This first paper proposes a link between inflammation and BBB damage, leading to degeneration of dopamine neurons.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20423606
"Additionally, several groups have proposed that dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) combined with infiltration of peripheral immune cells play important roles in the degeneration of DA neurons. "

http://boquetespa.com/2010/05/alzhei...%99t-remember/
"Between our brain and the rest of our body is the blood brain barrier (BBB) it is there to protect the brain from whatever is circulating around in our blood. If the body is in a state of chronic inflammation, it eventually compromises our blood brain barrier" ......research has revealed a relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress causing brain cell damage or death, leading to dementia and many other problems like Alzheimer’s disease and even Parkinson’s disease.

Ron

When a Cocaine addict sniffs up cocaine, he obviously does it to feel pleasure. It is also addictive. Many children in schools put nail polish remover on a cloth or Kleenex and hide it up their sleeves to take a whiff of when they want to get that "high" feelling. Stress and environmental chemicals are causes of weakening of the immune system, but the brain can be directly attacked in other ways too.

I only ask because you have made this point several times in the past and was wondering if this post was made because of a response I made on another thread. This disease makes me paranoid and I apoligize if I misunderstood your reason for posting.

Ron
In my case, there is definitely something to this inflammation theory. Due to the broken foot this past winter, I have to take Amoxicillin before having dental work or cleaning. When I take the four capsules, within hours and for the next 3-4 days, I am almost asymptomatic!

I feel that my PD would be totally under control if I took antibiotics regularly. The problem with this is what would happen to me if I had a severe infection after taking these antibiotics? I know there are more powerful ones, but then I would build up an immunity to those. So what do you suggest? What kind of testing is needed?

Peg

peggy-

Talk to your GP about your concern. Antibiotics come in families and if you restrict yourself to a single one you should be OK. Among the antibiotics for which anecdotal evidence exists are amoxicillin. penicillin VK. minocycline. teramycin. I think these are from a single family but I may be wrong. If he goes along with this, please keep us informed.

-rick

You are going to have to convince your doc to assist. That means convincing him that there may be something to the neuroinflammatory model.

At my I have a rather detailed explanation with citations and entirely from peer reviewed sources. Print it out, collate, staple, and present it to him.

Hi Vicky,
Don't worry, no connection with your post. I just came across these papers and posted them for interest.

Peg,
I can't really answer your question, I am not a medical Doc. Rick's advice is best to see your GP.
Ron

PS I will be on holiday for next 2 weeks, with no computer access.