Parkinson’s is found all over the world. Exact global figures are not always available, though it is estimated that four million people worldwide have the condition. Parkinson’s disease belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders. Parkinson’s disease afflicts 1 to 1 1/2 million people in the United States. The disorder occurs in all races but is somewhat more prevalent among Caucasians. People with the disease may have trouble walking, talking or doing simple tasks. Dysfunctional antioxidative mechanisms are associated with older age as well, suggesting that the acceleration of age-related changes in dopamine production may be a factor. Parkinson’s disease patients have at least one relative with parkinsonian symptoms, suggesting that a genetic factor may be involved.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s at present, drugs are used to try to control symptoms of Parkinson’s. The most widely used form of treatment is L-dopa in various forms. L-dopa is transformed into dopamine in the dopaminergic neurons by L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (often known by its former name dopa-decarboxylase). The most widely practiced treatment for the speech disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT). LSVT focuses on increasing vocal loudness. Regular physical exercise and/or therapy can be beneficial to the patient for maintaining and improving mobility, flexibility, balance and a range of motion. Nutrients have been used in clinical studies and are widely used by people with Parkinson’s disease in order to partially treat PD or slow down its deterioration.
