In the book "Truth About Where You Live", by Benjamin A Goldman,


he reports extensive studies of pesticides and chemical toxicity related to Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig's disease.

He also points out that the insidious motor neuron disease has been correlated with rural farming throughout the country.

He says, "Symptoms of neurological impairment can range from drowsiness, depression, dizziness and confusion, to death.

Pesticides can also cause immune system malfunctions.
In 1980, the Environmental Protection Agency set up a SuperFund Program to dispose of 1,200 toxic waste locations that were 'potentially injurious' to man. In ten years, only 50 of these sites have been cleaned up. At the present rate, it will take another 230 years to dispose of the 1,150 remaining except that since 1990, there have been another 32,000 such waste dumps classified as potentially hazardous! Is there any wonder why we are faced with the challenges of polluted bodies!

In our continuing research, we have found many diseases DIRECTLY related to the toxic presence of chemicals and metals, not only identified with tremor-illnesses, but associated with severe allergic response and anti-immune diseases. (Sharma 1981)

THE MERCURY CULPRIT

Mercury poisoning, among others, often has several of the characteristics of Parkinson's: shakiness in the hands, feet, head, along with the twitching of the face, numbness and tingling in the extremities. It has, similarly, been associated with Candidiases, Epstein Barr, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFID) and occasionally, Fibromyalgia. In "God Helps Those That Help Themselves", by Hannah Kroeger., Edmund Fink says, "Mercury poisoning can cause damage to the basic ganglia of the brain which can make 'Parkinson-like symptoms.' Mercury can cause coarse, jerky movements, gross in coordination and can interfere with precise movements such as writing and eating." Although dental amalgams in the past have been considered safe, many are known to have generated allergic reactions, usually in the form of skin rashes. Of even greater concern are the cases of immune suppression and numerous toxic effects. One dentist experimentally removed amalgam fillings from three patients and observed an increase in the proportion of T-cells. When the amalgam was restored, the T-cell percentages dropped again. This study suggests that an amalgam filling chronically depresses these vital fighting cells in the immune system. (Eggleston 1984). (Reduced T-cell percentages increase the risk of cancer, other infectious and anti-immune diseases.)

PLEASE NOTE: Nickel, a known carcinogen (cancer-producing) metal, is also used in dental work and likewise has an adverse effect on T-cell percentages. (Maximum Immunity by Michael A. Weiner, Ph. D.)

THE ALUMINUM CULPRIT

In the Harvard Health Letter, (Oct. 1990, Vol 15, No. 11), studies found that "Aluminum accumulates in lesions in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. It builds up in degenerating nerve fibers (neurotic plaques) and shriveled filaments inside the cells (neurofibrary tangles).

According to Louise Gittleman in HOW TO STAY YOUNG AND HEALTHY IN A TOXIC WORLD, The major areas where aluminum accumulates is in the brain, kidneys, and GI tract. And in his book, FIGHTING RADIATION, Steve Schnechter, N.D. not only indicates aluminum's connection with Alzheimer's, depression, constipation and Schiziphrenia, but says "Like many of the other environmental toxins, aluminum has cumulative effects in the human body - what started out at age fifteen as occasional headaches may by age fifty be Parkinson's disease." He adds that people who eat animal foods such as meats, poultry, and dairy are regularly ingesting higher concentrations of aluminum.

THE ARSENIC CULPRIT

Arsenic exposure causes numbness of the limbs and loss of coordination as part of its long list of symptoms. It is found in heavy industrial areas in the air, water, pesticides, and insecticides and is associated with Epilepsy, Arthritis, and Arteriosclerosis. (Arsenic and Your Environment, Dr. Bara Fischer, 1986).

THE LEAD CULPRIT

Pesticides, paint, water and a long list of domestic products commonly contain lead and long exposure to it leads to tremors, twitching of the face muscles, jerking of the limbs, confusion, mania, seizures; a tremendous list of symptoms. The metal affects more than 1.7 million young children. In 1991, lead poisoning was referred to as the most common and socially devastating environmental disease of young children. Even in small amounts, lead poisoning damages children's brains, slowing their mental capacities and lowering their intelligence level. Note particularly, that it is directly associated with Epilepsy and kidney cancer.

THE CADMIUM CULPRIT

Cadmium, like, is dangerously pervasive in our air, food, and water and is also a cumulative poison that can cause a wide range of toxicity symptoms. A principal source is again, the pesticides. Significant amounts are found in cigarette smoke. Other common sources are smoke from burning of wastes, wood, garbage, etc.; industrial effluents, plastics, fertilizers, auto exhaust, refined foods, coffee, and be forewarned: The first water out of the tap each day, hot tap water, and water from galvanized or black plastic pipes contain cadmium. It is also associated with hypertension (high blood pressure).

THE FLUORINE/FLUORIDE CULPRIT

The Parkinson's-like tremors are, likewise, also associated with the toxic substance, Fluorine/Fluoride.

It particularly affects the kidneys and promotes low blood pressure.
It causes the muscles to become flabby and degenerated. Fluoride destroys our will to live! "Many commercial toothpastes contain cavity-fighting fluoride. Each one of these tubes contains 1,000 - 2,000 mgs. of fluoride, enough to kill a small child who might eat the whole contents." (Journal of Pediatrics 1987) People taking tablets containing one-half of one milligram of fluoride per day (the amount found in 1 to 2 pints of fluoridated water) can expect to experience: Black tar-like stools, stiffness, bloody vomit, diarrhea, faintness, nausea and vomiting, shallow breathing, stomach cramps or pain, tremors, unusual excitement, unusual increase in saliva, watery eyes, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, pain and aching bones, skin rash, and sores in the mouth and on the lips. (US Pharmacopia Volumes on Drug Information 1983 quotes Hannah Kroeger's book, GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES.)
THE INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS CULPRIT

Seven children in Woburn, MA died of leukemia because of industrial chemicals in their drinking water. (A CIVIL ACTION by Jonathon Harr). Children seem more susceptible to these toxic chemicals than adults. Virtually all industrial pollutions, metals, chemicals, pesticides, insecticides play a major role in depressing and breaking down our immune system and are the source of 85% - 95% of all diseases. (Dr. Bara H. Fischer, 1986, On Arsenic In your Environment.)


