Dr. Ron Blankstein

Avoid Parkinson’s Drug Disaster



Posted: Tuesday, February 09, 2010

by Dr. Ron Blankstein
Chesapeake Nutraceuticals

If you're a regular reader, you know that I prefer natural solutions to medical problems whenever possible. That being said, I also know that there are times when pharmaceutical treatments are useful, even lifesaving.

For most people with Parkinson's disease, prescription drugs hold the best promise for control of their symptoms. When you're faced with a debilitating disease like Parkinson's, the last thing you need is a drug meant to treat your condition that actually brings more heartache into your life.

Recent research reveals that some of the common prescription drugs for Parkinson's create more problems than they solve. Fortunately, this isn't the case for all the possible treatments. When it comes to treating Parkinson's some drugs provide a solution to symptoms, while others can lead to disaster.(1)

Drugs that Hurt Instead of Help

Parkinson's disease affects your brain. Specifically it inhibits the production of dopamine and causes the basal ganglia area of the brain to degenerate. When you have Parkinson's, it affects your coordination. It makes your hands tremble, it weakens your muscles, and it makes it difficult to control your movements.(2)

Drugs that restore dopamine production can help. But depending on how the drugs work, they can cause some alarming side affects. One type of drug that has researchers particularly concerned is dopamine agonists. Pramiexole and ropinirole are two such drugs that doctors commonly prescribe for Parkinson's.(3)

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that one in six patients taking these types of drugs develop destructive behaviors. They often become compulsive gamblers or experience hyper-sexuality. The drugs interfere with judgment and stimulate the area of the brain that responds to pleasure, risk, and reward.(4)

I'm sure you can imagine what these side affects do to families. You may be giving time and effort to support a loved one with Parkinson's disease. You share in their struggle and it hurts you to see them going through the pain of this devastating disease. And then, the promised treatment changes their behavior, turns them into someone they're not, and makes them behave in ways that are hurtful.

Fortunately, there are other options. The gold standard for treating Parkinson's disease is Levodopa. It works differently, and does not trigger destructive behaviors.(5)

Natural Support for Parkinson's Patients

Prescription drugs do play a role in treating the symptoms of Parkinson disease, but that doesn't mean there aren't natural remedies that can help, too.

Because Parkinson's disease weakens your muscles and attacks your coordination, the importance of exercise takes on new meaning. Exercise can help strengthen your muscles. It can also improve your flexibility and balance, which will help you to better control your movements. Exercises that focus on core strength and flexibility will provide the most benefit. Try strength training, yoga, and tai chi for the best results.(6)

Research shows that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), folate, and vitamin B12 are all important supplements if you're dealing with Parkinson's disease.

Researchers have found that damage to the mitochondria within your brain cells contributes to the progression of Parkinson's disease. The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 can help to protect your mitochondria and your cells from damage. In most Parkinson's patients the levels of CoQ10 in the brain are very low. Supplementing with CoQ10 can help restore levels and protect your cells. (7)

Parkinson's patients taking Levodopa also typically have low levels of folate and vitamin B12. Researchers have found a link between low folate levels and depression in Parkinson's patients. Additionally, they've linked low levels of B12 with cognitive impairment. Supplementing with folate and B12 may help to improve overall function, mood, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's.(8)

Parkinson's disease is a difficult condition to live with. The last thing you need are drugs that make your life more difficult instead of helping. If you notice any behavior changes after beginning a dopamine agonist prescription, talk to your doctor about switching to Levodopa or an equivalent drug. It can help you feel like yourself again.

Remember to discuss any changes you have planned for your diet, exercise routine, or supplements with your doctor first. Until next time

  1. "Parkinson's Disease Medication Triggers Destructive Behaviors," Bayho.com. 4/17/2009
  2. "Parkinson's Disease Medication Triggers Destructive Behaviors," Bayho.com. 4/27/2009
  3. "Parkinson's Disease Medication Triggers Destructive Behaviors," Bayho.com. 4/17/2009
  4. "Parkinson's Disease Medication Triggers Destructive Behaviors," Bayho.com. 4/8/2009
  5. "Parkinson's Disease Medication Triggers Destructive Behaviors: Mayo Clinic Case Study Identifies At-Risk Patients," MayoClinic.org. 4/8/2009
  6. "Parkinson's Disease," MedicineNet.com. Viewed 4/27/2009
  7. Hargreaves IP, et al. "The coenzyme Q10 status of the brain regions of Parkinson's disease patients," Neurosci Lett 2008; 447(1): 17-19
  8. Triantafyilou NI, et al. "Folate and vitamin B12 levels in levodopa-treated Parkinson's disease patients: their relationship to clinical manifestations, mood and cognition," Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2008; 14(4): 321-25

Dr. Blankstein has been practicing for over 30 years as a leading Cardiologist.

Trained in traditional medicine and Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, he knows the importance of good medical care. This consideration has allowed him to discover safe and natural ways of healing. His dedication to bringing the latest and best in health solutions to his patients and the public has given him the experience to research and develop proven natural remedies for many illnesses.

© 2009 Chesapeake Nutraceuticals

Reprint of this article, in whole or in part, digital or otherwise, is permitted provided that author by-lines are kept intact and unchanged and include an active link to http://www.chesapeakenutraceuticals.com.

 

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by ralph from USA 1 year 85 days ago.
this article is very helpful for me to get information on nutraceutical

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