Author: Landtiser

Could a New Drug Unlock the Mystery of Parkinson’s Disease?

Posted on by Landtiser

The Oregonian recently published an article concerning a promising new drug to treat Parkinson’s Disease!

The drug, PRX002, is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets alpha-synuclein and prevents neuron-to-neuron transfer of toxic aggregates. In other words; These proteins, known as alpha-synuclein, clump into formations called Lewy bodies, which kill neurons in the brain. The new drug builds on research in mice that show it is possible to reduce the presence of alpha-synuclein proteins, which in turn reduces Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. Continue reading “Could a New Drug Unlock the Mystery of Parkinson’s Disease?”

Can You Have Parkinson’s and Still Be Healthy?

Posted on by Landtiser

One of my fighters with Parkinson’s said she caught herself saying, “back when I was healthy…” She asked me, “Am I healthy? I feel healthy, but I have Parkinson’s, does that make me unhealthy?”
What a great question. It started an important conversation about who are we after PD. Here is Merriam-Webster’s definition of healthy: free from disease or pain : enjoying health and vigor of body, mind, or spirit : well.

So according to this definition, no one is healthy, as humans we are always fighting an infection, disease or pain at different times in our lives. But then it goes on to say “enjoying health and vigor of body, mind, or spirit.” Continue reading “Can You Have Parkinson’s and Still Be Healthy?”

Tasty Shrimp Fajitas for the Parkinson’s Palate

Posted on by Landtiser

This great dish is modified from a yummy recipe I saw online from Alyssa Rivers the blogger behind The Recipe Critic. It’s a tasty dish for anyone but also packed with great spices to add flavor (in case your sniffer is not smelling as well as it used to), colorful vegetables and healthy fats. Best of all you don’t have to eat different than your guests because this is wonderfully healthy for everyone.

Continue reading “Tasty Shrimp Fajitas for the Parkinson’s Palate”

Have You Ever Had a Concussion?: The Link Between Traumatic Brain Injuries and Parkinson’s

Posted on by Landtiser

Researchers are actively looking into a link between traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and Parkinson’s. They have been studying veteran’s health histories and noticed those who have had TBI, had a 71% increased risk of Parkinson’s. This increased risk is observed among veterans with TBI, mild TBI, and moderate-severe TBI.

According to the article “Is Traumatic Brain Injury Linked to Parkinson’s Disease?” in Consumer Health Digest, the research shows that people who sustain TBI and lose their consciousness for more than an hour, are at a higher risk of developing late-life neurodegeneration; however, TBI wasn’t linked with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Continue reading “Have You Ever Had a Concussion?: The Link Between Traumatic Brain Injuries and Parkinson’s”

Ten Reasons Why a Parkinson’s Power Nap Is Beneficial

Posted on by Landtiser

A NASA study on sleepy military pilots and astronauts found that a short power nap improved performance by 34% and alertness 100%.

As you sleep, your body actually repairs and restores itself. “Think of sleep as the tune-up you need to run smoothly,” says David M. Rapoport, MD. Rapoport is director of the Sleep Medicine Program at NYU Langone Medical Center. When you sleep, your brain sorts through all the information it took in throughout out the day “It decides what to store and what to toss,” Rapoport says. “The important details become memories you can call upon later”.

As you nap, your brain triggers the release of hormones that encourage tissue growth. This can help you recover from injuries such as cuts or even sore muscles from your last workout. Your body actually makes more white blood cells that attack viruses, bacteria and reduces stress hormones which may curb inflammation, reported from the Center for Sleep Disorders at Loyola University Medical Center.

Naps have great benefits for all adults, but they can be especially helpful for people with PD who may not get quality sleep at night.

Continue reading “Ten Reasons Why a Parkinson’s Power Nap Is Beneficial”