When you have Parkinson's disease, staying independent and limiting your symptoms is at the forefront of your treatment. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face, rigidity in parts of the body, moving slowly and poor balance and coordination. As Parkinson's disease progresses, these symptoms worsen making any simple task, more difficult.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease affects the brain's ability to deliver messages to the body. Dopamine inside of the brain, plays a major role in telling the body how to move. In a person with Parkinson's disease, the brain cells that produce dopamine begin to die. When cellular death occurs, the brain-body conversation is slowed.
Creatine
Creatine is usually used to increase lean body mass and assist in body building efforts. It is the first source of energy that our bodies use for high intensity, quick movements. Creatine supplementation has been known to increase both muscle mass and strength. It is usually consumed as a drink accompanied by carbohydrates.
Benefits
The idea behind creatine as a treatment Parkinson's disease, is its ability to work on the mitochondria of the cell. The mitochondria is responsible for energy production for movement and functioning. According to Science Daily, creatine can help improve mitochondrial functioning. In addition, it is an antioxidant that offers some protective benefits for brain cells.
Evidence
Creatine for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease is currently being tested by the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This phase three study was launched in March of 2007 and will continue for the next five to seven years. This is a double-blind placebo controlled study testing 1,720 Parkinson's disease patients in 51 medical centers in the United States and Canada. While results of this study are not yet available, scientists and doctors are hopeful.
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