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.
Researchers say Metabolic Enhancement for NeuroDegeneration (MEND)−a combination therapy to slow neurodegeneration−may partially reverse and stabilize cognitive decline. Participants with mild cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s style dementia who took part in a two-year MEND study demonstrated real, life-altering improvements after following the MEND protocol for 5 to 24 months, the study showed.
The MEND program calls for interventions to treat conditions such as inflammation, stress and diabetes that could be associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It involves multiple components including dietary adjustments, exercise, stress reduction, hormone balance, sleep optimization and integration of certain vitamins and supplements to the patient’s regular routine.
Dehydration is always a risk of disease and aging. Dehydration in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a major health concern. Symptoms of PD contribute to and also mask dehydration, and the risks associated with becoming dehydrated can significantly worsen already compromised neurological function.
Knowing the risk factors, signs of dehydration and steps for staying hydrated can help you manage this concern, whether you’re a caretaker or someone with Parkinson’s.
Last fall, Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center commissioned an art installation from YOPD patient Alex Andron, who creates mosaic art as part of his Parkinson’s management. The Austin artist unveiled the piece–a glass mosaic artwork depicting the icon in the Neurology Solutions logo–earlier this month in the neurology clinic’s patient waiting area.
Andron says deep brain stimulation surgery has played an important role in allowing him to restore the fine motor skills needed to pursue his craft.
A neurological disorder affecting an estimated 1 million Americans, Parkinson’s disease treatment and care costs the United States an estimated $25 billion per year. Researchers are working around the clock to find better treatments as well as mechanisms to slow or reverse progression of the disease with hopes for an eventual cure. Because of the multi-system nature of the condition, effectively managing Parkinson’s disease requires a multi-layered approach, including medication therapy, complementary treatments and advanced therapies to address symptoms and improve functioning,