Parkinson's disease

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU SPEECH THERAPY (LSVT)

2011-11-04T02:50:00.001-07:00

In a study by Kleinow. et. al, in 2001, about 75 -100% of patients with Parkinson's disease develop speech and voice problems. Significant respiratory difficulties and bowed vocal chords have been cited as causes of these voice symptoms. Boone and MacFarlane described these speech and voice changes as hypokinetic dysarthria characterized as reduced loudness, breathy voice, monotonous pitch, intermittent rapid rushes of speech and soft production of consonants.

Based on the above observations, the most effective approach to voice therapy has been to exaggerate one component of speech to improve all other components like loudness, voice, quality, pitch, and rate. All these components have been formalized into the LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment).

The LSVT program is the first speech therapy program supported by short and long-term efficacy studies that document increased functional communication. The researches have been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute for Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) in the United States of America.

The three components of the LSVT program are the following:

1. Enhancing the vocal source (adduction)

2. Using phonation as a trigger to increase effort and coordination through stimulating the “loud” global variable (respiratory support)

3. Retraining sensory processing during the speech production (increasing fundamental frequency range)

LSVT also involves a 1 hour therapy sessions/4 times a week/1month so that a patient receives 13-16 hours of individual therapy.

The 5 essential concepts of the LSVT program are as follows:

1. Voice

A. Improving vocal fold adduction

B. Maximum impact on intelligibility

C. Immediate reinforcement

D. “THINK LOUD / THINK SHOUT”

2. High Effort

A. Patient Rationale

Overrides rigidity and hypokinesia by pushing patients to new effort levels

Trains new target by putting the “load on the larynx”

Dealing with a progressive neurological disease

B. Clinician Rationale

Clinician effort equals patient effort

Lack of affect and physical condition of patient

Tendency to be reactive

3.Intensive Treatment

A. Daily opportunity to practice increases the chance of “building daily increments of vocal effort”

B. Maintain motivation and accountability

C. Maximize habituation and carry over

D. Provides an opportunity for clinician to see patient’s daily fluctuations

4.Calibration

A. The patient knows and accepts the amount of effort needed to consistently increase loudness that is within normal limits so he will use louder voice automatically

B. Problem scaling amplitude of motor output related to voice

C. Need to have “knowledge of results”

D. Convince patient that loud/strong voice is within normal limits

E.Habituation and carryover

5.Quantification

A. The key to motivate patient and provide feedback

B. Objective methods to document improvement

C. Precious speech treatment Ineffective/document efficacy

D. Reimbursement/referrals/ethics

The hierarchy of activities or the speech production tasks would progress from words in week 1 to phrases in week 2 to reading aloud in week 3 and finally, conversation in week 4.

The limitations of LSVT are as follows:

A. Treatment dosage may not be possible for those with

(1) physical limitations,

(2) geographic barriers,

(3) or financial reasons

B. Trained and certified clinicians are not available across the country

C. Lack of consistent insurance reimbursement may be an obstacle

Presently, only 3-4% of those with Parkinson disease receive speech treatment

References:

1. Boone, B.R. &McFarlane, S.C. (2000). The Voice and Voice Therapy (6th ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Ally & Bacon.

2.Kleinow, J., Smith, A., Ramig, L.O. (2001). Speech motor stability in IPD: effects of rate and loudness manipulations. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 44, 1041-51.

3. National Parkinson Foundation. (n.d.). Speech and voice problems in individuals with Parkinson disease. Retrieved March 30, 2003 from http://www.parkinson.org/voice.htm

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU YOGA

2011-10-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

Yoga is a 5000 year old practice which involves the physical, mental and spiritual discipline originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is to achieve a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility. It is associated with meditative practices in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Within Hindu philosophy, the word yoga is used to refer to one of the six orthodox (āstika) schools of Hindu philosophy. Yoga in this sense is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and is also known as Rāja Yoga to distinguish it from later schools. Patanjali's system is discussed and elaborated upon in many classical Hindu texts, and has also been influential in Buddhism and Jainism. The Bhagavadgita introduces distinctions such as Jnana Yoga ("yoga based on knowledge") vs. Karma Yoga ("yoga based on action"). Other systems of philosophy introduced in Hinduism during the medieval period are Bhakti Yoga, and Hatha Yoga.

Yoga (Devanagari:योगा) ) is also a term for a range of traditional systems of physical exercise and meditation in Hinduism.

Modified versions of the physical exercises in Hatha Yoga have become popular as a kind of low-impact physical exercise, and are used for therapeutic purposes. "Yoga" in this sense, in common parlance, refers to the physical exercises, i.e. the asanas or postures. Aspects of meditation are sometimes also included.

Both the meditative and the exercise components of yoga show promise for non-specific health benefits. According to an article in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, the system of Hatha Yoga believes that prana, or healing "life energy" is absorbed into the body through the breath, and can treat a wide variety of illnesses and complaints.

Yoga has also been studied as an intervention for many conditions, including back pain, stress, and depression. A survey released in December 2008 by the US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that yoga was the 6th most commonly used alternative therapy in the United States during 2007, with 6.1 percent of the population participating. The physical asana of Hatha Yoga have a tradition that goes back to the 15th century, but they were not widely practiced in India prior to the early 20th century. Hatha Yoga was advocated by a number of late 19th to early 20th century gurus in India, including Sri Krishnamacharya in south India, Swami Sivananda in the north, Sri Yogendra in Bombay, and Swami Kuvalyananda in Lonavala.

In the 1960s, western interest in Hindu spirituality reached its peak, giving rise to a great number of Neo-Hindu schools specifically advocated to a western public. Among the teachers of Hatha yoga who were active in the west in this period were B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois, and Swami Vishnu-devananda, and Swami Satchidananda. A second "yoga boom" followed in the 1980s, as Dean Ornish, a follower of Swami Satchidananda, connected yoga to heart health, legitimizing yoga as a purely physical system of health exercises outside of counter culture or esotericism circles, and unconnected to a religious denomination.

Since then, yoga has been used as supplementary therapy for diverse conditions such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, and AIDS. The scope of medical issues where yoga is used as a complementary therapy continues to grow including Parkinson's disease. This can be demostrated in the recently concluded First Annual Convention of Pinoy Parkinson's Disease (Pinoy PD) in Makati City, Philippines last October 22, 2011.

There are many different styles and disciplines and people practice yoga for a variety of reasons. One of the main goals of yoga is to improve overall well-being through teaching discipline and self-regulation. Recently, research has focused on the healing properties of yoga and how it relates to positive psychology. Researchers wonder what psychological advantages it can afford, in addition to the previously discovered physical benefits. Yoga has proven to offer different and multiple benefits for individuals ranging from consciousness of one's body and its capabilities, satisfaction from challenging oneself physically, and increased energy and mental clarity and concentration. While the topic is still somewhat new and some research is still preliminary, results have shown significant improvements in both physical and mental health among a variety of subjects in various circumstances.

The practice of yoga traditionally includes both meditation and exercise, but in the West the focus is mainly on exercise. The more classical approaches, such as Iyengar Yoga, move at a more deliberate pace, emphasize proper alignment and execution, hold asanas for a longer time. They aim to gradually improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Other approaches, such as Ashtanga or Power Yoga, shift between asanas quickly and energetically. And more recently, contemporary approaches to yoga have developed [(such as Scaravelli inspired, as taught by the likes of Diane Long, Sophie Hoare and Marc Woolford )], inviting students to become their own authority in yoga practice by offering principle based approaches to yoga that can be applied to any form.

Nearly all types of yoga practices include asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and savasanas (relaxation techniques).

Emily Slonina

In a book by Emily Slonina, "Anywhere, Anytime and Any Body Yoga", she discussed the simple yoga principles that one can use and incoporate in everyday ordinary activity like sitting in a chair, working at the office, lying on the bed, traveling, standing and even doing household chores. For someone too busy or with limited agility or flexibilty, the book has been designed as a practical guide that one can utilize without taking too much time, planning and effort. Breathing exercises, anytime neck and shoulder de-stressers, warm-ups, chair yoga poses like sun and moon salutation and relaxation-meditation are presented complete with instructions and illustrations. Even the models Ms. Slonina used in her book are not the typical folks but are differently-abled.

THE FIRST PINOY PD CONVENTION, A SUCCESS!

2011-10-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

The first annual convention of the Pinoy Parkinson's Disease (Pinoy PD) on Healing of Parkinson's Disease thru G-MEN (God, Medicine, Exercise and Nutrition) has been successfully launched last October 22, 2011 at the Multi-purpose Hall, Paseo Parkview Suites, Makati City. It was also the Feast Day of Blessed John Paul II.

Father Joey Paras, SDB, officiated the Thanksgiving Mass with Miss Rowena Bicaldo as Lector while the trio of Eufe and Mary Rose Tantia and Marie Ness Cabahug led the choir. In his homily, Fr. Paras emphasized the virtues of Blessed John Paul II and the latter's love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. He said that the family and the caregivers of those with Parkinson's disease were in a privileged position because they can see the face of Jesus everyday in the face of those suffering from PD.

His Excellency, Most Reverend Patricio A. Buzon, SDB, and Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Health Care conveyed his inspirational message from the Diocese of Kabankalan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. He stated that the healing of Parkinson's disease resides in God and in Man. "God is the source of life. Life is a gift from above. Man is also another source of healing. Life is also a responsibility. We have our own part to play for healing to happen. The human counterpart of healing is thru MEN - Medicine, Exercise and Nutrition. Do your part and God will do His."

Brother Michael Angelo F. Lobrin gave an animated talk on Spiritual Healing of Parkinson's Disease. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts, Major in Classical Philosophy in San Carlos Seminary Guadalupe. He has obtained units in Master of Arts in Theology from the same institution. He was a professor of Theology at the De La Salle University, Manila Doctors College and St. Paul University, Quezon City. He is currently a professor of Philosophy at the Entrepreneur School of Asia in Quezon City and serves as Adviser for Religious Affairs to a number of local and national politicians. Brother Michael is – in more ways than one – a prolific and sought-after inspirational speaker. He is also the best selling author of “Laugh with God Today!”

After his talk, Brother Michael Angelo prayed over those with Parkinson's disease. He also loaned the relic of Blessed John Paul II so the participants of the convention can touch it after reciting the "Prayer for Healing of Parkinson's Disease through the Intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Read more ....www.pinoyparkinsonsdisease.blogspot.com

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE (DAY 9)

2011-10-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

Day 9 (October 22, Saturday) SELF-CONTROL

Only You alone can save me, Lord, so we sing this praise and worship song:

God, the Holy Spirit, may we be models of good deeds in every respect by being temperate, dignified, self-controlled and sound in faith, love and endurance. May we control our temper and hold our tongue when we are at the end of our tethers, especially when we grow impatient and feel pain. May we be like Blessed John Paul II who was a model of self control, dignity and unceasing faith.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OFPARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAULII

When my legs arefrozen in place,

May God the Fatherpush me and remind me

To lift my toes upand swing my arms

That I may walk againand not be afraid.

When I feel likefalling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, Godthe Son, break my fall

And catch me as Imove forward

With my legs bracedand feet wide apart.

When my movement isslow and I hesitate,

May God the HolySpirit enlighten my path,

Broaden my horizonand show me the way

That I will be moreagile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands andfeet are shaking, or my chin trembles,

And my voice weakensas I speak,

May Mother Maryembrace me to calm me and assure me

That everything willbe okay and I can rest in her arms and wait

Until everything isstill and steady and I am in peace

As my voice grows strongand clear.

Forgive me, God theFather, for all my sins

Heal me, God the Son,from my Parkinson’s disease

Bless me, God theHoly Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge

Love me, Mother Mary,so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

We ask all these,through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II,Pray for us.

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE (DAY 8)

2011-10-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Day 8 (October 21, Friday) HUMILITY

" Pride and the power of sin have made it difficult for many people to speak their 'mother tongue'. In order to sing God's praoses aw must re-learn the language of humility and trust, the language of moral integrity and of sincere commitment to all that us truly good in the sight of the Lord."
                                                   Pope John Paull II
                                                  Evening Prayer at St. Louis Cathedral, St. Louis, USA
                                                   January 27, 1999

I bow before You, Lord. In all humility, I offer my life to you through this song of praise and worship:

Lord, Jesus Christ, give me a humble heart so that I can respond to Your call to be Your disciple. I will strive to preserve the unity in my household through peace and understanding. Through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II, may You grant me the gift of healing that I implore.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OFPARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAULII

When my legs arefrozen in place,

May God the Fatherpush me and remind me

To lift my toes upand swing my arms

That I may walk againand not be afraid.

When I feel likefalling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, Godthe Son, break my fall

And catch me as Imove forward

With my legs bracedand feet wide apart.

When my movement isslow and I hesitate,

May God the HolySpirit enlighten my path,

Broaden my horizonand show me the way

That I will be moreagile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands andfeet are shaking, or my chin trembles,

And my voice weakensas I speak,

May Mother Maryembrace me to calm me and assure me

That everything willbe okay and I can rest in her arms and wait

Until everything isstill and steady and I am in peace

As my voice grows strongand clear.

Forgive me, God theFather, for all my sins

Heal me, God the Son,from my Parkinson’s disease

Bless me, God theHoly Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge

Love me, Mother Mary,so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

We ask all these,through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II,Pray for us.

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE (DAY 7)

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Day 7 (October 20, Thursday) MEEKNESS

As we submit ourselves to You, Lord, we open our hearts through this praise and worship song:

God, the Father, in meekness, we submit our lives for the service of others. Despite our unstable gait and soft spoken words, may we be like Blessed John Paul II in proclaiming our faith and trust in You so we will be blessed and be able to fulfill our anointing. It is through our weakness and illness that You have touched our lives so that we will call on You and be healed.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OFPARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAULII

When my legs arefrozen in place,

May God the Fatherpush me and remind me

To lift my toes upand swing my arms

That I may walk againand not be afraid.

When I feel likefalling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, Godthe Son, break my fall

And catch me as Imove forward

With my legs bracedand feet wide apart.

When my movement isslow and I hesitate,

May God the HolySpirit enlighten my path,

Broaden my horizonand show me the way

That I will be moreagile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands andfeet are shaking, or my chin trembles,

And my voice weakensas I speak,

May Mother Maryembrace me to calm me and assure me

That everything willbe okay and I can rest in her arms and wait

Until everything isstill and steady and I am in peace

As my voice grows strongand clear.

Forgive me, God theFather, for all my sins

Heal me, God the Son,from my Parkinson’s disease

Bless me, God theHoly Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge

Love me, Mother Mary,so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

We ask all these,through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II,Pray for us.

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE (DAY 6)

2011-10-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

"Love your families. Teach them the dignity of life; teach them the ways of harmony and peace; teach them the value of faith and prayer and goodness!... Help transform the world around you by giving the best of yourselves in the service of others and your country."

                                                                                           Pope John Paul II,
                                                                                           Homily, Amman Stadium
                                                                                           Jordan, March 21, 2000

As we prepare ourselves to receive God's goodness and mercy, let us sing praise to Him for He alone is the source of all goodness. God is Good , all the time! All the time, God is Good!

Day 6 (October 19, Wednesday) GOODNESS

Dear Lord, throughout my lifetime, I have been taught to be good and be a blessing to others. To be good is not just to follow the rules, but more so to follow You and obey your commandments. May I bring harmony and peace and spread Your good news to my family, my friends, my community and my country. Blessed John Paull II has made Your goodness known throughout the world by welcoming and embracing everyone who wants to know You, regardless of age, sex or creed. Through Your goodness and mercy, we will receive the healing that we seek through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OFPARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAULII

When my legs arefrozen in place,

May God the Fatherpush me and remind me

To lift my toes upand swing my arms

That I may walk againand not be afraid.

When I feel likefalling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, Godthe Son, break my fall

And catch me as Imove forward

With my legs bracedand feet wide apart.

When my movement isslow and I hesitate,

May God the HolySpirit enlighten my path,

Broaden my horizonand show me the way

That I will be moreagile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands andfeet are shaking, or my chin trembles,

And my voice weakensas I speak,

May Mother Maryembrace me to calm me and assure me

That everything willbe okay and I can rest in her arms and wait

Until everything isstill and steady and I am in peace

As my voice grows strongand clear.

Forgive me, God theFather, for all my sins

Heal me, God the Son,from my Parkinson’s disease

Bless me, God theHoly Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge

Love me, Mother Mary,so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

We ask all these,through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II,Pray for us.

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE (DAY 5)

2011-10-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

Day 5 (October 18, Tuesday) KINDNESS

As we open our heart's to receive God's grace, let us put ourselves in His presence through this praise song:

Through God's loving grace and kindness, we have been blessed with the same kindness shown by the people who are taking care of us like our family, friends, relatives,caregivers, physicians, rehabilitation specialists, nutritionists and spiritual advisers. Blessed John Paul II manifested this same act of kindness to the person who almost took his life early on by forgiving him. We believe that we will be healed if we forgive those who have wronged us and extend a helping hand to others who are needy.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OFPARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAULII

When my legs arefrozen in place,

May God the Fatherpush me and remind me

To lift my toes upand swing my arms

That I may walk againand not be afraid.

When I feel likefalling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, Godthe Son, break my fall

And catch me as Imove forward

With my legs bracedand feet wide apart.

When my movement isslow and I hesitate,

May God the HolySpirit enlighten my path,

Broaden my horizonand show me the way

That I will be moreagile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands andfeet are shaking, or my chin trembles,

And my voice weakensas I speak,

May Mother Maryembrace me to calm me and assure me

That everything willbe okay and I can rest in her arms and wait

Until everything isstill and steady and I am in peace

As my voice grows strongand clear.

Forgive me, God theFather, for all my sins

Heal me, God the Son,from my Parkinson’s disease

Bless me, God theHoly Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge

Love me, Mother Mary,so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

We ask all these,through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II,Pray for us.

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE (DAY 4)

2011-10-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

Day 4 (October 17, Monday) PATIENCE

As we go through trials everyday, let us call on God to show us the way to be patient. Through this praise and worship song, God will make a way for us to bear all our sorrows and burdens and hope for a great and brighter future:

God the Holy Spirit, grant us wisdom and knowledge as we wait patiently for the healing that you promised. May our family be blessed with patience in helping us cope with our illness. During his lifetime, Blessed John Paul has been a living testimony of how much God loves us through his patience in dealing with every religious or political leader around the world. We believe that as long as love reigns in the heart of every person we meet daily, we will be healed, for "Love is patient."

PRAYER FOR HEALING OFPARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAULII

When my legs arefrozen in place,

May God the Fatherpush me and remind me

To lift my toes upand swing my arms

That I may walk againand not be afraid.

When I feel likefalling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, Godthe Son, break my fall

And catch me as Imove forward

With my legs bracedand feet wide apart.

When my movement isslow and I hesitate,

May God the HolySpirit enlighten my path,

Broaden my horizonand show me the way

That I will be moreagile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands andfeet are shaking, or my chin trembles,

And my voice weakensas I speak,

May Mother Maryembrace me to calm me and assure me

That everything willbe okay and I can rest in her arms and wait

Until everything isstill and steady and I am in peace

As my voice grows strongand clear.

Forgive me, God theFather, for all my sins

Heal me, God the Son,from my Parkinson’s disease

Bless me, God theHoly Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge

Love me, Mother Mary,so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

We ask all these,through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II,Pray for us.

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE (DAY 3)

2011-10-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Day 3 (October 16, Sunday) JOY

We are on the third day of our Novena for Healing of Parkinson's Disease. Let us sing joyfully to the Lord, Jesus, with this praise song:

Dear Jesus, Son of the living God, we rejoice because we believe that through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II, our healing is near at hand. We are joyful in our ways and our speech for we know that You will always comfort us as a mother comforts his son. We thank you for the joy that You've given us when you were born because You became like one of us. You have endured so much suffering for our sake so that we will be saved from our sins. But our mourning turned to rejoicing after you have risen from the dead.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OFPARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAULII

When my legs arefrozen in place,

May God the Fatherpush me and remind me

To lift my toes upand swing my arms

That I may walk againand not be afraid.

When I feel likefalling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, Godthe Son, break my fall

And catch me as Imove forward

With my legs bracedand feet wide apart.

