Parkinson's disease can literally transform a vigorous body into an unrecognizable one. The person afflicted with this disease undergoes a series of physical and mental changes, none pleasing to the eye. The study of Parkinson's disease is ongoing, with researchers constantly finding new forms of alternative treatments.
Parkinson's Disease
When the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain malfunction or die, a disorder in the brain erupts. Dopamine is a critical chemical produced by these cells--it causes the body to move with fluidity. When 80 percent of dopamine-producing cells are destroyed, it results in Parkinson's disease. Symptoms include imbalance, trembling, stiffness and slow movement.
Alternative Therapy
Alternative therapy is a common practice among those afflicted with Parkinson's disease. According to The Harvard University Press Family Health Guides (Written by Nutan Sharma M.D and Elaine Richman Ph.D, Published 2005), at Johns Hopkins Medical School and Boston University School of Medicine, a study was conducted among 201 patients. The results showed that 40 percent of these patients had incorporated alternative therapy with traditional treatment.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E produces antioxidants, which combats the highly reactive chemical species (free radicals) that the body and brain forms naturally during metabolism. Vitamin E is a natural ingredient in many foods (plant foods and eggs), and can be used as a food supplement to help the brain combat the free radicals, hence preventing the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Coenzyme Q10
Commonly referred to as CoQ10, Q10 and vitamin Q10, Coenzyme Q10 is automatically generated by the body. It is an antioxidant, and therefore shields cells from the devastating effects of free radicals. Researchers believe that Coenzyme Q10 reduces the decline of Parkinson's disease in patients. At a study conducted at the University of California, 20 participants were given 1200 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 daily for 16 months straight. Based on the Parkinson's disease rating scale, these participants scored much higher than those who consumed a lower dosage.
Massage
According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage therapy is becoming increasingly popular. Some patients of Parkinson's disease admit that massage therapy helps to relieve muscle rigidity and allow them mental and physical relaxation. Swedish massage is the most common type of massage therapy. Using kneading and long strokes, the therapist stimulates surface muscles.
Exercise Modalities
Since Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the body's motor system, poor posture is one of the key symptoms. Because of the lack of physical balance, the patient is susceptible to falling. Researchers came up with fall prevention interventions such as exercising and walking to help keep the joints in place.
Caution
Most people with severe diseases, such as Parkinson's disease are often anxious to find effective treatments for their ailment. However, they should query the following with their physician before indulging in any form of therapy: What are the benefits to be derived? What are the risks? Are there any side effects? Will therapy interfere with conventional treatment? And do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Tags: Parkinson disease, free radicals, massage therapy, Parkinson disease, afflicted with