Medical records were sent for and a workup was initiated to evaluate her nutritionally and for environmental toxicity and heavy metal body burden.  Good initial results followed with treatment, especially when she was started on a supplement rich in Rhodiola Rosea root extract in high concentration of rosavins.   While the patient stated she felt much better, it was noted that her gait was guarded, she shuffled and was afraid of falling.  Her flat affect did not improve.  A visit to the neurologist confirmed the suspicion of Parkinson’s Disease and her medications were changed immediately.  Later she confessed it was a relief to have a correct diagnosis and seemed to relieve some of the anxiety.  This patient chose to not pursue environmental medicine and returned to conventional medicine. 

Another patient was incorrectly diagnosed as not having Parkinson’s, was not on the proper medications, and had hours and days of not being functional.  We sent him for another opinion.  While he is not textbook, the neurologist agreed that he did indeed have Parkinson’s and was more advanced than if he had been treated aggressively by early intervention.  A change in medications helped initially.  This patient decided based on his personal environmental history, that he wanted to continue nutritional therapy which helped in some ways more than the medications, especially the anxiety.  He also wanted to address detoxification because of his exposure to chemicals.  His neurologist agreed.  In his neurotransmitter profile, dopamine levels appeared normal in a urine sample but which does not necessarily correlate with what is in the brain.  His cortisol levels were extremely elevated day and night.  He benefited from the supplement that contained the rosavins but needed something more for anxiety.  We used Phosphatidylserine to reduce the cortisol levels.

Early diagnosis is very important in the Parkinson’s patient.  By the time the first symptom appears, the dopamine level in the brain has been reduced by 80%.  Dopamine functions in feelings of pleasure, integration of thoughts and feelings, attachment, love and the unselfish concern for the welfare of others.  Symptoms of dopamine deficiency are associated with lack of enjoyment, brain fatigue, confusion and lethargy.  That which was once fun loses its flavor.  Certain nutritional supplements are required for healthy function even with a healthy individual including tyrosine and certain B vitamins which are necessary cofactors.  The amino acid theanine can help by improving mental performance, calm nervous agitation, and lower blood pressure. 

In the future, stem cell transplants may be an option.  Tiantan Puhua, Beijing does transplants that reduce shaking, muscle tension disappeared, strength improved and movement became more fluid (1).  Until then, early diagnosis, environmental evaluation, proper nutrition and additional specific nutritional supplements reflect the approach we suggest with our patients.  Therapy may include detoxifiation with chelation.

(1) www.stemcellschina.com

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We know now that brain cells can replace themselves and regrow their neural communications networks under certain circumstances.  This is true of neuritis and dendrites when given the proper ingredients.  Neuritis and dendrites are the long filament or root like terminal branches that are extensions of the brain cells themselves.

Certain supplements help to rebuild the neural communications network.  Acetyl carnatine arginate was discovered in 1991 and later found  to mimic the effect of nerve growth factor and cause neurite outgrowth.   Acetyl-l-carnatine increases the effect of nerve growth factor on the outgrowth of neurites 100 times greater than when just nerve growth factor is present.  It also was found to be highly synergestic in the production of neurotransmitters GABA, glutamate, somatrostatin and other brain peptides.  

Taking both types of carnatine provides a profound synergistic action.  Carnatine arginate and acetyl-l-carnatine and can result in an outgrowth of 3.5 times more than when using acetyl-l-carnatine alone.  Use of carnatine arginate protects against beta myeloid plaque found in old brains and associated with Alzheimer’s whole acetyl-l-carnatine prevents a number of structural changes in various areas of the brain.   Acetyl-l-carnatine helps within days of supplementation to increase serotonin and dopamine output, thereby, having an effect on emotional behaviors.  It has also been shown to help in improved pain.

Another brain regenerating nutrient is uridine monophosphate which is seen in early development stages but was found in 1960 to be essential in the adult brain. Again, uridine monophosphate increases neurite and dendrite growth.  Phosphatidylcholine is dependent upon uridine as the dietary source of cytidine which is a building block for phospholipids synthesis of phosphatidylcholine.  Phosphatidylcholine is an important precursor for acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter associated with memory. 

Gotu Kola has been traditionally used for nervous disorders such as senility and epilepsy.  Uses include as a brain tonic for memory, and for overstressed people to prevent breakdowns.  It is also known for improving circulation in patients with phlebitis and peripheral neuropathy.  The preferred form is hydro-alcoholic extract.  Again, research has shown neurite branching and outgrowth from the human cells.

Source:  Vitamin Research News-March 2008; refer to article for multiple research sites.

www.cemmed.com

www.healthwatchcentral.biz

See article on this site: Antioxidants – The Powerful Trio – Fighting Diabetes ALC