When my movement isslow and I hesitate,

May God the HolySpirit enlighten my path,

Broaden my horizonand show me the way

That I will be moreagile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands andfeet are shaking, or my chin trembles,

And my voice weakensas I speak,

May Mother Maryembrace me to calm me and assure me

That everything willbe okay and I can rest in her arms and wait

Until everything isstill and steady and I am in peace

As my voice grows strongand clear.

Forgive me, God theFather, for all my sins

Heal me, God the Son,from my Parkinson’s disease

Bless me, God theHoly Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge

Love me, Mother Mary,so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

We ask all these,through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II,Pray for us.

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE (DAY 2)

2011-10-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

Day 2 (October 15, Saturday) PEACE

On this second day of the Novena for Healing of Parkinson's disease, we focus on the second gift of the Holy Spirit, which is PEACE. Let us put ourselves in the presence of God as we join others in singing this praise song:

God, our Father, grant us the peace that we seek when confronted with different obstacles as we make our move everyday. May Your hand guide us so we won't falter in our steps. May peace always reign in our hearts even if there is fear that we would fall flat on our face. We will not be anxious but will have faith that is unwavering like that of Blessed John Paul II. We will do whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and gracious in the Lord's eyes so that the God of peace will be with us always.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OFPARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAULII

When my legs arefrozen in place,

May God the Fatherpush me and remind me

To lift my toes upand swing my arms

That I may walk againand not be afraid.

When I feel likefalling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, Godthe Son, break my fall

And catch me as Imove forward

With my legs bracedand feet wide apart.

When my movement isslow and I hesitate,

May God the HolySpirit enlighten my path,

Broaden my horizonand show me the way

That I will be moreagile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands andfeet are shaking, or my chin trembles,

And my voice weakensas I speak,

May Mother Maryembrace me to calm me and assure me

That everything willbe okay and I can rest in her arms and wait

Until everything isstill and steady and I am in peace

As my voice grows strongand clear.

Forgive me, God theFather, for all my sins

Heal me, God the Son,from my Parkinson’s disease

Bless me, God theHoly Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge

Love me, Mother Mary,so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

We ask all these,through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II,Pray for us.

NOVENA PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE (DAY 1)

2011-10-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

Today, October 14, 2011, we are starting a 9-day Novena for the Healing of Parkinson's disease. Let us give praise and thanks to the Lord, who has given us a fruitful life on earth. Despite all the trials that we face each day, He has provided us the means to overcome them as long as we put our trust in Him and believe with all our hearts that what we ask for and what we seek, He will answer in His own time.

Day 1 (October 14, Friday) LOVE

Dear Lord, You are the greatest Healer. You have sent us Blessed John Paul II to show us how much you love us. With Your mighty power and through his intercession, we seek healing not just of our physical body but our emotional, mental, social and spiritual health as well. In keeping with your greatest commandment, we will love You with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul and with all our strength. We will also love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OFPARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAULII

When my legs arefrozen in place,

May God the Fatherpush me and remind me

To lift my toes upand swing my arms

That I may walk againand not be afraid.

When I feel likefalling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, Godthe Son, break my fall

And catch me as Imove forward

With my legs bracedand feet wide apart.

When my movement isslow and I hesitate,

May God the HolySpirit enlighten my path,

Broaden my horizonand show me the way

That I will be moreagile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands andfeet are shaking, or my chin trembles,

And my voice weakensas I speak,

May Mother Maryembrace me to calm me and assure me

That everything willbe okay and I can rest in her arms and wait

Until everything isstill and steady and I am in peace

As my voice grows strongand clear.

Forgive me, God theFather, for all my sins

Heal me, God the Son,from my Parkinson’s disease

Bless me, God theHoly Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge

Love me, Mother Mary,so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

We ask all these,through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II,Pray for us.

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU MEDICINE (COMT INHIBITORS)

2011-10-12T03:27:00.000-07:00

It is a known fact that Parkinson’s disease has no cure. In the early stages of uncomplicated Parkinson’s disease, use of pharmacological agents is still the primary mode of treatment. One of the drugs being used in the treatment of PD is the catechol- O - methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors like entacapone and tolcapone.

MECHANISM OF ACTION:

COMT INHIBITORS reduce the metabolism of levodopa, extending its plasma half - life and prolonging the action of each levodopa dose. Therapeutic dose of entacapone only acts peripherally and does not alter cerebral COMT activity. It is administered together with each dose of levodopa and is not approved for use in early (uncomplicated) and non- fluctuating PD patients.

SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT:

Symptomatic treatment of parkinsonism using COMT inhibitors as monotherapy is not applicable hence COMT inhibitors should always be given with levodopa. In some studies done on COMT inhibitors, all trials showed a small benefit in the control of the symptoms of parkinsonism, mostly reflected in the activities of daily living but the results were not consistent.

When the initiation of treatment with levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone was compared to that with levodopa/carbidopa, no difference was found between the two treatment arms as to the prevention of motor fluctuations and dyskinesia. There are no studies available on the symptomatic treatment of non-motor problems.

SAFETY:

COMT inhibitors increase levodopa bioavailability, so they can increase the incidence of dopaminergic adverse reactions, including nausea, and cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric complications. Diarrhea and urine discoloration are the most frequently reported non-dopaminergic adverse reactions. The combination with selective MAO-B inhibitors (selegiline) is allowed if the dose of MAO-B inhibitor does not exceed the recommended dose.

ENTACAPONE (COMTAN)

The commercially available preparation of a COMT inhibitor in the Philippines is ENTACAPONE (COMTAN) manufactured by NOVARTIS HEALTHCARE. The indications, dosage, manner of administration, contraindication and special precautions are the following:

INDICATIONS: Adjunct to levodopa/benserazide or levodopa/carbidopa treatment in patients with Parkinson's disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations, who cannot be stabilized on those combinations.

DOSAGE:

One 200-mg tab with each levodopa or dopa decarboxylase inhibitor dose. Maximum: 2 g/day

ADMINISTRATION:

May be taken with or without meals.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:      Pregnancy and lactation
     Pheochromocytoma
     Concommitant use with nonselective MAO inhibitors (MAO-A and MAO-B) or with a selective MAO-A plus a selective MAO-B inhibitor.
     Liver impairment
     History of neuroleptic malignant syndrome &/or nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
     Dosage of L-dopa and other antiparkinsonism drugs(e.g. dopamine agonists) may need to be adjusted.
     L-dopa induced orthostatic hypotension may be aggravated.
     Effects of medicinal products metabolized by catechol-O-methyl transferase may be potentiated.
     Caution when discontinuing treatment, when driving or operating machines due to potential sudden sleep onset episodes.

To get an update in the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease, Pinoy Parkinson's Disease or Pinoy PD is holding its First Annual Convention on October 22, 2011 in Makati City.

P.S. FINAL EXTENSION OF FREE REGISTRATION! Register for FREE on or before OCTOBER 15, 2011.

P.P.S. Register for a GUARANTEED SEAT and SLOT in the workshop to a LIMITED NUMBER of participants on or before OCTOBER 15, 2011 including LUNCH, 2 SNACKS and SEMINAR KIT.

P.P.P.S. Submit REGISTRATION DETAILS (Name, Age, Contact number and E-mail address) on or before OCTOBER 15, 2011 to avail of FREE REGISTRATION and send via email to drajoy31@yahoo.com / drajoy31@gmail.com

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HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU GOD'S GOODNESS

2011-10-11T01:16:00.000-07:00

St. Francis of Assisi

October 4, 2011 was the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi. He was the epitome of God's goodness because of how he was converted from a wordly life to that of a religious life.

Saint Francis of Assisi (born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone; 1181/1182 – October 3, 1226) was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher. He founded the men's Franciscan Order, the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the lay Third Order of Saint Francis. St. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history.

Francis was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi, and he lived the high-spirited life typical of a wealthy young man, even fighting as a soldier for Assisi. While going off to war in 1204, Francis had a vision that directed him back to Assisi, where he lost his taste for his worldly life. On a pilgrimage to Rome, Francis begged with the beggars at St. Peter's. The experience moved him to live in poverty. Francis returned home, began preaching on the streets, and soon amassed a following. His order was endorsed by Pope Innocent III in 1210. He then founded the Order of Poor Clares, which was an enclosed order for women, as well as the Third Order of Brothers and Sisters of Penance. In 1219, he went to Egypt where crusaders were besieging Damietta, hoping to find martyrdom at the hands of the Muslims. By this point, the Franciscan Order had grown to such an extent that its primitive organizational structure was no longer sufficient. He returned to Italy to organize the order. Once his organization was endorsed by the Pope, he withdrew increasingly from external affairs. In 1223, Francis arranged for the first Christmas manger scene. In 1224, he received the stigmata, making him the first person to bear the wounds of Christ's Passion. He died in 1226 while singing Psalm 141.

On July 16, 1228, he was pronounced a saint by Pope Gregory IX. He is known as the patron saint of animals, the environment and one of the two patrons of Italy (with Catherine of Siena), and it is customary for Catholic and Anglican churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of 4 October.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_Assisi

SCRIPTURES:

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."

Ephesians 5: 8-10

"Whoever walks without blame, doing what is right, speaking truth from the heart; who does not salnder a neighbor, does no harm to another, never defames a friend; who disdains the wicked, but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath despite the cost, lends no money at interest, accepts no bribe against the innocent. Whoever acts like this shall never be shaken."

Psalms 15: 2-5

" Make known to me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. For you I wait all the long day, because of your goodness, Lord. Remember your compasiion and love, O Lord; for they are ages old. Remember no more the sins of my youth, remember me only in light of your love. Good and upright is the Lord, who shows sinners the way. Guides the humble rightly, and teaches the humble the way."

Psalms 25: 4-9

"Trust in the Lord and do good that you may dwell in the land and live secure. Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart's desire."

Psalms 35: 3-4

"Great is the Lord and worthy of high praise; God's grandeur is beyond understanding. One generation praises your deeds to the next and procliams your mighty works. They speak of the splendor of your majestic glory, tell of your wonderful deeds. They publish the renown of your abounding goodness and joyfully sing of your justice. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love. The Lord is good to all, compassionate to every creature."

Psalms 145: 3-9

PRAYER:

PRAYER FOR HEALING OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAUL II

When my legs are frozen in place,
May God the Father push me and remind me
To lift my toes up and swing my arms
That I may walk again and not be afraid.

When I feel like falling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, God the Son, break my fall
And catch me as I move forward
With my legs braced and feet wide apart.

When my movement is slow and I hesitate,
May God the Holy Spirit enlighten my path,
Broaden my horizon and show me the way
That I will be more agile and graceful in my steps and bearing.

When my hands and feet are shaking, or my chin trembles,
And my voice weakens as I speak,
May Mother Mary embrace me to calm me and assure me
That everything will be okay and I can rest in her arms and wait
Until everything is still and steady and I am in peace
As my voice grows strong and clear.

Forgive me, God the Father, for all my sins
Heal me, God the Son, from my Parkinson’s disease
Bless me, God the Holy Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge
Love me, Mother Mary, so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.
Thank you, Lord, for granting my prayers.

We ask all these, through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.
Amen.

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II, Pray for us.

Prayer For Peace by St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
and where there is sadness,joy.

O Divine Master, grant that
I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive
it is in pardoning that
we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that
we are born to eternal life.

St. Francis of Assiss, pray for us.

ACTION:

Today, I will be like St. Francis in being an instrument of peace to every person I meet. I will also take part in the first annual convention of Pinoy Parkinson's disease on October 22, 2011 in Makati City so I can encourage other Pinoy PD's like myself to to experience God's goodness and mercy.

P.S. FINAL CALL FOR FREE REGISTRATION ! Register for FREE on or before October 15, 2011.

P.P.S. Register for a GUARANTEED SEAT and SLOT in the workshop to a LIMITED NUMBER of participants on or before October 15, 2011, including LUNCH, 2 SNACKS and SEMINAR KIT!

P.P.P.S. Submit REGISTRATION DETAILS (Name, Age, Contact number and E-mail address) on or before October 15, 2011 to avail of FREE REGISTRATION and send via email to drajoy31@yahoo.com / drajoy31@gmail.com

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HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU MEDICINE (ANTICHOLINERGICS)

2011-10-08T04:54:00.000-07:00

     The mechanism of action of anticholinergics is believed be involved in correcting the disequilibrium between striatal dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmission. Some anticholinergics, e.g. benzotropine, can also block dopamine uptake in central dopaminergic neurons. The anticholinergics used to treat PD specifically block muscarinic receptors. These drugs have only a small effect on PD symptoms, and that evidence for a special effect on tremor is inconclusive. Because of the risk of side effects, centrally acting anticholinergics are usually not advised for the therapy of non - motor, i.e. autonomic, dysfunctions.

The clinical use of anticholinergics has been limited by their side- effect profiles and contraindications. The most commonly reported side effects are blurred vision,urinary retention, nausea, constipation (rarely leading to paralytic ileus), and dry mouth. The incidence of reduced sweating, particularly in those patients on neuroleptics, can lead to fatal heat stroke.

Anticholinergics are contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, tachycardia, hypertrophy of the prostate, gastrointestinal obstruction, and   megacolon. Impaired mental function (mainly immediate memory and memory acquisition) and acute confusional state are a well documented central side effect that resolves after drug withdrawal. Therefore, if dementia is present, the use of anticholinergics is contraindicated. The abrupt withdrawal of anticholinergics may lead to a rebound effect with marked deterioration of parkinsonism. Consequently, anticholinergics should be discontinued gradually and with caution.

An anticholinergic preparation which is commercially available in the Philippines is biperiden Hcl. The brand names of Biperiden HCl are (AKINETON) by ABBOTT, (AKIDIN) by MED CHOICE PHARMA and (AKETON) by YOO YOUNG. The indications, dosage, manner of administration, contraindications, special precautions, adverse reactions and drug interactions are as follows:

INDICATIONS:   TAB: Adjunct therapy of all forms of parkinsonism (post-encephalitic, arteriosclerotic and idiopathic)
   AMP: Symptomatic treatment of parkinsonism including the alleviation of the extrapyramidal syndrome induced by drugs

DOSAGE:    TAB: Adult Parkinsonism : Initially 1 mg BID, increased by 2 mg/day. Maximum: 16 mg daily
        Drug-induced movement disorders : 1-4 mg once-QID
        Children : 3-15 yr 1-2 mg once-TID

ADMINISTRATION: May be taken with or without food

CONTRAINDICATIONS:     Untreated narrow-angle glaucoma
     Intestinal stenoses or obstruction
     Megacolon
     Prostatic hypertrophy
     Life-threatening tachycardia

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
     Avoid abrupt discontinuation.
     Increased sensitivity to side effects especially elderly.
     Enhanced risk of cerebral seizures in predisposed persons.
     Abuse
     Impaired ability to drive or operate machinery.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:     Fatigue
     Dizziness
     Drowsiness
     Dry mouth
     Rarely : Swelling of salivary glands
              Accommodation difficulties
              Mydriasis
              Photophobia
              Hypohydrosis
              Constipation
              Gastric symptoms
              Nausea
              Tachycardia
     Very rarely: Bradycardia, especially at higher doses
              Restlessness
              Agitation
              Anxiety
              Confusion
              Euphoria
     Occasionally: Impairment of memory
     In rare cases: Delirium
              Hallucinations
              Nervousness
              Headache
              Insomnia
              Dyskinesia
              Ataxia
              Muscle twitching
              Speech Impairment

DRUG INTERACTIONS:    Enhanced anticholinergic effects in combination with other psychotropic drugs
    Antihistamines
    Antiparkinsonism drugs
    Antispasmodics
    Quinidine
    Pethidine
    Dyskinesia induced by levodopa may be potentiated
    Effects of alcohol may be enhanced
    Antagonistic influence on the action of metoclopramide and compound of similar activity in the GIT.

To get an update in the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease, Pinoy Parkinson's Disease or Pinoy PD is holding its First Annual Convention on October 22, 2011 in Makati City.

P.S. EXTENDED FREE REGISTRATION! Register for FREE on or before OCTOBER 15, 2011.

P.P.S. Register for a GUARANTEED SEAT and SLOT in the workshop to a LIMITED NUMBER of participants on or before OCTOBER 15, 2011 including LUNCH, 2 SNACKS and SEMINAR KIT.

P.P.P.S. Submit REGISTRATION DETAILS (Name, Age, Contact number and E-mail address) on or before OCTOBER 15, 2011 to avail of FREE REGISTRATION and send via email to drajoy31@yahoo.com / drajoy31@gmail.com

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HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU GOOD NUTRITION

2011-10-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

How Can A Vegetarian Diet Be Of Help To PD Patients

By Nona Lema

(Last of a 3-part article series)

The amount of protein that the PD patient takes can have a major impact on the symptoms of the disease. So experts say ‘go high-carb, low-protein’ . They say PD patients who are taking levodopa need to limit the amount of proteins they eat. Protein is made up of amino acids, and the amino acids in food interfere with levodopa getting into the brain. (Levodopa is also an amino acid). What better way to lessen protein intake than to adapt a vegetarian diet. For a clear understanding of just how much protein an average person needs, I’m quoting here the whole of Chapter 2 of GULAY cookbook, wherein I discussed in detail about protein.

…Chapter 2 How Much Protein?

In my many years of teaching about the vegetarian diet, the most frequently asked question is, “where do you get your protein?” Oftentimes, people are reluctant to eliminate meat from their diet because they are worried that if they do, they will somehow be protein deficient. There is no need to be worried about protein deficiency. This fear of ‘not getting enough protein’ from vegetable sources is not only unfounded but it actually leads to an even more serious problem. It is how not to get too much! Having too much protein in one’s body is actually as dangerous as not having enough.

In the world today, meat is generally thought to be the ideal source of protein. Quality-wise, quantity-wise. That is why nowadays whenever people say ‘protein’, it is usually associated with meat. We were brought up thinking this way - - an idea widely propagated by major meat companies.

However, we should be asking, is meat really the ONLY source of protein? If we are supposed to have protein, how much is enough? How much is too much? It is very important to know these things so that we don’t become too paranoid about so-called not getting enough.

Actually, the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of protein for an average adult is only between 40 to 65 grams daily. Our daily needs of protein ranges from only TWO AND A HALF percent of our total daily calories up to about EIGHT percent. So if we look at the percentage of calories from protein based on nutritive values of our local food, we will find that if we eat, for example, an average serving of rice (16% protein) with Ginisang Mongo (29(%), our daily protein requirement is more than fully satisfied. If we eat rice (16%) with Pritong Tokwa (43%) and some tomatoes (18%), our protein needs for the day is easily taken care of. Even if we eat nothing but oatmeal (16%) or camote (8%) or saging na saba (8%) for the day, still we would have more than enough protein for our needs. So here I’m showing you just how low our protein needs really are. And almost all plant food provide protein.

Once the daily requirement is met, the excess protein foes to waste. Consuming more that what the body requires places a heavy burden on our whole system as it tries to rid the body of the excess. Meat is definitely high-protein food. All flesh foods and eggs are considered so because they contain all the essential amino acids. But in fact, meat is so high in protein content that it is no longer necessary. The body cannot absorb that much protein anyway. For example, an average serving of pork chop has about 180-200 grams of protein. That’s far, far more than the daily requirement! Therefore, if we are on a regular meat diet daily, where does this huge amount of excess protein go? It is broken down in the liver and excreted through the kidneys. This causes the liver and the kidneys to work harder. If the liver and the kidneys are overworked, we eventually become ill.

So the point is: don’t worry. First, we simply don’t need as much protein as we have been led to believe. Second, whatever little amount we need, it is abundantly available in the vegetable kingdom in the form of legumes, beans, and many other vegetables. Actually, vegetable protein is not only equal in quantity to meat protein, it is even superior in quality because none of the legumes, seeds, grains, or nuts contain cholesterol and saturated fats. Also, they are nature-packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates, whereas all flesh foods and eggs are packed with cholesterol and saturated fats. So, we simply have to learn how to combine and balance different vegetable protein foods. By mixing grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds in a meal, it is easy to get an adequate supply of protein containing all eight essential amino acids.

So, to summarize: Protein is an essential nutrient. We cannot just eliminate protein from the PD patients’ diet just because it interferes with levodopa. So what do you do? The solution is to avoid high protein food such as meat and eggs AND make sure the PD patients eat enough protein from vegetable sources.

