Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in June 2005. I take Mirapex which is prescribed and co-enzyme Q10 which is not. I read somewhere it was a good over-the-counter for people with Parkinson’s. Could you please comment on this?

DEAR READER:
Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that results from the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical substance that transmits nerve impulses. Dopamine is essential for normal functioning of the central nervous system. When the neurons that produce dopamine die, that part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement malfunctions and leads to tremor, rigidity, lack of coordination, sleep disturbances, difficulties with movement, and more.

Recent studies performed on mice have been extremely promising, revealing that the damaged area of the brain in Parkinson’s patients can be protected by [Read more...]

Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Thank you for your newspaper column. I read it every day. I’m a 53-year-old retired male. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about eight years ago, for which I take five medications. Since day one, my symptoms have been very mild. I have a resting hand tremor. Most people are unaware there’s anything wrong with me.

How long can I anticipate before the disease advances to total disability? I know you cannot be specific, but based on your experience and what you’ve read and seen, could it be possible there will be no progression and that I’ll continue as I am for 25 years or longer?

DEAR READER:
The progression of Parkinson’s disease varies tremendously for reasons that are unclear. Some patients are blessed with a complete cure within months. In contrast, other patients will have progressive symptoms that lead to early complications, such as cognitive dysfunction and loss of independence. Most Parkinson’s patients experience progressive symptoms for years before entering a terminal state.

As you have learned, early symptoms can be subtle and appear slowly. Initially, handwriting might appear cramped and difficult to read. Tremor can be present, often beginning in the hand. Gait might be affected, with frequent falls and shuffling of the feet during walking. A stooped posture will develop as the disease progresses. Rigidity of an arm can be observed. Memory loss and slow thinking may occur, although the ability to reason remains intact.

Management of Parkinson’s is a challenge. Begin by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and instituting good sleep habits.

While there is no cure, medication can slow the progression by treating the symptoms, thereby permitting a patient to maintain independence. I cannot give you a time frame in which your symptoms might or might not advance. I can only hope the progression remains slow, uneventful and permits you to look forward to another 25 years relatively symptom-free.

You should be followed by a neurologist who is an expert in newer medications.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my newly updated Health Report “Parkinson’s Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have never seen anything in your column about trembling, shaky hands.

It is very embarrassing to hold a song book in church and have it shake like a leaf. I would like to know if there is a medication for this. I would appreciate any suggestions you have.

DEAR READER:
There are several neurological disorders that can cause the hands to shake. For example, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder marked by tremors, rigidity, and other abnormalities. Benign essential tremor is a harmless shaking, usually of the hands or head. Parkinson’s generally has a “pill-rolling” tremor that may disappear during intentional movement while benign essential tremor often occurs only during purposeful movement such as writing.

I urge you to make an appointment with a neurologist who will examine and test you. He or she can also provide treatment options based on the cause of your tremors.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Parkinson’s Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Look deeper for cause of memory loss

DEAR DR. GOTT: My wife, who is 68 years old, is having short term memory loss.

She has had a CT scan and MRI of the brain. No abnormalities were detected. She has seen a neurologist and a clinical psychologist. Both diagnosed her with early stage Alzheimer’s disease.

The neurological appointment lasted only 30-45 minutes. The physician asked some personal history questions and then did a short test of her memory. The appointment with the clinical psychologist lasted nearly 2 ½ hours. She was again asked about personal history and several detailed questions to check her memory.
[Read more...]