Since the PD is the result of lack of an essential chemical in the brain
cells the only effective treatment is to replace that chemical - sinemet
being the more or less standard treatment. Mirapex is the newest on and is
working fairly well for my wife, Cecily 77/20+ . Alternative treatments can
only be palliative and at best. Look at it this way; if you lose blood you
need a transfusion, not acupuncture.
The chemistry of PD is well known and not a mystery.
Bob Anibal   [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Adeeba <[log in to unmask]>
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Monday, October 06, 1997 6:05 AM
Subject: Alternative Treatments


>Hello
>
>I'm new to the list & having read a lot of the emails I was wondering if
>anyone has had any experiences, good or bad, with alternative treatments..
>
>My father has been a PD patient for the last 7 years.. He is 78 & up until
>2 years ago was still driving.. Up until this time last year he was very
>independent & walking to the local shops to buy news papers & food for our
>cat.. However on one of these walks he tripped & fell smashing his glasses,
>cutting his face & lots of other cuts & bruises.. He was taken to hospital
>& had about 20 stitches on his face.. Ever since the fall he has become
>more & more reliant on my mother.. He has lost confidence & weight.. He has
>become much weaker & does not go out any more except in the garden for a
>short walk with the cat.. He has become house bound.. His shaking has
>become more frequent and he finds it difficult to turn in bed without help.
>He has not taken any conventional medicine and prefers to use alternative
>treatments which have currently been mainly Chinese Herbal medicine,
>Shiatsu and Acupuncture.
>
>He is still responding well to these treatments. I am seeking information
>from other PWP who have had experience of alternative medicines and what
>sorts of results they have experienced.
>
>I have bought him satin sheets after reading the emails on satin sheets and
>PJs. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I have been told a water bed
>may also help turning and lead to a more restful night.
>
>Since my father does not venture out of the house much, does anyone have
>any ideas on how I could keep him active in the house to build up his
>confidence.. I was thinking of getting one of those executive squidgy
>stress balls thinking that may help. A rowing type exercise machine has
>also been suggested.
>
>Any ideas or your thoughts would be much appreciated.
>
>Thank you,
>
>Adeeba.