Can stress trigger Parkinson's disease?

[JayPwP]

Inviting everyone to share their experiences and views.

jnnp.bmj.com/content/85/8/878

Requested by Esperanto this is a branch off from here:

healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

[jimcaster]

I know that my symptoms are worse when I feel stressed. I don't think it's much of a stretch to believe stress contributes to the formation of the disease as well.

[Esperanto]

Thank you, JayPwP, for sharing this link. I believe that this article from 2013 is of great significance. There are plenty of studies that show how anti-stress therapies, such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, Qi Gong, and mindfulness, primarily help with physical activity in reducing PD. However, the role of chronic stress as a trigger or possibly the cause of PD has been hardly investigated, despite it seeming logical to examine the source if all anti-stress methods are so effective.

I am now firmly convinced that for some (!) of us with the variant of stress-related PD, which indeed appears to be a category, it may offer a possibility to slow down or even reduce PD. New testimonials of PD cures emerge every time, although no one dares to openly call them “cures” as it would invite criticism. Initially, I was also bothered by these often exaggerated success stories, especially when they are accompanied by the sale of a book, expensive coaching/supplements, or religious mission work, rather than an attempt to provide scientific explanations or acknowledge that the cause may be a "simple" stress problem.

However, it is sometimes possible to trace the cause, as seen in the book by John Pepper, where chronic stress was the underlying issue and a complete lifestyle change, including brisk walking and having a positive life purpose while enjoying outdoor exercise in South Africa, contributed significantly. But the solution began with first quitting his stressful job and rediscovering the joy of life! For the record, I have reached out to John Pepper multiple times for a response, but I did not receive (a serious) one. Yet, it is precisely this background information from various success stories that could provide more insight.

The examples mentioned in the article could also be applicable to me. The onset was gradual and responded well to (high dose) L-dopa. Once the chronic stressor disappeared, it became possible to discontinue dopaminergic medication. However, the chronic stressor did cause damage that cannot be fully repaired. Stress leads to deficiencies in certain vitamins/minerals and sleep, which are not only detrimental to the brain but the whole body.

There is also an overlap with PD in this regard. It turns out that almost all B vitamins, especially B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc are deficient due to stress. Interestingly, these are the most discussed supplements here for their beneficial effects on PD symptoms! Some of us apparently only need a low dosage of B-complex or multivitamins and a serious lifestyle change with a stress-free life…. 🙂

Again, there has been limited research, but a large-scale Swedish study suggest that occupational stress is associated with PD risk such that having a high-demand occupation is a risk factor, and low control is protective. You can find the study here: Occupational stress and risk for Parkinson's disease: A nationwide cohort study

movementdisorders.onlinelib...

[JayPwP in reply to Esperanto]

JohnPepper is usually quick to respond. There might be another reason.

I have gone through all of the stressors, high demand job, working almost 16 hours a day, sleepless nights... You name it!

Then extreme anxiety and panic attacks which resolved after having something sweet, so thought it was low blood sugar.

Eventually a PD diagnosis which adds more stress every day!

Currently at about 30% capacity of my previous healthy self.

[Esperanto in reply to JayPwP]

Or about 30% capacity of your previous unhealthy self?

[JayPwP in reply to Esperanto]

Right! Generally we are deemed healthy prior to diagnosis...

[stocktiki]

I'm 100% certain that decades of stress, worrying, panic attacks and rumination triggered my PD. I feel like I'm stuck in fight, flight freeze mode.

I'm trying to live a calmer life, but worry some of the damage is lasting. But who knows?

[stocktiki]

Has any one found a solution to stress other than quitting their job?

[Bolt_Upright in reply to stocktiki]

Retiring is a great way to reduce stress if you can do it. As Marc said, "retirement is not overrated".

I know some people cannot retire. Some people think they can't retire. If you are in the US, retiring at 62 is not always as bad a deal as you might think, and that Obama Care actually fixes you up with decent health insurance for not a bad price.

[Fatherof5 in reply to stocktiki]

I was somewhat forced to retire due to a company wide workforce reduction. That and some other events really helped reduce my stress levels, which I attribute to me getting PD. I know not everyone is in a position to retire early but the extra free hours I now have is spent outdoors or in the gym or even working part time to keep up my social connections. Bottom line is that my stress is greatly reduced and my symptoms have somewhat stabilized

[LAJ12345]

definitely stress triggers my husband. We had 5 years after the Canterbury earthquakes fighting insurers to pay our claim and i think that was the last straw for him.

He had many childhood traumas too. Parents separated when he was 6, he got moved from England to NZ and had all he stuff like collections of things that he valued thrown away when he was 14 and had to start high school in NZ . He was an only child and left in his own from an early age when he was at primary school while parents both worked.

He had unplanned child at 23 and felt obliged to get married to the mother , then was divorced when kids were 6 and 8 and had a lot of guilt. He had to care for elderly parents with dementia and diabetes before they went into a home. His job was restructured, onsold to another company so was made redundant several times.

Then the earthquakes.

Stress is definitely one cause at least.