THE POLLUTION SOLUTION

In recent years, alternative means of protecting or ridding the body from these toxic poisons has begun to prove a natural means of protecting us from these hazards.

RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS

- Get a reputable water filter and a well designed air ionizer for your home and your office. The air and water elements are of extreme importance in generating a poisonous-free lifestyle.

- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR RESEARCH. Start clearing toxic poisonous substance from your body. Great success has been achieved with very special clay baths where the poisons are magnetically (naturally) pulled from your body. The metals in your system are naturally positively charged which means that our negatively charged clay formulae automatically attract the metals and chemicals, pulling the injurious substances out through your pores to bind with the clay and its various herbs and spices. (PLEASE NOTE: There are several hundred types of clay. Most of them do not have the magnetic action we have found in ours.)

- Environmental Detox Clay Bath: assists in removing industrial and chemical poisons including DDT, lead, pesticides, insecticides, vaccination poisons and radiation.

- Arsenic Detox Clay Bath: assists in clearing arsenic.

- Aluminum Detox Clay Bath: assists in removing aluminum and other metals.

- Mercury/Dental Detox Clay Bath: assists in removing mercury.

- Smoker's/Drug Detox Clay Bath: assists in removing numerous chemicals and drugs found in tobacco, smoke; especially cadmium.

- Tox-Away assists in clearing radiation, Lead, Acid Rain, & toxic metals.

- Clear-Out assists in cleaning situations associated with metal and chemical toxicity.

FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE

We suggest the Environmental Detox Clay Bath to remove the pesticides and in certain cases, the Dental/Mercury Detox Bath. We also suggest your checking on the Manganese in your diet! In Louise Gittleman's book, HOW TO LIVE LONGER AND STAY HEALTHY IN A TOXIC WORLD: "Manganese is essential to the formation of certain enzymes, helps the reproductive system, assists in blood sugar regulation and supports ligaments, discs, and bones. IN EXCESS, however, manganese can be toxic and develop 'manganese madness'. The initial symptoms include exhaustion, a trance-like hypnotic state, tremendous irritability and erratic behavior with wild emotional swings, hallucinations and impotence. Some develop symptoms resembling those of Parkinson's disease," says Louise. Too much manganese may be a big clue to check out for Parkinson's and related tremor diseases. According to Hannah Kroeger, Master Herbalist, sage herb is excellent for reducing salivation in Parkinson's disease.

DIETS FOR PARKINSON'S

"A diet of fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products and fluids to promote good digestion. Soft or pureed foods to ease swallowing. If taking levodopa, cut back on high protein foods." (Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal by Reader's Digest)

A periodic cleansing diet is a simple 3-day diet using green beans, zucchini, parsley, and celery. Check out our section on recipes & also refer to the Toxic Metal Level Chart listing the toxic metals associated with various diseases and the antidotes that assist in eliminating the metals or chemicals.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WITHOUT YOUR GETTING RID OF THE METALS AND CHEMICALS IN YOUR BODY THE DISEASES WILL CONTINUE TO BE CHRONIC. THE BODY CANNOT HEAL ITSELF. YOU HAVE TO HELP! THEY MUST BE REMOVED!

We suggest you begin with simple clay baths.

THE CLAY BATH SOLUTION

I was 'guided' to bring this ancient, natural means of healing back into our heavily polluted world. . ..to heal myself first and then, as a payback, provide it as a solution for as many as will listen. Our health problems of today are monumental and growing day by day and must be addressed!

CAROL F. ( North Carolina)

"I've been working to remove the heavy metals from my body for a long time while I've suffered with chronic fatigue and joint pain. After taking my first clay bath, which was the radiation bath, ALL THE PAIN WENT AWAY which I'd had for a year.

JULIE K. ( North Carolina)

"After being disabled for over thirty years by mercury amalgam and the chronic fatigue syndrome, I began a strenuous medical program for mercury detox. During the time, my condition improved only slightly. However, after four clay baths, MY FATIGUE SIMPLY DISAPPEARED! I find myself sleeping six hours a night. My mind is much clearer. I feel reborn! I can unequivocally say that the baths have relieved my body of its toxicity and turned my fatigue around."

CAROL K. ( North Carolina)

“To reduce my toxic metals (, mercury and arsenic) I had forty EDTA chelation treatments, eight DMPS mercury detox chelation treatments and two sets of DMSA oral treatments in a period of two years. Further tests revealed, in a ten hour urine test from a reputable lab, high, mercury, and arsenic. My medical doctor recommended five of LL'S special Detox Clay Baths (three arsenic detox and two mercury). After these baths, tests (urine and EAV) showed that the LEAD, ARSENIC and MERCURY WERE BELOW AVERAGE. These baths really work!"

A UNIQUE INSIGHT

The French naturopath, Raymond Dextreit, believes that the clay's powers transcend its purely physical properties. "From a thermodynamic point of view," he writes,” clay cannot be the sole source of the energy of the phenomena it produces. Clay is . . . a dynamic presence, a catalyst rather than an agent itself. This is possible because THE CLAY IS ALIVE. These toxins cannot resist being drawn toward the clay." Bring you and your body back to life!

FindArticles > Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients > July, 2001 > Article > Print friendly

New Advances in Parkinson's Disease

David Perlmutter
It has been estimated that in the United States alone more than 1 million people have Parkinson's disease, with more than 50,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. That translates to a prevalence of about 1-2 cases per 1000 individuals in the general population. This prevalence increases dramatically when looking at the over-55 population, approaching 1 in 100. The average age of onset is about 60 years, but it may be diagnosed as early as the mid 30's. [1] Perhaps because of some brain protective effects of female hormones, men are slightly more at risk than women.