Grab the chance to meet the author, Ms. Nona Lema, in person, during the First Annual Convention of Pinoy Parkinson's Disease or Pinoy PD on October 22, 2011 in Makati City.

P.S. FINAL EXTENSION OF FREE REGISTRATION! Register for FREE on or before OCTOBER 15, 2011.

P.P.S. Register for a GUARANTEED SEAT and SLOT in the workshop to a LIMITED NUMBER of participants on or before o

P.P.P.S. Submit REGISTRATION DETAILS (Name, Age, Contact number and E-mail address) on or before September 30, 2011 to avail of FREE REGISTRATION and send via email to drajoy31@yahoo.com / drajoy31@gmail.com

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HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU MIRACLES AND MIGHTY DEEDS

2011-09-29T02:16:00.000-07:00

A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is based on medical history and a thorough neurological examination. Sometimes a doctor may check your sense of smell. Sometimes, your doctor will have you try a medicine for Parkinson's disease. If that medicine helps your symptoms, it may help the doctor find out if you have Parkinson's disease.There are no lab tests that can diagnose Parkinson's disease and there is no known cure. But Parkinson's disease can affect many aspects of a person's daily life and give him so much reason to despair and give up. However, with careful planning and activity moderation, the effects of Parkinson's can become much less stressful and intrusive. It also entails praying for healing through miracles and mighty deeds.

The miracle of John Paul II: Marie Simon- Pierre

SCRIPTURES:

" When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet: "He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases."...

..." A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, ' If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.' Jesus turned around and saw he, and said, 'Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you,' And from that hour the woman was cured."...

..." And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed [him], crying out, 'Son of David, have pity on us!' When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, 'Do you beleive that I can do this?' 'Yes, Lord,' they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said,'Let it be done for you according to your faith.' And their eyes were opened."...

..."Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd."...

..." Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, ' Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Smaaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.'"

Matthew 8:16-17; 9:20-22, 27-30,35-36; 10:5-8

PRAYER:

PRAYER FOR HEALING OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAUL II

When my legs are frozen in place,
May God the Father push me and remind me
To lift my toes up so that I may walk again
And not be afraid.

When I feel like falling or as my posture stoops,
May Jesus Christ, God the Son, break my fall
And catch me as I move forward
With my legs braced and feet wide apart.

When my movement is slow and I hesitate,
May God the Holy Spirit enlighten my path,
Broaden my horizon and show me the way
That I will be more agile and sure in my steps and bearing.

We ask all these, through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.
Amen.

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II, Pray for us.

ACTION:

Today I will take that extra step and not be afraid. I will recite the prayer for healing of parkinson's disease 3x a day,i.e., when I wake up in the morning, after my midday meal and before retiring at night. I will register and attend the first convention on Pinoy PD and socialize with other Pinoy PD's so we can share each others joys and sorrows.

P.S. FREE REGISTRATION EXTENDED! Register for FREE on or before October 7, 2011.

P.P.S. Register for a GUARANTEED SEAT and SLOT in the workshop to a LIMITED NUMBER of participants on or before October 7, 2011.

P.P.P.S. Submit REGISTRATION DETAILS (Name, Age, Contact number and E-mail address) on or before October 7, 2011 to avail of FREE REGISTRATION and send via email to drajoy31@yahoo.com / drajoy31@gmail.com

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HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU MEDICINE (DOPAMINE AGONIST)

2011-09-27T05:33:00.000-07:00

It is a known fact the Parkinson’s disease or PD has no cure. In the early stages of uncomplicated Parkinson’s disease, the use of pharmacological agents is still the primary mode of treatment and also the most common therapy for PD. Aside from levodopa, dopamine agonists are the other recommended antiparkinson drugs during the early stages of the disease. There are 3 dopamine agonists which are commercially available in the Philippines, namely:

BROMOCRIPTINE MESYLATE

(PARLODEL)
NOVARTIS HEALTHCARE
[ZUELLIG] {P141.50}

PRAMIPEXOLE diHCl
(SIFROL)
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM
[METRO DRUG]
{P151.00} of 1 mg/tab

PIRIBEDIL
(TRIVASTAL RETARD 50)
SERVIER
[ZUELLIG]
{P38.50}

LEGEND:

GENERIC NAME
(BRAND NAME)
MANUFACTURER
[DISTRIBUTOR]
{SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE}

However, I will only discuss one of the three dopamine agonists , PRAMIPEXOLE, which is a non-ergot derivative.

What are the INDICATIONS for the use of pramipexole?

1. Treatment of signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease
2. As monotherapy or in combination with levodopa
3. Symptomatic treatment of idiopathic restless leg syndrome

What is the usual DOSAGE of pramipexole?:

1. Parkinson's disease

Week 1 - 0.125 mg 3x a day
Week 2 - 0.25 mg 3x a day
Week 3 - 0.5 mg 3x a day
Maximum 4.5 mg/day

2. Restless Leg Syndrome

Step 1: 0.125 mg
Step 2: 0.25 mg
Step 3: 0.5 mg
Step 4: 0.75 mg (Maximum dose)
All doses taken once daily 2-3 hours before bedtime. If needed, titrate to each step every 4-7 days.

How do you ADMINISTER oral Pramipexole?

Pramipexole may also be taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal upset.

What are the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS in the use of parmipexole?

The dose must be reduced in patients with renal impairment or creatinine clearance (CrCl) of less
than 50 ml/min.

What are the ADVERSE REACTIONS of pramipexole? (DiCoFISHPEN)

1. Dizziness
2. Dyskinesia
3. Constipation
4. Confusion
5. Falling asleep during activities of daily living
6. Insomnia
7. Somnolence
8. Hallucination
9. Peripheral edema
10. Nausea

What are the PREPARATIONS of pramipexole?

Pramipexole is available in either 250 mcg/tab or 1 mg/tab.

To learn more about the recent updates in the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease, attend the first annual convention of Pinoy PD, entitled: "HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU G-MEN (GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE and NUTRITION).

P.S. Register for FREE on or before September 30, 2011.

P.P.S. Register for a GUARANTEED SEAT and SLOT in the workshop to a LIMITED NUMBER of participants on or before September 30, 2011.

P.P.P.S. Submit REGISTRATION DETAILS (Name, Age, Contact number and E-mail address) on or before September 30, 2011 to avail of FREE REGISTRATION and send via email to drajoy31@yahoo.com / drajoy31@gmail.com

Pinoy PD Thru G-MEN

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HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU KINDNESS

2011-09-27T01:27:00.000-07:00

We are glad to announce that through the kindness and generosity of some individuals, we are offering the convention on "HEALING OF PAKINSON'S DISEASE THRU G-MEN (GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE AND NUTRITION)" for FREE with a GUARANTEED SEAT and SLOT to a LIMITED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS on or before SEPTEMBER 30, 2011.

SCRIPTURES:

"Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in his kingdom, nor the strong man glory in his strength, nor the rich ma glory in his riches; But rather, let him who glories, glory in this, that in his prudence he knows me, Knows that I, the Lord, bring about KINDNESS, justice and uprightness on the earth; For with such am I pleased, says the Lord.

Jeremiah 9: 22-23

"A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with KINDNESS. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth, and that they may return to their senses out of the devil's snare, where they are entrapped by him, for his will."

2 Timothy 2:24-26

"But the Lord's KINDNESS is forever, toward the faithful from age to age. He favors the children's children of those who keep his covenant, who take care to fulfill its precepts."

Psalm 103:17-18

PRAYER:

Dearest God, the Father, thank You, for showing us Your endless kindness through other people's deeds. Thank you, Jesus, God the Son, for giving us the courage to pursue the Lord's plan for our lives. May God, the Holy Spirit, grant us the wisdom and the knowledge so that we will know what to say, when to say and how to say the words so we can bring more people closer to God through our generosity. Mother Mary, thank you for your intercession as we await the healing of our mind, body and soul.

ACTION:

Today, I will extend my own act of kindness to anyone who crosses my path through a winning smile, a sincere praise and a shared blessing.

P.S. Register for FREE on or before September 30, 2011.

P.P.S. Register for a GUARANTEED SEAT and SLOT in the workshop to a LIMITED NUMBER of participants on or before September 30, 2011.

P.P.P.S. Submit REGISTRATION DETAILS (Name, Age, Contact number and E-mail address) on or before September 30, 2011 to avail of FREE REGISTRATION and send via email to drajoy31@yahoo.com / drajoy31@gmail.com

Pinoy PD Thru G-MEN

View another webinar from Ness Cabahug

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU GOOD NUTRITION

2011-09-24T03:07:00.000-07:00

(Second of a 3-part article series)

Nutrients Found In Plant Food
By Nona Lema

Nutrients refer to all things that make up how healthy food is - - like vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fats. My advice to everyone in general is, always incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables in your meals. This is the best way to ensure that you are getting enough of many nutrients.

Sometimes, it can be mind-boggling the way daily nutritional requirements are written. If you’re like me, who go crazy with all the nutritional statistics and figures, then the best thing to remember is this: have a ‘balanced’ amount of all the different types of natural food available in nature - -that’s all. Make sure to eat a daily serving from each food group such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Very simple formula. You can never go wrong that way.

Now, speaking of nutrients for PD patients, experts say focus on calcium and vitamin D (for maintaining bone health) and antioxidants (for helping reduce the loss of dopamine-producing neurons).

In other words, feed them all things naturally healthy but most specially foods that are rich in calcium and antioxidants.

Good sources of calcium are: dairy, green leafy vegetables, almonds, pistaccio, molasses, wheat, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, cabbage, okra, carob, oats, sesame seeds, turnips and tofu.

Good sources of antioxidants are: nuts, dark-colored fruits, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, broccoli, red kidney beans, pinto beans.

Experts say an average adult need 1000-1500 mg of calcium and roughly the same amount of antioxidants a day.

To translate, for breakfast serve the PD patient an average serving of hot or warm milk, or fruit milk shake or fruit smoothie such as banana, avocado, papaya, melon, etc. One important thing you should remember about milk is that it is best to be boiled first in order to predigest it so it is easily absorbable. So in milkshakes/smoothie, boil the milk first, let it cool before blending with the fruits.
The worst thing to take is cold milk, as in the form of iced milk shakes or drinks. These are actually modern Western concoctions that have no bearing in eastern nutritional and medicinal food. Cold milk is not only hard to digest, it is also mucus-forming. Milk drinks should always be taken hot or warm.

In oatmeal or cereals, boil the milk first before adding the oats or cereals. For sweetener try switching to molasses.

For variety you can also serve grilled cheese or just plain cheese sandwich; or pasta with cheese or yoghurt and fruits - -always have a lot of fruits. Interchangeably, serve fried/plain rice with tofu or tokwa and different kinds of gulay dish.

For lunch and dinner: As a rule, have a variety of talbos/dahon every mealtime - - talbos ng kamote, sili, ampalaya, kalabasa, sayote, sitaw; dahon ng malunggay, kangkong, alugbati, talinum, spinach, etc. Serve them as native vegetable salad or sabaw (soup). In your regular ginisang gulay or ginataang gulay, grain/pasta or noodle dish, always incorporate some form of leafy vegetable. And then for added flavor, nutrients and texture, add tofu or tokwa.

Tofu or tokwa is the best meatless substitute. It can be mixed in sauces, pasta, chilis, stirfries, etc because it is so close in texture to meat and a rich source of nearly all nutrients that your PD patient needs.

For PD patients the best way to have nuts or seeds is to have a sprinkling of it.

In my family, one favorite regular table item is ‘sesame salt’ or ‘peanut salt’. To prepare this, roast one cup of sesame seeds or fry one cup of peanuts. Blend in a blender with a little salt. Put in a shaker or small bottle container. Sprinkle on your rice and pass around during mealtime. My children just love it. An appetizing and nutritious way to have your daily dose of calcium and antioxidant without your even knowing it!

And then for dessert you can have blueberries. Blueberries are a little bit expensive but once in a while have them in muffins or pies or tarts. Again, a delicious way of ensuring that your PD patient gets their needed nutrients. Of course our wide variety of local fruits may also be prepared in so many delicious dessert dishes. So as I have said before, try to be creative about it.

And lastly, In one vegetarian cookbook written by Jeanne Lemlin, she mentioned some tips about the ‘secret to a relaxed cooking’. I’d like to share them with you. She says: “have all the ingredients you will need gathered together in front of you. Have all the dishes or pans taken out. Have all the precooking done ahead of time, for example, peeling and chopping of vegetables, measuring, etc.” To which I’d like to add: take a deep breath and pause for a minute of relaxation.

How Can A Vegetarian Diet Be Of Help To PD Patients? (Part 1)

2011-09-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

By Nona Lema

(First of a 3-part article series)

Introduction

Hi! I’m Nona Lema. I’m not a doctor nor a nutritionist. At home, I’m simply a wife and a mother who loves to cook delicious and healthy vegetarian meals for my family - - traditional Filipino food that we, as a family, have enjoyed eating together for the past 30 years.

In the following article series, I’d like to show you, in simple language, the direct link between PD and the vegetarian diet. Anyone who is interested in cooking healthy food for their PD patient will see and understand the connection very clearly. Veggie food and PD are compatible on these basic points: a) fiber, b)nutrients, AND c) protein.

Of course there have been many medical and nutritional researches/statistics made to prove that a vegetarian diet is indeed excellent for PD patients. But the question is, how do you translate these informations into a delicious meal? In other words, when you go to the kitchen to cook lunch or dinner for your loved one with PD, what do you cook? And why?

This article series is meant to educate, to share, most of all to show love and compassion to those afflicted with PD - - by showing how you can prepare nice, home-cooked meals that they too can enjoy. Happy veggie cooking!

Fiber Rich Food

It is very important that caregivers of PD patients understand very well the need for more fiber intake. What has fiber got to do with PD? PD is a progressive neurological disorder that results in the death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Loss of dopamine affects movements. So because PD patients are generally “slow mo”, therefore they also generally suffer from chronic constipation. Fiber is beneficial in preventing constipation.

Now, this is another important thing caregivers should understand - - Fiber is found ONLY in plant food. Foods containing fiber include fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Meat, fish, chicken and eggs do not contain fiber AT ALL.

We Filipinos are very fortunate to have been blessed with so much variety of different fruits and vegetables, our very own prutas at gulay, - - delicious, juicy, succulent, naturally healthy; pagkaing butil-- whole grains and nuts, beans and legumes that are so fragrantly wholesome, so full of rich, nutritious taste.

To be really healthy, experts say you need to consume about 25-40 gms of fiber everyday. For PD patients, a little more, maybe 50-60 gms.

To translate, it means for breakfast, maybe you can prepare for them one serving of oatmeal or cracked wheat or farina (also known as sooji), cooked with milk and sweetened with honey or muscovado sugar, a slice of buttered wheat bread toast or fried tofu sandwich. Be sure to always feed them with lots of fruits in season – bananas, pineapple, papaya, chico, etc, sliced up fresh or juiced . Root crops are also a very nutritious and fibrous breakfast item. You can serve them camote, gabi, kamoteng kahoy, ube - -cooked in many different traditional kakanin or ginataan style. Sometimes you can serve them plain or fried rice with scrambled tofu instead of bacon and scrambled eggs.

Tofu or tokwa is sometimes called the ‘vegetarian’s best friend’. It is a by-product of soy beans, sometimes called ‘the poor man’s protein’; it is such a versatile food and so protein-rich. It has been eaten for thousands of years in most Asian cultures that were traditionally vegetarian. Tofu or tokwa may be substituted to almost anything that you would need meat, fish, chicken and eggs for.

So for now, a good starting point in adapting a vegetarian or at least a ‘semi-veg’ diet is to try to eat meat less often. Substitute as often as you can with healthier, more fibrous food alternatives. All your all-time favorite meat, fish, chicken and egg dishes such as pork or chicken adobo, arroz caldo, escabeche, pork menudo, beef caldereta, etc.may be prepared the healthy meatless way. How? Simply substitute with tofu or tokwa. Or for a fancier version, try substituting with gluten, and/or different varieties of ‘veggie cold cuts’ - - veggie meat, veggie sausage/hotdog, veggie tapa (all available at popular vegetarian food stores).

Soups may be prepared from mashed or pureed or blended vegetables; or mixed with grain pasta or noodles. But then again, instead of meat, fish or chicken soup stock, try substituting with cream of vegetable powder or canned soup, vegetable bouillon or any kind of plant-based seasoning or appetizer.

For lunch and dinner, you can prepare all kinds of ginisang gulay, or ginataang gulay - -sitaw, kalabasa, talong, upo, okra, ampalaya, bichuelas, pechay, repolyo,etc. It’s also a good habit to always feed them kamatis, either cooked or fresh because it’s a fiber rich food. With your variety of gulay, simply make a gentle, healthful twist - -instead of sauteing with pieces of pork, shrimp, chicken or eggs, again try mixing slices of fried tofu or tokwa.

Why is there a need to gradually avoid (if possible) all kinds of meat food? Because, as I have said earlier, all meat food have ZERO fiber. It means meat food does not contain moisture and bulk. Meaning, therefore, that it does not make the stool soft and easy to dispose. On the contrary, it makes the stool become even more compacted and dry. That is why, if the PD patient’s diet is meat-heavy, they will have a tendency to suffer from chronic constipation.

So again, try to remember - -the only way to get good fiber is to eat vegetable food.

As far as cooking veggie food for your PD patient goes, be creative. Be innovative. Read up on a lot of vegetarian recipes. Familiarize yourself with the different ways of substituting your meat food with vegetable food.

One last piece of advice:

If there’s extra attention and care there in your cooking, the PD patient will feel it. If the cooking is done grudgingly, or with anger or contempt or just because it’s a routine paid job, then the PD patient will also feel it. So the least we can do for them is, try to cook delicious meals—and cook them with genuine care and concern.

Note:

Nona Lema is the author “GULAY”, the best selling Filipino Vegetarian Recipebook, available at National Bookstore and Powerbooks

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU G-MEN (GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE AND NUTRITION)

2011-09-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

As we approach the Feast Day of Blessed John Paul II on October 22, 2011, we are reminded that we are just six weeks away from the main event in the life of a Filipino with Parkinson's disease or a PINOY PD, i.e, the "HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU G-MEN (GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE AND NUTRITION), the First Annual Convention of Pinoy PD slated in Makati City on the same day.

For the past three weeks, I have discussed some of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit by quoting the Scriptures from the Holy Bible. I have also tackled one of the medications commonly used as a first line treatment for Parkinson's disease which is levodopa based on its content, indication, dosage, administration, contraindication, special precaution, adverse reaction, drug interaction, preparation and price. I have also enumerated some of the benefits of regular exercise for the person with Parkinson’s disease, the general recommendations on how to get started, the general safety measures as well as the target of an ideal exercise program.

As a fitting introduction to one of the key resource speakers in the upcoming event, I have requested Ms. Nona Lema, a vegetarian and meditation expert, to be my guest writer for the next 3 weeks. It will be a 3-part article series on "How Can A Vegetarian Diet Be of Help To PD Patients?"

The First Annual Convention of Pinoy PD aims to impart a general knowledge on the diagnosis and holistic management of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) among Filipinos through G-MEN (God, Medicine, Exercise and Nutrition).

Below are the Programme and Venue details:

If you want to take part actively in the said convention, please register and submit your details ASAP.

P.S. Register for FREE (including lunch, 2 snacks, seminar kit) on or before September 30, 2011.

P.P.S. Get a GUARANTEED SEAT and SLOT to the workshop to a LIMITED NUMBER of participants if you register on or before September 30, 2011.

P.P.P.S. Send your registration details via e-mail: drajoy31@gmail.com / drajoy31@yahoo.com on or before September 30, 2011 to be counted.

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU PATIENCE

2011-09-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is HEALING. While PATIENCE is another fruit of the Holy Spirit. Anyone who is suffering from any ailment, more so if the illness has no cure, is always searching for a possible means of healing. The quest for a complete treatment takes its toll not just on the sick person but on his family as well. It also becomes a test of patience.

