> brain disorder which worsens over time. > uncontrollable movements: shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. > caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain, which leads to a reduction in dopamine. > dopamine helps regulate movement=> its reduction causes many PD symptoms. > probably due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
TREATMENTS 1/ Physiotherapy relieves muscle stiffness and joint pain through manipulation and exercise. 2/ Occupational therapy works out practical solutions & ensures home is properly set up. 3/ Speech & language therapy: improves swallowing & speech; provides assistive technology. 4/ Dieticians may advise: increasing fibre, fluids and salt and eating small, frequent meals. 5/ Medication can be used to improve tremors and mobility. The 3 main types are [i] levodopa, [ii] dopamine agonists, and [iii] monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors Naturopathic Nutritionist's advice may include: 1/ probiotic foods 2/ turmeric 3/ Vit B Complex supplement 4/ Mucuna pruriens (Caution re possible additive effects with dopaminergic medication). Irish Music Dr Volpe, (Italian doctor) saw a man with suspected PD enter a pub in Ireland. 20 minutes later, the man was Irish dancing. Below is a video of Dr Volpe’s patients performing their Parkinson’s disease-battling jigs:
(Adapted from www.nhs.uk; www.irishpost.com; www.naturopathy-uk.com.)
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