Recent studies in the Parkinson’s disease literature have cited a tuberculosis-like germ called nocardia as being responsible for Parkinson’s of unknown cause (Kohbata and Shimokawa, 1993) (Beaman, Beaman and Kjelstrom, 1994) (Kohbata and Beaman, 1991). Kohbata seemingly cemented a relationship between nocardia and Parkinson’s by finding serologic evidence in 20 of 20 Parkinson’s patients. With this finding, Kohbata acknowledged that blood tests for nocardia and the mycobacteria such as tuberculosis often cross-react, as they belong to the same order of bacteria, the Actinomycetales. Besides this difficulty in differentiation, a well used medical school textbook of microbiology points out that even among experts, different observers may classify the same strain of bacteria as nocardia or Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Atlas, 1988). To add to existing difficulties, both microorganisms can be “acid-fast,” retaining a characteristic reddish color after being washed with acid alcohol, a common laboratory reagent. Such a staining characteristic has long been used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – May 22, 2011 — The stomach bacteria responsible for ulcers could also play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease according to research presented today at the 111th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.

“Infection of late middle-aged mice with a particular strain of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori results in development of Parkinson’s disease symptoms after 3-5 months,” says Traci Testerman of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, who presented the research. “Our findings suggest that H. pylori infection could play a signficant role in the development of Parkinson’s disease in humans.”

Physicians have noted a correlation between stomach ulcers and Parkinson’s disease as far back as the 1960s, before it was even known that H. pylori was the cause of ulcers. More recently, a number of studies found that people with Parkinson’s disease were more likely to be infected with the bacterium, and that Parkinson’s patients who were treated and cured of infection showed slight improvement compared to controls that continued to deteriorate.

In Guam, a study of why some populations had a high risk of developing a Parkinson’s-like disease discovered that a specific compound in cycad seeds eaten by these populations was neurotoxic. The compound, which resembles a cholesterol with an attached sugar group, is almost identical to a compound produced by H. pylori.

Testerman and her colleagues developed an animal model to more effectively understand the role of H. pylori and its modified cholesterol in Parkinson’s disease. They infected young and aged mice with three different strains of the bacteria and monitored their locomotor activity and dopamine levels in the brain. Mice infected with one of the strains showed significant reductions in both.

“The results were far more dramatic in aged mice than in young mice, demonstrating that normal aging increases susceptibility to Parkinsonian changes in mice, as is seen in humans,” says Testerman.

In order to determine whether the modified cholesterol or other substances could be responsible for Parkinson’s disease development, they fed aged mice with H. pylori extracts. The mice did not become infected but developed the same symptoms as those infected with the bacteria, suggesting that the modified cholesterol or some other product contained within the bacteria contribute to disease development.

“Our mouse model demonstrates a direct effect of H. pylori infection on the development of Parkinson’s disease. The observation that not all H. pylori strains are equally able to cause symptoms will allow us to investigate bacterial factors and/or immune response to H. pylori infection that increase the risk for Parkinson’s disease,” says Testerman.

The below video was made by a college of mine. He is a fellow Functional Neurologist and did such a good job at explaining how Dopamine when not properly metabolized can become a source of the problem. What happens is the Dopamine when oxidized or acted on by chemicals and toxins in your brain can become dopamine quinones which damage brain cells. This is why L-dopa can increase the rate of death of the very nerves we are trying to save. So in order to stop shaking we cause our disease to progress more rapidly. Both Methylation and too much MOA action can be the issue the has caused the brain disorder to begin with and these can be treated with natural nutrients and dietary changes along with Glutathione suppositories. Glutathione it the brains master anti oxidant and will protect your brain from this cascade. Take a look at GlutaGenic.com for product information.

It’s estimated that 5.2 million people in the U.S. currently have Alzheimer’s disease, and there is no cure—but what if we told you that what you’re putting on your plate could be increasing your risk of dementia, as well as a host of other neurological problems? That’s the concept behind the bestseller Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar—Your Brain’s Silent Killers, by neurologist David Perlmutter, M.D.

Perlmutter points to a growing body of research that shows higher-than-normal fasting blood sugar levels may be toxic to your brain, even at readings previously thought to be safe: A study published in October in the journal Neurology shows that having an elevated fasting blood sugar is associated with a shrinkage of the brain’s memory center, even in individuals who don’t have type 2 diabetes. Other research published in August in the New England Journal of Medicine finds, similarly, that high fasting blood sugar levels are linked to a higher risk of becoming demented, whether you have a reading that qualifies you as diabetic or not.

“Pretty scary stuff on the one hand,” says Perlmutter, “but on the other hand, it’s empowering because you don’t have to go down that road.” Here’s why: Just as your diet can increase your odds of Alzheimer’s, it may also help decrease it if you follow certain guidelines. “What Grain Brain is bringing to the public’s attention is that preventive medicine really applies to the brain,” says Perlmutter. “No one’s ever talked about that, and now it’s time to bring the idea of diet and lifestyle choices to brain health.”

