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This disease is characterised by a premature ageing of certain brain cells which are responsible for our
movement. It mostly affects the elderly.
What to look for
the disease takes hold
slowly, beginning with a sense of weakness and a slight tremor of the head or hands, then
gradually progressing to more generalised symptoms. These can include:
slow, jerky movements; a
shuffling gait; and stooped posture.
unsteady balance.
continuous movement of
the thumb and forefinger as if the person was rolling something between the thumb and
fingers.
obscure speech.
swallowing problems.
in severe cases, rigid
trunk and limbs; fixed facial expression and unblinking, staring eyes.
Parkinson's disease mostly
affects older people. The first signs are likely to be barely noticeable, a weak or stiff
limb, perhaps, or a fine trembling of one hand when it is at rest. Usually this worsens
over time. Depression and other mental or emotional problems are common.
Usually the disorder begins
between the ages of 50 and 65. Medication is often helpful in treating the symptoms and
the condition is not life threatening usually.
Causes
In most instances,
Parkinson’s disease is caused by untimely ageing of brain cells. These cells normally
coordinate the muscle activity which allows us to perform specific types of movement. This
allows us to do such things as swing our arms when we walk, move our facial muscles and in
the positioning of limbs before we stand up or walk. Problems happen when the brain cells
that allow the body to perform these tasks die off prematurely.
Traditional Treatment
Most treatments aim at
restoring the proper balance of the brain cells affected by this disorder. Drugs are the
standard way of doing this, but neurosurgeons have had some success with experiments
involving operative procedures.
Symptoms can be effectively
controlled for years with medication.
Some treatments focus on
the effects of the disorder rather than the causes. Physiotherapists may be able to help
with muscle strength and body alignment.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Conventional medicines are
widely acknowledged as the best treatments for Parkinson's disease. However, many of the
alternative therapies mentioned below can be very helpful for relieving symptoms or easing
tight muscles. Always talk to your doctor first.
Body Work -
Massage
has had good results with Parkinson’s patients.
Yoga is an ideal form of
exercise for Parkinson's patients because of its slow movements.
Chinese Herbs -
Taken several times a day, combinations that include rhubarb (Rheum palmatum),
peony (Paeonia officinalis),
liquorice
(Glycyrrhiza uralensis), and magnolia bark (Magnolia officinalis) are said to stop tremors and relax
stiff muscles. Because using Chinese herbs is complicated, You will need professional
advice for correct dosages. Taken several times a day, combinations that include rhubarb (Rheum
palmatum),
peony (Paeonia officinalis),
liquorice
(Glycyrrhiza uralensis), and magnolia bark (Magnolia officinalis) are said to stop tremors and relax
stiff muscles. Because using Chinese herbs is complicated, You will need professional
advice for correct dosages.
Herbal Therapies - Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has been shown
to reduce tremor when taken in combination with levodopa. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has been shown
to reduce tremor when taken in combination with levodopa.
Daily doses of
evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) may
reduce tremors.
Homoeopathy -
A
trained homoeopath might prescribe a single remedy, a series, or a combination of remedies
for the many different symptoms of Parkinson's. A
trained homoeopath might prescribe a single remedy, a series, or a combination of remedies
for the many different symptoms of Parkinson's.
Dietary Considerations
See your doctor who will be
able to speak with you about an appropriate diet. Also supplements such as B complex, E,
Choline, Inositol, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium and Ginseng.
See Our Viatmins and Herbs Page
Avoid spicy foods.
Personal Care
Look at appropriate
furniture and fittings that will make it easier for the Parkinson’s patient to move
around.
When to seek further
professional advice
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