Good day Larry:
You are correct - in a dopamine deficient brain, with an
imbalance between the neurotransmitters of dopamine and
acetylcholine, too much unregulated acetylcholine
contributes in some unknown way to PD symptoms of tremor
and rigidity. Many neuros advise against lecithin
supplements.
However, a levadopa treated brain assumes a condition of
normality, where the two neurotransmitters are back to their
reciprocal (seesaw) dance of restraint. But, since the
optimum dose and frequency of levadopa is so problematic
within the PD population (affected by digestion, protein
intake, other meds, etc.) a PWP could be pushing the
balance too far in favor of dopamine, to the abnormal restraint
of acetylcholine. How does a PWP determine this
condition?
One: Does the levadopa fully abate or ameliorate the PD
symptoms? Not in my case, no matter what combination of
Sinemet and Eldepryl I've tried in seven years. I continue to
have a slight tremor and peak dose dyskinesia.
Two: Do the side effects of dry mouth, blurred vision,
constipation and loss of mental acuity (forgetfulness,
confusion) accompany the PD symptoms? If so, the PWP
may be suffering from too little acetylcholine (these are also
the symptoms of too much anticholinergic meds).
My decision to supplement my diet with Lecithin was
based upon these considerations. After a trial period I was
satisfied that I had the dosage right. So I continue to take it
in an effort to restore the natural balance between dopamine
and acetylcholine in my PD brain. I believe my improved
mental faculties are a direct result of restoring the balance.
Stephan 53/7
>>> Flemco- <[log in to unmask]> 05/20/98 01:17pm
>>>
Stephan,
My understanding of my tremor is that it is the result of the
imbalance of
dopamine vs. acetylcholine. Does not the Lecithin cause
you tremor to act
up?
Larry Fleming
[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephan Schwartz
[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 1998 10:42 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN
Subject: re Jbtwelv & Neuropsychological testing -Reply
Charles - you asked:
>>> Charles Countryman <[log in to unmask]> 05/20/98
03:28am >>>
>>>I suspect that Parkinson's is also affecting me in ways
other than movement disorder and facial masking<<<
>>>you suspect
that mental processing is slowing down<<<
>>>did PD cause people to be "dumber" on the job or
elsewhere?<<<
>>>you start "feeling" that you are getting dumber, not
smarter or maintaining your cognitive abilities, even if the
medications improve your physical functioning.<<<
Good morning Charles:
As an attorney who was dx for PD 7 years ago, I had to
switch from the high-stress responsibility of litigation to a
more even paced, less demanding assignment. I now handle
administrative matters and general advice.
Initially, I felt as if I could not handle my usual three tasks
at once and found I could not "change gears" rapidly enough
to juggle the facts of several problems within the workday.
Because of my physical limitations brought on by the tremor
and rigidity and slowness of movement I couldn't write or
move around fast enough to accommodate a multi-task
schedule.
Plus, I felt "dumber," as you put it. Even though I could
keep track of concepts and issues I could not find my way
through the maze of my own thoughts to express myself
clearly. It was as if my brain was working (churning out
ideas), but my mouth, toungue, hands, etc. could not
verbalize the thoughts. I could almost "picture" the word I
wanted in my brain, but I couldn't retrieve it for my mouth. Of
course, if the situation had the slightest stress connected to
it (deadline, crisis, etc.) I was furthered flustered.
Everything I read and the several neuros I spoke with all
confirmed that it was not necessarily a PD related condition.
The consensus seems to be that these are typical
complaints from people reaching their 50's and the
concommitant aging and slowing of even a healthy body.
Four years ago I increased my daily dose of Ginkgo
Biloba tablets from 50mg to 100mg and increased my daily
intake of Lecithin capsules to 1200mg. Ginkgo facilitates the
exchange of "messages" between neurotransmitters in the
brain thus improving mental performance. Lecithin helps the
brain manufacture a major neurotransmitter - acetylcholine -
which is involved with memory and complex learning.
I am now able to function on the job at what I feel is a more
acceptable level, without the fluster and fogginess I
experienced several years ago. I perceive that I am still not
the workplace "me" of memory, but I'm satisfied.
Good luck.
Stephan 53/7
