Parkinson's disease, also called shaking palsy, is a slowly progressive disease of the nervous system. Symptoms begin when there is an imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine. These substances transfer messages between nerve cells that control muscle function. In Parkinson's disease, there is a drop in dopamine, which causes an imbalance and causes a chaos in nerve signals. The cause of Parkinson's is unknown, though research is ongoing. Vitamin therapy and diet changes may prove beneficial in minimizing symptoms, as well as exercise to help with flexibility, mobility, balance and coordination.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include muscular rigidity. This occurs first in the legs, then the arms. Other symptoms are cramping, involuntary tremors, excessive salivation, impaired speech, a staring facial expression, drooling and a short, shuffling gait. Despite these symptoms, sensation and mental acuity are not impaired. Parkinson's can also affect digestion, often causing a loss of appetite and associated weight loss. This can cause malnutrition if not closely monitored. Chronic constipation may also complicate this condition.
Treatment
Parkinson's has no known cure, but a few drugs have shown promise in treating symptoms. Levodopa or L-dopa can alleviate symptoms in some people. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, L-dopa has several side effects such as nausea, involuntary movements, mental changes such as paranoia and hallucination, cardiac irregularities and urinary retention. Vitamin B6 should not be taken with this drug, as it tends to diminish the drug's effectiveness.
Supplements
Certain vitamins show promise in minimizing symptoms, such as vitamins B3, C and D. Vitamin C and zinc help alleviate the L-dopa reaction to vitamin B6. According to a study by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, coenzyme Q10 -- paired with medication -- is effective in slowing the progression of the disease, but only in the early stages. Vitamin B3 helps increase the level of dopamine in the brain, and vitamin E may slow progression of the disease, but further studies are needed. Manganese poisoning can mimic the final stages of Parkinson's disease.
Diet
Diet modifications can treat the loss of appetite and constipation, particularly when having several smaller meals a day instead of three large meals. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, whole-grain cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat protein and fiber for constipation all seem to help. However, consuming a large amount of protein at once can slow the absorption of levodopa. Eating small amounts of protein several times a day will avoid this. Eat seeds, nuts and salad oils rich in vitamin E. Because some medications decrease the normal secretions of the intestines, increase your daily intake of fluid. This also helps in alleviating constipation.
References
- The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: Parkinson's 101
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Parkinson's Disease, Hope Through Research
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Parkinson's Disease, Challenges, Progress and Promise
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Parkinson's Disease
