Rethinking Parkinson’s: A Holistic Approach
At The Parkinson’s Project Foundation, we believe that true healing goes beyond simply treating symptoms—it’s about supporting the body, protecting the brain, and improving quality of life through holistic, research-backed approaches.
Traditional pharmaceuticals are often the first and only option presented to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, yet they come with serious side effects, long-term complications, and fail to address the root cause of disease. We believe people deserve more choices in their healing journey.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, coordination, and various other bodily functions. There is currently no cure for this disease. It occurs when dopamine-producing neurons in the brain begin to deteriorate, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. However, Parkinson’s is much more than just a movement disorder—it also impacts cognitive function, mental health, digestion, and overall quality of life.
While Parkinson’s used to be predominantly diagnosed in older adults, it is now occurring at an alarming rate in younger individuals. Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) is a form of Parkinson’s that develops in people under the age of 50, affecting more people in their 30s and 40s—and even younger, bringing additional challenges due to its earlier onset.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but they generally fall into two categories:
Motor Symptoms (Movement-Related):
Tremors – Involuntary shaking, often starting in the hands or fingers.
Bradykinesia (Slowness of Movement) – Difficulty initiating and completing movements.
Rigidity – Stiffness in muscles, reducing range of motion.
Postural Instability – Balance problems and increased risk of falls.
Non-Motor Symptoms (Beyond Movement)
Cognitive Changes – Memory issues, trouble concentrating, and, in later stages, dementia.
Mental Health Challenges – Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders are common.
Sleep Disorders – Difficulty falling or staying asleep, vivid dreams, or REM sleep behavior disorder.
Digestive Issues – Constipation and gut health disturbances are prevalent in Parkinson’s patients.
Traditional Treatments for Parkinson’s
Conventional treatment for Parkinson’s primarily revolves around pharmaceutical medications, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.
Common Medications:
Levodopa (L-Dopa) – The most prescribed drug, helping to replenish dopamine levels but often leading to dyskinesia (involuntary movements) over time.
Dopamine Agonists – Drugs that mimic dopamine but can cause hallucinations, compulsive behaviors, and cognitive decline.
MAO-B & COMT Inhibitors – Medications that slow dopamine breakdown but may have side effects like nausea, confusion, and involuntary muscle movements.
Anticholinergics & Amantadine – Used to manage tremors and stiffness but often cause memory issues, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Surgical Options:
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – An invasive procedure that involves implanting electrodes in the brain to reduce motor symptoms. While effective for some, it does not stop disease progression.
Limitations of Traditional Treatments:
While pharmaceuticals help manage symptoms, they do not slow, stop, or reverse disease progression. Over time, many medications lose effectiveness and can introduce significant side effects, leading to an ongoing cycle of medication adjustments.
Because Parkinson’s affects the entire body, treatment should go beyond just controlling tremors—it should support the whole person.
What is Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD)?
Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) refers to Parkinson’s that develops before the age of 50. Though it shares many symptoms with late-onset Parkinson’s, there are key differences:
How is YOPD Different?
Slower Progression – It is thought that symptoms tend to develop more gradually than in older adults.
More Frequent Motor Complications – Dyskinesia (involuntary movements from the medications) and fluctuations in medication response occur earlier.
Stronger Response to Medication… But with Risks – Dopamine-based drugs work well initially but may lead to severe side effects with long-term use.
More Non-Motor Symptoms – Anxiety, depression, cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues often appear earlier and can significantly impact daily life.
Unique Life Challenges – YOPD occurs during key working and family-building years, causing career instability, financial burdens, and emotional struggles.
One of the biggest challenges in Parkinson’s care today is the over-reliance on pharmaceuticals, with little emphasis on alternative therapies. This is especially true for Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD), where traditional medications can cause severe side effects and complications over time—often without addressing the root cause of the disease.
YOPD doesn’t just affect movement—it impacts every aspect of life. Because it often strikes in a person’s prime working and family years, it brings unique challenges that require more than just pharmaceuticals. That’s why we believe in providing real options—solutions that empower people to stay active, take control of their health, and explore therapies that offer true healing.
At The Parkinson’s Project Foundation, we are committed to expanding awareness, education, and access to alternative treatments—including plant-based medicine and holist