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from patient to patient but typically include tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and disturbances of posture. The tremor of the Parkinsonian patient is somewhat characteristic in that unlike other forms of tremor, it is worse at rest and may improve substantially when the affected limb is used. It is worse with stress and typically begins on one side, usually affecting the hand. Thereafter, the opposite hand may become involved as well as other parts of the body, including the legs, facial muscles and even the tongue.

The rigidity in Parkinson's may involve any of the major limbs. Typically there is increased tone throughout the range of motion of the involved joint.

Slowness of movement, technically known as bradykinesia, is another hallmark of the disease and can be one of the most incapacitating symptoms. Patients report difficulty in initiating movements and may have great difficulty in arising from a chair or starting to walk when standing. They may describe a sensation of feeling like they are wearing "cement boots," or that their feet are "magnetic." Facial expressions are reduced, and it may be difficult to begin speaking. The handwriting may become smaller and patients may find it difficult to turn over in bed.

As the disease progresses, the posture becomes affected with increased forward flexion at the waist and a tendency to stand and walk in a stooped position. As Dr. James Parkinson described in his original 1817 monograph:

"After a few more months the patient is found to be less strict in preserving the upright posture: this being most observable whilst walking, but sometimes whilst sitting or standing. Sometime after the appearance of this symptom, and during its slow increase, one of the legs is discovered slightly to tremble, and is also found to suffer fatigue sooner than the leg of the other side: and in a few months this limb becomes agitated by similar tremblings, and suffers a similar loss of power." [2]

The Glutathione Miracle

It has long been recognized that a fundamental abnormality in Parkinson's disease patients is the failure of a specific part of the brain, the substantia nigra, to produce an important brain chemical, the neurotransmitter dopamine. Focusing on this specific chemical flaw, the pharmaceutical industry has developed a wide array of medications to provide symptomatic relief.

In 1959 the first true therapeutic approach to treating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease was proposed, attempting to replace dopamine. This is the basis for the use of the dopamine derivative L-dopa (Sinemet[R]) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease symptoms today. [3] Indeed, even today L-dopa therapy remains the mainstay of treatment. Unfortunately, while L-dopa therapy may help to temporarily reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, many scientific reports are now appearing in medical journals warning that L-dopa therapy may actually increase free radical production and thus speed up the progression of the illness, causing patients to worsen more quickly. [4]

With so much emphasis placed on L-dopa therapy, it is important to recognize that another vital brain chemical is also profoundly deficient in Parkinson's disease. This chemical, glutathione, is substantially reduced, virtually across the board, in Parkinson's patients. And yet, this deficiency seems to receive precious little attention. [5]

Glutathione is a critically important brain chemical. It is clearly one of the most important brain antioxidants. That is, glutathione helps to preserve brain tissue by preventing damage from free radicals - destructive chemicals formed by the normal processes of metabolism, toxic elements in the environment, and as a normal response of the body to challenges by infectious agents or other stresses. In addition to quenching dangerous free radicals, glutathione also acts to recycle vitamin C and vitamin E, which, because of their antioxidant activity, also reduce free radicals in the brain.

So, with the understanding that glutathione is important for brain protection, and that this protection may be lacking in the brains of Parkinson's patients because of their glutathione deficiency, wouldn't it make sense to give glutathione to Parkinson's patients experimentally and observe their outcome? That's exactly what was done in a landmark study from the Department of Neurology, University of Sassari, Italy. In this research protocol Parkinson's patients received intravenous glutathione twice daily for 30 days. The subjects were then evaluated at one month intervals for up to six months. The published results indicated "all patients improved significantly after glutathione therapy, with a 42% decline in disability. Once glutathione was stopped the therapeutic effect lasted 2-4 months." Further, the researchers indicated "...glutathione has symptomatic efficacy and possibly retards the progression of the disease." [6]

It is unclear exactly why this study has remained almost completely unrecognized. In the United States, the use of L-dopa, or other drugs designed to mimic it, remains the standard of care. And yet, this Italian study demonstrated that providing glutathione, a substance naturally occurring in the brain, provided Parkinson's patients substantial benefit.

Glutathione as such, cannot be patented. So it cannot be owned exclusively by any particular pharmaceutical company and therefore won't find its way to the highly influential advertising sections of the medical journals. And yet, quite simply we know that the brains of Parkinson's patients are profoundly deficient in this important chemical, with clinical research supporting its incredible effectiveness.

We began administering intravenous glutathione in late 1998. The effectiveness of this brain antioxidant in Parkinson's disease is nothing short of miraculous. Certainly, its administration is more complicated than simply "taking a pill," but on the other hand, there are essentially no reported side effects. In addition, while our Parkinson's patients are now realizing profound improvements with respect to reduction of rigidity, increased mobility, improved ability to speak, less depression, and decreased tremor, glutathione has the added benefit of protecting the brain from free radical damage, thus slowing the progression of the underlying illness. This contrasts vividly with the simplistic approach of only treating symptoms while potentially worsening the underlying disease.

Following even a single dosage of intravenous glutathione, many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are rapidly improved, often in as little as 15 minutes. Injections are typically repeated from 3 times a week to as often as daily.

Here is an example of a typical response to glutathione therapy in a patient with moderately advanced Parkinson's disease:

Dear Dr. Perlmutter:

This letter is to advise you of the progress of my husband's response to the glutathione therapy started two weeks ago.

As you know (HS), now 72 years old, had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease five years ago, starting with a tremor in his right hand. The disease progressed rapidly, impairing his walking ability, balance, and reducing his voice volume and clarity. Most recently, his inability to walk had made it necessary for him to use a wheelchair when leaving the house. At home, he has used a walker for the past two years.

His prescribed medications have included Sinemet [R], Mirapex [R], and Tasmar [R] over the past years, the effects of which have diminished.

