Gene defect linked to Parkinson's. A defect in a gene that produces dopamine in the nigrostriatal cells appears to accelerate the onset of Parkinson's. The effect is particularly pronounced in people under 50.
Joseph Webb, a graduate research assistant also at Iowa State, found on average that Caucasians with one mutated version of the gene—guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase-1 (GCH1)—had a 23% increased risk for Parkinson’s disease and developed symptoms five years earlier than those without the gene mutation.
Young to middle-aged adults with the mutation had a 45% increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
The rigidity and loss of muscle function associated with Parkinson's disease are linked to the depletion of dopamine in the substantia nigra. This study is the first to look at the gene as a biological marker for Parkinson's.
The researchers analyzed anxiety and motor function using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). They found that those with polymorphisms at rs11158026 coding for the GCH1 enzyme, regardless of age, were more anxious and struggled more with daily activities. The defective gene was not as strong of a predictor of developing Parkinson’s disease in people older than 50.
The researchers noted that it is also important to pay attention to blood cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is directly related to the ability to produce dopamine. High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is an established risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Willette said. Their study shows that carriers of the mutated GCH1 gene had higher cholesterol than noncarriers, regardless of age.
People with Parkinson's have sleep disturbances, decreased sense of smell, gastrointestinal issues, sexual function issues, depression, systemic weakness, slow thinking and some scaling itching spots on the face called seborrheic dermatitis. As the disease progresses other symptoms appear like: difficulty swallowing, acid regurgitation, hypersalivation, constipation and incomplete bowel empyting. SIBO or small intestine bacterial overgrowth is also associated with Parkinson's. We have SIBO test kits, toxic urine metal kits and comprehensive stool function kits.
At Second Nature Care we understand the impact of environmental factors with neurodegenerative diseases. We have excellent treatment protocols for Parkinson's.
The gut is where I begin treatment. We remove all gluten, most grains and dairy out of the diet. Processed carbohydrates aggravate SIBO and don't allow leaky gut mucosa to heal properly. High-protein foods block the absorption of the main Parkinson's medications - Levadopa or L-dopa which affects their efficacy. I also test for Herpes 6 and elevated heavy metals with an eye on mercury. The golden triangle in Parkinson's is poor gut function, high viral loads, previous exposure to pesticides and elevated mercury.
Because of poor gut function I strongly recommend I.V. therapies. Ozone chelation and I.V. glutathione both improve function while we are healing the gut with L-glutamine, fish oils, NAC, turmeric, probiotics, gelatin, phosphatidyl choline and resveratrol. All I.V. nutrient and ozone therapies are MD ordered and RN administered in NYS.
Levadopa and carbidopa, Parkison's meds, deplete the individual of critical amino acids - dopamine, tyrosine, tyrosine hydrolylase, norepinephrine and serotonin. Our patients take a liquid homeopathic RX of serotonin and dopamine. Amino Acids taken orally and in I.V. form are effective and not contra-indicated with L-dopa. Amino acid therapies protect against side effects and make Parkinson's medications more effective.
Until they come up with a wonderful new medication it is worth your time to investigate integrative medical options.
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