PARKINSON’S DISEASE – Brought Out of the Dark by Hollywood Celebrities

Parkinson’s Disease was at one time a disease that people may have thought older people got and you rarely knew who suffered from it. When an individual mentioned that a friend or relative spoke of a person they knew who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it seemed like a rare malady that not many people got and that we didn’t know too much about. Since being diagnosed in 1991, Michael J. Fox, star of the “Back to the Future” trilogy and 80’s family sitcom “Family Ties” announced that he was suffering from Parkinson’s, the world has taken notice. Fox has very publicly discussed his daily struggles and treatments for the disease describing how it has affected his personal and professional life and putting Parkinson’s disease and those diagnosed in the spotlight.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.

In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, a person’s face may show little or no expression or their arms may not swing when they walk. Speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson’s disease symptoms worsen as the condition progresses over time. (Mayo Clinic, 2019)

What are the Symptoms?

Parkinson’s disease signs and symptoms can be different for everyone. Early signs may be mild and go unnoticed. Symptoms often begin on one side of your body and usually remain worse on that side, even after symptoms begin to affect both sides. Other symptoms are tremors, slow movement, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic movements, changes in speech and writing. (Mayo Clinic, 2019) Non-motor symptoms can also occur such as apathy, depression, constipation, sleep disorders, loss of smell and cognitive impairment. (Elkouzi, 2021)

Who gets Parkinson’s Disease and Why?

People over the age of 60 are more likely to get Parkinson’s disease and more men than women. Heredity, as in people who have had relatives who have had the disease, and people who have been exposed to toxins or pesticides may be at greater risk. Ultimately, the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown therefore prevention remains a mystery. (Mayo Clinic, 2019)

What are standard treatments for Parkinson’s disease?

Physicians often treat Parkinson’s with dopaminergic medications. (Elkouzi, 2021) Dopaminergic medications release dopamine to the brain and are often used to treat Parkinson’s disease or psychologic disorders however, augmentation, compulsive disorders and sleepiness may occur. (John Hopkins Medicine, n.d.)

Functional Medicine and the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and it’s Symptoms.

hough there are no known ways to prevent Parkinson’s disease, some research has shown that people who consumer caffeine in the form of coffee, tea and cola are less likely to contract Parkinson’s disease. Particularly those who drink green tea. Other research has also shown that those who participate in aerobic activity may also reduce their risk of contracting the disease. (Mayo Clinic, 2019)

Functional Medicine for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease involves a relationship between a patient and their Functional Medicine Practitioner. Looking at more than just the symptoms, they discover the core reasoning for this medical condition including diet, medical history, family medical history, work and environmental exposure history, and other medical and psychological issues. This could be through testing checking for related health disorders as well. Blood and other laboratory tests, review of lifestyle and diet both historically and currently are reviewed before a treatment plan is devised. When testing is complete, the patient and doctor develop this treatment plan that may include diet and lifestyle changes, supplementation, exercise, and holistic therapies.

AO Digital Body Scan Evaluation and Treatment

AO DIGITAL BODY SCAN-Can detect and address issues such as thyroid function, genetics, organ function, nutritional, mineral and vitamin deficiencies and much, much more. A 15-minute scan produces a 24-page report that clearly defines the areas that can be addressed with the help of our doctor.

Hyperthermic Ozone and Carbonic Acid Treatment (HOCATT)

HOCATT therapy uses a combination of powerful modalities to detox the body down to the cellular level, boost energy and strengthen the immune system. The main modality is Transdermal Ozone which is generated from pure oxygen. This detoxification is beneficial to those who have been exposed to chemicals or toxins, mold, mildew, parasites and more. HOCATT therapy activates and stimulates the immune system to speed healing. Carbonic Acid naturally sedates the body and calms the central nervous system. The mind and muscles become relaxed. Muscular contracture is decreased, and mitochondrial function is elevated.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Therapy-has three times higher than normal air pressure. Oxygen is dissolved into all the body’s fluids and carried to areas where circulation is diminished or blocked. In this way, extra oxygen can reach damaged tissues and the body can support its own healing process. It is an excellent therapy for those who suffer from Parkinson’s, have sleep disorders associated with Parkinson’s, and who can benefit from pressurized oxygen because of toxic overload. Hyperbaric chamber therapy is amazingly comfortable, non-invasive and one of the lowest risk medical treatments available.

Theta Chamber Therapy

Theta Chamber therapy provides four modalities. Vestibular motion throwing off the brain’s sense of time and space giving the body a sense of floating, relaxing the body. Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) used in the recovery of repetitive habits and increases suggestibility. Binaural beats create new neural pathways to form and visual light pattern stimulation induces the Theta state opening the brain to suggestion promoting healing.

BrainMaster Therapy

BrainMaster Therapy begins with a QEEG, an assessment tool to evaluate brainwave patterns. BrainMaster therapy is neurofeedback or guided exercise for the brain. While watching a movie, the brain’s natural desire to watch the movie clearly will drive the neurological circuits to normalize the brainwaves and normalize and enhance the picture. Over time the brain learns how to use the new brainwave circuits in everyday life.

To learn more call Michigan Health and Wellness for a FREE consultation. Functional Medicine, Functional Neurology, and their relation to the holistic treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and its Symptoms are managed by our clinical director, Dr. Tony Aboudib, DC. Dr. Aboudib attended post-graduate studies at Carrick Institute for graduate studies in clinical neuroscience, American Functional Neurology Institute, Functional Medicine University, Institute of Functional Medicine and Kharrazian Institute for graduate studies. For more information call 231-421-5213 or click here to go to our Contact Us page to schedule a free consultation.

Disclaimer: The information provided in our blog posts is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to share knowledge and insights on health-related topics, this content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or decisions related to your health and well-being.