Almost immediately after your first treatment of glutathione IV two weeks ago, there was a marked improvement in his facial expression, his voice volume, and ability to walk and turn. He started with 400 mg., 3 times a week. The effective period of time after injection has increased from one hour to almost the whole day. When we visited your office last he received 600 mg., and his ability to walk almost normally lasted the full day and part of the next.

He also reports that he has a general feeling of wellbeing after each treatment. And he is now taking 400 units of glutathione IV once a day, together with the supplements you have prescribed.

We are thrilled to report that he has not used the wheelchair for the past two days and is able to take full strides with his arm linked in mine. His facial expression is animated and his voice volume has increased.

In addition, we have cut back on his intake of Sinemet[R] and stopped the Tasmar[R]. In the past, without the Sinemet[R], he had been unable to walk -- his legs practically frozen. With the glutathione therapy, he can walk with a reduced intake of Sinemet[R].

We feel our prayers have been answered, that there is something positive that can be done to fight and arrest this dreadful disease now. We cannot thank you enough for the hope you have given us and we will keep you informed as to his progress until the next office visit.

Most consider Parkinson's disease to be an affliction only of the elderly. But we are now seeing patients in their 50's, 40's, and even 30's, with regularity. Here is a report from a 57-year-old plastic surgeon and former marathon runner:

Dear David:

This is a followup since my visit with you in April of 1999. As you will recall, my symptoms were those of micrographia (small handwriting), drooling, exhaustion, tremor, inanimate facies, poor voice projection and modulation, and depression. Your diagnosis was that of Parkinson's disease. I was started on glutathione 400 mg, three times a week, and I was instructed to take vitamins D, E, and B12 in addition to my rather extensive vitamin and herbal supplementation program.

I received my first dose of glutathione in your office that day and within two hours I felt like a new person. I was more animate and expressive almost immediately. Over the next few weeks, my voice became stronger, I felt less tired and my tremor almost disappeared. More slowly, my writing has improved; it's not perfect (never was) but at least with effort and slowing down, I can write legibly now. I still tend to drool some but even that is much improved. My energy is not totally back to normal but I am working a full schedule as a plastic surgeon with a very busy practice. My depression is gone and I have my sense of humor back.

When I was originally diagnosed at Duke, I was given a prescription for Sinemet[R] and advised to get my affairs in order. Your approach has kept me off this medication, almost restored me to normal, and more importantly, has given me hope that we may slow the progression of my disease if not halt it altogether.

I want you to know how very much I appreciate your care, your caring, and your pioneering efforts.

Thank you

There are several factors that explain why glutathione is so beneficial in Parkinson's disease. First, glutathione has the unique ability to make certain areas of the brain more sensitive to dopamine, so that even though dopamine is decreased, it nevertheless becomes more effective. [7] The concept of enhancing cellular receptor sensitivity has become quite familiar in medicine today. In diabetes for example, before actually administering insulin, physicians often begin therapy by prescribing the drug metformin, which acts by enhancing the sensitivity of cells to whatever insulin is still being produced.

In addition, as mentioned above, glutathione has profound antioxidant activity -- protecting the brain from free radical damage. But an even more intriguing benefit of glutathione lies not in the brain but in an area of the body far beyond the scope of typical neurology.

The Liver Connection

Glutathione is one of the most important components of the liver's detoxification system. It has long been recognized that most Parkinson's patients manifest flaws in their ability to detoxify various chemicals to which they are exposed. This is the obvious explanation as to why Parkinson's disease is so much more prevalent in individuals with a history of occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides or various other toxic chemicals. [8] While not every person exposed to pesticides or other toxins develops Parkinson's disease, those unfortunate few who harbor an inherited flaw in their detoxification pathways are at far greater risk to the brain damaging effects of a wide variety of toxins as we described in 1997. [9]

Giving glutathione is one of the most effective techniques for enhancing liver and brain detoxification. The nutritional supplement N-acetyl-cysteine, (often abbreviated NAC), enhances the body's production of glutathione and thus aids the detoxification process. Other nutritional supplements which enhance glutathione and thus aid in detoxification include vitamins E and C, alpha lipoic acid, and the herb silymarin.

UltraClear Plus[TM] a nutritional supplement designed by Dr. Jeffery S. Bland, has been extensively evaluated in clinical studies and has been found to significantly enhance liver detoxification. [10] We use this product as first line therapy when we identify individuals with abnormalities of detoxification.

Enhancing liver detoxification can have a dramatic effect on the manifestations of Parkinson's disease as exemplified by the following case history:

B.K. is a 40-year-old male who, in 1989 at the age of 34, began experiencing a tremor of the right hand. This was associated with micrographia (small handwriting) and the subsequent development of a right leg tremor. Over the next several years he developed slowness of movement, a reduction of facial expression, and a prominent loss of arm swinging when walking. He was placed on a sustained release preparation of L-dopa (Sinemet CR[R]) which produced a definite improvement of his symptoms.

When evaluated on 10/10/95, his medications included sustained release L-dopa (Sinemet CR[R] 25/100) three times each day, standard release L-dopa (Sinemet 25/100) twice each day, selegiline (Eldepryl [R]) 5 mg twice each day, and bromocriptine (Parlodel[R]) 5 mg twice a day. As with many of our patients, a videotape recording was made to document his clinical status.

His past medical history revealed that he had lived directly adjacent to a large commercial pesticide-using farm for the first twelve years of his life, and he recalled how he and his friends would follow the pesticide spraying tractors through the corn fields for fun.

On 02/06/96, the patient began a two week nutritional program designed to improve liver detoxification. After the initial two weeks the patient reported, "My medications are working better and I have much less rigidity and tremor." These findings were confirmed on the physical examination. Videotape recording was made prior to and subsequent to the treatment protocol, and a significant improvement was also noted in fluidity of movement, facial expression, and arm movement with walking. Perhaps even more impressive was the fact that these improvements persisted even after the medications were markedly reduced.

At followup examination three years after the initial detoxification he demonstrated continued improvement of clinical symptoms compared to his initial videotaped exam, and he remains on a reduced schedule of medications.

