YES I TRIED……..

[Jerebet]

Yes….I have tried more alternate therapies than Goldilocks tried porridge, chairs and beds.Here are a few. This article is not intended to encourage the use of alternate therapies. The purpose is to inform and educate.Please consult your Doctor before trying any therapy.

Hydration Therapy- Aqua hydration therapy is recommended by naturopath doctor John Coleman, ND (who successfully claims to have recovered from Parkinson’s in the 1990’s).The Aquas are a combination of essential oils designed to reset the mechanism used by the body to hydrate cells.This therapy calls for drinking lots of water, exercise, good nutrition and a positive attitude.

Studies-None found

Books-Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin by John Coleman

Cost- Under 50 us dollars a month

Dangers- Allergies

My Results- No change

Opinion-I advocate drinking lots of water, exercise, good nutrition and a positive attitude., as this is good for everyone but I found no improvement in using the Aquas. This may work for others but not for me.

Coconut Oil-Four teaspoons a day is touted online for rejuvenation and cure of Parkinson’s. Advocates of coconut oil claim this sensational food has anti-microbial, anti-heart disease, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity benefits. Furthermore, this fat is sold as a cure for low thyroid function (hypothyroidism). Theory is ketones, which are byproducts of the breakdown of fats in the body, play an important role in brain health. The idea is that by boosting ketones, found in coconut oil, we can improve cognitive function.Celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, MD, wrote an article a couple of years ago lambasting coconut oil in the same vein as those above. However, recently Dr. Oz reversed his stance and acknowledged that coconut oil is a healthy food and admitted that he himself now takes it every day. He even included several segments of his TV show to the benefits of coconut oil.co

Studies-A recent University of Oxford study suggested that although the effects of coconut oil may be temporary, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients have indeed seen short-term benefits resulting from its use. This research supports Dr. Newport’s theory that ketones, which are byproducts of the breakdown of fats in the body, play an important role in brain health. The idea is that by boosting ketones, found in coconut oil, we can improve cognitive function. No studies for Parkinsons.

Books- Stop Alzheimer’s Now!: How to Prevent & Reverse Dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis & Other Neurodegenerative Disorders by .Bruce Fife, N.D,

Cost- a 14 oz jar cost 8 to 12 US dollars and yields 84 teaspoons. A months dosage is approximately 120 teaspoons.

Dangers- none noted

My Results -I still have PD and I cannot cite any specific improvement. I have however lost weight since starting this regimen.

Opinion I cannot discount or approve at this time. I will continue for the remainder of 2015.

COQ10-Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that is made in the human body. CoQ10 is needed for basic cell function. CoQ10 levels decrease with age and may be low in people with cancer, certain genetic disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, HIV/AIDS, muscular dystrophies, and Parkinson’s disease. Some prescription drugs may also lower CoQ10 levelsq10

Studies-Taking high doses of Coenzyme Q10, a dietary supplement that can be purchased over-the-counter, had no effect on the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms in a large group of people with early-stage disease. The results of this Phase III clinical trial were published in the March 24 online edition of JAMA Neurology.

Books The Coenzyme Q10 Phenomenon by Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra

Cost- 15 to 20 US Dollars per bottle of 100

Dangers-Participants tolerated CoQ10 well.CoQ10 was safe at the dosages tested.

My Results-No change

Opinion- While CoQ10 was shown to be safe, this study shows it is not effective in treating Parkinson’s disease. I have recently discontinued use.

Acupuncture-Traditional Chinese Medicine views disease as caused by internal imbalances. It has historically been used to treat Parkinson’s with acupuncture. . Scalp acupuncture and acupuncture with electrical stimulation, in particular, have worked to improve balance and reduce pain. People with Parkinson’s may also find that acupuncture helps them sleep and rest better. If you consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, make sure your doctor is aware of any suggested treatment. I go once a week for 1 hour.

Studies-University of Arizona doctors find acupuncture effective for the treatment of balance and gait disorders in Parkinson’s disease patients. The research team from the surgery and neurology departments measured significant clinical improvements in overall balance, gait speed and stride length. The results were published in Neurology, the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Cost- 60 to 100 US Dollars per visit without insurance

Dangers-Irritation at needle sites(I personally have never experienced this.)

My Results- I had a measured overall improvement in balance by 25% . Gait speed showed a significant increase by 10% and stride length increased by 5%

Opinion- I love this therapy and continue to receive treatment.It is a great stress reliever and my energy level has increased. I am lucky to have good insurance which covers this treatment but this might be cost prohibitive for those with no or low coverage.

The Bottom Line-Alternative treatments might help in some cases, but these treatments can be ineffective, costly, and even dangerous. Ask yourself:

What is the treatment?

What does it involve?

How does it work?

Why does it work?

Are there any risks?

What are the side effects?

Is it effective? (Ask for evidence or proof.)

How much does it cost?

Once you answer these questions talk to your Doctor. Make sure your doctor knows what you are considering so he or she can discuss possible interactions and/or side effects with your current treatments. He or she can also give you information on other patients who may have tried the same treatment. Keep a journal. If you have negative effects, stop the treatment and tell your Doctor. The unfortunate truth is there is no cure….yet. Your best treatment option is still the one your Doctor prescribes. Stay hopeful. Some day the cure will come.

For More see my blog diaryofamadparkie.wordpress...

[honeycombe3]

Jerebet,

Thanks for that, I found it informative. I too have tried alternative treatments with varying degrees of success. For more detailed info read my biography on this site. I have found two stalwarts in helping with PD: 5 elements acupuncture & holistic hypnotherapy. I am in UK &have to pay for these treatments but I find it worthwhile to do so.

"As yet there is no cure." I believe that PD is more like a syndrome with many presenting symptoms some of which an individual may experience ...or not. I therefore don't believe there will be one cure but I do believe that if enough of us volunteer for clinical trials then any possible cures will be more quickly available. If we don't try no-one can do it for us.

[Jerebet in reply to honeycombe3]

You are so right Honeycombe3. We all experience this disease differently. I too have volunteered for trials. We must advocate for ourselves if we ever hope for a cure.

[honeycombe3 in reply to Jerebet]

Thanks Jerebet,

If we few volunteers can keep our motivation & persuade even another one or two each then the ball will be rolling towards those elusive cures. I'm pleased that you have presented a balanced approach in your post: especially the eight questions.

I have always worked with my health team & they in turn have supported me through very difficult times. Mutual respect & a positive attitude seem to be the key.

[Hidden]

I also tried:

1. coconut oil - very little affect that I could definitively identify. That said, I recommend CO mostly as my wife stated she noticed an improvement after I had been taking daily CO.

2. ketogenic diet - no affect

3. high fat (protein), no sugar, 30g carb daily limit - lost so much weight in short time that my wife became very worried about my health.

1 - 3 - the experience caused a general change in my diet as of today / current. I eat less sugar, am aware and act on more healthy eating (note: I eat like I did before the above but with moderation (more carbs and more sugar). I have not gained the weight back that I lost during #3

[Jerebet in reply to Hidden]

Roy thank you for sharing. Every time we share we help others as well as our selves.

[grower]

Excellent post thank you. Good info and opinions, all helps when making decisions.

[Jerebet in reply to grower]

thank you Grower

[racerCP]

Thank you many times Jerebet for your informative and supportive post. I will read it several times to encourage me to take the right path in managing this disease. Keep on posting, even repeating the message....active participation and knowledge along the way.

[Jerebet]

Thank you RacerCP