Such is the case of Parkinson's disease (PD) which is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration (dysfunction and death) of neurons within the brain. The neurons are specialized cells that make dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals to coordinate movement, which is depleted in PD. PD is both chronic and progressive. It persists over a long period of time and the symptoms grow worse over time. Unfortunately, PD has no cure so its management is geared towards delaying the worsening of the signs and symptoms and alleviating any pain and discomfort from the illness. Hence, a holistic approach encompasses the "Healing of parkinson's disease thru G-MEN (God, Medicine, Exercise and Nutrition)".

SCRIPTURES:

HEALING

"Heal me, Lord, that I may be healed; save me, that I may be saved, for it is you whom I praise."

JEREMIAH 17:14

"Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God, Who pardons all your sins, heals all your ills, Deliver your life from the pit, surrounds you with love and compassion, Fills your days with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

PSALMS 103:1-3

"Therefore, confess you sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful."

JAMES 5: 16

PATIENCE

"We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all. See that no one returns evil for evil, rather, always seek what is good [both] for each other and for all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit."

1 THESSALONIANS 5:14-19

"Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light."

COLOSSIANS 1:9-12

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is the bond of perfection."

COLOSSIANS 3:12-14

"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7

"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged... Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because the Lord is compassionate and merciful."

JAMES 5:7-11

PRAYER:

God the Father, strengthen my faith in You as I wait for the healing that you promised. Jesus, God the Son, give me the courage to go out of my comfort zone as I seek new means of healing. God the Holy Spirit, enlighten me with wisdom that I may know which will work best for me and my family. Mama Mary, thank you for your intercession as I patiently wait for God's plan for my life.

ACTION:

Today, I will patiently adopt a healthy diet, lifestyle and belief for the healing of my Parkinson's disease.

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU FAITH

2011-09-15T04:18:00.000-07:00

Last September 8, 2011, we have celebrated the Feast Day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today, September 15, 2011, is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows. May we be like Mother Mary in having an unwavering Faith in God and surrendering ourselves to God's will and plan for our lives.

FAITH CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS!

FAITH CAN HEAL!

SCRIPTURES:

"Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen."

HEBREW 11:1

"We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God adn Father, knowing, brothers loved by God, how you were chosen."

1 THESSALONIANS 1:2-4

"For all of youa re childresn of the light and children of the day> We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober. Those who sleep go to sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the dday, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the lemet that is the hope for salvation. For God did not destine us for wrath, but togain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do."

1 THESSALONIANS 5:5-11

"We ought to thank God always for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater. Accordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God regarding your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure."

2 THESSALONIANS 1:3-4

PRAYER:

May God the Father grant us a steady heart and a watchful eye as we face the trials of each day. May God the Son give us the strength and the courage to walk along the path of righteousness and love. May God the Holy Spirit provide us with wisdom and knowledge to optimize the healing of our Parkinson's disease. All these we ask through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary. Amen

ACTION:

Today, I will practice the ten basic exercises of a PD patient and believe that everyday I will perform better and not deteriorate.

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU EXERCISE

2011-09-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Exercise plays a key role in the management of Parkinson's disease (PD). If done regularly, it may slow down the progression of the disease. It usually includes stretching, strength training and aerobic activities. An exercise program should be individualized and should be based on the patient's ability level so as to maintain flexibility, mobility and general well-being. It is usually recommended by the rehabilitation specialist who works hand in hand with a physical therapist.

Dr. M. Schenkman, et. al, did a a randomized, controlled trial in 1998 at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, USA, on how exercise can improve spinal flexibility and function for people with Parkinson's disease. The study showed improvements in axial mobility and physical performance within a 10-week exercise program for people in the early and midstages of PD.

In another study done by Dr. Victur Lun, et.al, in 2005, the effects of a self-supervised home exercise program were compared with the effects of a physiotherapist-supervised exercise program on the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. There was note of a statistifically significant improvement on the motor symptoms for both programs with similar effectiveness.

The above findings are important in the counseling of PD patients regarding adjunctive treatment of motor symptoms of PD with exercise.

Some of the benefits of regular exercise for the person with Parkinson’s disease are as follows:
Improved control over gross motor movements, such as walking
Increased muscle strength and flexibility
Increased cardiovascular fitness
Improved coordination and balance
Improved posture
Reduced muscle cramping
Greater confidence in performing daily activities
Reduced stress levels
Improved joint mobility

General recommendations on getting started are the following:
Spend at least 15 minutes of exercise every day.
A thorough stretching program that targets each joint and muscle group is recommended.
Warm up and cool down for a few minutes like marching in place or stretching.
Begin with the easiest exercises first and slowly perform the more difficult exercises as your
fitness increases.
Try to execute each movement to the best of your ability.
Stop and rest if you get tired at any point during your exercise program to prevent worsening of
your symptoms.
Stop performing any exercise that causes you pain.
If you get tired easily, try exercising earlier in the day.
Try to make exercising fun by exercising with others or playing your favourite music.

If you are at risk of falling or freezing (sudden inability to move), general safety suggestions include the following:
Sit down when you do your exercises.
Grab a chair when performing standing exercises.
Avoid floor exercises if you can’t get up by yourself.
Don't exercise alone even at home so you can ask help if necessary.
Exercise with others.
Call for assistance from a family member or friend.

Aim to build up to 8–10 repetitions of each exercise. Ideally, the exercise program should target the following:

Overall fitness
Muscle flexibility
Legs
Head and shoulders
Arms and torso
Face
Hands and wrists

References:

1. Movement Disorders Volume 20, Issue 8, pages 971–975, August 2005
2. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1998 Oct;46(10):1207-16.

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU JOY

2011-09-07T02:23:00.000-07:00

The start of the ---ber months herald the unofficial advent of the Christmas season in the Philippines, ours being the longest in the world. We smile when we hear Christmas songs being played in the radio or even in some department stores and shopping malls. Some even go as far us displaying Christmas decors. Christmas brings with it joy for it signifies the birthday of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. It will bring forth happiness, more so if it would provide healing of the soul and one's ailment like Parkinson's disease. That will be a great early Christmas present.

SCRIPTURES:

"... there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people. No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there, or the sound of crying; No longer shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not round out his full lifetime..."

                                                                        ISAIAH 65:18-20

"As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort. When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bodies flourish like the grass; The Lord's power shall be known to his servants, but to his enemies, his wrath."

                                                                        ISAIAH 66:13-14

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

                                                                        PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."
                                                                     1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

PRAYER:

PRAYER FOR HEALING OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAUL II

When my legs are frozen in place,
May God the Father push me and remind me
To lift my toes up so that I may walk again
And not be afraid.

When I feel like falling or as my posture stoops,
May Jesus Christ, God the Son, break my fall
And catch me as I move forward
With my legs braced and feet wide apart.

When my movement is slow and I hesitate,
May God the Holy Spirit enlighten my path,
Broaden my horizon and show me the way
That I will be more agile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands and feet are shaking, or my chin trembles,
And my voice weakens as I speak,
May Mother Mary embrace me to calm me and assure me
That everything will be okay and I can rest in her arms and wait
Until everything is still and steady and I am in peace
As my voice grows strong and clear.

Forgive me, God the Father, for all my sins
Heal me, God the Son, from my Parkinson’s disease
Bless me, God the Holy Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge
Love me, Mother Mary, so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

We ask all these, through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.
Amen.

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II, Pray for us.

ACTION: Today, I will be a blessing to someone by spreading joy through a sincere smile and greeting!

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU G-MEN(GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE AND NUTRITION)

2011-09-04T04:01:00.000-07:00

Are you like an old truck with engine trouble running at 0 RPMS?

Or are you like a robot operating at low battery or even empty battery?You might have Parkinson's Disease or PD. The hallmark in the diagnosis of PD resides on the presence of the 4 cardinal motor symptoms or RPMS, namely, RESTING TREMORS, POSTURAL INSTABILITY, MUSCLE RIGIDITY AND SLOW MOVEMENTS. It's time to be informed!If you indeed have PD, how can you and your family cope with your illness?Here's how:

Pinoy PD Thru G-MEN

View another webinar from Ness Cabahug

Yes! There is hope for those with PD.

Come and join us in the FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION to find out how.

Be an EARLY-BIRD, and register at discounted rates.

P.S. Register between September 16 -30, 2011 and enjoy 50 % savings!

P.P.S. Register on or before September 15, 2011 and enjoy BIGGER SAVINGS OF 70%!

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU MEDICATIONS (LEVODOPA)

2011-09-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

The most common treatment for Parkinson's disease is the use of medications. The goal of therapy is to provide the brain chemical (neurotransmitter), dopamine, in adequate amounts so as to prevent the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. An antiparkinson drug is usually started when symptoms become disabling or disrupt a person's daily activities.

There are specific instructions in taking the drugs for Parkinson's disease. It is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions about how and when to take your drugs so that they will be effective and safe. You cannot increase, decrease or change the drug without your doctor's knowledge because it may cause more problems in the control of symptoms.

Therapy depends on a person's symptoms and age and how the person responds to a certain drug. Medications often improve symptoms, but they also may cause side effects. It may take awhile to find the best combination of drugs for each particular individual.Several drugs may be used to treat Parkinson's disease at different stages of the disease.

The treatment of early Parkinson's starts with one or more of these medicines, which are commercially available in the Philippines:
Levodopa and carbidopa
Dopamine agonists (pramipexole, bromocriptine mesylate, piribedil)
COMT inhibitors (entacapone)
MAO-B inhibitors (selegiline)
Amantadine Anticholinergic agents (biperiden Hcl)

Levodopa is thought to be the most effective drug for controlling symptoms of Parkinson's disease and for many years was the preferred drug for treating newly diagnosed patients. However, long-term use of levodopa at high dosages often leads to motor complications that can be difficult to manage. The decision about whether it is better to use levodopa or other antiparkinson drug like a dopamine agonist as the first treatment has not been fully resolved. The decision on the drug of choice will most likely be different for each person. It is imperative to consult your doctor to find the medicines that work the best for you.

LEVODOPA/CARBIDOPA

(SINEMET) MSD/INVIDA [ZUELLIG] {P 49.00}
(TIDOMET/TIDOMET CR) TORRENT [METRO DRUG] {P 49.75}

LEGEND: (BRAND NAME) MANUFACTURER [DISTRIBUTOR] {SRP: levodopa 100mg/carbidopa 25 mg TAB}

PREPARATION/CONTENTS per tablet:
Levodopa 100 mg/carbidopa 25 mg
Levodopa 250 mg/carbidopa 25 mg
Levodopa 200 mg/carbidopa 50 mg(CR) or Controlled Release

INDICATIONS: Treatment of symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease(paralysis agitans) Treatment of symptoms of postencephalitic parkinsonism, which follows injury to nervous system by carbon monoxide and manganese intoxication Patients who are taking vitamin preparations containing vit. B6 Reduce "offtime" in patients previously treated with levodopa/ decarboxylase inhibitor preparations

DOSAGE:

FOR SINEMET: Sinemet 25/100 1 tab TID. Maximum: 8 tabs Sinemet 25/250 1/2 tab once-BID. Maximum: 8 tabs Transfer from levodopa: Stop levodopa 12 hr before Sinemet is started (24 hr for CR preparation) Patient taking > 1,500 mg levodopa: Initially 1 tab Sinemet TID-QID Patient taking < 1,500 mg levodopa: Initially 1 tab Sinemet 25/100 TID-QID. Sinemet CR 1 CR tab BID-TID, maximum dose 600 mg/day of levodopa or to be given at intervals < 6 hrs.

FOR TIDOMET: Individualized dosage

ADMINISTRATION OF ORAL DOSAGE/PRE- & POST-PRANDIAL ADVICE: Take on an empty stomach if possible. If GI distress occurs, take with food. CT tab: Swallow whole, do not chew/crush. 50/200 CR tab may be halved along the score-line only.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Undiagnosed skin lesions or history of melanoma
Hypersensitivity to any component of this product

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Treatment of drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions. Monitor for melanomas frequently and on a regular basis. Perform periodic skin exam. Patients previously treated with levodopa alone. CV disease including history of MI or arrhythmias or pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, renal, hepatic or endocrine disease, history of psychoses or convulsions, or wide-angle glaucoma. History of active peptic ulcer. Absorption of L-dopa may be impaired in some patients on a high protein diet. Not recommended for children < 18 yrs. Pregnancy, lactation.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:
SINEMET: Dyskinesia including choreiform, dystonic and other involuntary movements and nausea. Pathological gambling, hypersexuality and increased libido. Very rarely, excessive daytime somnolence and sudden sleep onset episodes, paresthesia, psychotic episodes. Muscle twitching and blepharospasm. Syncope, chest pain, anorexua, CV, GI, hematologic, hypersensitivity, nervous/psychiatric, resp., dermatological and urogenital effects.
TIDOMET Choreiform, dystonia, involuntary movements, mental changes, depression w/ or w/o development of suicidal tendencies and dementia. Nausea, orthostatic hypotension, brsadykinetic episodes, anorexia, vomiting and dizziness.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Discontinue MAOIs 2 weeks prior to therapy with Sinemet(except low doses of selective MAO-B inhibitors), tricyclic antidepressants, antihypertensives, phenothiazines, butyrophenones, phenytoin, papavarine, INH.

REFERENCES:
1. http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-disease-medications
2. MIMS.com

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU KNOWLEDGE

2011-09-02T02:51:00.000-07:00

Knowledge is the second gift of the Holy Spirit.

"For the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; He has counsel in store for the upright, he is the shield of those who walk honestly, Guarding the paths of justice, protecting the way of his pious ones. Then you will understand rectitude and justice, honesty, every good path; For wisdom will enter your heart, knowledge will please your soul, discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you."

                                                                       PROVERBS 2:6-11

"Happy the man who meditates on wisdom, and reflects on knowledge; Who ponders her ways in his heart, and understands her paths; Who pursues her like a scout, and lies in wait at her entry way; who peeps through her windows, and listens at her doors; Who encamps near her house, and fastens his tent pegs next to her walls; Who pitches his tent beside her, and l, and lives as her welcome neighbor; Who builds his nest in her leafage, and lodges in her branches; Who takes shelter with her from the heat, and dwells in her home.

                                                                        SIRACH 14:20-27

Every patient with Parkinson's disease(PD) as well as his/her caregivers, must be armed with knowledge in the management of PD. The healing of Parkinson's disease does not reside in just one aspect of a person's health status but should be holistic. This is the objective of the forthcoming First Annual Convention entitled: HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU G-MEN (GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE, NUTRITION) on October 22, 2011 in Makati City. For the eight succeeding weeks, the following topics will be discussed: spiritual gifts and fruits of the spirit; the antiParkinson's drugs which are commercially available in the Philippines; the physical activities that a person with Parkinson's disease can practice and the nutritional benefits of a vegetarian diet.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

"There are different kinds of SPIRITUAL GIFTS but the same Spirit, there are different forms of Service but the same Lord, there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is Given thorugh the Spirit the expression of WISDOM; to another the expression of KNOWLEDGE according to the same Spirit; to another FAITH by the same Spirit; to another gifts of HEALING by the one Spirit; to another MIGHTY DEEDS; to another PROPHECY; to another DISCERNMENT of spirits; to another varieties of TONGUES; to another INTERPRETATION of tongues. But one and the saem Spirit produces all these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes."

1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-11

"... the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

GALATIANS 5:22-23

PINOY PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU GOD'S PEACE

2011-08-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

Peace is the second fruit of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected after 3 days, He made his appearance to the disciples.

'On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.[Jesus] said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit..."'

John 20:19-22

You stepped out of the doctor's clinic after having been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. You tell yourself: "It isn't true! How can it be? I'm still young and at the peak of my career." You're angry with everyone. You quarrel with your spouse. You yell at your kids. You become a monster in the eyes of your co-workers. You're like the INCREDIBLE HULK when angry but you can't move, become stiff, easily fall when someone cuts into your path and your hand trembles when it's not busy.

You begin to alienate yourself as your sickness progressed. Your wife ignores you. Your kids put you down. Your friends avoid your company while others stab you in the back. You have no hope for cure. But you can always count on God, the One being who can help you and heal you so you are more able to cope with your illness and make each day count with peace in your heart.

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your request known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you."

Philippians 4:6-9

'Bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for wrath; for it is written, "vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Rather, " if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap buring coals upon his head." Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.

Romans 12:14-21

PINOY PARKINSON'S DISEASE (PD) THRU GOD'S WISDOM

2011-08-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

The first gift of the Holy Spirit is WISDOM. When the Lord asked King Solomon what he wanted to receive, here was his prayer:

Wisdom 9:4-6

SOLOMON'S PRAYER

"Give me Wisdom, the attendant at your throne, and reject me not from among your children; For I am your servant, the son of your handmaid, a man weak and short-lived and lacking in comprehension of judgment and of laws. Indeed, though one can be perfect among the sons of men, if Wisdom, who comes from you, be not with him, he shall be held in no esteem."

What is the value of wisdom?

Proverbs 3:13, 16-24

"Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understnading!...Long life is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honor; Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace; She is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and he is happy who holds her fast. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, established the heavens by understanding; By his knowledge the depths break open, and the clouds drop down dew. My son, let not these slip out of your sight; keep advice and counsel in view'; So will they be life to your soul, and an adornment to your neck. Then you may securely go your way; your foot will never stumble; When you lie down, you need not be afraid, when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. "

How can you acquire wisdom?

Proverbs 4:11-13, 18, 20-26

"On the way of wisdom I direct you, I lead you on straightforward paths. When you walk, your step will not be impeded, and should you run, you will not stumble. Hold fast to instruction , never let her go; keep her for she is your life....But the path of the just is like shining light, that grows in brilliance in perfect day."
"My son, to my words be attentive, to my sayings incline your ear; Let them not slip out of your sight, keep them within your heart; For they are life to those who find them, to man's whole being they are health. with closest custody, guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life. Put away from you dishonest talk, deceitful speech put far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead and your glance directly forward. Survey the path for your feet, and let all your ways be sure. Turn neither to right nor to left, keep your foot far from evil."

Seeking wisdom from those who know will enable you to conquer your Parkinson's disease and believe that healing is possible through God. Hence, we have invited Michael Angelo Fetalvo Lobrin to be one of the resource speakers in PINOY PD THRU G-MEN. Brother Michael Angelo, as he is fondly called, is a best selling author and widely sought-after inspirational speaker. His famous book "LAUGH WITH GOD TODAY" explained some verses in the Bible through an unconventional way. What better way to read and learn the Scriptures with humor.

PINOY PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU GOD'S LOVE

2011-08-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Join me in this journey as we start the nine week countdown towards healing of Parkinson's disease. For the next nine weeks, I will present the fruits and the gifts of the Holy Spirit by quoting verses from the greatest book ever written, which is the Holy Bible.

LOVE is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit. Loving God and allowing Him to fill up your love tank is the first step to obtain healing.

Mark 12:30-31
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT.
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. "

Romans 13:8-10
LOVE FULFILLS THE LAW
Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commnadments, "You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet," and whatever other commandments there may be, are summed up in this saying, [namely]" You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence love is the fulfillment of the law."

Romans 12:9-12
MUTUAL LOVE
"Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer."

Thus, we begin the series of Pinoy PD thru G-MEN with a prayer...

PRAYER FOR HEALING OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAUL II

When my legs are frozen in place,
May God the Father push me and remind me
To lift my toes up so that I may walk again
And not be afraid.

When I feel like falling or as my posture stoops,
May Jesus Christ, God the Son, break my fall
And catch me as I move forward
With my legs braced and feet wide apart.

When my movement is slow and I hesitate,
May God the Holy Spirit enlighten my path,
Broaden my horizon and show me the way
That I will be more agile and sure in my steps and bearing.

When my hands and feet are shaking, or my chin trembles,
And my voice weakens as I speak,
May Mother Mary embrace me to calm me and assure me
That everything will be okay and I can rest in her arms and wait
Until everything is still and steady and I am in peace
As my voice grows strong and clear.

Forgive me, God the Father, for all my sins
Heal me, God the Son, from my Parkinson’s disease
Bless me, God the Holy Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge
Love me, Mother Mary, so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.
We ask all these, through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.
Amen.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, Pray for us.

Let me be like a child as I surrender
and trust in the Lord and pray to my guardian angel…

“Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard to rule and guide. Amen.”