Evaluating an individual's detoxification status is easily accomplished using a very simple test, the Hepatic Detoxification Profile available from the Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory in Asheville, North Carolina (see below). The test involves the oral administration of several over-the-counter challenge substances. Subsequently, saliva, urine and blood are collected and analyzed to determine how these substances are metabolized. The results provide an extremely comprehensive picture of the various liver detoxification pathways, allowing the treating physician to design a specific interventional program to improve liver function.

Finally, keep in mind that certain drugs can reduce liver detoxification function. Acetaminophen, a drug commonly used for pain and fever, can actually reduce liver glutathione and should therefore be avoided. [11] It is found in a large number of over-the-counter and prescription medications so pay close attention to labels.

Cellular Activation

During the 1990's, the so-called "Decade of the Brain," scientists learned that the fundamental flaw not allowing certain brain cells to produce dopamine in the Parkinson's patient is a deficiency in the actual energetics of these cells. It is as if these cells, while still alive, are simply unable to produce the energy needed for normal activity. Incredibly, the most widely prescribed medication for Parkinson's disease, L-dopa (Sinemet[R]), has been shown to actually lead to further compromise of the brain's ability to produce energy. [12] This further reduces the production of dopamine, leading to worsening of the disease.

With a formal understanding of the biochemistry of energy production, researchers have explored a variety of interventions designed to "jump start" these lethargic cells, often with dramatic results. And best of all, most of the research has involved non-pharmacological products. The most promising of these cellular activators are NADH, CoQ10, and phosphatidylserine.

NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

NADH is an enzyme which has a pivotal role in energy production in all living cells, and particularly in brain cells. The amount of energy a cell can produce is directly related to NADH availability. Since Parkinson's disease represents a failure of cellular energy production, it's reasonable that researchers would take a look at NADH as a potential therapeutic agent.

Pioneering work published by Dr.Jorg Birkmayer in 1993 revealed just how potent NADH can be as part of a comprehensive program for the Parkinson's patient. Of 885 patients who received NADH in his study, an astounding 80% showed "moderate to excellent improvements in their disability." [13] This shouldn't come as a surprise given NADH's profound effectiveness in other neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

The other important player in energy production is CoQ10. Like NADH, CoQ10 is also present in all living cells where it too plays a critical role in cellular energy production. Energy deficiencies in specific parts of the brain can produce inadequate production of important brain chemicals. And, according to Dr. M. Flint Beal at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Parkinson's patients demonstrate a profound deficiency of coenzyme Q10 which may explain why their brains produce an inadequate supply of dopamine. Interestingly, Dr. Beal's research revealed that not only was coenzyme Q10 deficient in Parkinson's patients, but in their spouses as well -- although to a lesser extent (see figure 1.1). [14] This unexpected finding lends further support to the concept that Parkinson's disease may in some way be related to some extrinsic environmental factor.

The encouraging news from Dr. Beal's research is that orally administered CoQ10 is readily absorbed, well tolerated, and measurably increases cellular energy production. These qualities, coupled with its profound antioxidant properties, likely explain why the therapeutic potential of CoQ10 in Parkinson's disease is now the subject of intensive research at major medical institutions all across the country.

Finally, recognizing the importance of coenzyme Q10 makes it critical to identify any factors which may lower its availability. Unfortunately, two of the most commonly prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs, pravastatin (Pravachol[R]) and lovastatin (Mevacor[R]), dramatically lower serum coenzyme Q10 levels. [16]

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is one of the key components of neuronal membranes -- the site where brain cells both receive and transmit chemical messages. Enhancing chemical transmission is of obvious importance in Parkinson's disease, an illness in which the fundamental abnormality is a flaw in the ability of neurons to communicate chemically because of a deficiency of dopamine. Even in the face of this deficiency, increasing phosphatidyl-serine may enhance the effectiveness of what little dopamine remains -- helping to preserve brain function.

The energy-producing mitochondria also rely upon a healthy membrane to carry out the function of energy production. Like the cellular membrane, the mitochondrial membrane requires adequate phosphatidylserine to maintain normal function.

It has been estimated that as many as 30% of Parkinson's disease patients suffer from a progressive decline not only in motor function, but in cognitive ability as well. At times the dementia associated with the disease is more debilitating than the common problems of tremor, rigidity and balance disorders. This further supports the inclusion of phosphatidylserine in treating Parkinson's disease since research supports its profound therapeutic potential in dementia. This was confirmed in a 1991 article in the journal Neurology in which researchers from Stanford University demonstrated a marked improvement on performance tests related to memory and learning in a group of 149 memory impaired patients treated with phosphatidyl-serine for 12 weeks. [17]

Antioxidant Protection

As in other neurodegenerative diseases, antioxidants have an important role in protecting the brain in Parkinson's disease - a disease characterized by excessive free radical production coupled with deficient antioxidant defenses. This is not a new concept. The research exploring both the role of free radicals and the protective effects of antioxidants in diseases like Parkinson's goes back at least 2 decades. In a 1988 report entitled "Case-control study of early life dietary factors in Parkinson's disease" published in Archives of Neurology, researchers discovered that simple dietary sources of vitamin E profoundly reduced the risk of Parkinson's disease. Compared to controls, those who consumed diets rich in nuts had a risk of Parkinson's disease only 39% of controls. Consumers of seed based salad dressings had a risk only 30% of normal, while consumption of plums was associated with a risk reduced to an incredible 24% of the average population. [18]

Retrospective epidemiological studies like these have prompted research to determine if administering antioxidants could slow the progression of disease in those already diagnosed. Dr. Stanley Fahn, one of the country's most highly respected neurologists and chairman of the Department of Neurology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, evaluated the effectiveness of vitamins E and C in a large group of Parkinson's patients over several years. At the beginning of the study, none of the patients was debilitated enough to need the standard Parkinson's drug, L-dopa (Sinemet[R]). The time until patients required L-dopa therapy was extended an incredible 2.2 years in those taking these simple nonprescription vitamins. [19]

These results clearly indicate the power of antioxidants to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Shouldn't this information be provided to all Parkinson's patients and their families? Unfortunately, vitamin and nutritional information is not typically conveyed on the prescription pad -- the ultimate coin of medical commerce.

