Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the body’s ability to control movement. It is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, which can lead to tremors, slow movement, impaired balance and coordination, and difficulty speaking. General physicians may diagnose a patient with Parkinson’s disease based on physical symptoms such as these, medical history, and a blood test or an imaging exam. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle modifications such as physical therapy and speech therapy, and surgery if necessary.

Conventional treatment of Parkinson’s disease can include medication, surgical procedures, physical therapy and speech-language therapies. Medication such as levodopa can help to improve motor symptoms by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Surgery, such as deep brain stimulation or lesioning, may be used in cases where medications are not effective. Physical and speech-language therapies can help to improve balance and coordination, muscle stiffness and other related issues. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, yoga and dietary changes may also be beneficial for some people with Parkinson’s.

An orthomolecular perspective on Parkinson’s Disease views the condition as an imbalance of essential molecules in the body, which can lead to a depletion of dopamine. This perspective aims to restore balance with supplements, focusing in particular on restoring levels of antioxidants and neurotransmitter precursors such as dopamine. Vitamins and supplements including vitamins B, C and E, as well as magnesium and lithium can be used to help restore biochemical balance in the body. Additionally, amino acids including Tyrosine are often recommended for increasing dopamine levels. Dietary changes may include increasing Vitamin D3 intake through foods rich in the vitamin or supplementation, eating more whole grain products, avoiding refined sugar and processed foods, eating organic whenever possible and increasing intake of high-antioxidant fruits such as berries.

Mensah Medical’s Protocols are designed to normalize key chemical factors that influence neurotransmitter production and activity. Through testing Mensah Medical’s physicians determine your key biochemical imbalances and use compounded supplementation to restore these markers to their optimal level. By correcting imbalances of essential nutrients in the body, many symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease are addressed. Mensah Medical’s approach is safe, natural, and effective.  If you or a loved one are currently on a psychiatric medication, Mensah Medical physicians will work to first restore your chemistry, rebuild your foundation, and then look to work with your physician to slowly decrease your medication as necessary.

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown. However, it is generally thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic mutations in certain genes are thought to play a role, while environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides, herbicides and other toxins, may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Research has also found that head injuries and certain viruses may be linked to the development of Parkinson’s.

Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease can include age, genetics, exposure to certain environmental toxins, and certain medications. Age is the greatest risk factor, with most people diagnosed after age 60. There may be a genetic component as well, with some families having a greater chance of inheriting the disorder. Exposure to certain toxins such as pesticides and herbicides may also increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease can lead to a range of complications including depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances, falls and balance problems, memory problems, fatigue, and impaired speech. Over time the disease can also cause stiffness in the muscles, drooling due to reduced saliva production, difficulty swallowing or chewing food and changes in skin sensation. In more advanced cases of Parkinson’s disease, patients may experience difficulty walking and other mobility issues. Tremor is also common for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Currently, there is no known way of preventing the onset of Parkinson’s disease. However, there are lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk and slow the progression of the disease. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods can help protect against Parkinson’s. Exercising regularly can also help to reduce the risk of developing this condition as well as improving overall health and quality of life for those living with it. Additionally, avoiding exposure to toxins and managing stress levels may be beneficial for reducing the risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is usually diagnosed based on an individual’s signs and symptoms. A doctor will typically perform a physical exam, ask the patient questions regarding their medical history and carry out tests to confirm the diagnosis. Tests include imaging scans such as MRI or CT scans to look at the brain, laboratory tests to check levels of certain chemicals in the body, and tests that measure muscle control, reflexes and coordination. Additionally, doctors may also use a specialized test called DaTSCAN, which utilizes radioactive tracers to scan for dopamine receptors and assess nerve damage in the brain indicative of Parkinson’s disease.

For those living with Parkinson’s, lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Exercise is important for people with Parkinson’s as it helps to strengthen and maintain muscles, as well as reduce stress. Physical activity such as light jogging, walking or swimming is recommended. Additionally, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods may help protect against Parkinson’s disease progression. Stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation can also be beneficial for reducing symptoms of Parkinson’s. Additionally, keeping a regular sleeping schedule is important for maintaining emotional wellbeing and energy levels throughout the day. Finally, staying socially connected is essential for any person living with Parkinson’s in order to share experiences and find emotional support.

Alternative and natural medicine for Parkinson’s Disease may include dietary changes, herbal supplements, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Dietary changes may include reducing refined carbohydrates, increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through sources such as fish or flaxseed oil, avoiding saturated fats, and eating foods that are high in antioxidants. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain associated with Parkinson’s while TCM includes herbal remedies, dietary advice and specific exercises aimed at reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Prior to your first appointment at Mensah Medical, you will be required to complete a new patient intake form as well as a patient history form. These forms must be submitted to Mensah Medical before an appointment can be scheduled. For Outreach Clinic appointments these forms must be submitted one week before the scheduled Outreach. For established patients, prior to your follow up you will be required to complete a progress report. This must be submitted via your Elation Passport at least 72 hours before the appointment.

At Mensah Medical, we run lab work and blood tests to confirm your bio individual needs. If during the appointment the doctors deem it necessary they may order additional testing such as a hair analysis, G.I. Map, SAM/SAH Methylation Profile, or others. The physicians will create an individualized nutrient protocol to address each of the imbalances presented. Treatment and long-term monitoring will be facilitated by the nursing staff, Dr. Mensah, and Dr. Bowman. Formal follow ups on an individual’s progression will be done every six months to ensure biochemical levels and symptoms are responding appropriately.