Hi, just wanted to wrap back around to let you all know about my mom's experience with the Hinz protocol, or amino acid therapy. My mom had to discontinue it because every time they tried to increase levels she had vomiting. Ultimately, she lost ten pounds, and it didn't appear that the magical balance was going to be obtained. As a possible caveat, after starting the protocol, a neurologist who is well known for PD in San Diego, CA, felt her diagnosis should be changed to Dementia with Lewy Bodies, an atypical Parkinson's that doesn't always respond well to Levadopa therapy. I did feel that her gait improved substantially with the introduction of Mucuna (the more natural form of Levodopa), but exercise was also increased at this time too. It was disappointing, but I took away from it two things, one: the possible efficacy of Mucuna as a dopamine replacement and two: the wish for people to be aware of the diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies when facing Parkinsonism symptoms, as well as the med intolerance that can go with it. It seems not enough is really understood about all the variations, but the fact that DLB might be considered a kind of hybrid of Parkinson's and Alzheimer-like issues, introduces the need to potentially focus on acetylcholine supplementation, as well.
Warm Wishes of Healing and Help to All,
Sarah