PINOY PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU G-MEN (GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE AND NUTRITION)

2011-08-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

PINOY PD THRU G-MEN (GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE AND NUTRITION) will be the First Annual Convention for lay persons with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and their caregivers which will be held on October 22, 2011. This date has been chosen for the convention because it coincides with the Feast Day of Blessed John Paul II who himself suffered from Parkinson’s disease but did not deter the late Pope from performing his anointing.

        We have gathered four resource speakers who will discuss the holistic approach in the management of Parkinson's Disease. One is a Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist who will tackle the updates in the diagnosis and medical management of PD. Another is a Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist who will discuss the physical aspect in the therapy of PD. An author and expert will also give a lecture on vegetarianism and meditation. While the fourth speaker is a prolific and sought-after inspirational speaker.

        There will also be three simultaneous workshops which will showcase the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Each of these workshops will be open to the participants with limited slots only.

        For the next nine weeks, you will come to know PINOY PD THRU G-MEN and what it stands for. This will be our vehicle to spread the good news that there is still hope for every PD regardless of race, sex or creed. Parkinson's disease may not have a cure but it should not put an end to the life of anyone afflicted with it because it will open doors so others may learn to share every thought, every word and every deed with LOVE in their hearts for PD.

For more information:
Visit website: www.pinoyparkinsonsdisease.blogspot.com

GOOD NUTRITION IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

2011-08-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

Good nutrition is important for everyone and has a significant role in the management of Parkinson’s
disease (PD). In general, a healthy diet can increase energy, optimize the effect of medications, and
promote overall well-being, especially in a patient with PD.

Patients with PD may experience constipation, delayed stomach emptying,drug-nutrient interactions, and weight loss. Parkinson's disease affects the autonomic nervous system, resulting in slowed movement of the GI tract. An individual may experience constipation and/or delayed gastric emptying. Gastric emptying may delay or decrease effectiveness of medications. With adequate intake of fluids and fiber, constipation may be prevented. Signs and symptoms of delayed gastric emptying should be observed when determining the timing of meals and medications.

Some individuals, particularly those who experience fluctuations of PD symptoms with their
medications, may be very sensitive to the amount of protein in their diets. For these individuals, the
timing of medications and meals/snacks containing protein becomes important. With the right amount of protein consumed at the proper intervals throughout the day, that is 30-60 minutes after medications, both optimal absorption of medications and protein needs are met.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as tremor and the medication side-effect of dyskinesia may increase one’s caloric needs. When caloric needs are not met, the individual may experience unintentional weight loss and even malnutrition in instances of continuous low calorie intake. Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is also important for many bodily functions. Each individual’s diet varies greatly, so you should first consult your doctor or dietitian before taking any supplements.

Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet will greatly benefit a patient with Parkinson's disease so he
can have more energy and his medications will work properly. There are ten basic tips of having a
proper diet, namely:
1. Eat a variety of foods from each food category based on the food pyramid (see below).
2. Ask your doctor if there is a need for a daily vitamin supplement.
3. Maintain your weight through a proper balance of exercise and food.
4. Ask your doctor about your ideal body weight and how many calories you should consume each day.
5. Include high-fiber foods such as vegetables, cooked dried peas and beans (legumes), whole-grain
foods, bran, cereals, pasta, rice, and fresh fruit in your diet.
6. Choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
7. Moderate your intake of sugars.
8. Limit your salt intake.
9. Drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day.
10. Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages since alcohol may interfere with some of your medications.

CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are starches and sugars which are the main energy source for the body. One gram of
carbohydrates provides 4 calories. These are found in fruits, breads and cereals, milk products, and
vegetables. These are also found in most desserts, candy, and sweetened foods.
The“good” carbohydrates are the complex carbohydrates which are found in foods that are less refined and closer to their natural state. Good sources include foods made with whole grains, brown rice, and fresh fruits and vegetables. These are usually good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, too. These are broken down slowly in the digestive tract, and gradually enter the bloodstream.
Dietary carbohydrates play a role in the absorption of levodopa, the usual first line drug used in
PD, by triggering a release of insulin which lowers the blood levels of large neutral amino acids
(LNAA's). Lower levels of LNAA's in the blood may enhance the delivery of levodopa to the brain . The recommended allowance for carbohyrates is 55 to 60 percent of the calories in your diet.

PROTEINS

Proteins are combinations of amino acids that build, repair, and maintain all of your body’s tissues.
Dietary proteins are broken down into amino acids in the stomach and intestine and then absorbed into the blood, where they become the “building blocks” for new proteins. Your body makes nonessential amino acids. The “essential” amino acids are not synthesized in the body so these are obtained through the diet. To get the necessary amino acids, it is important to eat a variety of foods, including good sources of protein in amounts to meet your needs. If you don’t consume enough carbohydrates and fats, tissue proteins can be broken down into amino acids and used by the body for energy instead of maintenance. When you consume more protein than you need, the protein is broken down and stored as body fat. Protein provides 4 calories per gram.
Good sources of protein include foods from animal and plant sources. Animal sources include meat,
poultry, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese. Plant sources include legumes (lentils, dry beans and peas),
seeds, nuts, breads, and cereals.

FATS

Fats are complex substances made up of combinations of fatty acids which supply energy in the form of calories. They are a concentrated source of energy, providing 9 calories per gram. Fats have some
positive health benefits although they are best avoided or kept at a minimum in certain disease
conditions like hypertension, obesity and heart ailments. These help to support the work of other
nutrients in your body. The fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K wouldn’t be effective without dietary
fats to dissolve them and provide transport in the bloodstream.

Linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid are fatty acids (the “building blocks” of fat) that are
considered essential because they are not synthesized in the body and have to be obtained from the
diet. Alpha-linolenic acid converts to omega-3 fatty acids, which help to keep your brain and nervous
system healthy. Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid. Both may promote heart health by lowering
total and LDL cholesterol.Both of these essential fatty acids are easily available to the body in a
varied diet. Fatty fish, soy, flaxseed, canola, nuts, and seeds are good sources of omega-3 fatty
acids. Soy, corn, and safflower oil are good sources of omega-6 fatty acids.

Fat intake should be no more than 30 percent of your total calories, with an emphasis on fewer
saturated fats. Fat takes longer to leave the stomach than carbohydrate or protein; therefore, it’s
best to avoid large, high-fat meals if you’re taking Sinemet because it can decrease the effectiveness
of the medication by delaying gastric emptying.

FIBER

Fiber is the indigestible part of a food of plant origin. It can’t be used by the body for energy, but
is still necessary for good health by helping to promote regular bowel movements. Dietary fiber can be soluble or insoluble. Both types of fiber have significant health benefits, but they work in different
ways.

Insoluble fiber helps to prevent constipation by adding bulk and softness to stools. Adequate fluid
intake is necessary, since insoluble fiber works by absorbing fluid. Good sources of insoluble fiber
are whole wheat products including wheat bran, vegetables, fruit, flaxseeds, and legumes.

Soluble fiber helps to lower blood cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugars. Good sources of
soluble fiber are legumes, oats and oat bran, barley, flaxseeds, and many fruits and vegetables.

Constipation is a common problem in Parkinson’s disease. It can be caused by medications, decreased fluid intake, or the condition itself. The nerves controlling the gastrointestinal tract can be
affected by PD, causing increased intestinal content transit time. Dietary fiber is very important in
the management of constipation. To ensure adequate fiber intake, try to eat at least five servings of
fruits and vegetables each day, and choose whole grains over refined foods. In addition, try to drink
6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day, preferably noncaffeinated.

VITAMINS

Vitamins are organic compounds necessary for life, although they do not, independently, provide
energy. Vitamins are essential to many bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, blood clotting, preventing diseases, body growth and maintenance, immune function, and many more.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D promotes the absorption of two minerals - calcium and phosphorus - and regulates the calcium levels in the blood. It also helps in depositing these minerals in your bones and teeth, making them stronger. Fortified foods such as milk and specially fortified orange juice are common sources of Vitamin D. Milk products such as cheese and ice cream are generally not fortified with Vitamin D.
Sunshine is a significant source of Vitamin D because your body makes Vitamin D from UV light touching your skin.

The RDA for adults is 400 IU per day, and 600 IU by the age of 70. The increased amount for older
adults is due to the fact that as we age, our skin isn’t able to produce as much Vitamin D. If you do
not go outdoors, you cover up, or use a sunscreen, you need to pay special attention to getting
Vitamin D from fortified foods or consider taking a supplement. One cup of Vitamin D fortified milk
contains 100 IU.

Vitamin C & E

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, and Vitamin E have antioxidant properties and were once speculated to be protective against the progression of PD. Theoretically, free radicals are produced by metabolic
processes in the brain and they can damage nerve cells, including dopaminogenic cells. Antioxidants
are known to break down free radicals or prevent their formation. Studies, however, do not show any
significant benefit of consuming more than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Vitamin C and E for people with PD.

Vitamin C is important for wound healing, absorption of iron, increasing resistance to infection, and
the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Good sources of Vitamin C are citrus fruits, broccoli, brussel
sprouts, green peppers, strawberries, cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, cantaloupe, and spinach. The RDA for Vitamin C for an adult is 60mg per day. This is equal to approximately 1/2 cup of orange juice or 1 cup of cantaloupe.

Along with its powerful antioxidant capabilities, Vitamin E is also important in energy and cell
metabolism. The RDA for Vitamin E for adult males is 10mg and 8mg for females. This is equal to
approximately 1.5 oz. almonds or 3 tablespoons of corn oil. Other good sources of Vitamin E are
vegetable oils, wheat germ, spinach, collards, nuts, and dried beans.

Both Vitamin C and E are easily consumed in the diet in the recommended amounts per day; therefore, supplementation in mega doses is not warranted. Depending on your individual diet, a multi-vitamin formulation or supplement may be beneficial. Please consult your doctor or dietitian for further information.

MINERALS

Minerals are inorganic substances essential to life. Theses help regulate the various body processes
such as circulation, respiration, digestion, and elimination. These are also found in water and in
natural foods but are used to fortify some processed foods.

Mineral toxicity is possible but unlikely if you are not taking megadoses of a mineral over a period
of time. Mineral deficiencies are also possible but not common if you are eating a wide variety of
foods from all five food groups.

CALCIUM

Calcium builds bones, and helps them to remain strong, by slowing the rate of bone loss as you age. It also assists in muscle contraction, promotes normal nerve function, and helps your blood clot if you’re bleeding. Milk and milk products such as yogurt and cheese are excellent sources of calcium. In addition, some dark green leafy vegetables (kale, broccoli, bok choy), canned salmon and sardines with bones, calcium-fortified soy milk and orange juice, and tofu made with calcium sulfate are good
sources.

The RDA for adults is 800 IU until age 50, when it is increased to 1200 IU. People with Parkinson’s
disease have an increased risk of bone loss, and should be sure their diet isn’t deficient in calcium.
If you find it hard to get enough calcium in your diet, you may want to consider a supplement. Calcium carbonate is the most commonly used supplement; however, it reduces stomach acid, which can interfere with nutrient absorption. It can also be constipating for some people. Calcium citrate is a better choice; it doesn’t affect stomach acidity, and it isn’t constipating.

Excellent sources of calcium:
(approximately 300mg per serving)
1 cup of low fat milk
1 cup of yogurt
1 1/2 ounce of hard cheese
1 1/4 cup cottage cheese
1 to 2 cups of cooked dark green, leafy vegetables
2 cups of cooked broccoli

IRON

Iron forms part of hemoglobin, the molecule that enables your red blood cells to transport oxygen
throughout the body. It also helps the immune and central nervous systems and aids in energy
production.

The body is very efficient at storing and reusing iron, and stored levels tend to increase with age;
however, iron deficiency can be a problem for younger women because of blood loss from menstruation and for older people because of a poor diet. A suspected deficiency should always be evaluated by your healthcare provider before taking supplements because excess iron can be harmful. The RDA for iron for adult women is 10 mg and 15 mg for adult men. Meat, poultry, and fish are excellent sources of iron. Fortified grain products, like cereals and breads, legumes (especially soybeans), nuts, and vegetables also provide iron in the diet. Foods that are high in Vitamin C, such as strawberries, broccoli, or citrus fruits, enhance iron absorption.

Iron supplements can interfere with Levodopa absorption, so they should be taken separately, although the small amount of iron in a standard multivitamin preparation shouldn’t be a problem.

COENZYME Q10

Coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinone, or CoQ10 for short, is a naturally occurring compound produced in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. CoQ10 is used by the body for energy production and as a powerful antioxidant. The amount of CoQ10 produced by the body declines with age, heart disease, and with some medications i.e., statins, some diabetes drugs, and perhaps coumadin.
CoQ10 is present in food in small amounts, primarily in organ meat, chicken, beef, soy oil, sardines,
mackerel, and peanuts. Because CoQ10 is in food only in scarce amounts, it is commonly consumed as an oral supplement.

Oral CoQ10 supplementation has been used to treat heart failure because of its role in energy
production. It may also be beneficial in treating a number of other diseases as well as Parkinson’s
disease due to its antioxidant effects. A theory is that it protects cells from damage caused by PD.
Research suggests a positive trend for CoQ10 and the slowing of the progression of the disease with
little side effects. Recent studies have shown that a dose of 1,200 mg per day may have the most
benefit in PD patients; however, CoQ10 recommendations are premature at this time and further research is warranted. Please consult your doctor beforehand.

PARKINSON'S MEDICATIONS AND FOOD INTERACTIONS

The primary drug used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is Levodopa. There are several diet
components that interfere with the absorption and thus, ultimately, with the effectiveness of this
medication.

   PROTEIN AND LEVODOPA INTERACTION

Compounds called amino acids make up dietary protein. Levodopa is structurally similar to certain
amino acids (large neutral amino acids, or LNAAs), and they compete for the same transport system
across the blood-brain barrier. Levodopa must arrive at its destination in the brain to be converted
to dopamine, and this competition can decrease the amount of Levodopa reaching the brain. Some people with Parkinson’s disease are not affected by protein in the diet, but others notice a reduced
effectiveness of Levodopa when it is taken too close to meals. Also, some people find that the
proteins in milk and milk products block the Levodopa absorption to a greater extent than other
proteins.

     GASTRIC EMPTYING

Before it can reach the transport mechanism at the blood-brain barrier, Levodopa must reach the small intestine for absorption. Food in the stomach can slow the progress of the Levodopa by delaying the emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. The longer Levodopa remains in the stomach, the more vulnerable it is to enzymes that prematurely convert it to dopamine, which is ineffective if not produced in the brain. Once in the small intestine, the Levodopa must compete with any LNAAs present for absorption into the bloodstream. Also, Levodopa has a very short plasma half-life, which means that it will start to disappear from the blood in 60 to 90 minutes. Therefore, it needs to reach the brain before this occurs.

Parkinson’s disease can affect the nerves of the GI tract causing delayed gastric emptying. If you
experience symptoms of bloating, delayed uptake of medications, quick fulfillment after eating,or
gastroesophageal reflux, consult your doctor or dietitian for helpful hints and/or medication changes.

     TIMING OF MEDICATION

Levodopa should be taken at least 30 minutes prior to meals, except in cases where the drug produces
nausea, or if there is an excess of dyskinesia after taking Levodopa. It generally works best when
taken on an empty stomach, about ½ hour before meals or at least one hour after meals. It should be
taken with 4-5 oz. of water so the drug will be absorbed in the body more quickly.
For some patients, levodopa may cause nausea when taken on an empty stomach. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of levodopa and carbidopa (called Sinemet) or carbidopa by itself (called Lodosyn). If nausea persists, your doctor may prescribe another drug to relieve these symptoms. There might also be a need to modify your daily protein intake. In rare cases, a diet high in protein limits the effectiveness of levodopa. For nausea, which is common during the early adjustment to Levodopa, it should be taken with a light, low-protein snack.

There are ways to contol nausea, namely:
1. Drink clear or ice-cold drinks. Drinks containing sugar may calm the stomach better than other
liquids.
2. Avoid orange and grapefruit juices because these are too acidic and may worsen nausea.
3. Drink beverages slowly.
4. Drink liquids between meals instead of during meals.
5. Eat light, bland foods (such as saltine crackers or plain bread).
6. Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.
7. Eat slowly.
8. Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
9. Do not mix hot and cold foods.
10. Eat foods that are cold or at room temperature to avoid getting nauseated from the smell of hot or
warm foods.
11. Rest after eating, keeping your head elevated. Activity may worsen nausea and may lead to
vomiting.
12. Avoid brushing your teeth after eating.
13. If you feel nauseated when you wake up in the morning, eat some crackers before getting out of bed
or eat a high protein snack before going to bed (lean meat or cheese).
14. Try to eat when you feel less nauseated.

Some Parkinson's disease medications may make you thirsty. Here are eight tips to help relieve thirst
or dry mouth:
1. Drink eight or more glasses of liquid each day. However, those PD patients with concommittant heart
problems may need to limit their fluids so it is better to seek advice from your doctor.
2. Limit caffeine (contained in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) because it may interfere with some
of your medications and may actually make you more dehydrated.
3. Dunk or moisten breads, toast, cookies, or crackers in milk, decaffeinated tea or coffee to soften
them.
4. Take a drink after each bite of food to moisten your mouth and to help you swallow.
5. Add sauces to foods to make them soft and moist. Try gravy, broth, sauce, or melted butter.
6. Eat sour candy or fruit ice to help increase saliva and moisten your mouth.
7. Don't use a commercial mouthwash. Commercial mouthwashes often contain alcohol that can dry your mouth. Ask your doctor or dentist about alternative mouthwash products.
8. Ask your doctor about artificial saliva products which may be available by prescription.

Sometimes, a PD patient may be too tired to eat later in the day or has poor appetite. Here are some
tips to help improve your appetite and make each meal enjoyable:
1. Choose foods that are easy to prepare and eat.
2. Ask your family/caregiver to help with meal preparations.
3. Keep healthy snack foods on hand such as fresh fruit and vegetables, pretzels, crackers, high-fiber
cold cereals.
4. Freeze extra portions of what you cook so you have a quick meal when you're too tired.
5. Rest before eating so you can enjoy your meal.
6. Try eating your main meal early in the day so you have enough energy to last you for the day.
7. Consult your doctor especially when you're showing signs of depression aside from poor appetite.
Your appetite will probably improve after depression is treated.
8. Avoid non-nutritious beverages.
9. Eat small, frequent meals and snacks.
10. Walk or participate in another light activity to stimulate your appetite.
11. Make eating a pleasurable experience by using colorful place settings and play background music
during meals.
12. Try not to eat alone. Invite a guest to share your meal or go out to dinner.
13. Use colorful garnishes such as parsley and red or yellow peppers to make food look more appealing
and appetizing

Here are some tips to help you eat more at meals and at snacks.
1. Drink beverages after a meal instead of before or during a meal so that you do not feel full before
you begin eating.
2. Plan meals to include your favorite foods.
3. Try eating the high-calorie foods in your meal first.
4. Use your imagination to increase the variety of food you're eating.
5. Don't waste your energy eating foods that provide little or no nutritional value such as potato
chips, candy bars, colas, and other snack foods.
6. Choose high-protein and high-calorie snacks. High calorie snacks include: ice cream, cookies,
pudding, cheese, granola bars, custard, sandwiches, nachos with cheese, eggs, crackers with peanut
butter, bagels with peanut butter or cream cheese, cereal with half and half, fruit or vegetables with
dips, yogurt with granola, popcorn with margarine and parmesan cheese, or bread sticks with cheese
sauce.

WEIGHT MAINTENANCE IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Malnutrition and weight maintenance is often an issue for people with Parkinson's disease. Here are
some tips to help you maintain a healthy weight:
1. Weigh yourself once or twice a week, unless your doctor recommends weighing yourself more often. If you are taking diuretics or steroids, such as prednisone, you should weigh yourself daily.
2. If you have an unexplained weight gain or loss (2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week),
contact your doctor. He or she may want to modify your food or fluid intake to help manage your
condition.
3. Ask your doctor about nutritional supplements. Sometimes supplements in the form of snacks, drinks (such as Ensure or Boost), or vitamins may be prescribed to eat between meals to help you increase your calories and get the right amount of nutrients every day. But, be sure to check with your doctor before making any dietary changes or before adding supplements to your diet. Some can be harmful or interfere with your medication.
4. If you are underweight, avoid low-fat or low-calorie products. (unless other dietary guidelines
have been recommended). Use whole milk, whole milk cheese, and yogurt.

