[Conductor71]

Hi,

This is rather off the wall but something I find peculiar because I have experienced it myself this summer. Why does the amount of air in the environment or a change in air pressure make a difference with us? Is it something to do with inflammation? I have tried to research this and find nothing of medical substance; it all seems to be anecdotal. Here are some snippets that have me seeing there might be some clue(s) in solving the PD puzzle:

- MJF has noted that his symptoms vastly improve in high altitudes. I think he mentioned that he also needed far less medication.

-Conversely, Briant Grant, one of the newer members to our elite club, encapsulates himself in a hyperbaric chamber on a weekly basis. The theory is that the pure, high oxygen rich air he inhales has a restorative effect on neuronal cells- something to do with high oxygen saturation fostering neurogenesis.

-I have heard anecdotally that some PWP experience symptom intensity in humid weather. This summer, I had what I still think may be a thyroid problem causing a drop in my electrolytes; it triggered episodes of extreme weakness and was triggered by humidity or changes in air pressure.

I don't know there is any research on this or this could just be one of those idiosyncratic things about how we each experience PD. Anyway, has anyone else heard similar stories or know of any research on this?

Also, it seems odd that a hypoxic environment would alleviate MJF's symptoms while the complete opposite environment is used as a treatment by Brian Grant! Any ideas out there on why this should even make a difference for any of us?

Thanks!

Laura

[moondaughter]

Originally Posted by Conductor71

Hi,


Also, it seems odd that a hypoxic environment would alleviate MJF's symptoms while the complete opposite environment is used as a treatment by Brian Grant! Any ideas out there on why this should even make a difference for any of us?

Thanks!

Laura

Not a clue Laura but interesting that you posted this as this subject has recently been on my mind too. I've read somewhere that common to PWP is childhood anemia so I wonder if there is something besides quantity of oxygen at play here...something related to the red blood cells that would supply a bioavailable pool of iron? It would be interesting to know the prevalence of pd amongst populations of people living in high altitudes-perhaps a good question for the ayurvedic docs? It may have been an environmental influence rather than altitude for MJF- but then think about the forced exercise concept....mountain climbing would be a similar venue for forcing a person to really breathe...
regards,
md