Background & Summary
Parkinson's Disease - What is it?
This degenerative neurological disorder, which strikes the young as well as
the elderly, is prevalent internationally. Symptoms include tremor, slowness of
movement, rigidity and loss of balance. Many eminent personalities, including
Mohamed Ali and Michael J Fox, suffer from it.
Who does the book address?
Patients and Carers - practical strategies with explanations
and a positive approach
Doctors, Neurologists, Surgeons and Anaesthetists - provides
academically referenced texts for the optimum management of Parkinson's disease.
Healthcare Professionals - Academically referenced texts provide
a scientific basis for recommendations by nutritionists and dieticians, sexual
therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists, exercise specialists, osteopaths,
hand and foot specialists, speech therapists, acupuncturists, stress management
therapists and nurses.
Chapter Details
1. Diagnosis and Monitoring
Methods of diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson's disease are presented including
Rating Scales and Cerebral - Imaging, describing the latest techniques. As diagnosis
is sometimes difficult, this information is invaluable.
2. Drugs
The information presented is extremely helpful. Incorrect dosage causes distressing
side effects. Recommendations for drug use and the interaction of drugs with nutrients
are presented in sections for the medical professional as well as
patients and carers. Some information may help to reduce dyskinesia.
3. The Assessment Diary
This is designed as an invaluable tool to help assess how often to take drugs and to
analyse which lifestyle factors may need adjustment.
4. Surgery and Anaesthesia
A unique multi-disciplinary team approach to neuro-surgery by a neuro surgeon,
anaesthetist, neurologist, specialist nurse and neuro-psychiatric psychologist. Very
informative for patients and health professionals. There is
also a chapter on special aspects in general anaesthesia for people with Parkinson's
disease as well as the problems of detoxification.
5. Reducing Dyskinesia
Invaluable information to reduce this upsetting side effect of uncontrolled movements.
6. L-dopa and Other Drug-Nutrient Interactions
The following aspects, with helpful
strategies, are addressed in the drug management and nutritional support programs
of patients. Movement disorder can sometimes be reduced by manipulation of drugs and protein.
Suitable for all health professionals as well as patients
and carers.
- The medication L-dopa ('Sinemet' and 'Madopar') interacts with protein.
The
book details specific foods which affect absorption of L-dopa and gives subsitutes.
- Vitamin B6 needs decarboxylase inhibitors with L-dopa
- Foods containing high levels of tyramine interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitor
drugs
- Aspartame and MSG are excito-toxins
- Recipes compatible with L-dopa absorption and also for general use.
7. Free Radicals
Free Radicals are implicated in degenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease.
The book explains this and offers strategies to quench free oxidizing radicals and enhance
immune system function. Suitable for patients and carers as well as
health professionals.
8. Dentistry
Dental mercury is discussed in relation to Parkinson's disease. Chelation protocols
are described for those who need to have mercury fillings removed for medical reasons
but caution expressed for people with Parkinson's disease. Removal may
not be suitable in all cases. For patients, carers as well as
dentists and health professionals.
9. Sexuality
This important problem is brilliantly dealt with, offering helpful strategies including
the emotional approach, physical adaptations, pharmaceutical treatment and general health
optimisation. There are sections for the medical profession as well as
for patients and partners.
10. Pregnancy
More young people are developing Parkinson's disease. This chapter describes pre-conceptual
care, cellular nutritional deficiencies and drug implications. For patients (men and women)
as well as doctors and nutritionists/dieticians.
11. Nursing
Describes the special role of Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialists in the emotional
support and practical care of patients and carers.
12. Biochemical Tests
The Parkinson's patient deserves to function as best as he or she is able. As such,
it is important to know as much as possible about his or her cellular status in order
to responsibly design a drug or nutritional support program based on each patient's
biochemical individuality.
The importance of assessing the nutritional and general health status
of patients on a cellular level is explained. Patients with PD often present
with nutritional deficiencies which, if not recognised and addressed, may possibly compromise
general health, cellular integrity, the manufacture of cellular energy or the efficacy of the
immune system. References, with significant nutritional deficiencies found, are presented.