REFERENCES:

1. http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/eating-right
2. Jenny E. Loew, MS, RD, CSN, LDN and Carol Pratt , LDN. Good Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease (American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc)Copyright 2005 Revised 2007

THE ROLE OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

2011-08-09T01:18:00.001-07:00

Does complementary and alternative medicine play a role in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease? How do we define “Complementary Medicine”? What is “Alternative Medicine”? How does each of these two terms differ from the “Conventional Medicine” in the treatment of PD?

The study of medicine in the present times has evolved into an integrative approach which considers the need to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. It includes the use of conventional therapy as well as complementary and alternative medicine especially in those disease conditions with no cure or progressive in its course, including those that can be prevented or retarded.

Conventional medicine is defined as the “standard of care” for a particular condition, either because the treatment has been studied scientifically and found to be safe and effective, or because there is consensus that the treatment works.
On the other hand, complementary medicine refers to interventions used in conjunction with conventional medicine. One example of a complementary therapy is the use of acupuncture which now plays a role in pain management of some cancer patients in addition to the use of analgesics.

Whereas alternative medicine pertains to the use of practices that replaces those utilized in conventional medicine. An example is the use of a special diet to treat cancer in place of the use of conventional methods of intervention like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy as recommended by a doctor.
In the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, “Conventional treatment” refers to the use of a pharmacological agent like Carbidopa/levodopa which has been extensively studied and is routinely used by physicians since it has been found to be efficacious. A “complementary therapy” is use of yoga in addition to the carbidopa/levodopa. An example of alternative therapy is use of herbal medicines instead of carbidopa/levodopa or another first-line medication.

What are the benefits of Complementary and Alternative Medicine?
One of the benefits in using CAM in PD would be the additional information a patient acquires as to the proper diet, exercise, and stress management in coping with his illness. CAM also addresses some of the secondary symptoms of PD such as constipation or fatigue which can be just as troubling, or even more troubling, than the motor symptoms. For some patients, it might also minimize the amount of medication they take in order to delay possible long-term side effects like dyskinesia (involuntary movements).

What are the different types of CAM?
A. Biologically Based Therapies
1. Orthomolecular and megavitamin therapy involve the adjustment of concentrations of molecules normally present in the body (e.g., vitamins, minerals, amino acids, hormones, and metabolic intermediates) for the prevention and treatment of disease. Coenzyme Q 10 and omega-3fatty acid-rich fish oils are examples of supplements in this category used by patients with PD.
2. Phytomedicine is often called herbal or botanical medicine and refers to the therapeutic ingestion of plants. This practice dates back at least 5000 years and has been used by all races, religions, and cultures throughout the world.

B. Energy Medicine
Reiki is a Japanese-derived healing modality in which a healing effect is induced by “life force” energy wherever the patient needs it most. The Reiki practitioner lightly applies hands on a clothed patient and channels healing energy as a general or localized treatment.
C. Manipulative and Body-Based Practices
1. Aromatherapy uses the aromatic oils of plants to improve and maintain well-being. More than three hundred different oils are produced from flowers, leaves, stems, and roots. The action of aromatherapy depends on the link between smell and memories. Massage and penetration of the oils into the body may also have a direct effect.
2. Electric stimulation involves the application of mild electric shocks to the skin. Chiropractors, massage therapists, and other practitioners of body work use this therapy to help relieve pain.
3. Massage therapy is a common therapeutic treatment where manual rubbing, stroking, tapping, and kneading the body (either a particular area or the whole body) is performed for the purpose of treating physical and emotional disorders, increasing blood flow, reducing pain, promoting relaxation, releasing muscle tension, and enhancing general health and well-being.

D. Mind-Body Medicine

1. Biofeedback involves the use of instrumentation to monitor, amplify, and report physiologic data for therapeutic purposes. The main objective of biofeedback is to change or regulate a physical process for better health, such as lowering one’s heart rate with controlled breathing and guided visualization.
2. Relaxation techniques can be helpful in reducing stress levels and include techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and diaphragmatic breathing. More advanced techniques include hypnosis, guided imagery, and meditation.

E. Whole Medical Systems
1. Ayurveda is Sanskrit for “life knowledge,” and it is one of the oldest known systems of healing. Ayurveda approaches health as the balance of body, mind, emotion, and spirit. Treatments include yoga, meditation, purification regimens, dietary changes, and herbal remedies.
2. Oriental Medicine is an ancient system of diagnosis and treatment that corrects imbalances in Qi, or vital energy, with acupuncture, herbs, massage, nutrition, and movement. Acupuncture uses fine needles gently inserted at specific points along energy pathways of the body to encourage healing. Acupressure and low level laser acupuncture are non-invasive methods also aimed to balance one’s Qi.

3. Naturopathy is an alternative health system which emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Therapies include the use of natural foods and supplements, massage, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and exercise that supports self-healing. Practitioners of naturopathy generally prefer to use treatment approaches they consider the most natural and least invasive instead of using drugs or surgery.

How to Find the Right CAM Professional

As a general rule, it is prudent to avoid professionals who claim to provide a “cure” for Parkinson’s disease and be wary of those who charge exorbitant fees or ask for a big payment even before services are being offered or products are being delivered. Every PD patient or his family or caregiver should also observe due diligence in verifying the authenticity, experience and expertise of the CAM professional especially those who advocate sudden withdrawal of prescription drugs for Parkinson’s without a thorough, accurate explanation. Despite the presence of information or studies on this drastic measure, it is best to consult with a neurologist or primary care physician for an opinion, or seek the advice of an integrative medicine physician.

How to Evaluate the Safety and Usefulness of CAM Therapies
A number of complementary and alternative modalities have been adopted by some PD patients and their families despite the absence of reliable studies or definitive proof like massage or Tai chi. However, the more invasive or experimental techniques or procedures should be supported by strong evidence before they are utilized.

It is to the best interest of every PD patient if a center can be put up which will fund research, provide grants to train researchers, and share its findings about CAM therapies with medical professionals and the public through information dissemination via lecture series, continuing medical education programs, and publication databases.

Alternative medicine that may be beneficial to a PD patient should also be evaluated for the possibility of doing more harm than good, especially with the “natural” means which does not always equate with “safe”. Sometimes, it may take a considerable amount of time and effort before a CAM treatment can be found effective. The CAM therapies coupled with conventional medicine therapies should increase the potential benefits of both treatments. This should be discussed with the neurologist or primary care physician especially when using supplements or herbs since some can interfere with conventional drug treatments.
PD patients who are the most well-informed and have a balanced and realistic view of what conventional medications and alternative therapies can currently provide and who are aware of the limitations and side effects of such are those that are the most successful in coping with their illness. They usually treat CAM therapies with open-minded scepticism and accept that traditional medicines are sometimes necessary. Conventional therapies with CAM will help reduce or delay the effects of Parkinson’s and will arm the PD patient the tools necessary to combat his illness provided that they are properly guided by the medical professional.

REFERENCE:
Young Parkinson's Handbook
A Guide for Patients and Their Families

SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

2011-08-03T03:03:00.000-07:00

The first line of treatment of Parkinson’s disease is stillmedical. Most clinical studies as to the efficacy of pharmacological agents arebased on the context of having mild, moderate and advanced disease. Thus, surgicaltreatment of PD has been reservedonly for patients with both severe motor impairment from PD and motorcomplications in the form of fluctuations and dyskinesias.

In areview of literature of all researches done worldwide from 2001 to 2004, thefollowing surgical interventions have been undertaken, namely:

1.Unilateral Pallidotomy

2.Pallidal Stimulation

3.Thalatomy

4.Thalamic Stimulation

5. Subthalatomy

6. Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation (STN)

7. Humanfetal mesencephalic transplantation

8. Fetalporcine cell transplantation

Of theabove surgical procedures, unilateral pallidotomy and subthalamic nucleusstimulation (STN) have been found to be efficacious for symptomatic control ofparkinsonism. However, only the former, i.e., unilateral pallidotomy, has beenshown to be likely efficacious in the treatment of motor complications likedyskinesias and fluctuations. Thus, they are said to be clinically useful inthe treatment of PD but with associated risk which are acceptable underspecialized monitoring.

Pallidalstimulation has been observed to be likely efficacious for the symptomaticcontrol of parkinsonism. It might possibly be useful for clinical practice butalso with acceptable risk with specialized monitoring.

Humanfetal mesencephalic transplantation has been observed to be non-efficacious inthe symptomatic control of parkinsonism as well as in the treatment of motorcomplications. It also has an unacceptable risk of developing severelydisabling dyskinesias predominantly affecting the legs which occurred generally6 – 12 months after surgery thus requiring another surgical intervention.

The restof the surgical procedures are still in the investigational stages and withinsufficient data as to merit any clinical usefulness.

References:

Vitek JL,Bakay RAE, Freeman A, et al. Randomized trial of

pallidotomyversus medical therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Ann

Neurol2003;53:558 –569.

KatayamaY, Kasai M, Oshima H, et al. Subthalamic nucleus

stimulationfor Parkinson’s disease: benefits observed in levodopa intolerant

patients.J Neurosurg 2001;95:213–221

Olanow CW,Goetz CG, Kordower JH, et al. A double-blind

controlledtrial of bilateral fetal nigral transplantation in Parkinson’s

disease.Ann Neurol 2003;54:403– 414.

MEDICAL TREATMENT OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE

2011-08-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Although it is a known fact the Parkinson’s disease has no cure, through the years, there have been various recommendations in the treatment of PD. Some studies show promising results but others have unacceptable side effects, complications and even no therapeutic value. Thus, an international task force of the Movement Disorder Society conducted a systematic review of all articles and clinical reports published until September 2009 which has been the basis for the 2010 update.

An evidenced based scientific explanation is still the most reliable and acceptable standard for patient care. However, the physician is still expected to exercise his own clinical judgment as to the best treatment options for a PD patient based on the latter’s perception of his own impairment and disability

In the early stages of uncomplicated Parkinson’s disease, use of pharmacological agents is still the primary mode of treatment. The different drugs used in the therapy of PD will be discussed based on the mechanism of action (MOA), symptomatic treatment (monotherapy), adjunctive therapy, prevention of motor complications, symptomatic treatment of non-motor problems and safety.

These are the different pharmacological agents available in the market, namely:

     1. LEVODOPA

     2. ANTICHOLINERGICS

     3. AMANTADINE

     4. MAO-B INHIBITORS

     5. COMT INHIBITORS

     6. DOPAMINE AGONISTS

LEVODOPA

     Levodopa is the most effective treatment to improve the motor symptoms during the initial stages of PD. It is available in 2 formulations, namely (1) standard and (2) controlled-release (CR).

             Mechanism of Action:

           The standard levodopa formulation exerts its symptomatic benefits through conversion to dopamine, and is routinely administered in combination with a decarboxylase inhibitor (benserazide, carbidopa) to prevent its peripheral conversion to dopamine with the resultant nausea and vomiting. Levodopa passes the blood – brain barrier – in contrast to dopamine. It has a short half -   life, which eventually results in short - duration responses with a wearing - off (end- of- dose) effect. Controlled - release (CR) formulations aim to prolong the effect of a single dose of levodopa, and reduce the number of daily doses.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Parkinsonism ( monotherapy):

            The effiacy of levodopa is firmly established from more than 30 years of use in clinical practice. Sytematic reviews show that levodopa monotherapy, in general, produced lower UPDRS (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale) scores than cabergoline, pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine, lisuride, and pergolide. Standard and CR levodopa maintain a similar level of control in de novo PD after 5 years and also in more advanced PD with a duration of about 10 years and without motor fluctuations.

          Adjunctive Therapy:

            Supplementation of levodopa to other antiparkinsonian medications in stable PD is common clinical practice to improve symptomatic control.

            Prevention of Motor Complications:

            The motor complications like fluctuations and dyskinesia are actually caused by levodopa. Usually, levodopa is started three times daily, which offers symptomatic control throughout the day, but after several months or years of chronic treatment, these motor complications may arise. However, by   carefully shortening the dose interval to compensate for shortening of the duration of effect of each levodopa dose (wearing - off), and by reducing the dose of each levodopa intake to reduce the magnitude of the effect (peak dose dyskinesia), the clinical emergence of these motor problems may be postponed. CR levodopa has no significant preventive effect on the incidence of motor fluctuations or dyskinesia, as compared with standard levodopa.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Non-motor Problems:

            Off - period psychiatric symptoms (anxiety, panic attacks, depression) and other non - motor symptoms (drenching sweats, pain, fatigue, and akathisia) may be alleviated by modifying the treatment schedule of levodopa.

            Safety:

            Peripheral side effects of levodopa include gastrointestinal and cardiovascular dysfunction. Central adverse effects include levodopa motor problems such as fluctuations, dyskinesia, and dystonia, and psychiatric side effects such as confusion, hallucinations, and sleep disorders. There is a 40 % likelihood of developing motor fluctuations and dyskinesias after 4 – 6 years of levodopa therapy and up to 80-90% in later years. Neuropsychiatric complications occur in less than 5% of de novo patients on levodopa monotherapy.

ANTICHOLINERGICS (Bornaprine, Benzhexol, Benzotropine, Biperiden)

            Mechanism of Action:

            Anticholinergics are believed to act by correcting the disequilibrium between striatal dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmission. Some anticholinergics, e.g. benzotropine, can also block dopamine uptake in central dopaminergic neurons. The anticholinergics used to treat PD specifically block muscarinic receptors.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Parkinsonism (monotherapy):

            The results are consistent with reviews concluding that anticholinergics have only a small effect on PD symptoms, and that evidence for a special effect on tremor is inconclusive.

            Adjunctive Therapy:

            The two reviews indicate that adjunctive anticholinergics have only a minor effect on PD symptoms in patients on levodopa therapy, and that the tremor - specific data are inconclusive.

            Prevention of Motor Complications:

            No studies are available.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Non- motor Problems:

            Because of the risk of side effects, centrally acting anticholinergics are usually not advised for the therapy of non - motor, i.e. autonomic, dysfunctions.

            Safety:

            The clinical use of anticholinergics has been limited by their side- effect profiles and contraindications. The most commonly reported side effects are blurred vision,urinary retention, nausea, constipation (rarely leading to paralytic ileus), and dry mouth. The incidence of reduced sweating, particularly in those patients on neuroleptics, can lead to fatal heat stroke.           Anticholinergics are contraindicatedin patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, tachycardia, hypertrophy of the prostate, gastrointestinal obstruction, and   megacolon. Impaired mental function (mainly immediate memory and memory acquisition) and acute confusional state are a well documented central side effect that resolves after drug withdrawal. Therefore, if dementia is present, the use of anticholinergics is contraindicated. The abrupt withdrawal of anticholinergics may lead to a rebound effect with marked deterioration of parkinsonism. Consequently, anticholinergics should be discontinued gradually and with caution.

AMANTADINE

            Mechanism of Action:

            The mechanism of action of amantadine appears to be multiple. A blockade of NMDA glutamate receptors and an anticholinergic effect are proposed, whereas other evidence suggests an amphetamine - like action to release presynaptic dopamine stores.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Parkinsonism (monotherapy):

            Some studies and reviews show that amantadine induces symptomaticimprovement.

             Adjunctive Therapy:

            The addition of amantadine to anticholinergic agents is superior to placebo, with the improvement more pronounced in severely affected patients. Over 9 weeks, amantadine was beneficial as an adjunctive treatment to levodopa with a more noticeable improvement in patients on low levodopa doses .Together with the results of low class evidence studies, data suggest that amantadine is probably effective as adjunct therapy, with an unproven long - term duration of effect.

            Prevention of Motor Complications:

            No studies available.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Non- motor Problems:

            Not applicable.

            Safety:

            Side effects are generally mild, most frequently including dizziness, anxiety, impaired coordination and insomnia ( > 5%), nausea and vomiting (5-10%), peripheral distal edema (unresponsive to diuretics), and headache, nightmares, ataxia, confusion/agitation, drowsiness, constipation/diarrhoea, anorexia, xerostomia, and livedo reticularis ( < 5%). Less common side effects include psychosis, abnormal thinking, amnesia, slurred speech, hyperkinesia, epileptic seizures (rarely, and at higher doses), hypertension, urinary retention, decreased libido, dyspnea, rash, and orthostatic hypotension (during chronic administration).

MAO-B INHIBITORS (Selegiline and Rasagiline)

            Mechanism of Action:

            Selegiline and rasagiline inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase isoenzyme type B (MAO - B). MAO - B inhibition prevents the breakdown of dopamine, producing greater dopamine availability. Mechanisms besides MAO-B inhibition may also contribute to the clinical effects. Unlike selegiline,      rasagiline is not metabolized to amphetamine, and has no sympathomimetic activity.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Parkinsonism (monotherapy):

            Five of six studies with a typical follow-up period of 3 - 12 months and a meta-analysis showed a small symptomatic effect of selegiline monotherapy. Two large scale placebo - controlled trials with rasagiline monotherapy in early PD with a follow-up of 6 – 9 months demonstrated consistent and significant results for a modest symptomatic benefit of early use of 1 mg and 2 mg/daily to early de novo PD patients.

            Adjunctive Therapy:

            The addition of selegiline to other antiparkinsonian therapies (mainly levodopa), showed no consistent beneficial effect on the core symptoms of PD in non-fluctuating patients. Rasagiline has not been studied in this context.

            Prevention of Motor Complications:

            Selegiline has shown no effect in preventing motor fluctuations including   wearing- off, ON– OFF fluctuations, and dyskinesia. Rasagiline has not been studied in this context.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Non-motor Problems:

            A study detected no effect of selegiline on depression in PD. MAO - B inhibitors have not been investigated for the treatment of other non-motor problems.

            Safety:

            Like any dopaminergic drug, MAO - B inhibitors can induce a variety of dopaminergic adverse reactions. At the daily doses of selegiline currently recommended, the risk of tyramine - induced hypertension (the ‘ cheese effect ’ ) is low. The tyramine - effect does not need to be taken into          consideration when using rasagiline. Concerns that the selegiline/levodopa combination increased mortality rates have been allayed.

COMT INHIBITORS (Entacapone and Tolcapone)

            Mechanism of action:

            Catechol- O - methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors reduce the metabolism of levodopa, extending its plasma half - life and prolonging the action of each   levodopa dose. Therapeutic dose of entacapone only acts peripherally and does not alter cerebral COMT activity. It is administered together with each dose of levodopa and is not approved for use in early (uncomplicated) and non- fluctuating PD patients. Tolcapone (a second-line drug) also acts peripherally but with a small central effect. Due to its stronger and longer action, tolcapone is recommended to be taken three times a day. Tolcapone is also not approved for use in early (uncomplicated) and non-fluctuating PD patients.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Parkinsonism (monotherapy):

            Not applicable (COMT inhibitors should always be given with levodopa).

            Adjunctive Therapy:

            All trials showed a small benefit in the control of the symptoms of parkinsonism, mostly reflected in the activities of daily living but the results were not consistent. In two recent trials, levodopa/cerbidopa/entacapone showed only borderline significance when compared to levodopa/carbidopa alone in patients with no or minimal fluctuations. In a 39 - week, randomized,         double - blind, multicentre study, the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone (LCE, Stalevo ® ) was compared with levodopa/carbidopa (LC, Sinemet IR) in patients with early, de novo PD with note of a significant difference in the motor experiences of daily living and motor examinations combined.

            Prevention of Motor Complications:

            When the initiation of treatment with levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone was compared to that with levodopa/carbidopa, no difference was found between the two treatment arms as to the prevention of motor fluctuations and dyskinesia.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Non-motor Problems:

            No studies available.

            Safety:

            COMT inhibitors increase levodopa bioavailability, so they can increase the incidence of dopaminergic adverse reactions, including nausea, and cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric complications. Diarrhea and urine discoloration are the most frequently reported non-dopaminergic adverse reactions. The combination with selective MAO-B inhibitors (selegiline) is allowed if the dose of MAO-B inhibitor does not exceed the recommended dose.

