and decreased energy. Those with Parkinson's disease often have difficulty utilizing nutrients effectively. Because of this they may benefit from taking a supplement with digestive enzymes in addition to a quality multi-vitamin with every meal to counteract poor nutrient utilization.
Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria
Acidophilus and bifidobacteria are essential for a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Many patients with Parkinson's disease experience constipation and these probiotics can help to prevent it. Those who have a milk allergy can opt to take the dairy-free version. Those who opt for this natural remedy should follow the recommended dosage indicated on the product label.
Calcium and Magnesium
Since the disease affects the central nervous system it is important that patients get enough calcium and magnesium because these minerals are essential in maintaining central nervous system health. Those with Parkinson's disease may benefit from taking 500 milligrams of calcium two times per day and 250 milligrams of magnesium (along with trace minerals) two times per day. As a natural remedy for Parkinson's disease, adequate calcium and magnesium can also help to alleviate muscle aches and muscle weakness.
Essential Fatty Acids
The sufferers of this disease are often deficient in essential fatty acids. Supplements such as flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil are high in essential fatty acids so patients find taking these supplements to be beneficial. It is recommended to take 500-1,000 milligrams of either or both of these two times per day.
Phosphatidylserine
It is believed that low levels of phosphatidylserine may be linked to Parkinson's disease. Phosphatidylserine is a type of lipid that promotes healthy brain functions as well as promoting the effective transmission of nerve impulses. Taking this supplement will not cure Parkinson's disease, but it may be beneficial in slowing the progression of the disease. It is recommended to take 50 milligrams three times per day.
Selenium
Since the disease is thought to inhibit the production of healthy nerve cells it is important for patients to limit damage to current nerve cells. The supplement selenium is thought to be effective in limiting the damage to nerve cells by oxygenating tissues and improving circulation. Those with Parkinson's disease may benefit from taking 200 micrograms everyday.
Complex Glycoproteins
Those with the disease may benefit from the complex glycoproteins that are derived from a snakes venom. A study showed that those who were injected with 100mg of neotrophin 1 experienced dramatic improvements in their symptoms after approximately eight weeks of treatment. Patients who wish to use this natural remedy for Parkinsons' disease need to make sure that they find a qualified practitioner or else they may end up facing further health complications.