[CuriousMe12]

I brought up this Swedish occupation study 6 month ago and there was a lot of consensus

healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

[MadgeB]

my daughter was diagnosed with PD a few years after the sudden death of her husband. Having police on her doorstep reporting his accident on his motorbike with no other vehicles involved shook her body to such a violent extent I am convinced this was the trigger to her PD symptoms developing. Obviously many people experience this type of shock and do not develop PD but it has always seemed to me this is possible in some people who might have other potential tendencies.

[Getz]

Stress is the greatest indication of impending ill-health there is. Stress knocks your immune system flat so all the nasties, whether cancer, PD, or whatever, can feel free to do what they like.

Take immune boosters as soon as something is happening. In my case with PD I didn't realize the stress of being shafted by the missus was creating such a problem. I thought I'd just turned the page. But something else was happening within and I ended up with PD and my prostate cancer, which had been in remission, suddenly came charging.

Do not take stress of any sort for granted.

[pdpatient]

Agreed. 100% resonates with my experience. Stressed out, depressed , fearful, anxious, resentful and angry all the time can do it.

Question is, how can we address the problem after the fact. I am intrigued by how much meditation helps me calm down and relax. There is still hope.

[Parkie1 in reply to pdpatient]

Mind body therapy addresses the effects of all these emotions...very interesting are the physical effects on the body. I've found Jim Prussack 's videos on YouTube to be educational and very helpful. I also work along with a trained therapist

[JayPwP in reply to Parkie1]

Thank you for leading me to Jim Prussack's videos 🙏

[Parkie1 in reply to JayPwP]

I've found that they are so helpful in easing PD pain .

[Parkie1]

Chronic stress definitely figured very strongly in the development of PD in my case. A sudden stressful situation can even now lock me down,even at peak dose. A short break at the seaside or countryside has a calming effect....l can walk, or ride a bike for miles. I find "mind body" therapy to be helpful too .

[Pixelpixie]

my PD “bloome” during COVID19 pandemic. I’ve no doubt that the stress was a major factor

[Godourtruehealer in reply to Pixelpixie]

Did it happen before or after you got the jab? (if you got it)

[Godiv]

I think so.

For me, things hit the fan when my beloved parents had to be taken care of. And I was also taking care of their beloved livestock.. And I loved all of them, but it was very stressful. It happened in stages and I just ended up so tired and then felt guilty because I couldn’t do it all. We do have to remember to be kind to ourselves.

And unfortunately the stress continued with them passing away, not to mention the sudden passing of a friend. And dealing with the bureaucracy after death has been very stressful. So in a way the stress marches on and I think it’s hastened symptoms.And I agree about long-term chronic stress being so dangerous. Unfortunately it’s taken me years to be honest with myself and address it and two make a huge effort to take care of myself .

This has probably been more detail than you wanted but it helps to look back on it this way and see the bigger picture.

Also—

I suppose a stressful childhood definitely contributed. So there you go : a twofer.

But with wonderful advice I’m trying to learn to slow down and try some things. I like to think there’s maybe some hope.

I hope this helps you !

[JayPwP in reply to Godiv]

The more detailed, the better it's chances of helping someone

[Godiv in reply to JayPwP]

Thank you! And maybe the details demonstrate the chronic stress is potentially harmful — it’s something you never get a break from.

[rebtar]

Absolutely. My child was really tough as an adolescent. Very stressful for mom (me). Diagnosed short after a very stressful time with her.But that was only the trigger. I learned to HD in tension, stress and emotions from my mom, so I lived much of my l life in adrenaline overload.

[Smittybear7]

I definitely think stress contributed/caused my diagnosis of PD. 2013 my sister died of breast cancer. I retired. One of my daughters got pregnant,not married and in an emotionally abusive relationship . After providing 24 hour care for my parents,we had to move them into a nursing home . My brother and I disagreed but we were not able to keep them home. It took its toll on our family relationships. My dad was scared to death of going to a nursing home and was afraid that my mom wouldn’t be taken care of. 2weeks after they went my mom was improperly put in a wheelchair to get her to the bathroom. The young aide turned the chair and my mom fell out,broke her nose,was taken to the hospital and had a massive stroke which left her paralyzed for 10 months until she died. The nursing home refused to take any responsibility for the accident. We had a paid caregiver observe the accident. My dad lived 2 more years in depression . He had heart issues and Parkinson’s. My daughter and son moved in with us . My marriage was going through a rough time. I thought I had a stroke because I went to bed very upset and the next day was dragging my one leg like a limp when I walked. My dad passed away. My husband had some health issues and stress continued. I definitely have exacerbated tremors and overall anxiety

[MarionP]

(personal experience) Yes.

[JayPwP]

Dear Friends,

Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts candidly.

I have now started feeling that most of us are stuck in a Flight-Fight-Freeze situation for decades, and constantly reliving the stress via the brain's prediction system, which is actually meant to keep us safe.

Has anyone tried Psychotherapy / Hypnotherapy / other such therapies? If yes, what are your thoughts or experiences?

[JayPwP]

The effect of psychotherapy in patients with PD: A controlled study

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

[JayPwP]

Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Parkinson Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

[Mezmerric]

I imagine very little is more stressful than war. I remember seeing ols footage of WW1 veterans shaking uncontrollably, diagnosed with 'shell shock'. I wonder if those cases were also a manifestation, similar to Parkinsons and whether they recovered or fully developed Parkinsons.