Finding Your Ikigai in the Presence of Parkinson’s

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style" Maya Angelou "Resilience is all about being able to overcome the unexpected. Sustainability is about survival. The goal of resilience is to thrive." Jamais Cascio Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic …

Parkinson’s and Axial Rotation (Part 3, Lumbar Spine)

"Tentative efforts lead to tentative outcome." Epictetus "Patients should have rest, food, fresh air, and exercise - the quadrangle of health." William Osler Background: The function of our spine, all the bones and muscles, and associated tissues connected to this region are crucial for everyday life. A prevalent injury or pain that many people typically have …

Immunomodulating Activity of an Extract from Ashwagandha: Implications for Treatment of Parkinson’s

"The mind, in addition to medicine, has powers to turn the immune system around." Jonas Salk "As you begin to heal the inner you, you alter your immune system." Wayne Dyer Introduction: The current blog post is focused on reviewing an immunomodulating action of an extract from Ashwagandha. Furthermore, I will comment on the use …

Parkinson’s: Dopamine (A Neurotransmitter and the Title of Many Songs)

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living." Dr. Seuss "The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office." Robert Frost Introduction: Having Parkinson's makes you know something about …

Fatigue in Parkinson’s

"Fatigue is the best pillow." Benjamin Franklin "Fatigue roughens up the edges of your nerves; it exposes your fears and your weaknesses." June Havoc Introduction: Fatigue is a standard part of everyday life. Fatigue is especially prevalent in the Parkinson's community. Herein is a brief overview of fatigue in people (person)-with-Parkinson's (PwP). "Many fears are born …

11 Hopeful Quotes to Support Your Life With Parkinson’s

"My actions are my only true belongings." Nhat Hanh "Today is the most important day of our lives." Nhat Hanh Introduction: There are many types of people-with-Parkinson's (PwP), different stages of progression, numerous motor and non-motor symptoms, there is early onset, and typically one is 65 years old when diagnosed. And I realize there are …

Parkinson’s and Autoimmunity

"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it." Pablo Picasso "We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize." Nhat Hanh Précis: This post exists because I received a note from a reader concerned about using a substance that potentially was an …

Parkinson’s: You Got To Move

"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being" Plato "Exercise: you don't have time not to" George A. Sheehan Introduction: You know what I am getting ready to say? Exercise is medicine. The verdict is out; exercise is especially beneficial for those with Parkinson's. Some form of exercise is always suitable for …

Word for Wednesday: Parkinsonism

"A correct diagnosis is three-fourths the remedy." Mahatma Gandhi "The art of clinical diagnosis lies in the ability to ask the right questions." Harriet B. Braiker What is Parkinsonism? How is this different from Parkinson's? Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder that destroys dopamine-producing dopaminergic neurons. As Parkinson's progresses, other brain areas are affected, leading to motor- …

10 Lessons Learned About COVID-19 and Parkinson’s

"Come grow old with me. The best is yet to be." William Wordsworth "As long as I am breathing, in my eyes, I am just beginning." Criss Jami Introduction:  Likely, everyone in the world has said the words "COVID-19 Pandemic" at some point since early 2020. From mid-February 2020 to December 2022, more than 324,000 publications …