DOPAMINE AGONISTS

            Mechanism of Action:

            Of the ten dopamine agonists available in the market for treatment of PD, five are ergot derivatives (bromocriptine, cabergoline, dihydroergocryptine, lisuride, and pergolide) and five are non-ergot derivatives (apomorphine, piribedil, pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine).
            It is generally accepted that the shared D 2 - like receptor agonistic activity produces the symptomatic antiparkinsonian effect. This D 2 effect also explains peripheral (gastrointestinal – nausea and vomiting), cardiovascular (orthostatic hypotension), and neuropsychiatric (somnolence, psychosis, and hallucinations) side effects. In addition, dopamine agonists have other properties (e.g. anti - apoptotic effect) that have prompted their testing as putative neuroprotective agents. Apart from apomorphine or rotigotine, which are used via the subcutaneous (penject and pumps) or transdermal   (patch) routes respectively , all dopamine agonists are used orally. A once - daily controlled – release formulation of ropinirole has recently became available ,while one such formulation for pramipexole is currently under development .

            Symptomatic Treatment of Parkinsonism ( monotherapy):

            Based on some studies on dopamine agonists vs, placebo in the treatment of early PD, the following are found effective: dihydroergocryptine, pergolide, pramipexole, ropinirole, piribedil, and rotigotine; whereas bromocriptine and cabergoline are probably effective while lisuride is possibly effective.
            However, on studies on dopamine agonists vs. levodopa, it has been found that levodopa is more efficacious than any orally active dopamine agonist monotherapy. The number of patients able to remain on agonist monotherapy falls progressively over time after 5 years of treatment as in the          case of using any of these: bromocriptine, cabergoline, pergolide, pramipexole, and ropinirole. After a few years of treatment, most patients who initially use a dopamine agonist monotherapy will receive levodopa as a replacement or adjunct treatment to control motor Parkinsonian signs. Over the past decade, a commonly tested strategy has been to start with an   agonist and to add levodopa later if worsening of symptoms cannot be controlled with the agonist alone. However, previously, it was common practice to combine an agonist like bromocriptine or lisuride with levodopa within the first months of treatment ( ‘ early combination strategy ’ ).

            Adjunctive Therapy:

            Most agonists have been shown to be effective in improving the cardinal    motor signs of parkinsonism in patients already treated with levodopa such as: apomorphine, bromocriptine, cabergoline, pergolide, piribedil, pramipexole, and ropinirole.

            Prevention of motor complications:

            Early use of an agonist can reduce the incidence of motor complications versus levodopa which has been observed in the studies on cabergoline, pramipexole, pergolide, ropinirole and bromocriptine. The risk of dyskinesia reappears once levodopa is adjunct to initial agonist monotherapy.

            Symptomatic Treatment of Non- motor Problems:

            Dopamine agonists like pramipexole may improve depression, as observed in clinical trials conducted in non – parkinsonian subjects with major or bipolar depression.

            Safety:

            Dopamine agonists and all other active dopamine - mimetic medications share a common safety profile reflecting dopamine stimulation. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, orthostatic hypotension, confusion, psychosis, and somnolence may occur with administration of any of these agents. Peripheral leg edema, hallucinations and somnolence are more frequent with some agonists than with levodopa, even in healthy subjects, in the case of somnolence. A recent meta – analysis suggested that while frequencies of somnolence, hallucination, or anxiety cases were higher with non - ergot DAs, incidence of vomiting, arterial hypotension, or depression was higher with   ergots. The rare but severe risks of pleuropulmonary/retroperitoneal fibrosis and valvular heart disorders are greater with ergot agonists than with non- ergot agonists. As pergolide and cabergoline have been the most frequently reported drugs at the present time, they are only used as a second - line alternative option, when other agonists have not provided an adequate response. If employed, regular monitoring of heart valves by ultrasound is mandatory.
            Impulse - control disorders have recently been identified as a common adverse drug reaction to dopamine agonists with prevalence rates ranging from 5-15% depending on the author. The principal risk factor is treatment with dopamine agonists, although they can occur on levodopa as well. Other risk factors    implicated are personal traits, disturbed decision-making abilities, younger age, comorbidities, cognitive impairment, disease severity, and polytherapy.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE

2011-07-26T02:12:00.000-07:00

As we wait to commemorate the feast day of Blessed John Paul II on October 22, 2011, allow me to share a prayer to help every person afflicted with Parkinson's Disease. We hope that as every PD patient as well as their family and caregivers recite this prayer 3x everyday, i.e., upon waking up, after a midday meal and before retiring at night, may it bring hope that healing of the physical, emotional, social, mental and spiritual being of each and every PD will eventually happen.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OFPARKINSON’S DISEASE

THROUGH THE INTERCESSIONOF BLESSED JOHN PAUL II

When my legs arefrozen in place,

May God the Fatherpush me and remind me

To lift my toes up andswing my arms

That I may walk againand not be afraid.

When I feel likefalling or as my posture stoops,

May Jesus Christ, Godthe Son, break my fall

And catch me as Imove forward

With my legs bracedand feet wide apart.

When my movement isslow and I hesitate,

May God the HolySpirit enlighten my path,

Broaden my horizonand show me the way

That I will be moreagile and graceful in my steps and bearing.

When my hands andfeet are shaking, or my chin trembles,

And my voice weakensas I speak,

May Mother Maryembrace me to calm me and assure me

That everything willbe okay and I can rest in her arms and wait

Until everything isstill and steady and I am in peace

As my voice growsstrong and clear.

Forgive me, God theFather, for all my sins

Heal me, God the Son,from my Parkinson’s disease

Bless me, God theHoly Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge

Love me, Mother Mary,so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.

Thank you, Lord, for answering our prayers.

We ask all these,through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

Amen.

Our Father…

Hail Mary…

Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II,Pray for us.

Cycling helps man control condition

2010-09-20T01:49:00.000-07:00

By ADAM STEWART

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than two years ago, Steve Quam of Anderson, S.C., discovered that exercise helped him limit his tremors.

Bicycling is one of his favorite exercises, so 64-year-old Quam decided he would ride across the U.S. to raise awareness of the disease. He began in Washington state and arrived Monday in Marion. He planned to finish his ride in South Carolina, probably mid-November.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that impairs motor skills, speech, and other functions. No cure has been found in the 200 years since it was discovered, Quam said.

But treatment is available. Quam said he couldn’t make the ride if he weren’t taking medication to suppress his temors.

He is riding in support of the Davis Phinney Foundation For Parkinson’s. Phinney was a great cyclist in the 1980s who competed in the Olympics and Tour de France. Phinney was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 40 and started his foundation to research the disease and provide support for patients.

Quam said he admired Phinney long before he knew of their connection.

The message he wants to spread with his ride is that people with Parkinson’s disease don’t have to stop doing things.

“You may have limitations, but with adjustments you can still do things you enjoy,” Quam said.

He had ridden about 2,600 miles of the 4,000-mile trip when he arrived in Marion. He has ridden between 30 and 60 miles most days, but his longest ride was 79 miles. His route from Washington to Kansas wasn’t direct, he said.

“I took the scenic tour,” through parts of British Columbia and Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, he said.

He also stopped in Boulder, Colo., where he had dinner with Phinney. Quam said his favorite part of the trip has been meeting other Parkinson’s disease patients and discussing what works for them to control their symptoms.

He is looking forward to seeing relatives in Missouri and his son in Memphis, Tenn.

For more information, go to http://sqpd.us or e-mail PedalForParkinsons@charter.net.

Novel molecular pathway underlying Parkinson's disease identified

2010-09-19T01:41:00.000-07:00

Researchers have identified a new molecular pathway underlying Parkinson’s disease and also pointed to existing drugs which may be able to slow progression of the disease.

The pathway involved proteins — known as polyamines — that were found to be responsible for the increase in build-up of other toxic proteins in neurons, which causes the neurons to malfunction and, eventually, die.

Though high levels of polyamines have been found previously in patients with Parkinson’s, the new study led by researchers at Columbia University Medical Centre is the first to identify a mechanism for why polyamines are elevated in the first place and how polyamines mediate the disease. The researchers also demonstrated in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease that polyamine-lowering drugs had a protective effect.

“The most exciting thing about the finding is that it opens up the possibility of using a whole class of drugs that is already available,” said Scott A. Small, senior author of the study.

“Additionally, since polyamines can be found in blood and spinal fluid, this may lead to a test that could be used for early detection of Parkinson’s,” he said.

Though many cellular defects have been found to cause rare, inherited forms of Parkinson’s disease, most cases of Parkinson’s are caused by unknown changes inside the brain’s neurons.

The researchers used a wide variety of scientific techniques to search for still unidentified defects in the brain.

The success of the technique depends on identifying regions of the brain affected by the disease and comparing them to unaffected regions.

Using high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Nicole Lewandowski, identified such regions in the brainstem of patients with Parkinson’s.

The scans showed that one region of the brainstem was consistently less active in these patients than in healthy control subjects. Also revealed in the scans was a neighbouring region that was unaffected by the disease.

Next, using brain tissue from deceased patients with Parkinson’s, the researchers looked for proteins that could potentially explain the brainstem imaging differences. To validate the finding, three separate studies — in yeast, mice, and people — were performed.

The yeast studies revealed that polyamines promote the accumulation of a toxic Parkinson’s-causing protein in living cells, and not just in test tubes, as was known from previous research.

In the mice studies, a link was established among SAT1, polyamines, and Parkinson’s toxins in a mammalian brain. These experiments also revealed that drugs that target SAT1 may be able to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Genetic studies in patients with Parkinson’s provided further evidence that polyamines may help drive Parkinson’s disease in people. After examining the SAT1 gene in nearly 100 patients with Parkinson’s, it was uncovered that novel genetic variant that was found exclusively in the study’s patients with Parkinson’s but not in controls.

“Even though the variant was rare in patients with Parkinson’s, finding it was surprising and further strengthens the possibility that defects in the polyamine pathway help to trigger the disease,” said Small. The findings appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/article642862.ece

Whole body vibration therapy, a revolutionary technique that efficiently treats Parkinson's disease

2010-01-06T04:18:00.000-08:00

A novel non-traditional physical therapy method is available for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients that do not respond well to medications such as L-dopamine. Scientists from the Sun Life Financial Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre from Ontario, Canada have shown that short term whole body vibration therapy significantly improves the clinical symptoms (loss of gait, tremors and akinesia) of PD patients. In this clinical study, a sample population of 40 PD patients were subject to intensive therapy for a few weeks using a Physioacoustic Chair, an sophisticated device containing speakers that are strategically placed throughout the chair in order to deliver programmed low frequency sound waves throughout the body of the patient.
This study is remarkable in the sense that acoustic therapy had a significant impact on the well being and quality of life of PD patients. In brief, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), gait assessments and upper limb control tests showed significant improvements on gait stability and posture, increased stepping time and speed on the peg-board task, a significant decrease in tremors and less rigidity in PD patients receiving whole body vibration therapy compared to a control group that received no therapy. More importantly, this study showed that whole body vibration therapy may also be applied to PD patients that do not respond well to L-dopamine medication or deep brain stimulation, a complicated risky surgery that involves delivering mild electrical shocks to the brain via implanted electrodes. The latter technique is used as a last resort to stabilize tremors and rigidity in PD patients.

Whole body acoustic stimulation vs. conventional physical therapy for treating PD

Before this study, another previous study conducted about a year ago showed that whole vibration therapy is even more effective in reversing many of the clinical symptoms of PD patients compared to conventional physical therapy. Specifically, this particular study showed that whole body vibration therapy improved equilibrium and gait four weeks after undergoing an intensive three week regimen consisting of 15 minutes a day for five days a week.
Remarkably, this study quantitatively also suggests that whole body vibration therapy is more efficient (25% more efficient) than conventional physical therapy for partially reversing clinical symptoms in PD patients that do not respond well to L-dopamine. It will be interesting to know whether a combined therapy that uses both whole body and conventional intervention techniques has an additive/ synergistic positive effect in reversing clinical PD symptoms compared to single treatment intervention.

Brief background on whole body vibration therapy.

The technology used for conventional physical therapeutic interventions of PD patients have included the use of treadmills, different optical and acoustic devices, balance/ gait training devices and low impact exercise machines. On the other hand, the concept and practice of whole body vibration therapy is not novel since this technique has been used by athletes as part of a routine exercise to loose weight, improve muscle tone and increase muscle strength.
Whole body vibration therapy was initially postulated and developed by Jean Martin Charcot, who also developed a vibration chair many decades ago! There are currently a few devices currently in the market that have been tweaked and redesigned with from other existing prototypes. Some of the most well known whole body vibrational devices are sold by Galileo Fitness and is used for many applications including relaxation therapy, strength training and muscle toning, and for physical therapy. The machine looks like a typical workout machine with arm rests, a bottom platform, and a console that allows a user to program a variety of amplitude and frequency settings (18-28 Hz). Once a patient stands on top of the platform and grabs the arm rests, he/she may receive a short session of either low frequency sound waves that allow for muscle relaxation while higher amplitude and frequency settings is used for increasing muscle tone and contraction.
Whole body vibration therapy has also been used in the past to treat patients affected by neuromuscular debilitating and neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, Huntington's chorea, and other movement disorders. It is not known how whole body acoustic therapy works in Parkinson's disease patients but it is believed that high vibrational frequencies help to partially restore some of the sensory perception (proprioception) that is lost during the progression of the disease and is also used to enhance muscle coordination, a physical trait that is lost during the progression of PD. Finally, high frequency sound waves delivered via physicoacoustic devices has been shown to improve blood flow, electrical conductivity and metabolism of muscle tissue.

Asymetrical Arm Swings may Signal Parkinson’s Disease

2009-12-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative illness that can have devastating effects on motor skills, including walking. A new study found that arm-swing asymmetry while walking may be one of the first signs of the disease.
In this small study, researchers from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Pennsylvania State University did a gait analysis among 12 older people with early stage Parkinson's disease, and eight people without the disease, who served as a control group. Before gait analysis tests, those in the Parkinson's group tapered off their Parkinson's medication so test results wouldn’t be swayed.
Each participant had the movement of their arms, pelvis and lower extremities analyzed via a 3-D motion capture system as they walked three ways: at a normal gait, at a fast gait and on their heels, the last to minimize push-off.
The Parkinson's group showed more arm-swing asymmetry than the control group in the normal and fast walking variations. But trunk rotation was basically the same for both groups, showing that it didn't factor into the arm-swing asymmetry. Arm-swing magnitude was the same for both groups as well.
"Our data suggests that this could be a very useful tool for the early detection of Parkinson's," Xuemei Huang, associate professor of neurology at Pennsylvania State Hershey College of Medicine, said in a news release. Huang, the study's co-author, added: "There are wide scale efforts to find drugs that slow cell death. When they are found, they could be used in conjunction with this technique to arrest or perhaps cure the disease because they could be given before great damage has occurred."

Parkinson's goes Big

2009-12-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

The LSVT encourages a person with Parkinson's disease to really swing the arms, rock the heels and take large steps. LSVT also concentrates on the everyday activities important to the patients and for a golfer that meant working on his golf swing.
“The first thing we always focus on is doing everything really big,” Layhew said. “Then he gets used to it when he’s out in public.”
Parkinson disease typically causes tremors, slow movement, rigidity of limbs and poor balance. The disease can also affect speech and posture.
Speech and language pathologist Christine Garretson said many people with Parkinson disease initially aren’t aware of their condition until they learn about it from their spouses.
“One of the characteristics of Parkinson is the perception of how they sound,” Garretson said. “They think their spouse might need a hearing aid. It’s very common for them to think it’s their environment.”
She uses LSVT Loud to use those same principles of going big to get people with Parkinson to learn how to modulate their voices while speaking. The program begins with an “ahh” sound and then builds into homework that could include leaving voice messages or speaking to the receptionist.
“We get them to be intense and loud,” she said. “It’s bombarding them with being big and loud. We measure duration and level and then we adjust the pitch.”
The programs require a four-week commitment where a patient must attend four days a week during that month. He then performs the same exercises at home to get two sessions per day. Both LSVT programs include additional homework exercises.
“It’s retraining the brain,” Garretson said. “Voice problems affect the vast majority. Speech is what we do; it’s what makes us human — that ability to communicate.”
LSVT Loud also addresses swallowing problems frequently affecting Parkinson patients. Garretson said the exercises can help reduce the risk of choking and minimize embarrassment.
Sometimes a person with Parkinson makes it difficult to get in and out of his chair and cut his food so going out to dinner in public may be difficult aside from embarrasing and painful.
LSVT Big has conquered some of those problems.
LSVT Loud has been used for 15 years and many of the same principles are used for LSVT Big.
“LSVT is a great therapy for patients who need to improve their voice volume,” said Dr. Michael S. Okun, national medical director of the National Parkinson Foundation. “To make this therapy effective however, patients need to actively participate in many initial sessions and then in regular booster sessions.”
LSVT Big and LSVT Loud require regular exercise at home following the conclusion of the initial four-week sessions. During that time, one will continue tracking a patient's physical mobility, strength and balance during his booster session.
The improvements over the four weeks are enough to convince anyone to continue the exercises.
Both these exercises make a person with Parkinson's disease more confident in even simple activities like cutting his food and even getting out of his chair.

Stomach Hormone Can Boost Resistance To Or Slow Down Parkinson's

2009-12-12T03:39:00.000-08:00

By: Catharine Paddock, PhD

US researchers report finding that ghrelin, a hormone produced in the stomach that regulates appetite and how the body deposits fat, may be used to boost resistance to or slow the development of Parkinson's disease.

The study is the work of Dr Tamas Horvath, chair and professor of comparative medicine and professor of neurobiology and obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, and colleagues and was published earlier this month in The Journal of Neuroscience.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder where dopamine neurons in an area of the midbrain known as the substantia nigra, which is responsible for dopamine production, start to die off.

As less dopamine is produced, the symptoms become more severe, so that eventually people with the disease have difficulty walking, have restricted and delayed movements, get tremors in their head and limbs, lose their appetite, can't eat properly, and have periods of immobility or "freezing".

We already know that ghrelin targets the hypothalamus and affects appetite, food intake and how the body deposits fat. The authors wrote that ghrelin receptors at sites outside of the hypothalamus also "promote circuit activity associated with learning and memory, and reward seeking behavior". And recent human studies have shown that body mass index (BMI), stored fat and diabetes are linked to Parkinson's disease.

In this study, Horvath and colleagues discovered that ghrelin also protects the neurons that make dopamine.

"We also found that, in addition to its influence on appetite, ghrelin is responsible for direct activation of the brain's dopamine cells," said Horvath. He explained that because the hormone is made in the stomach, it circulates normally in the bloodstream, "so it could easily be used to boost resistance to Parkinson's or it could be used to slow the development of the disease".

For the study, which was supported by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Horvath and colleagues gave one group of mice extra ghrelin, and while another group were genetically engineered to lack the hormone and its receptor.

When compared to a group of control mice, the mice that had impaired ghrelin action in the brain had more dopamine loss.

The authors explained that the mice that were given extra ghrelin lost fewer substantia nigra pars compacta dopamine cells and showed "restricted striatal dopamine loss", while the mice that were genetically engineered to lack the hormone and its receptors lost more substantia nigra pars compacta dopamine cells and showed "lowered striatal dopamine levels". The effect in the genetically engineered mice was reversed when they switched the ghrelin receptor on.

They concluded that their study supports the idea that ghrelin could be a new therapeutic strategy to fight neurodegeneration, loss of appetite and body weight linked with Parkinson's disease.

Horvath said they could see these results being applicable to humans because the ghrelin system is preserved through various species.

The researchers are now planning to find out how ghrelin levels differ between healthy people and people with Parkinsons disease, and whether changes in ghrelin levels might serve as a biomarker of disease susceptibility and development.

Parkinson’s sufferers find solace in group

2009-12-12T03:38:00.000-08:00

By Chris Cobb
The Herald-Zeitung

It’s a life-changing and often debilitating illness, and one no one wants to go through on their own.

As they do twice each month, New Braunfels residents gathered Saturday at McKenna Events Center and talked about the importance of having support as they struggle to go through life while suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.

“Everyone needs this kind of support,” said Peggy Dubuque, whose husband Tommy started the local support group in 2007. “I can’t tell you how important it is.”

Around 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year in the United States, and around one million people suffer from the disease in the United States alone, according to the National Parkinson Foundation.

It’s a neurological disorder that occurs when cells in the brain fail to produce dopamine. The lack of the chemical gradually impairs almost all of the body’s motor functions, often leading to shuffled walking, stiff facial expressions and tremors and shaking throughout the body.

