Parkinson’s disease is caused by the degeneration of neurons in the area of the brain that manufactures dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects movement. Eventually, characteristic tremors and speech, balance, and motor problems develop. The primary treatment has been drugs that replace or mimic dopamine. Although these medicines improve symptoms temporarily, they do not slow the disease progression very well and the side effects of the medicine increase with long term use.
We have had much better results using a protocol that includes IV (intravenous) glutathione and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The well-known neurologist, Dr. Perlmutter M.D. uses a similar protocol.
There is a lot that medical science doesn’t know about Parkinson’s, but we do know that free radical damage contributes to its progressive nature. Glutathione is considered to be the most powerful, most versatile, and most important of the body’s self generated antioxidants. Patients with Parkinson’s have dangerously low levels of glutathione in the affected areas of the brain. It is extremely important in all detoxification pathways. Glutathione scavenges free radicals, detoxifies poisons and helps to prevent damage to the brain.
It is very useful in removing toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and aluminum. It also enhances the function of surviving neurons.
Unfortunately, oral glutatione has a hard time crossing the blood brain barrier, so it has to be given intravenously to be effective. Many patients can see improvement after their first treatment, and most will see dramatic results after just a handful of treatments.
Our Parkinson’s patients are usually also treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. HBOT is highly beneficial for Parkinson’s, stroke, head trauma, Alzheimer’s, MS, and numerous other brain disorders. It floods the brain with oxygen, mobilizes stem cells, enhances angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels) that nurture damaged areas, and revives damaged neurons.
With many diseases, certain tissues and organs have poor microvascular blood flow. Hence, those tissues are deficient of oxygen and nutrients. When the delivery of oxygen is impaired, hypoxia develops. The tissues begin to release various chemicals such as anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that trigger inflammation. This process further impairs microcirculation resulting in a vicious cycle progressively worsening.
Some parts of the brain develop more severe microcirculation than others, thus different diseases occur. Also, hypoxia induced inflammation activates special immune cells in the brain called microglia. When this happens, there is a build up of two brain destructive compounds, inflammatory cytokines and excitotoxins. As we age, we become progressively more hypoxic (oxygen deficient).
This is where HBOT can be so beneficial. By increasing the concentration and pressure, we are able to supply up to ten times as much oxygen to the body. Thus, we are able to correct the hypoxia and eliminate harmful chemicals, cytokines, chemokines and excitotoxins triggered by hypoxia.
HBOT has been shown to increase microcirculation not just during treatments but permanently. We now know that HBOT improves a number of factors within damaged brains whatever the cause, including:
- Reduction in death of brain cells (apoptosis)
- Improvement in blood flow in the brain
- Reduction of inflammation
- Reduction of brain swelling (edema)
- Improvements of mitochondrial energy
- Stimulates neuronal stem cells
- Protects the blood brain barrier
- Restores axons and dendrites (neuron connections)
- Reduces oxidative stress
- Lowers carbon monoxide levels
We have treated patients from all over the world with all kinds of illnesses with amazing results with HBOT. If you or someone you know would like to learn more, call us at the Doctors Clinic today at 806-355-8263 or go online to schedule a consultation at DoctorsClinicAmarillo.com.
Author Gerald M. Parker, D.O. Dr. Parker has been practicing as a Doctor of Osteopathy for over 30 years in the Amarillo area. He specializes in treating allergies, atherosclerosis, hormones, pain, obesity, and strokes. Dr. Parker has had ample training in the field of stem cell therapy and completed module I and II workshops by the American Academy of Stem Cell Physicians. He is a member of various organizations, including the American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic College of Pain Management and Sclerotherapy, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and American College of Regenerative Medicine. He’s received recognition as a Physician of the Year by the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Physician’s Advisory Board and is on Marquis’ “Who’s Who in the World” and “Who’s Who in Medicine” list. Dr. Parker has shared his expertise on TV shows, such as “The Today Show,” and “That’s Incredible.”