Natural Treatments For Parkinsons Disease: The Facts
Its important to note that there is currently no cure for Parkinsons disease, natural or otherwise. However, many patients find that medication combined with physical exercise and home remedies help them control their symptoms and live well with the condition. No treatment will stop your Parkinsons disease from progressing. However, homeopathic treatments for Parkinsons disease have been successful at controlling symptoms in many cases.
Here are the facts surrounding natural and homeopathic treatments for Parkinsons disease:
How Can I Know If An Alternative Treatment Is Safe And Effective
Alternative treatments can be helpful in some cases, yet some therapies can be ineffective, costly, and even dangerous. The best way to evaluate your options is to become educated. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the treatment?
- What are the side effects?
- Is it effective?
- How much does it cost?
Once you answer these questions, weigh your options and decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
If you do decide to try an alternative treatment, make sure your health is protected. Do not take the claim at face value: contact reliable organizations and discuss the therapy. Talk to others in a support group, your family and friends although they may not always be supportive, they can help you make an educated, objective decision.
Discuss the therapy with your doctor. Make sure your doctor knows what therapy you are considering so they can discuss possible interactions and/or side effects with your current treatments. They can also provide you with information on other patients who may have tried the same therapy.
Contact the Better Business Bureau and thoroughly research the background of the therapy provider. Determine how long they have been providing this therapy, what credentials they have, and what their philosophy of treatment is. Avoid therapy providers who refuse or are reluctant to work with your doctor. Be sure that the provider is willing to refer patients to a conventional doctor when necessary.
Other Treatments For Parkinson’s Disease
Alternative therapy which has proven beneficial in treating Parkinson’s encompasses a variety of disciplines including acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage, and many others. Music and Art therapy have also been used AS CAM.
Talk to you doctor about what might work best for you.
Vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and uric acid are examples of alternative treatments that have been studied as treatments for Parkinson’s disease. However, they were found not to be effective or may even have harmful side effects
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Disease Specific Factors And Complementary Therapy For Parkinsons Disease
The use of complementary therapy for Parkinsons disease correlated significantly with a younger age at diagnosis of Parkinsons disease however, there was no correlation with the duration, the Hoehn and Yahr score, and the number of comorbid illnesses.
Using logistic regression models, patients age and patients age at diagnosis were the most significant predictors of complementary therapy used for Parkinsons disease, with patients age being the most robust figure .
Alternative Treatments For Parkinsons Disease
Claudia Chaves, MD, is board-certified in cerebrovascular disease and neurology with a subspecialty certification in vascular neurology.
For people with Parkinsons disease, treatment typically involves the use of medications that help minimize movement problems and control symptoms. A disorder of the central nervous system, Parkinsons disease also can be better managed with the help of certain lifestyle changes.
Since many medications used in the treatment of Parkinsons disease can cause severe side effects, patients often seek alternative treatment options.
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Ginseng And Ginko Biloba
Ginseng is a plant substance which has been used in Eastern countries for centuries and is proposed to have anti-inflammatory properties, improve fatigue, and improve cognition. Extract from the Ginko tree or Ginko Biloba, have similarly been used for centuries in countries like China and Korea. In addition to containing anti-inflammatory flavanoids and terpinoids, Ginko extract is thought to exhibit important effects on multiple neurotransmitter pathways including acting as an MAO-Inhibitor , and inhibiting reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. While neuroprotective effects of these substances have been demonstrated in PD rat models, there are no randomized controlled clinical trials in humans using either ginko or ginseng in this population to guide recommendations.
Professional Ethics In Complementary And Alternative Medicines In Management Of Parkinsons Disease
A good, succinct summary of the evidence for various Complementary and Alternative Medicine treatments for PD including Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, etc., with a good discussion of the ethical and safety considerations physicians should keep in mind when discussing CAM with patients and their families.
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What Are Alternative Therapies
The term alternative therapy in general is used to describe non-pharmaceutical treatments or interventions that fall outside of mainstream healthcare. Alternative therapies are vast and have been used with great success for many centuries. Some of the most popular ones include, yoga, music/sound, aromatherapy, relaxation/ meditation, herbal remedies, massage, chiropractic, homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy as well as arts.
Alternative therapies can be extremely helpful in many ways with people affected by Parkinsons and many testimonials have revealed relief of Parkinsons symptoms, slowed progression and a better quality of life. Knowledge is Power and so the best way to evaluate your options is to become educated.
We are living in forward thinking times where people want to be more proactive about their health. We are becoming more conscious of the side effects and toxins from medications and as a result many people with Parkinsons disease are interested in trying to improve both their motor and non-motor symptoms with therapies that are not medications. This section aims to explore some of the complementary/ alternative therapies which have been proven to improve Parkinsons.
