I am just pulling out a discussion started in a rather long thread as it seems we might be able to get a little more input in doing this.

Rick suggested that PD may indeed start out as an endocrine disorder and based on what I have been reading I am inclined to agree. Thyroid dysfunction was broached, and I immediately started reading up on parathyroidism. The paraythyroid is very interesting because it acts independently of our thyroid and its entire purpose is to modulate calcium in our systems. Vitamin D is often found to be at insufficient levels when there is a parathyroid dysfunction, but from what I have read, supplementing with more Vitamin D may not always be the answer as it can cause even higher levels of circulating calcium in our systems.

So we know that many of us show Vitamin D deficiencies. Where does calcium come into play and what does it all have to do with PD. Obviously, I don't know the answers, but there are some interesting links and hints out there.The main thing to know is that any sort of parathyroid dsyfunction results in dysregulation between calcium, Vitamin D, and phosphate in the blood stream. It often is not detected by common blood tests run by doctor. Longstanding and untreated it has shown in some rare cases to result in Parkinsonism. I am not saying that this is concomitant in us but am feeling there are very strong connections to PD.

Calcium is a neuromodulator controlling electrical signaling and it is hypothesized that calcium meets up with oxidative stress and cell system failure = what looks like idiopathic PD. <A really great interactive model here> Note that PD has shown some response to ECD (Electro-convulsive Therapy).

People with hypoparathryoidism have increased chance of getting Addison's or Parkinson's Disease- the symptom/features of Addison's (result is body's inability to produce enough steroid hormones)- these may mimic some symptoms of PD as well: the key thing is that the parathyroid impairs the nervous system and muscles so obvious to see it as a link to a movement disorder. How so? Parathyroid problems lead to calcium dysregulation- calcium is vital to us as it helps conduct electrical impulses and energy for muscular control. When the parathyroid can't produce the right levels of Parathyroid Hormones (PTH); note this often happens as an autoimmune and inflammatory response. I wonder if PD doesn't begin somewhere in the endocrine system for us? This impaired PTH production; PD aside, results in hypocalcemia and too much phosphate in our system and has manifested with both symptoms of PD, cognitive impairment, and dementia.

Calcium Disorders. Disorders of calcium metabolism may occur in association with parkinsonism. Hypoparathyroidism has been reported to cause parkinsonism both in the presence and absence of basal ganglia calcifications. It may occur as a late complication after thyroidectomy[5] and may be responsive to levodopa in some cases.[6] Pseudohypoparathyroidism, characterized by end-organ resistance to normal endogenous parathyroid hormone, may be associated with parkinsonism in up to 4 to 12% of patients, either with or without evidence of basal ganglia calcifications,[7] and may respond partly to normalization of serum calcium.[8] Hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenomas can rarely cause parkinsonism, which is reversible after surgical removal of the tumor.[9] Bilateral subcortical calcification involving the basal ganglia and cerebellum, often labeled as Fahr's disease, represents a heterogeneous collection of disorders that are not associated with a known disorder of calcium metabolism. Movement disorders in Fahr's disease most commonly present as parkinsonism (55%), often in association with dementia, cerebellar signs, or other hyperkinetic movements including chorea, tremor, and dystonia.[10]

Please register at Medscape and read the full article "Movement Disorders caused by Medical Diseases: Parkinsonism"

Hypoparathyroidism hallmarks include low Vita D and the main thing is not enough calcium in the system. Here are two case studies of note; one involves the pseudo version and the other straight on thyroid disorder. I love a good puzzle, but know that there is more than simple links. Anyone else have anything to go on...where does the fight or flight and stress fit into all this. It is noted that hypoparathyroidism and Addison's Disease (absence of steroid hormones also linked to thyroid disorder) are both negatively impacted by stress.

Case studies:


Pseudohypoparathyroidism, Parkinsonian Syndrome, with No Basal Ganglia Calcification Jounal of Neurology...1988.

Idiopathic Hypoparathyroidism Presenting as Dementia. British Medical Journal...1974.


Last interesting thing, it is now considered common for parathyroid dysfunction to occur as result of pregnancy, and is often invisible as symptoms mimic hormonal changes. It looks like it can be a permanent condition or just make an appearance in times of stress? Just what Rick and some of us have been looking at...so clearly our chronic lower level stress I'm sure would also play a part.

Just how does this fit together? Why is dopamine and basal ganglia the hardest hit neuro aspect? Anyone have any insights? I feel like I am just either putting together the obvious for any doctor or scientist, so maybe there is nothing more to all this. Just feel there has got to be some sort of major connection or maybe common pathway. Would all this further indicate that the autoimmune system does have a role in PD. BTW, it is noted that pseudohypoparathryoid causes anosmia or the impaired sense of smell many PD people have.

Laura