Every six minutes someone will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. April, for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, is a time for us to raise awareness and advocate for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that has been the subject of much research and attention in recent years. It is a progressive disease affecting the central nervous system, particularly the part of the brain that controls movement. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and lifelong condition that affects the quality of life of the patient and their family. The disease develops gradually and affects people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults, affecting one out of every 100 people above the age of 60. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatments of PD to help you understand it better.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary from patient to patient, and they often begin on one side of the body. Some of the most common symptoms are tremors or shaking of the limbs or head, stiffness or rigidity in the muscles, slow movements, and difficulty with balance and coordination. As the disease progresses, the symptoms can become more severe, leading to difficulty in swallowing and speaking. There may also be non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes.
Causes
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain. Research has shown that there is a decrease in the production of dopamine (a chemical that helps in the coordination of muscle movements) leading to the symptoms of PD. There are also other factors that are believed to increase the risk of developing PD, such as exposure to toxins, head injuries, and certain medications.
Treatments
While there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are several treatments available to manage symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. B12 LOVE Founder, CEO and Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Shannon Wood-Gallegos, has a recommended holistic Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Protocol that has benefited our clients struggling with this degenerative disease, including her own father who has recently been diagnosed. This is a suggested protocol to help slow the progression of symptoms and is not an intended cure:
Pro Omega 2000 by Nordic Naturals oral supplementation
CoQ10 injection or oral supplementation
Alpha Lipoic Acid injection, IV Drip, or oral supplementation
Taurine injection, IV Drip, or oral supplementation
NAD+ injection or IV Drip
High Dose Methyl-B12 injection, IV drip, or oral supplementation
Inflamed Athlete IV Drip recommended once a month
Vitamin D via both injection and oral supplementation
All injections, IVs and Supplements listed in this article are available to purchase at B12 LOVE. Book Now
To learn more or see how our recommendations can help you or a loved one, book an appointment for a one-on-one visit with a B12 LOVE Naturopathic Doctor.