Below is a descriptive list of powerful brain antioxidants, key players in the BrainRecovery.com protocol for Parkinson's disease.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

The subject of intensive study in the neurodegenerative diseases, alpha lipoic acid not only serves as an extremely powerful antioxidant in and of itself, but in addition, it regenerates vitamins C and E as well as glutathione. But unlike glutathione, which isn't useful when given orally, alpha lipoic acid is readily absorbed from the gut and has the unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the central nervous system.

Yet another quality of alpha lipoic acid is its ability to serve as a metal chelator. That means it can bind to a variety of potentially toxic metals in the body, including cadmium and free iron, and enhance their excretion. This is an important function since these metals may increase the formation of damaging free radicals and research demonstrates substantially increased concentrations of iron in the brains of Parkinson's patients. [20]

Vitamin E

Since cell membranes and the brain in general contain large amounts of fat, vitamin E, a "fat-soluble" vitamin is particularly important in protecting the nervous system. This important brain antioxidant remains the focus of world wide scientific evaluation for its therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and various other neurodegenerative conditions. Since Dr. Fahn's original publication in 1989, countless other researchers have confirmed the antioxidant power of this inexpensive nutritional supplement.

When buying vitamin E, always read the label carefully to ensure you are getting d-alpha tocopherol, not dl-alpha tocopherol, since the latter is synthetic and far less biologically active. Also, always refrigerate vitamin E and all other oil-based nutritional supplements to preserve their potency.

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

The critical role of glutathione in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease cannot be overemphasized. While glutathione cannot be administered orally since it is readily digested to its constituent amino acids, the good news is that the nutritional supplement N-acetyl-cysteine directly encourages brain glutathione production. This activity is enhanced in the presence of adequate vitamin C and vitamin E. In addition, NAC itself is a potent antioxidant and has been shown to specifically reduce the formation of the free radical nitric oxide, which has been implicated as having a causative role in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and several other neurodegenerative disorders. [21] Consideration of the brain damaging effects of nitric oxide is particularly timely in view of the popularity of the drug Viagra[R] which works by enhancing nitric oxide production.

Acetyl-L-carnitine

Like coenzyme Q10 and NADH, acetyl-L-carnitine enhances energy production in damaged neurons. But in addition, it is one of the most important and specific antioxidants in the BrainRecovery.com protocol for Parkinson's disease. In a fascinating study reported in 1995, researchers demonstrated the ability of acetyl-L-carnitine to completely prevent parkinsonism in laboratory animals. When laboratory animals are exposed to the brain toxin MPTP, they immediately develop full-blown parkinsonism as a consequence of enhanced production of destructive free radicals specifically in the brain area that produces dopamine. Pre-treating the animals with acetyl-L carnitine prior to MPTP exposure offered complete protection - none of the animals developed parkinsonism. This study affirmed the potency of acetyl-L-carnitine as an antioxidant specifically useful in Parkinson's disease. [22]

Vitamin D

Although widely recognized for its role in maintaining healthy bones, vitamin D has recently become the subject of scientific interest since it too has been found to be an important antioxidant, possibly even more potent than vitamin E. In a recent (1997) study reported in the journal Neurology, Japanese researchers found surprisingly low levels of vitamin D in the blood of the 71 Parkinson's patients they evaluated. Not recognizing the important antioxidant, and therefore brain protecting activity of vitamin D, these researchers simply concluded that because of their low vitamin D levels, Parkinson's disease patients are at higher risk for osteoporosis. [23,24]

Ginkgo biloba

While widely known for its effectiveness in Alzheimer's disease, Ginkgo biloba must be included in this protocol as it too has profound brain antioxidant activity. Like acetyl-L-carnitine, Ginkgo biloba can also protect laboratory animals against the Parkinson's producing effect of the neurotoxin MPTP. [25] While humans are not typically exposed to this toxin, the idea that Parkinson's disease may be related to some other agent(s) is obviously supported by the profound increased incidence of the disease in those exposed to herbicides and other chemical agents as described above. Further, since dementia frequently complicates Parkinson's disease, inclusion of Ginkgo in the Parkinson's program makes sense, as this herb has been shown in extensive worldwide studies to enhance and preserve cognitive performance.

Vitamin C

Rounding out the list of antioxidants for Parkinson's disease is vitamin C. Having proven itself to be effective in slowing the progression of this disease in Dr. Fahn's original research, vitamin C, like vitamin E, became the focus of extensive research not only in Parkinson's, but in other progressive brain disorders as well. Its specific utility in Parkinson's disease was emphasized in a study also performed by Dr. Fahn and colleagues in which it was found that vitamin C helped preserve the energy-producing capacity of the mitochondria -- an abnormality actually made worse by the administration of L-dopa, the most widely prescribed drug for Parkinson's disease in the country. [26]

BrainRecovery.com -- Parkinson's Protocol

Intravenous Glutathione

Our protocol for using glutathione is relatively simple. Glutathione is inexpensive and easily obtained (see below). We use liquid glutathione, not reconstituted powder. It should be administered, at least initially, by a qualified healthcare practitioner as follows:

1. Dilute the appropriate dosage of glutathione liquid in 10 cc of sterile normal saline. Usually, vials contain 200mg, but read the label.

2. This solution is then injected through a 21-gauge butterfly catheter intravenously over a 15 to 20 minute period of time.

3. Alternatively, many patients choose to have intravenous access ports inserted. This allows frequent glutathione administration without repeated needle sticks.

4. Treatment begins at 600mg glutathione 3 times a week and may be increased to daily injections of up to 800mg depending on results. Alternatively, a schedule of 1000mg glutathione 3 times a week may be utilized.

