Parkinson's Disease - Resources

(Page 2)

People whose diets have been low in fiber should increase it gradually. It is best to obtain dietary fiber, soluble or insoluble, in the natural form of whole grains, nuts, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. If it proves difficult to do so, psyllium, (found in products such as Metamucil), is an excellent soluble fiber supplement. Drinking lots of fluids is particularly important in preventing constipation.

Herbs and Supplements

Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need FDA approval to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. Always check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

---

---

The following dietary supplements are being studied for treatment of Parkinson's disease:

• Creatine. Creatine is a nutritional supplement that is sometimes used to improve exercise performance. In 2007, the U.S. National Institutes of Health launched a large-scale clinical trial to study whether creatine can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The trial will enroll patients who have been diagnosed with PD within the last 5 years and who have received levodopa therapy for no more than 2 years.
• Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone). Coenzyme Q10 (also called ubiquinone) is an antioxidant being studied for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. This enzyme is important for cellular energy, which may be impaired in PD. However, a high-quality study was unable to demonstrate a benefit for low dosages of this dietary supplement. Researchers are still investigating whether larger doses given over a long period of time may help some patients.

Rehabilitation Therapies

Exercise is an important component of rehabilitation. Physical therapy may help with physical function and quality of life. It usually includes active and passive exercise, gait training, and practice in normal activities. To date, no specific exercise approach has been proven to be better than others.

Exercise Programs. Exercise programs are defined as passive or active.