Pharmaceutical treatment may also affect cellular status and this may need monitoring and support.
13. Nutritional Management
Helpful recommendations are presented for those on L-dopa medication
and those who are not. For patients as well as,
carers, doctors, nutritionists / dieticians, and biochemists.
- Nutritional supplementation (oral and intravenous protocols) for nutritional deficiencies
found in Parkinson's disease patients
- Bowel function (recommendations for constipation, which can be a great problem in PD)
- Liver detoxification problems in PD, explanation and cautionary recommendations
- Drug-nutrient interactions (L-dopa and protein, vitamin B6 and decarboxylase inhibitors,
tyramine-rich foods and monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs)
- Excitotoxins MSG and aspartame - implications and recommendations
- Weight control
- Blood sugar balance
- Energy production (a problem in PD)
- Nutritional content of foods
- Recipes - delicious, simple and nutritious recipes are presented which are compatible
with the absorption of L-dopa as well as for general use.
14. Muscle Function and Circulation
The book presents exercises by a physiotherapist and remedial exercise specialist. There
are also strategies to increase circulation. Hydrotherapy is also recommended.
15. Remedial Exercise
The book presents exercises (mobilising, toning and stretching) by a remedial exercise
specialist. For patients, carers and movement therapists.
16. Hands
Hand flexibility in Parkinson's disease is optimised by unique exercises for hands and
general posture which influences hand movement. They are designed by a physiotherapist,
doctor and pianist and are suitable for patients generally. They are also for those who
wish to move more flexibly and easily on a computer keyboard or musical instrument. Well
illustrated and described for patients as well as movement
therapists.
17. Feet
A podiatric surgeon describes helpful exercise and surgery for Parkinson's disease
patients. For patients as well as podiatrists and movement
therapists.
18. Physiotherapy
Practical physical strategies are presented to enhance movement difficulties including
'freezing' (becoming rooted to the spot) and getting up from sitting. For patients, carers
and movement therapists.
19. Osteopathy
Presentation of the importance and scope of musculoskeletal assessment and treatment
because tremor, dyskinesia and rigidity can cause restrictive problems. Treatment can
indirectly influence vascular and neural elements and may help relieve stiffness and
rigidity.
20. Speech Therapy
Excellent strategies are presented for prevention of problems and maintaining
communication possible at all stages. There is invaluable information about psychological
and practical aspects. For patients, family, carers and healthcare
professionals.
21. Stress Control and Depression
Autogenic training is presented for deep mind/body relaxation. This strategy helps
control movement disturbance which can be exacerbated by stress
in Parkinson's disease patients. Also very useful for carers and health professionals who
may lead stressful lives. Depression is also discussed.
22. Patients Self-esteem
This vital chapter offers some strategies for patients to help them retain some measure
of self-esteem in the face of a debilitating illness.
23. Older People - Special Features in Parkinsonism
Advice on multi-disciplinary management and recommendations for complications as a
result of drug therapy. For doctors as well as patients and carers.
24. Carers' Needs
Carers have always been "unsung heroes" who can easily loose their sense of
individuality whilst "sacrificing all" to their charges. This chapter presents
essential, important strategies to deal with carers' vital and ongoing needs and gives them
a sense of self-worth. The views of a carer and carers' organization are also presented.
Contact organizations for carers are listed.
25. Patient and Carer Viewpoints
A Patient and Carer write their views about how wonderfully supported they have
felt by the multi-disciplinary approach which they have experienced.
26. EDTA Chelation Therapy
This intravenous therapy helps to clear the arteries of plaque if patients are suffering
from atherosclerosis. Parkinson's disease patients with this condition, which can compromise
blood flow to the brain, might benefit from this technique. For doctors
as well as patients and carers.
27. Traditional Chinese Medicine
Research from academic medical departments in the USA and Austria is presented
acknowledging the usefulness of acupuncture in enhancing blood flow in the brain and in the
control of some symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients. Interesting to patients, carers
and health professionals.
28. Electro-Magnetic Fields
Application of electro magnetic fields to Parkinson's disease patients has resulted in
control of some symptoms. Academic references are presented. Interesting to patients
and the medical profession.
29. Useful Addresses
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