Top 5 Blog Countdown for 2012

12/28/2012

See what interests members of PDCommunity! and read the most popular blog posts of 2012 analyzed from over 17,000 views...

...#5 SHOULD I TAKE COQ10 FOR PARKINSON'S? Coenzyme Q (CoQ10) is and over the counter dietary supplement. Our body’s cells produce Coenzyme Q 10 but this decreases with age and some diseases like Parkinson’s. CoQ10 plays a key role in our cell’s energy production in a specific part of the cell, referred to as the electron transport chain, in our mitochondria. Portion of this electron transport chain is deficient in people with Parkinson’s; hence CoQ10 may play a role in maintaining the integrity of this process and cell health.

Recent studies did not support original research suggestion a potential benefit of CoEnzQ10 in patients with early Parkinson’s. A double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial was stopped in 2011 when it was noted that 1200mg or 2400mg for 16 months did not improve symptoms and so is not routinely recommended for treatment. The following questions are unanswered and situations that may pertain to you serve as a point of discussion with your provider as to whether you should take CoQ10.

Would a longer period of use (over 16 months) yield positive results?
Will results differ if taken at different stages of disease?
Supplements can have side effects even if they are naturally occurring in the body. CoEnz Q10 side effects are minimal but could include bleeding risk, interaction with the blood thinner warfarin. CoEnz Q10 may reduce blood pressure and interact with some blood pressure medicines.
As with all anti-oxidants, do not take if you have cancer unless it is approved by your doctor.
CoEnz Q10 is expensive. Can this money be spent on alternative treatment with noted and proven benefits like weight loss, exercise, stress management, personal trainer or health coach.
Do not use in place of recommended medicines.
As a supplement, CoEnz Q10 is not regulated by the FDA. Be sure any supplement you take is tested to prove it is pure, has the potency that and absorbability that is claimed on the label and marketing. One way to do this is to look for the statement USP verified on the label. USP is an independent laborary that tests for these qualities.

Learn more about CoEnz Q10 on the Wellness Center.

...#4 IS PARKINSON'S HEREDITARY?

Scientists have discovered abnormal genes associated with Parkinson’s and have identified up to 18 gene loci (potential DNA sites) that may be involved. These abnormal genes increase one’s risk but do not directly cause the disease. It is thought that more than one factor (like environmental toxins) needs to also be present to develop the disease. In most cases genetics testing is not typically performed, because the presence of an abnormal gene does not necessarily determine if one would get PD.

A family history of PD in a first degree relative is seen in about 15% of people with PD. There is a 2x risk of developing PD if you have a family history of PD in a first degree relative. Although increased, this risk is still relatively low.

...#3 TOP 10 FOODS FOR PDThe following are a list of top 10 foods for PD and the reason(s) why:

1. Water - Be sure to get your fluids to prevent dehydration, low blood pressure and improve constipation- all potential problems in PD.

2. Prunes - “Not just for grandma”. High in antioxidants, fiber, vitamin A and potassium plus effectively treats constipation.

3. Salmon, sardines and tuna - Packs a “big punch” for protein plus high in heart healthy omega 3s. Eating sardines with the bones adds calcium. Be careful how much tuna you eat in one week due to accumulation of mercury.

4. Berries - Pomegranates, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries. All high in antioxidants.

5. Broccoli - “Your mom was right- eat your broccoli”. Source of antioxidants and a high source of fiber, vitamin C, calcium, iron and magnesium for a vegetable.

6. Green Tea - Great source of phytochemicals that serve as antioxidant and a way to get your fluids too. A source of anti-oxidants for those wanting low (no) calorie options.

7. Chocolate! - Cocoa, rich in flavinoids and other antioxidants, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular and stroke disease. Dark chocolate is highest in cocoa (choose brads with >70% cocoa). Cocoa may also increase brain serotonin a chemical that modulates mood. Beware that processed chocolate is high in fat and processed sugars so not good for everyone. Moderation is key!

8. Ginger - Ginger has been used for centuries to treat nausea and research is proving its value for treatment of nausea during chemotherapy or with motion sickness. Ginger can help the nausea caused by dopaminergic medicines to treat PD. Using ginger root or candied ginger is one way to insure you are getting the real product as the purity of supplements is not regulated.

9. Papaya - Fruit not only high in antioxidants but may also contains an enzyme papain that can thin thick saliva. (Meat tenderizer made from papaya root mixed with water also helps).

10. Oatmeal - Easy to swallow, easy to prepare, high in fiber, and low in calories. This food is a low protein option for breakfast (high protein can reduce Ldopa absorption) also promotes heart health, may reduce cholesterol.

..#2 DOES STRESS CAUSE PARKINSON'S? (My tremor is only noticeable when I am under stress.)

Although stress may not cause Parkinson’s, it certainly can affect how you feel with the disease, cope and adjust to symptoms and your own tendency to take charge of your condition.

Stress can worsen symptoms, especially tremor and freezing. Steps to reduce stress can improve these symptoms.Bust science is no exploring the role of stress not just on symptoms but actual cell health.

Stress may also play a role in cell health and cell damage. Animal studies show that exercise helps protect nerve cells from the toxic effects of MPTP that would otherwise cause parkinsonism. When mice were exercised and stressed they had more cell damage from this toxin than the mice that exercised but were not stressed. Interestingly the stressed and exercised mice also had more cell damage compared to mice that did not exercise. Stress is a big part of life and chronic stress affects more than our mood and anxiety.

Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques are now being shown to lengthen telomeres an important part of DNA the effect of which can lengthen. Consider adding exercises that include mindfulness training, relaxation and stress management techniques such as Yoga and Tai chi. Add mindfulness training and stress reduction techniques to your daily life routine. Mindfulness therapies such as yoga, guided imagery, meditation and hypnosis can help. Learn more about these therapies.

MOST POPULAR
...#1 DOES AZILECT SLOW DISEASE PROGRESSION?

Azilect is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOB I) designed to block the breakdown or metabolism of dopamine in the brain. This means more dopamine is available for use by the nerve calls. Laboratory and animal studies showed that this medicine may do more and actually protect nerve cells from degeneration or death- a process called neuroprotection. Delaying dopamine nerve cell death would potentially slow down disease progression.

A study of people with mild Parkinson’s tested this hypothesis. Participants were divided into two groups. One group received Azilect right away, the second group was given placebo followed by Azilect after 36 weeks. The idea was that if this medicine was protective then taking it earlier would be better.

The picture above is a graph of both groups. The bottom yellow line shows the group that received Azilect right away and the purple group got placebo followed by Azilect after 36 weeks.

At 72 weeks you will see that both groups did not have the same measure of movement abilities (lower number means better movement). If Azilect were only treating symptoms it would be expected that both lines would intersect by this time.

This suggested that earlier Azilect has a benefit beyond pure symptom control. It does not prove neuroprotection. Here are some possible reasons for this finding

Azilect could be protecting nerve cells from further degeneration
Early use of Azilect can lead to favorable brain chemical or activity changes unrelated to the number of dopamine nerve cells
People felt better earlier leading to improved mood, increased exercise all of which can affect symptoms

The FDA reviewed this data and announced that there just was not enough evidence to confirm that Azilect delayed disease progression. Bottom line- it is not certain if Azilect slows progression but it does appear to change how people are doing over time and it may be better to start medicines before movement problems are significant. See related article.

Learn more about dopamine medicines and their side effects.

See more posts and join PDCommunity!

Author Monique Giroux, MD

Medical Information Disclaimer and Legal Agreement

Please read this agreement entirely and carefully before using the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation website (nwpf.org).By using www.nwpf.org site, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions below and in the www.nwpf.org Privacy Policy.

Disclaimer About Medical Information:
The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained herein is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The major limitation of informational resources like www.nwpf.org is the inability to take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the patient. If you have persistent health problems or if you have further questions, please consult your health care provider. All visitors to this and other www.nwpf.org associated web sites agree to read and abide by the complete terms of this agreement.

Legal Disclaimers

Summary:
 * www.nwpf.org web site does not constitute an attempt to practice medicine.
 * The use of the site does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
 * Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for medical advice and answers to personal health questions.
 * While the site attempts to be as accurate as possible, it should not be relied upon as being comprehensive or error-free.
 * www.nwpf.org is under constant development and changes may be made in the articles and programs at any time.
 * The web site reserves the right to change its disclaimer or privacy policy, so users should review these periodically.

No Medical Advice.
The information posted here by www.nwpf.org is not to be considered medical advice and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. We may answer and post medical questions solely on our own discretion. We do not have the resources or the capability to answer all visitor questions. In general, the questions we choose to answer are (in our opinion) of value to other readers. The answers to these questions should in no way be considered specific medical advice or a plan for disease management. Our goal is to provide sufficient information so that www.nwpf.org visitors are able to become knowledgeable participants in their disease management plan. The primary responsibility of your disease management plan is with your treating physicians and you should only follow your treating physicians advice. DO NOT change/modify your disease management plan on your own without consulting your treating physicians.

No Warranties.
This web site is provided on an "as is," "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to, those of TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE or NON-INFRINGEMENT or any warranty as to accuracy, timeliness, completeness or arising from a course of dealing, usage, or trade practice. No oral advice or written information provided by the www.nwpf.org shall create a warranty; nor shall members or visitors to the site rely on any such information or advice.

Disclaimer of Liability.
The user assumes all responsibility and risk for the use of this web site. Under no circumstances shall www.nwpf.org or its contributors/employees or its affiliated organizations such as the University of Illinois at Chicago or its employees or anyone else involved in creating or maintaining this web site be liable for any DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL or CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, or LOST PROFITS that result directly or indirectly from the use or inability to use the web site and/or any other web sites which are linked to this site - or that result directly or indirectly from mistakes, omissions, interruptions, deletion of files, viruses, errors, defects, or any failure of performance, communications failure, theft, destruction or unauthorized access.

In states which do not allow some or all of the above limitations of liability, liability shall be limited to the greatest extent allowed by law.

Online Conduct.
Visitors agree to use the web site only for lawful purposes and are prohibited from posting on the web site any unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory or obscene material of any kind, including, but not limited to, any material which encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, national or international law. This applies to any posting that could be termed as Sexual Harassment and or Discrimination. Although in the absence of a specific complaint the postings are not monitored for compliance with this provision, in an effort to discourage such conduct, please note that all postings in the Comments area will list the author's name--no anonymous postings are permitted!

Disclaimer of Endorsement.
Reference to any products, services, hypertext link to the third parties or other information by trade name, trademark, supplier or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation by www.nwpf.org or its contributors/employees. They are for convenience only.

Link Disclaimer.
Links are provided only as an informational resource. Please note that many of the links provided are not on our servers and are not maintained by us or affiliated with any services provided by us. These links are provided simply as a service, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked site(s), nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content.

Have a nice day.