MORE: Food for Thought

To reap the benefits of a brain-friendly diet, Perlmutter suggests eliminating gluten altogether (which he says can be harmful to your brain even if you don’t have Celiac disease) and limiting your carb consumption to 60-80 grams per day—max. These recommendations are pretty strict (to put it in perspective, the USDA’s recommended daily allowance for carbs is 130 grams for adults), and many experts disagree with Perlmutter’s assertion that gluten is toxic and that complex carbohydrate intake should be so severely limited. But even if going that low-carb is unrealistic for you, there are still some do-able dietary changes you can make to promote healthy brain functioning:

Start Eating More Fat
Yup, you read that right. “In 1992, we were told [by the USDA], ‘You’ve got to go low-fat, no-fat—that’s what’s best for your heart,'” says Perlmutter. “Within 10 years, the rate of diabetes in America went up threefold, and diabetes doubles your Alzheimer’s risk.” In fact, in a 2012 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Research, participants in the top quartile of fat consumption (more than 35 percent of their calories came from fat) showed a 35 percent decreased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia (as compared to the bottom quartile, who consumed fewer than 17 percent of their calories from fat). Granted, as you likely know, not all fats are created equal: “Your brain is 60-70 percent fat,” says Perlmutter. “That fat has to come from somewhere, and to build a better brain you need good fats, not damaged or modified fats.” He suggests loading up on healthy monounsaturated fats from sources like olive oil and avocados.

Watch Out for Hidden Sources of Carbs
You may not be willing or able to ditch gluten and limit yourself to 60-80 grams of carbohydrates a day (which, as we mentioned previously, many nutritionists don’t necessarily recommend). But it is worth noting that the same Journal of Alzheimer’s Research study found participants in the highest quartile of carb consumption (more than 58 percent of their calories came from carbs) showed almost double the risk of developing MCI or dementia when compared to the bottom quartile (fewer than 47 percent of their calories came from carbs). And while it’s certainly smart to watch your intake of bread and pasta, you may not even realize some of the big sources of carbs in your diet. A cup of orange juice, for example, contains more than 33 grams of carbs—and can set you up for even more carb cravings later, thanks to the blood sugar spike then crash it brings on. “The sugar [in an actual orange] is released more slowly in a measured way,” says Perlmutter.

MORE: Curb Your Sweet Tooth

Eating whole fruits is better than drinking fruit juices (especially ones with added sweeteners), but eating too many fruits can dramatically increase your carb intake, too (one large apple, for example, has about 31 grams of carbs). Root vegetables also tend to have higher carb counts than veggies grown above ground. The takeaway? While you certainly don’t have to avoid good-for-you foods like quinoa, bananas, or spaghetti squash, it’s important to remember that they can add to your overall carb intake—so serving size, as always, is key.

When In Doubt, Choose Foods That Aren’t Processed
It may be a no-brainer (pardon the pun), but it’s also one of the best things you can do for your noggin, says Perlmutter. “Our most well respected peer-reviewed medical literature today is clearly indicating that blood sugar is a cornerstone pivotal player in terms of determining whether you become demented or not,” he says. And since so many foods that come in a bag or a box have been linked to an increased fasting blood sugar, choosing more whole foods and fewer packaged ones is crucial to keeping your brain healthy. “If you live to be age 85, your risk for becoming an Alzheimer’s patient is 50/50—the flip of a coin,” says Perlmutter. “Let’s change that today and improve your odds dramatically by simply making these lifestyle changes.”

This was a Parkinsons Treated with PEMF, Glutathione, and Functional Chiropractic Neurology.

Success with this treatment is common and Dr. John Lieurance in Sarasota Florida is accepting new patients at (941) 330-8553

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Some types of alternative medicine may help people with Parkinson’s disease, including:

• Coenzyme Q10. People with Parkinson’s disease tend to have low levels of a fat-soluble compound called coenzyme Q10, and some research has suggested it may be beneficial for people in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. You can buy coenzyme Q10 without a prescription in drugstores and natural food stores. Talk with your doctor before taking this supplement to ensure that it won’t interfere with any medication you may be taking.
• Massage. Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, which may be helpful to people experiencing movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease. These services, however, are rarely covered by health insurance.
• Acupuncture. During an acupuncture session, a trained practitioner inserts tiny needles into many specific points on your body, which may reduce your pain.
• Tai chi. An ancient form of Chinese exercise, tai chi employs slow, flowing motions that may help improve flexibility, balance and muscle strength. Several forms of tai chi are tailored for people of any age or physical condition.
• Yoga. In yoga, gentle stretching movements and poses may increase your flexibility and balance. Most poses can be modified, depending on your physical abilities.
• Alexander technique. This technique, which focuses on muscle posture, balance and thinking about how you use muscles, may help reduce muscle tension and pain.
• Meditation. In meditation, you quietly reflect and focus your mind on an idea or image. Meditation may reduce stress and pain, and help improve your well-being.
• Music therapy. Music therapy may help you to relax. It may help some people with Parkinson’s disease to improve their walking and speech.
• Functional Neurology. By activation of area’s of the brain to create more stability in the area‘s targeted during treatment. Usually with PD the Functional Neurologist will focus on the basal ganglia and the dopamine producing structures as well as stabilizing collicular maps that may stabilize the brain through neural networks that also stabilize the substatia nigra.