How Do I Find A Good Therapist
Before choosing a therapist its important to find out if theyre reputable, insured and, where relevant, belong to a regulatory body.
You may find it helpful to ask:
- your GP, specialist, Parkinsons nurse or other healthcare professional. Many hospitals and GP surgeries now work together with complementary therapists
- someone else with Parkinsons, a friend or family member
- your Parkinsons local adviser
Always check the therapists credentials. Some complementary therapists use the Dr title, but that doesnt necessarily mean theyve studied conventional medicine. An honest, reliable practitioner wont mind you asking about their qualifications.
Professional associations
Many therapists are members of reputable, professional organisations. These organisations can be useful sources of information. Be aware that some organisations may make claims that arent backed up by good evidence.
We list a number of professional organisations for each complementary therapy. If youre doing your own research, bear in mind that a high quality professional association requires its members to:
- complete some kind of formal qualification, which will usually include a training programme and an exam
- stay up to date in their field by continuing their professional training and development
- follow a code of ethics and professional conduct
- report any side effects when they happen
When you find a therapist, here are a few questions you should ask:
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Regeneration Of Mandibular Bony Defects
The first clinical study using DPSCs for oro-maxillo-facial bone regeneration was conducted in 2009 . Patients in this study suffered from extreme bone loss following extraction of third molars. A bio-complex composed of DPSCs cultured on collagen sponge scaffolds was applied to the affected sites. Vertical repair of the damaged area with complete restoration of the periodontal tissue was demonstrated six months after the treatment. Three years later, the same group published a report evaluating the stability and quality of the regenerated bone after DPSCs transplantation . Histological and advanced holotomography demonstrated that newly formed bone was uniformly vascularized. However, it was of compact type, rather than a cancellous type which is usually the type of bone in this region.
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Are Complementary Therapies Available On The Nhs Or The Hsc In Northern Ireland
This will depend on the type of therapy you want and the policy in your area.
Some hospitals and GP practices offer a few complementary therapies like acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, osteopathy and chiropractic treatments.
Speak to your GP, specialist or Parkinsons nurse about whats available locally. Your Parkinsons local adviser may also be able to help you.
Some GPs have training in complementary therapies. If they cant provide the treatment themselves, they may be able to refer you to a therapist on the NHS.
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Using Alternative Medicine For Parkinson’s Disease
Conventional medicine and alternative therapy have not been found to stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease. If you’re interested in using alternative medicine as part of your Parkinson’s disease treatment program, talk to your healthcare provider about which alternative therapies might be helpful for you. Self-treating or avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed healthcare provider. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstance or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your healthcare provider before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.
Natural Remedies And Supplements
Herbal medicine uses plants or plant extracts to treat, prevent or cure illness, and promote good health. Like most other complementary therapies, herbal medicine takes a holistic approach it aims to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms, and to encourage the body to heal itself. The use of specific herbs have provided relief from the symptoms of people with Parkinsons for decades.
All parts of the plant are used roots, leaves, stems and seeds as herbal practitioners believe the whole herb has a wider healing potential than the single active agent used by the pharmaceutical industry in traditional medicine.
CBD, Bacopa, Barley Malt Extract, Valerian, Artemisia and Mucuna Pruriens, are some examples of herbal medicines which have relieved Parkinsons symptoms.
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Can I Use Complementary Therapies Instead Of Taking Parkinsons Medication
Complementary therapies dont work as a replacement for Parkinsons medication. Stopping or making changes to your Parkinsons medication can be dangerous without the guidance of your specialist or Parkinsons nurse.
Generally speaking, the complementary therapies listed in this information are considered safe. But before taking tablets, pills or capsules, applying creams or drops or drinking teas, you should talk to your GP, specialist or Parkinsons nurse. This is because some herbs and remedies may have side effects or clash with medications youre already taking. Your healthcare professional may also be able to recommend a therapist, or advise you on other sources of information.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is the government agency responsible for making sure that medicines and medical devices work, and are safe.
Some complementary therapies may not be safe during pregnancy. So its essential that you tell not only your GP, specialist or Parkinsons nurse but also your complementary therapist if youre trying for or expecting a baby.
Its not always easy to tell what is or isnt safe and many organisations offering therapy give the impression of being reliable even when theyre not.
What In Integrative Medicine Research Makes You Most Hopeful For The Parkinsons Population
I am very excited to see more and more evidence for things like exercise and mind-body approaches. Increased study in the area of social connection is also huge, given the pandemic. Hopefully we can use telehealth technologies to connect patients to these modalities and include social connection to make these more accessible to all people with Parkinsons worldwide.
