This article will be of interest to those considering “alternative therapies,” including acupunture, the herb macuna pruriens (that contains levodopa), Co-Q10, the antioxidant vitamin C, creatine, and exercise. The article has some advice about buying herbs and supplements.
The article is from APDA’s (American Parkinson Disease Association) spring 2006 newsletter. One other article was interesting — “Foot Cramps in Parkinson’s Disease.” The cover article, on “Motor Fluctuations,” was written by the medical advisor to the Society for PSP. That article talks about the “on” and “off” periods one gets when taking Sinemet. I knew that hallucinations were a possible side effect of Sinemet but my impression from the article is that it’s a common side effect.
You can find the full newsletter online at:
http://apdaparkinson.org/data/NewsLette … %20pdf.pdf
Alternative Therapies & Parkinson’s Disease
What does “alternative medicine” really mean?
“Alternative” is a term that implies a non-Western medicinal approach. It often refers to Eastern (traditional Chinese, Japanese, Indian “Ayurvedic”) methods of evaluation and treating physical conditions. Many therapies can fall within
this category, but the more common ones include acupuncture, herbal therapies, homeopathy, manual therapies (massage, Reiki) spiritual healing, naturopathy, mind-body exercises (yoga, tai chi) and vitamin/enzyme supplements.
The term “integrative,” “holistic” or “complementary” are preferred instead of “alternative” because these imply an addition or combination of these therapies with established Western medicine approaches (dopaminergic drugs, brain surgery, rehabilitative therapies) into a comprehensive program for the individual person with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
What herbs are safe to take and are proven to help people with Parkinson’s disease?
The herbs macuna pruriens, a plant that contains levodopa, can reduce some of the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Other herbs and many other “over-the-counter” supplements such as vitamins, enzymes and amino acids are
loosely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. This means that the quality, purity and content of any of these supplements are dependent upon the manufacturing company. Almost none of these have been properly studied
for the treatment of PD. As a consumer, you should contact the manufacturer directly with questions about the purity and safety of the product as well as consult a licensed specialist (i.e. herbalist, nutritionist) for advice before taking any
supplements. Some herbs and supplements can interact with prescribed medicationsor cause unwanted side effects.
Should people with Parkinson’s disease take Co-Q10?
Co-Q10 is not a proven treatment for Parkinson’s disease at the present time. Co-Q10 is a vitamin-like substance found within the energy source of every living cell (the mitochondria). It has been shown to occur at lower levels in persons with PD. A recent double-blind study showed persons with PD who took Co-Q10 300 mg 4 times a day (1200 mg total daily
dose) scored 44 per cent better on motor scales than the persons who took the placebo pills over 16 months. This was a
small study and whether Co-Q10 truly helps reduce motor symptoms or might delay the progression of PD is unknown.
Future studies are needed to help to better understand this. It was found to be harmless to the patients who took it in
the study.
What vitamins should people take if they have Parkinson’s?
There are no proven vitamins that specifically help reduce the motor symptoms of PD. One theory of the cause of Parkinson’s proposes an excess of electrically charged particles called free radicals. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C (500-2000mg/day) help to reduce these free radicals, and therefore this is a vitamin tobe considered for taking.
Does exercise really make a difference?
Exercise of any kind that does not increase one’s risk of falling is always recommended to increase endurance, improve
delivery of oxygen to the brain, heart and muscles, increase muscle strength and mass, and improve coordination,
balance and flexibility. Exercises such as yoga and tai chi focus on the mind-body connection and improve balances
and mobility for persons with Parkinson’s disease.
Can creatine help increase strength?
Yes, creatine is an over-the-counter powder like substance that many athletes take because it helps supply phosphorus
to muscle cells so they can make more ATP, the main energy source for all cells. Recommended doses are 1 teaspoon per
day mixed with a liquid. People who take creatine feel stronger and often notice an increase in muscle bulk. There are also some medical studies reporting improved thinking and memory in persons who took creatine daily. It is not too expensive, costing only about $5-10 for a month’s supply. Check with your treating physician before taking it to be sure
it is safe, especially if you have kidney problems.
What holistic therapies could be tried and where could a knowledgeable doctor be found?
It is important to try therapies that fit your personality, schedule and budget and are readily available. You will need to spend some time and effort to educate yourself about a particular therapy before deciding whether it may help you. You
will need to find a licensed specialist for the particular therapy you are considering. Some doctors who are more oriented
toward holistic therapies include doctors of oriental medicine (D.O.M.), doctors of osteopathy (D.O.), naturopaths, homeopaths, licensed acupuncturists and herbalists.