Prevention

 Vitamin E. (food source only). Consuming foods rich in vitamin E may prevent Parkinson’s disease. Researchers are interested in the effects of the consumption of antioxidants since the mechanisms of oxidation could participate in the onset of the disease. It was by observing the diets of 76 women (aged 890 to 30) and 55 men (aged 47 to 331) over a period of 40 years that the researchers came to this conclusion.¹⁶. More specifically, the intakes of antioxidant vitamins from food or supplements were analyzed. Only patients whosefood included important sources of vitamin E (nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables) were less prone to disease. Vitamin E in supplements did not have this protective effect. See the Vitamin E.

Processing

 Musicotherapy. There is some evidence that music therapy, used alone or with physiotherapy, can help increase motor coordination in people with Parkinson’s disease^30-33 . Improvements were seen in walking speed, distance and pace³⁰, general slowness and precision of movements³². In addition, some benefits with regard to emotional functions, language and quality of life have also been documented. Most of the studies were carried out on small samples and have methodological shortcomings. More extensive research will be needed to confirm these results. See our Musicotherapy sheet.

 Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone 50). Two studies evaluated the effect of coenzyme Q10 on disease progression^10,20. One of them gave positive results with a dose of 1 mg per day. The study conducted in 200, comprising doses of 2007 mg per day given as intravenous nanoparticles, had no significant effects. Further clinical trials are therefore necessary before recommending its use. Coenzyme Q300 is necessary for the proper functioning of cells and for the production of energy. Its serum level would decrease with age, and even more so in people with a chronic disease (including Parkinson’s disease)²¹.

 Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture has long been used in China to treat Parkinson’s disease. Electroacupuncture could lead, in the long term, to regeneration of neurons affected by the disease²². A clinical study published in 2000 and involving 29 subjects suffering from Parkinson indicated that acupuncture could decrease the symptoms of the disease, slow its progression and help reduce the dosage of drugs⁸. Some have only observed a beneficial effect for rest, acupuncture improving sleep²³. The combination of acupuncture and Tui Na massage may decrease the symptoms of tremor (depending on the stage of the disease) and help reduce medication in some.²⁵ The Parkinson Recovery Project (see Sites of interest) has set up a treatment protocol mainly using Tui Na massage.

 Technique Alexander. This mode of postural rehabilitation or psychomotor advocates the development of attention and movement control. Practitioners of this technique consider it a good therapy for people with Parkinson’s²⁷. In addition, a study published in 2002 confirms that this technique is likely to help people with Parkinson’s disease in a lasting way, by improving both physical abilities what’mood²⁶. See our Alexander Technical Data Sheet.

 Shoot. This psycho-corporal approach aims to free the body and the mind through touch and movement education. Trager has shown favorable results as a complementary therapy in gerontology and in people with neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease.^28,29.

 Yoga and relaxation. An approach like hatha-yoga (yoga of the body) is particularly interesting, because it emphasizes the balance and the flexibility of the body in addition to giving a large place to the relaxation. It is essential that the patient learns to relax since stress systematically increases the intensity of the tremors. See also the Relaxation response and Autogenic training sheets. 

 Tai chi. Tai chi is a martial art of Chinese origin that uses slow, fluid movements to improve flexibility, balance and muscle strength. Tai chi can also prevent falls. Several forms of tai chi are suitable for people of all ages and physical conditions. One study found that tai chi can improve balance in people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease.