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Description
A person with Parkinson's disease slowly loses control of movements like swallowing and walking. The main symptom is a tremor or shaking, along with the declining ability to move body parts. The disease starts so slowly that the condition may not be identified for months.
Dopamine is a chemical that stimulates nerve cells and is necessary for movement and maintenance of normal muscle tone. Parkinson's is caused by deterioration of nerve cells in the area where dopamine is produced and stored. Loss of dopamine causes cells in the brain to fire out of control, leaving people unable to direct or control movement normally.
Common symptoms:
- Typical hand tremor
- Stooped posture
- Short, shuffling gait with no associated arm movements
- Tendency to fall over, either forwards or backwards
- Difficulty both in starting to walk and in stopping
- Difficulty getting in and out of a car or chair
- Poorly coordinated hand use
- Small handwriting
- Soft speech
- Drooling and difficulty swallowing
Be aware that herbs and supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Do not assume if a product is considered "natural" that it is harmless. Many substances do not have sound science behind them to prove their safety or how well they work. Manufacturers may not be giving you what you think you are getting, or the way the substance is processed may be unhealthy or unsafe.
With many of these products, doctors do not know enough about them. Herbs and supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications or can worsen your health conditions. Consider that some supplements, such as vitamin A, may be unsafe when taken in mega doses.
It is strongly advised that you talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. If you are taking an herb or supplement and notice any unusual symptoms, stop taking the substance immediately and talk to your doctor.
| Supplement |
Claims |
Possible Interactions, Side Effects and Dangers |
What the experts say |
| Coenzyme Q10 |
May improve muscle function in people with Parkinson's disease and may slow the disease's progress in early stage. |
Might interact with anti-clotting drugs and diabetes drugs. No serious side effects have been reported, but some people have had heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain and headache. |
The jury is still out. However, early research is promising. A recent study showed people with early stage Parkinson's disease who took vitamin E supplements with coenzyme Q10 had a slowing of the disease's progression. Other research says coenzyme Q10 may help improve muscle function in people with the disease. However, these studies have been small and are not significant enough to recommend taking this supplement. Larger, more well-designed studies need to be done. |
This article was reviewed and updated
June 2007.
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