By Lynn Nguyen, Physician’s Associate at Neurology Solutions The gut microbiome refers to the symbiotic, or mutually beneficial, relationship between bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea living in the human gut. The flora found in the gut have been differentiated into two distinct categories – opportunistic and beneficial flora. Opportunistic microorganisms cause infection and beneficial microorganisms […]
The Parkinson’s Foundation has enrolled its 10,000th participant in the Parkinson’s Outcomes Project, the largest-ever clinical study of Parkinson’s disease (PD) spanning five nations. Started in 2009, the project studies everyone with PD, from the newly-diagnosed to people who have lived with Parkinson’s for 20 years or more, and aims to provide a comprehensive view of the disease and its overall impact on people’s lives.
Among the key conclusions so far, the research has shown that regular visits to neurologists could save thousands of lives a year and more exercise and focus on mental health could help improve patients’ well-being.
Treating Parkinson’s with physical therapy is recommended to reduce stiffness and discomfort and to allow patients to continue to perform daily tasks and retain independence. PD experts agree that physical activity is beneficial to PD patients at all stages of their disease, including at early diagnosis.
Physical therapists trained in treating neurological conditions recommend exercises for people with PD aimed at improved balance and coordination, flexibility, endurance and strength. Read on for a Physical Therapy for PD Q&A.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex multi-system brain disorder impacting movement and the regulation of mood. Strides have been made in understanding the mechanism of PD and ways to prevent neurodegenerative diseases and slow disease progression. From treating depression to dancing to yoga therapy to implementing the comprehensive MEND protocol, read on for a roundup of 10 Latest Advances in Understanding and Treating Parkinson’s.
Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to patients seen frequently by the practice to help address mobility and mood and improve quality of life. Hormone Therapy for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases can reduce certain symptoms associated with PD and reduce dementia risk in the general elderly population.
Scientific literature contains a multitude of research studies linking homocysteine to poor health. Elevated homocysteine in Parkinson’s is thought to worsen oxidative stress on the neurons that produce dopamine and make them more easily damaged by environmental toxins. This video by Neurology Solutions Nurse Practitioner Jordan Harborth explains the correlation between homocysteine (Hcy), a non-protein amino acid, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Intermittent fasting and restricted caloric intake is powerfully neuroprotective. Short-term fasting stimulates autophagy, a metabolic process that eliminates cell waste that may be responsible for many of the effects of aging. Studies have demonstrated that fasting can help prevent heart disease, speed fat loss, as well as slow or reverse aging. Researchers have found that the autophagy process is often defective in cancer, infectious diseases, immunological disorders and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center Medical Director Dr. Robert Izor elaborates on the positive outcome of lifestyle and metabolic enhancement for Parkinson’s disease. Metabolic enhancements for neurodegenerative disorders, also known as MEND, is a medical protocol designed to combat age-related decline and lessen disability. The MEND approach incorporates optimizing overall lifestyle and nutrition, stress reduction, sleep, hormone levels and a variety of other factors.
This video is the first of a series on metabolic enhancement for Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions by Neurology Solutions.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Anant Patel, who is affiliated with St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, and Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center Medical Director Dr. Robert Izor are at the forefront of a less invasive, more precise Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implant procedure. The new surgical technique streamlines the process for undergoing DBS surgery—requiring one less procedure and five fewer incisions.
The new DBS implant technique uses the latest imaging and surgical programming equipment and eliminates the need for placement of bone marker screws prior to DBS surgery.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that leads to motor symptoms such as shaking and difficulty with movement and coordination. The brain disorder affects an estimated 1 million Americans and 7 to 10 million people worldwide. Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Learn about Parkinson’s symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