Prior to 2007, residents in New Braunfels had to travel elsewhere to seek support or learn more about their disease.

“It can be so daunting to have to search for treatment,” said Connie Srote. “People don’t realize that when you have a disability, you can’t travel even the 30 miles to San Antonio comfortably.”

Tommy Dubuque started the group in July 2007, and the first Parkinson’s support group meeting in New Braunfels saw six people.

Today, the group has grown to 105 members who regularly attend meetings, according to Peggy Dubuque. They come to learn more from each other about treatment options, or discuss ways others suffering from Parkinson’s cope day-to-day.

“It’s important because people need to be getting all of the information that’s available,” said Pam Callia, a speech pathologist with Kirkwood Manor who presented residents Saturday with treatment options for people whose speech has been gradually stunted by the disease. “It’s definitely informative, but there’s also that component of being able to say ‘this worked for me,’ or ‘this didn’t work, what about that?’ People get a chance to interact with others going through the same thing.”

Although 15 percent of Parkinson sufferers are under the age of 50, the vast majority are over 65, according to foundation statistics — an age group that makes up a significant portion of Comal County’s population.

Around 25 percent of county residents are older than 55, according the United Way’s Comal County Community Needs Assessment.

With a large senior population and the disease so widespread, Srote stressed the importance of receiving treatment and seeking support from those in your community who can help.

“A lot of people don’t say they need help because they’re still functional, and it’s a hard thing to talk about,” she said. “But (support) can help, and having it here in New Braunfels is really a blessing.”

The group meets twice each month, once to have a group discussion and again to hear guests speakers present different treatment options or helpful tips for those with Parkinson’s.

Pilot randomised controlled trial of occupational therapy to optimise independence in Parkinson's disease: the PD OT trial.

2009-12-11T03:32:00.000-08:00

Clarke CE, Furmston A, Morgan E, Patel S, Sackley C, Walker M, Bryan S, Wheatley K.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2009 Sep;80(9):976-8. Epub 2008 Mar 13.

Clinical Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To perform a pilot trial of occupational therapy (OT) to optimise functional independence in Parkinson disease (PD) to assess accrual/withdrawal rates, acceptability, outcome measures, and inform sample-size calculation. METHOD: Non-demented patients with idiopathic PD and difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL) were recruited provided they had not received OT in the last 2 years and/or physiotherapy in the last year. Patients were randomised to immediate OT or OT after completion of the trial. Patients randomised to OT were assessed at home by an experienced therapist and then received six home treatment sessions over 2 months. Interventions were targeted at functional independence and mobility goals. Outcome measures were: Nottingham Extended Activity of Daily Living Scale, Rivermead Mobility Index, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale ADL scale, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 39, EuroQol-EQ-5D, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and health economics analysis. RESULTS: 39 patients (25 male; mean age 73 years) were recruited from four centres over 16 months. The mean difference in NEADL at 8 months was 3.5 (95% CI -3.2 to 10.2). The mean difference in PDQ-39 Summary Score was 3.8 (95% CI -4.94 to 12.6). There were strong correlations between the PDQ-39 and other outcomes. The intervention was acceptable to patients, with a low withdrawal rate and good questionnaire completion. CONCLUSION: Randomisation to a trial of OT in PD is feasible. NEADL and PDQ-39 are relevant outcomes and provided data to inform sample size for an adequately powered randomised trial for which there is pressing need.

New options for Parkinson's treatment

2009-12-11T03:29:00.000-08:00

By: Kerstin Kealy, WDAY

Patients with Parkinson’s here in the Valley have a new option for treatment. MeritCare has started the L-S-V-T Big program and just a few months in, it's making a big difference in the lives of patients. Last night, our friend, former WDAY Anchor Marv Bossart shared his courageous story as he battles this difficult disease. Big and the L-S-V-T Loud program are giving Marv back and others like him what Parkinson's threatens to steal away.
As a News Anchor for 42 years, Marv Bossart was known for his voice. 7 years after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, he is fighting to keep it.
“I hate the fact that my voice is fading, I made my living on my voice.”
He's among 89% of those with Parkinson’s who have problems with speech.
“His biggest complaint coming in to see me was that he was losing himself in crowds in people and not being heard and not understanding that.”
The Loud program is an intensive month long speech therapy that recalibrates your brain, teaching you to think loud and talk loud. It's showing dramatic results.
“You can see in one day, day one progress.”
From Loud to Big, Marv re-learns what many of us take for granted. Things like getting up from a chair, reaching, and walking.
“Marv has one of the best attitudes I’ve ever seen.”
Since the program started at MeritCare in May, Physical Therapist Laura Guse has used big to help Parkinson’s patients walk faster with bigger steps and have better balance, a serious safety issue for those with Parkinson’s.
“I was getting along just fine and one day all of a sudden I fell in our driveway and I fell hard.”
Laura says the results from big have shown twice the improvement for Parkinson’s patients than traditional physical therapy.
“They really feel empowered over their disease and they have a lot more confidence in the way that they move, they feel less fearful of falling.”
Marv's doctor, MeritCare Neurologist Dr. Tanya Harlow, says up to 70 percent of her patients here at NRI have Parkinson's.
“I could spend my entire time as a physician just seeing Parkinson’s disease because there are that any patients.”
She and Marv talked about another option for treatment, deep brain stimulation, but Marv decided it wasn't worth the risks, instead opting for physical therapy and medication.
“He’s becoming more advanced as far as his Parkinson’s disease goes so the motor complications I mentioned before as far as the diskinesias are starting to become more problematic for him.”
Dr. Harlow says the key to one day curing this brain disorder is figure out what causes it. Something she is hopeful will happen in the next decade.
“I think it's going to be a breakthrough. There's so much research going in I’m hoping it's going to be sooner rather than later.
For now the key to fighting this disease, something Marv knows well, staying active.
“I’m not going to give up without a fight of some kind.”

Neurologix completes all surgical procedures in Phase II Parkinson's disease study

2009-12-11T01:19:00.000-08:00

US clinical-stage biotechnology company Neurologix Inc (OTC: NRGX) said today it has completed all planned surgeries in an ongoing Phase II study of its gene transfer approach to the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease.

The controlled, double-blind, 44-patient Phase II trial is investigating the safety and efficacy of a novel non-dopamine approach to restore motor function in Parkinson's patients who are sub-optimally responsive to available drug therapy. The company expects to announce initial efficacy results from the trial in mid-2010.

The investigators are assessing each of the trial participants over time for treatment effects, with the primary trial endpoint being a clinical assessment of motor function at 6 months using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). All participants in the trial will also be monitored for safety for 12 months following their gene transfer procedure.

CEO John Mordock said that the company's gene therapy approach to Parkinson's aims to provide a safer and more effective alternative to either dopamine replacement therapies or deep brain stimulation for patients with advanced stages of the disease. Neurologix's strategy is to deliver a gene ("GAD") that reestablishes the production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the major brain inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps "quiet" excessive neuronal firing, added Mordock and continued that scientists have determined this neurotransmitter to be deficient in the brains of patients in the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease.

Author who suffers from Parkinson's teaches innovative yoga class

2009-12-11T01:18:00.000-08:00

By Katie Curley Katzman

Renee Le Verrier leads a group of five women in stretching, balancing and relaxation poses on a recent afternoon at the Yoga Center of Newburyport.

The only difference between this class and others is that a chair and variety of other props makes the class more accessible.

Blocks, straps, blankets and cushions all help to make stretches lighter and bring the distance from hand to foot closer for the participants.

"This isn't chair yoga because we are not just in the chair," Le Verrier said. "The chair is just a prop to bring the floor closer to us."

Le Verrier teaches yoga for movement disorders, a weekly class aimed at making yoga possible for individuals who have any restrictions, including those stemming from osteoporosis or Parkinson's disease.

But it is also geared at those who just feel a little "creaky."

"If you can breath, you can do yoga," Le Verrier said. "Yoga can be intimidating to people especially when you go to a yoga studio, but yoga is most beneficial to those with limitations and movement disorders."

Le Verrier should know. As a child, she suffered a stroke. Five years ago, at age 42, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's, a brain disorder affecting both men and women. She has been practicing yoga for eight years and teaching for three at the Yoga Center of Newburyport as well as Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital in Bradford and Massachusetts General Hospital.

"I've learned through yoga to live in the moment," she said.

Le Verrier was recently chosen as one of 25 people nationwide to attend the Parkinson's Disease Foundation's Clinical Research Learning Institute. The training prepares participants to serve as advocates for bringing new treatment information to their communities as well as serving as a formal representative on clinical research and advisory boards.

According to the National Parkinson' Foundation, the condition usually develops after age 65, but 15 percent of people, like Le Verrier, are diagnosed before age 50. About 1 million Americans suffer from Parkinson's, with an estimated 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

Le Verrier said yoga is an effective tool for Parkinson's because the disease affects certain dopamine-producing nerve cells (neurons) in one part of the brain that die or become impaired. Dopamine allows for smooth, coordinated muscle movement, so when it becomes limited in the body, symptoms such as tremors, shaking and rigidity are said to result.

Le Verrier credits yoga with aiding her not only physically, but spiritually as well. While her once excruciating back pain is now gone, she said she continues to benefit by the lessons yoga has taught her about breathing through hard times and noticing life more.

"When I feel myself being affected by something, I can go back to my breathing," she said. "I'm not dismissing whatever is happening, but I can breath it out."

Le Verrier said yoga also helped her unblock energy flow and allowed her to become more creative through painting.

"Before, I had a phobia of art," she said. "But one snowy day, I started painting with my first grader and I just let the creative energy happen."

As a yoga teacher, Le Verrier has pushed to provide classes for other students like herself and has also worked to educate teachers on how to work with individuals who have Parkinson's. Recently, she taught a large workshop for yoga teachers from area gyms, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and studios.

"Exercise is beneficial in managing Parkinson's," she said. "It gives a sense of well being, makes breathing easier, affects posture. I hope I can bring a little of that in."

When students with movement disorders or Parkinson's attend a typical yoga class, Le Verrier said teachers often don't tailor the class to their limitations or become too gentle with them, and they're unable to fully garner the benefits.

"The teachers get nervous and tell the student to sit a pose out," said Le Verrier, who gives instructors specific things they can do to change their teaching approach.

In addition to her work teaching, Le Verrier has published a yoga book, with another on its way to the printer. "Yoga for Movement Disorders," published by Merit Press, is a workbook with poses and stretches those with limitations can do at home or in a studio setting. "A, B, C ... X, Yoga, Z," a playful introduction to yoga for kids using the ABCs, is due out soon.

Le Verrier said many people stop doing the activities they used to when they are diagnosed with Parkinson's or a movement disorder, including playing with children and grandchildren.

"The ABC book is a wonderful way to do something and move together," she said. "Grandparents can do this with their grandchildren even though they may not be able to play soccer with them anymore."

Sewing Support

2009-12-10T01:16:00.000-08:00

By Lucretia Cardenas

The hands of Parkinson’s disease patients can tremble but they can still create a beautiful, meaningful quilt.

Proving that they are “not incapacitated, just disabled,” Parkinson patients from across the nation – who have become friends through an online chat room on PatientsLikeMe.com – crafted a quilt now circulating from one home to another. Right now, the quilt is with Conroe resident Vic Lopez, 64.

He’s battled Parkinson’s disease since 1998. When the illness worsened, he underwent a deep brain stimulation treatment in 2006. The connections in the wired stimulation system, which sends signals to his body to control his symptoms, aren’t great and Lopez had it replaced Thursday.

The quilt, which has two squares Lopez sewed and a third he helped to create, have deep meaning for Lopez – a strength among friendships formed, a strength of overcoming stigmas and a strength in taking on challenges. One square of the quilt symbolizes those strengths, with a picture of two tulips tied together for support by a string.

Another square describes the struggle of Parkinson’s patients.

“We’re fighting for our dignity, each day an endless test,” the poem reads. “We’re searching for the cure, so we can ease our quest.”

Lopez’s individual square has his screen name “vig wig” written on it and states that he “writes, fishes, naps, chats online, plays oldies music – garbage waits.” He also placed pictures on it of a fish he caught in Lake Conroe, a man wearing a large sombrero napping against a cactus and an LP record.

The quilt took just over a year to make, Lopez said. Each member of the online forum contributed a square, and a professional quilter bound them all together.

No decision has been made about where the quilt will end up, but the chat room friends don’t want it to gather dust in an office building or raffle it off, Lopez said. For now, it will continue to circulate from member to member across the nation so they can share the message the quilt represents.

“I’ve got Parkinson’s but it hasn’t got me,” Lopez said. “We can do this in spite of the disease.”

Parkinson’s Disease Patients Treated with Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells May Improve Their Quality of Life

2009-12-10T01:14:00.000-08:00

Eight Parkinson’s Disease patients were treated with their own bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) injected via minimally invasive non-surgical routes and discharged the next morning without complications.

“We show the clinical use of autologous BMSC in PD patients, not in animal tests” leader investigator Dr. Luis Geffner said.

Evaluations with UPDRS, Hoehn & Yahr scale and Schwab & England score showed encouraging improvements such as the graphologic tests performed before and after the trasplant that demonstrated significant differences.

Additionally the total L-dopamine dose could be decreased suggesting that stem cells may enhance endogenous dopamine synthesis. He also explained that they are very cautious and prudent emphasizing that they are not talking about cure but stem cells may possibly be a new tool to complement current treatments and delay the progress either of the illness or its complications such as the side effects of some medication.

This study showing safety and feasibility of autologous adult BMSC transplant in PD patients was presented in Baltimore on October 11th 2009 in the 23rd Annual Symposium of Etiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and other Movement Disorders organized by the Parkinson Study Group in affiliation with the American Neurological Association and published in September 2009 issue of Movement Disorders, a peer -review journal.

Geffner's team has already transplanted 144 patients suffering from different illnesses or trauma states and many of them have been followed up 5 years showing that autologous adult BMSC neither provoke tumors, immunologic rejection, infections nor arise ethical or religious controversies.

Constipation May Be Early Clue to Parkinson's Disease

2009-12-09T01:08:00.000-08:00

By Charles Bankhead, Staff Writer, MedPage Today

Constipation may represent one of the earliest signs of Parkinson's disease, preceding the onset of motor symptoms by two decades or more, data from a case-control study suggest.

Patients with Parkinson's disease were more than twice as likely to report a history of constipation compared with a control population. The association remained significant after controlling for other factors associated with constipation, according to a report in the December issue of Neurology.

Though constipation is not specific for Parkinson's disease, the findings are consistent with the hypothesis that Parkinson's disease adversely affects autonomic function early in the course of pathogenesis.

"Our findings may suggest that constipation is an early manifestation of the neurodegenerative process underlying Parkinson's disease, and that it frequently precedes the classic motor signs of Parkinson's disease by several decades in both men and women," Walter A. Rocca, MD, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and colleagues concluded.
Action Points

* Explain to patients that people with Parkinson's disease often report a history of constipation.

* Note that the findings came from a retrospective analysis of medical records and do not prove that constipation plays a role in Parkinson's disease.

However, they cautioned that "there are alternative explanations for this association."

Autonomic dysfunction is a recognized component of the pathogenetic process of Parkinson's disease, and Lewy bodies are consistently found in the autonomic nervous system of patients who have died with Parkinson's disease.

Constipation is one of the most common manifestations of autonomic dysfunction and often is present at the onset of motor symptoms or progression of Parkinson's disease, the authors noted.

In some cases, constipation may precede the onset of motor symptoms in Parkinson's patients. Data from the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study showed that men who reported less frequent bowel movements had an increased risk of Parkinson's disease during a 24-year follow-up period (Neurology 2001; 57: 456-62, J Neurol 2003; 250(suppl 3): III30-39).

Other reports from the Honolulu study described an association between constipation and incidental Lewy body disease and a reduced neuronal density in the substantia nigra (Mov Disord 2007; 22: 1581-86, Mov Disord 2009; 24: 371-76).

Consistent with clinical and pathologic findings, the Braak staging system of Parkinson's disease neuropathology predicts early involvement in the disease process (Neurosci Lett 2006; 396: 67-72).

Continuing this line of work, investigators reviewed medical records of participants in the Rochester Epidemiology Project. They identified all patients who developed Parkinson's disease (by conventional diagnostic criteria) from 1976 through 1995. Each case was matched by age and sex with a member of the general population of participants in the epidemiologic study.

Investigators defined constipation as a diagnosis of constipation in the medical records or use of drugs to treat constipation, even in the absence of a diagnosis.

The analysis revealed 196 patients who developed Parkinson's disease during the period reviewed. The authors found that 71 (36.2%) patients with Parkinson's disease had a history of constipation compared with 40 (20.4%) of the control group. The difference translated into an odds ratio of 2.48 for cases versus controls (95% CI 1.49 to 4.11, P=0.0005).

The association between constipation and Parkinson's disease remained significant after adjusting for smoking and coffee consumption and exclusion of possible drug-induced constipation.

Moreover, the association remained significant in an analysis limited to patients with constipation documented 20 or more years before the onset of motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.48 to 6.03, P=0.002).

The association was stronger in women (OR 3.38) than in men (OR 1.92) and in patients with rest tremor versus those without, but the differences did not reach statistical significance.

Although the data supported the biologic plausibility of constipation as an early nonmotor manifestation of Parkinson's disease, the authors offered several alternative explanations:

* Constipation and Parkinson's disease could be independent manifestations of an unknown risk factor
* The association might reflect a genetic susceptibility
* Constipation might have an indirect, but causal, role in Parkinson's disease, such as increased intestinal absorption of substances toxic to the substantia nigra

"However, the evidence in support of these alternative interpretations remains limited," the authors said.

Freddie Roach acts like a man by calling out columnist Alex Vidal

2009-12-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

by: Samuel Rossi

Word has hit the internet that legendary trainer and Parkinson's victim Freddie Roach is being sued by writer Alex Vidal over comments and actions directed toward the reporter. In July of last year, Vidal wrote a story entitled, 'Sick' Roach Misses Conepcion's Final Workout in Wild Card Gym. In that story, Vidal reported that Roach, who has suffered from Parkinson's Disease as a result of his days inside the ring, had been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms days prior to Concepcion's fight against Adam Carrera due to his illness. Several outlets have reported that Vidal's lawsuit came about after Roach confronted the writer over his piece.

Vidal claims that, after apologizing to Roach for the piece, the trainer threatened to "kill" the writer if he were ever again to write about his illness, and approached him in a physical nature. Celebrity gossip site TMZ is reporting that the trainer is being sued for "assault, battery, and infliction of emotional distress."

While I was not anywhere near the Wild Card Gym on the day Roach is said to have threatened the writer, I wish only to offer an endorsement of Freddie Roach's overall character.

Roach - a future first ballot hall-of-fame trainer of fighters like Manny Pacquiao, Virgil Hill, James Toney, and Mike Tyson - is a treasure to our sport. The wise and energetic trainer represents all that is good in the world of boxing. Here is a man who stands in the face of adversity at the dawn of every new day. Here is a man who offers fighters his knowledge and know-how in hopes that they do not end up suffering from the same life-crushing disease that currenly plagues him. Here is a man who has experienced the best and the worst that boxing has to offer. Freddie Roach is a man with no complaints.

As he nears the age of 50, Freddie Roach continues to face a debilitating and life-wrenching disease on a daily basis; a disease in which no cure nor victor is known. He suffers from an illness that that takes away abilities and luxuries with absolutely no remorse. Yet, he continues to stand - he continues to fight.

I am reminded of the legendary college basketball coach Jim Valvano who once stood before an audience as a dying and cancer-riddled man and expressed his thoughts on the disease that weakened him. The former North Carolina State coach said that though his disease had the power to take away all of his physical abilities, it would never be able to touch his mind, his heart, nor his soul. Through his actions and demeanor, it is clear to me that Freddie Roach lives life by way of a similar mantra.

Roach is a man of strong mind. He is a genius in regards to the fight game, if there has ever been one. He is a man who understands the risks of this sport, as much as he knows the glory one can attain from it.

I think that Mr. Vidal, myself, and others in the boxing community should simply sit back and allow this man to continue passing along his wisdom to as many fighters as possible - with no commentary needed, other than words of praise.

In short, I am grateful to observe a world in which Freddie Roach is a teacher of men.

A carrier of courage's torch.