Expert Voices is a monthly series involving a Q& A with an expert in the Parkinsons space about a specific topic. These topics and questions are curated from a survey in which we ask readers what they want to learn more about from experts. If youd like to submit topics or questions for consideration in a future installment of the series, click here to take the survey.
Parkinsons News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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What Is Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a common diseases of the nervous system and usually begins insidiously. The first signs of the disease do not always clearly indicate PD. It can therefore often take years before PD is properly diagnosed.
PD is a chronic disease which permanently impairs the nerve cells in the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling movements. The nerve cells in this area, and this those which are affected, typically produce the messenger substance dopamine.
Dopamine is responsible for transmitting signals for movement control. If the nerve cells die, the dopamine level drops. In its course, the disease can therefore affect the coordination and mobility of those affected.
Alternative Treatments In Parkinsons & Essential Tremor
At Hoag, we believe in empowering health with a personal touch, and we believe that knowledge is power. In the Salsbury Family Movement Disorders Program, we offer the most advanced treatments to manage Parkinsons disease and essential tremor, including Deep Brain Stimulation surgery considered in many cases the most superior treatment. We are committed to helping you understand your treatment options.
Deep Brain Stimulation surgery is used for Parkinsons tremor, slowness, stiffness and dystonia. It is also used to treat essential tremor and dystonia.
Advantages are:
- Electrodes can be placed on both sides of the brain
- Symptoms can be treated on both sides of the body
- Slowness, stiffness and dystonia can also be treated
- The electrical impulses can be adjusted to ensure long-lasting symptom control as symptoms progress
- Patients can adjust their own settings as needed
- The surgery does not require the patients head to be shaved, and the incision is small
- With advancements in technology, current DBS device batteries can last up to 20 years
Disadvantages include:
- It is surgery and requires an overnight stay for monitoring
- Anesthesia is required
- Not all patients are candidates for DBS
Gamma Knife Surgery is available at Hoag and uses focused gamma radiation beams to ablate a small area of the brain in a procedure called a thalamotomy or pallidotomy.
Advantages are:
Disadvantages include:
Advantages are:
Disadvantages include:
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Tip #1 Just Because Something Is Marketed As A Natural Or Alternative Medicine Does Not Mean That There Is No Value In Adding It To Your Parkinsons Treatment Strategy
All drugs start in the same place most start as natural or alternative. A drug becomes accepted by Western medicine once it undergoes rigorous safety and efficacy testing. Many drugs will never undergo this type of testing and this does not automatically mean they will not have value in your care.
Why Have You Included Therapies With No Scientific Evidence
The therapies in this information have all been chosen because theyre popular with people affected by Parkinsons.
Just because a therapy cant be proven to work in a medical trial, or there hasnt been enough research about whether it helps people with Parkinsons, it doesnt mean you wont find it useful. In fact, weve heard from many people who tell us they have benefited from using these therapies.
Many of our local groups organise complementary therapy sessions at their meetings to encourage members to give them a try.
Throughout this information, we highlight what scientific evidence there is to support the use of each therapy.
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What Misunderstandings About Integrative Medicine Would You Like To Dispel In Regard To Parkinsons
Integrative medicine used to be known as complementary and alternative medicine, and a lot of people think that means that we do not value standard Western approaches. The point is to marry the best of both worlds.
I am a strong believer in optimizing medications such as levodopa and then adding on lifestyle approaches such as a solid exercise plan or a mind-body approach such as yoga to get the best of both worlds. I do not try to keep people off of levodopa replacement if it is indicated due to motor issues that would get in the way of exercise or social connection.
Implications For Clinical Studies And Updates To The Cpg
Rigorous RCTs for individual CAM interventions with adequate statistical power should be conducted, especially in the United States and Europe. The safety and effectiveness of CAM as monotherapy and when used as part of combination therapy should be evaluated in the IPD population. Comparative ranking between included CAM modalities would be helpful which can be suggested through indirect comparison using network meta-analysis method. A consumer group should be included in the Delphi process when updating this CPG in the future. Inclusion of a cost-effectiveness analysis should also be considered when updating this CPG. Finally, when clinically implementing recommendations of the interventions included in this CPG outside Korea, physicians and patients need to consider accessibility and feasibility of the interventions in their medical environment and context.
Development of this guideline was funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. None of the members of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine or members of each committee and expert panel that participated in the Delphi process has any conflicts of interests in this research.
This guideline will be updated in 2020. In the future update, various CAM interventions not covered in this guideline will be included.
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