5. An instructional videotape demonstrating glutathione administration with case reports is available at www.BrainRecovery.com or by calling: 800-530-1982

Injectable glutathione is available from: Wellness Health and Pharmaceuticals, 2800 South 18th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 USA, 800-227-2627, Fax 800-369-0302.

Cellular energizers: daily dose

Coenzyme Q10: 120 mg

NADH: 5 mg (twice)

Phosphatidylserine: 50 mg

Antioxidants

Vitamin E: 1200 IU

Vitamin C: 800 mg

Alpha lipoic acid: 80 mg

Vitamin D: 400 IU

N-acetyl-cysteine: 400 mg

Acetyl-L-carnitine: 400 mg

Ginkgo biloba: 60 mg

Note:

In Parkinson's patients less than 65 years of age check liver detoxification by performing Hepatic Detoxification Profile available from Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory, 63 Zillicoa Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801-9801 USA, 800-522 4762.

If hepatic detoxification abnormalities are detected:

UltraClear Plus[TM] 2 scoops twice daily Silymarin 200 mg -- twice daily

After 3 weeks discontinue UltraClear Plus[TM], continue silymarin and begin the standard BrainRecovery.com Parkinson's Protocol described above.

UltraClear Plus[TM] must be ordered by a physician and is available from Metagenics, 4403 Vineland Road, B-10, Orlando, Florida 32811 USA, 800-647 6100.

Resources

Living With Parkinson's Disease, Kathleen E. Biziere, Matthias C. Kurth, Demos Vermande; ISBN: 1888799102. Published 1997

Parkinson's: A Personal Story of Acceptance, Sandi Gordon, Lee W. Tempel, Branden Publishing Co; ISBN: 0828319499; Published 1992

Parkinson's Disease: The Complete Guide for Patients and Caregivers, A. N. Lieberman (Editor), Frank L. Williams, Fireside; ISBN: 0671768190; Published 1993

Understanding Parkinson's Disease: A Self Help Guide, David L. Cram, Addicus Books; ISBN: 0671768190; Published 1993

References

(1.) Nutt, John G. In: Porter R.G. (ed), 100 Maxims in Neurology - (2) Parkinson's Disease. St. Louis: Mosby Year Book, 1992: 1

(2.) Parkinson's, James, An Essay on the Shaking Palsy. London Whittingham and Rowland, 1817: 4

(3.) Carlsson, A: The occurrence, distribution and physiological role of catecholamines in the nervous system. Pharmacol Rev 11:490-493, 1959

(4.) Graham, D.G. Oxidative pathways for catecholamines in the genesis of neuromelanin and cytotoxic quinones. Mol Pharmacol 14:633-43, 1978

(5.) Perry, T.L., Godin, D.V., Hansen, S.: Parkinson's disease: A disorder due to nigral glutathione deficiency? Neurosci Lett 33: 305-310, 1982

(6.) Sechi, G., Deledda, M.G., Bua, G., et al., Reduced glutathione in the treatment of early Parkinson's disease. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 20(7): 1159-70,1996

(7.) Bains, J. S., Shaw, C.A.: Neurodegenerative disorders in humans: the role of glutathione in oxidative stressmediated neuronal death. Brain Res Rev 25 (3): 335-58, 1997

(8.) Tanner, C.M., Liver Abnormalities in Parkinson's disease. Geriatrics 46 (1): 60-63, 1991

(9.) Perlmutter, D., New Perspectives in Parkinson's Disease. Townsend Letter for Doctors 162: 48-50, 1997

(10.) Bland, J.S., and Bralley, J.A., Nutritional Upregulation of Hepatic Detoxification Enzymes. Journal of Applied Nutrition 44 (3&4): 5-15, 1992

(11.) Vendemiale, G., Grattagliano, I., Altomare, E., et al., Effect of acetaminophen on hepatic glutathione compartmentation and mitochondrial energy metabolism in the rat. Biochem Pharmacol 25:52 (8): 1147-54, 1996

(12.) Przedborski, S., Jackson-Lewia, V., Muthane, U., et al., Chronic levodopa administration alters mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. Ann Neurol 34 (5): 715-23, 1993

(13.) Birkmayer, J.G. D., et al, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH) -- A New Therapeutic Approach to Parkinson's Disease: Comparison of Oral and Parenteral Application. Acta Neurol Scand 87 (146): 32-35 1993

(14.) Schults, C.W., Haas, R.H., Passov, D., Beal, M.F., Coenzyme Q10 Levels Correlate with the Activities of Complexes I and II/III in Mitochondria from Parkinsonian and Nonparkinsonian Subjects. Ann Neurol 42:261-264,1997

(15.) Shults, C.W., Beal, M.F., Fontaine, K. et al., Absorption, tolerability and effects on mitochondrial activity of oral coenzyme Q10 in parkinsonian patients, Neurology 50: 793-795,1998

(16.) Mortensen, S.A., Leth, A., Agner, E., Dose-related decrease of serum coenzyme Q10 during treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Mol Aspects of Med 18(Suppl.) S137-44, 1997

(17.) Crook, T.H., Tinklenberg, J., Yesavage, J., et al., Effects of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment. Neurology 41:644-49, 1991

(18.) Golbe, L.I., Farrell, T.M., David, P.H., Case-control study of early life dietary factors in Parkinson's disease. Arch Neurol 45(12): 1350-3, 1988

(19.) Fahn, S., The endogenous toxin theory of the etiology of Parkinson's disease and a pilot trial of high-dose antioxidants in an attempt to slow the progression of the illness. Ann N Y Acad Sci 570:186-96, 1989

(20.) Olanow, C.W., Attempts to obtain neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease. Neurology 49 (Suppl 1) S26-S33, 1997

(21.) Pahan, K., Sheikh, G.S., Nmboodiri, A.M.S., et al., Nacetyl cysteine inhibits induction of NO production by endotoxin or cytokine stimulated rat peritoneal macrophages, C6 glial cells and astrocytes. Free Radical Biology and Medicine 24(1):39-48, 1998

