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 …

Brief Report: Pallidothalamic Tractotomy by Focused Ultrasound for Parkinson’s Disease

"Patience and fortitude conquer all things." Ralph Waldo Emerson "I know of no higher fortitude than stubborness in the face of overwhelming odds." Louis Nizer Overview: Recently, I reviewed a clinical trial involving ablation of the globus pallidus by focused ultrasound to treat Parkinson's (click here to read this blog post). Some time ago, I …

Focused Ultrasound Ablation Therapy of the Globus Pallidus for Parkinson’s

"Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience." Paulo Coelho "Resilience is not what happens to you. It’s how you react to, respond to, and recover from what happens to you." Jeffrey Gitomer Introduction: The clinical trial results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine by Krishna et al. (2023), dealing with ultrasound treatment …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Happy New Year (2023) from the Journey with Parkinson’s

"Let us resolve to do the best we can with what we've got." William Feather "Maybe this year, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives not looking for flaws, but looking for potential." Ellen Goodman Happy New Year! In the New Year, may you maintain excellent health, create quality time for loved …

A Graph of Your Daily Level of Exogenous Levodopa

"The greatest achievement is to outperform yourself." Denis Waitley "Sometimes, carrying on, just carrying on, is the superhuman achievement." Albert Camus Introduction: Have you been taking carbidopa/levodopa to treat your Parkinson's? Are you experiencing any off-on periods? Do you have any dyskinesia? Do you think it's time to change your dosing pattern or the timing …