Parkinson's Disease

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are the result of extensive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia. This leads to a loss in dopamine production and activity, and a relative increase in acetylcholine activity, which together disrupt the control of movement.

Causes of Parkinson’s are heavily debated, however, the generally agreed-upon triggers for the disease include:

• Traumatic head injury
• Viral inflammation
• Exposure to heavy metals
• Organophosphate compounds
• Neurotoxic compounds

The classic motor features are a resting tremor, muscular rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and postural instability. These typically begin on one side of the body and progress gradually. Non-motor symptoms are also common and include loss of smell, constipation, sleep disturbance, depression, and cognitive decline.

Examination/Assessment Findings:

• Fixed facial expression
• Eyes unblinking and staring
• Bradykinesia
• Cogwheel rigidity of joints
• Resting tremor (pill rolling tremor)
• Postural instability
• Shuffling gait

Dementia is common in Parkinson’s patients. Depression, anxiety, autonomic dysfunction, and sleep disorders also frequently accompany the disease.

A range of nutrients are of interest in supporting nervous system health and mitochondrial function in Parkinson’s disease, including:

• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D
• Magnesium
• Iron
• CoQ10
• Antioxidants
• Selenium
• Vitamin E
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Alpha lipoic acid
• Acetyl L-carnitine
• Zinc