(22.) Steffen, V., Santiago, M., de la Cruz, C.P., et al, Effect of intraventricular injection of 1-methyl-4- phenylpyridinium protection by acetyl-L-carnitine. Human Exp Tbxicol 14:865-871,1995

(23.) Sato, Y., Kikuyama, M., Oizumi, K, High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and reduced bone mass in Parkinson's disease. Neurology 49(5): 1273-78, 1997

(24.) Sardar, S., Chakraborty, A., Chatterjee, M., Comparative effectiveness of vitamin D3 and dietary vitamin E on peroxidation of lipids and enzymes of the hepatic antioxidant system in Sprague-Dawley rats. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 66(1):39-45, 1996

(25.) Wu, W.R., Zhu, X.Z., Involvement of monoamine oxidase inhibition in neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of Ginkgo biloba extract against MPTP- induced nigrostriatal dopaminergic toxicity in C57 mice. Life Sci 65(2): 157-64, 1999

(26.) Przedborski, S., Jackson-Lewis, V., Muthane, U., et al., Chronic levodopa administration alters cerebral mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. Ann Neurol 34 (5): 715-23, 1993

COPYRIGHT 2001 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group

Original Article -annals of neurology

Blood-brain barrier dysfunction in parkinsonian midbrain in vivo

Rudie Kortekaas, PhD 1 2, Klaus L. Leenders, PhD 1 3 *, Joost C. H. van Oostrom, MD 1 3, Willem Vaalburg, PhD 5, Joost Bart, PhD 4, Antoon T. M. Willemsen, PhD 5, N. Harry Hendrikse, PhD 5
1Department of Neurology, Groningen University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
2Anatomy and Embryology, Groningen University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
3Movement Disorders Unit, Groningen University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
4Department of Pathology, Groningen University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
5PET-centre, Groningen University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands

email: Klaus L. Leenders (k.l.leenders@neuro.azg.nl)

*Correspondence to Klaus L. Leenders, Groningen University Hospital, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands

Funded by:
School for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences

Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with a loss of neurons from the midbrain. The cause of PD is unknown, but it is established that certain neurotoxins can cause similar syndromes. The brain is normally protected from these noxious blood-borne chemicals by the blood-brain barrier which includes specialized proteins on the inside of blood vessels in the brain. These act as molecular efflux pumps and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an abundant representative. Vulnerability to PD appears codetermined by the genotype for the P-gp gene. We hypothesized that PD patients have reduced P-gp function in the blood-brain barrier. We used positron emission tomography to measure brain uptake of [11C]-verapamil, which is normally extruded from the brain by P-gp. Here, we show significantly elevated uptake of [11C]-verapamil (18%) in the midbrain of PD patients relative to controls. This is the first evidence supporting a dysfunctional blood-brain barrier as a causative mechanism in PD.

Ann Neurol 2005;57:176-179



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The following related link was highlighted by my thread "role of NAC as antioxidant"

"
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/88119.php

David Farb, PhD, recently had an abstract selected that was highlighted by the Society for Neuroscience (SFN). The abstract details how antioxidants influence dopamine release from striatal synaptosomes. It was presented at SFN's 37th annual meeting November 7th in San Diego, California. "

The problem is that we, wpd lot , have to make our own judgement as how to make use of this research because doctors go by their own books which take a generation for it to be updated

Very interesting article, Louise. Considering I was exposed to high amounts of Chlordain, and Fluoride no wonder I have PD now. The Fluoride was through tablets and toothpaste when I was a kid, along with the Chlordain, which was sprayed liberally around my house at the time too.

John

I am sorry this forum has so many people that have been given neurotoxins /poison ok'd by the FDA or other world health org's?

toothpaste - is fatal if you eat the entire tube -children have died this way.
flouride treatments given by dentists, amalgam fillings w/ mercury?

our tap water in the US - is just a glass full of toxicity, I can smell the chlorine in it because I haven't drank it on purpose for over 3 years.
and I bathe in water that has been filtered too.

how to make money and kill people :
small tiny list:
deodorants/antipersperants to stop our lymph system from taking toxins out of the body by -sweat... commercials convincing us - not to let "them" see you sweat? toothpaste with whiteners so our teeth are so white, they glow.
detergents and shampoos with -laurel sulfates
clorox...

gasoline products in our makeup ladies -here's a tube of 18 dollar
petroleum -we ingest lipstick in the USA; about 4 pounds of petrol a year -
sound yummy girls?
gentically modified food -looks like food but its not...if the bugs wont eat it
we shouldn't either.
candles made from petrol? electricity made by coal? putting mercury in the
environment,
then add war? oh my gawd - nutsville, usa

I suggest reading all labels -if there are too many long words you cant pronounce or it doesnt tell the ingredients dont buy it...


the body can heal itself, if we can ever rid ourselves of the toxins -
antibiotics in foods -in cows thus in milk -we are the only species that drink milk as adults ?
babies are breastfed -
puppies, kittens, calfs, only need milk when they are newborn...
why do we drink it still - because they tell us to? does it really do a body good?
aspartame in gum -childrens meds -PD meds -parcopa?
chemotherapy for cancer patients?
it all disables our immune systems -if we want to live...

do not use antibiotics they weaken our immune system
medicines are in case of emergency? the bigpharma has turned the US into
one enormous ER... and we listened to the propaganda spewers...still
life becomes so fragile on meds -
I have not had any antibiotics in over 10 years -
echinacea -will strengthen our immune systems -

yogurt will put your intestinal flora back -but it must be organic yogurt/
we eat way toooo much sugar in the american diets -
have you ever had a glass of tea in virginia, north or south carolina?
it is so sweet -it is nauseating -
sodapop - after you do not drink it for a year -smells like sewage in an aluminum can -

if you need medicine -let it be your food -
food is good medicine ...
eat healthy/ digest healthy/ illiminate waste healthy/ think healthy thoughts
become healthy -
what you believe and what you speak -you become...
so be well...