The shocking ‘cure’ for Parkinson’s disease

When it comes to Parkinson’s disease, there currently isn’t a cure… or even a definitive test your doctor can use to diagnose it.

Typically, it’s enough to confirm a diagnosis if a patient has at least 3 of 4 major symptoms: tremors during rest, a slowing of movements, stiffness in arms and legs, and slow shuffling steps while walking.

In the U.S. alone, docs make that determination over 60,000 times a year.

But untold numbers of those patients don’t need the drugs, treatments, and everything else that comes along with a doctor’s confirmation of this terrible disease.

Classic symptoms of Parkinson’s, like loss of balance, shuffling gait, and tremors, can be caused by something other than the disease – which means that they don’t really have Parkinson’s to begin with.

It even has a name: drug-induced Parkinson’s (DIP).

And that’s something that you’re going to want to share with everyone you know – not only in April, when it’s Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month — but all year long.

A vicious cycle

As you may know, Parkinson’s disease is basically the slow destruction of cells in the brain that produce the all-important “chemical messenger” called dopamine, which is vital in maintaining your mood, your movements, and everything in between.

Some drugs can block dopamine in your brain, which can trigger almost exactly the same symptoms as full-blown Parkinson’s.

But here’s where things can get really confusing fast.

The meds prescribed to control Parkinson’s can be devastating all on their own. One called Xadago, which was approved by the FDA just a little over a year ago, lists side effects such as “uncontrolled involuntary movement.” And falls are said to be a “common” adverse reaction.

So, someone who is suffering from DIP may very likely be put on another drug, one that can also produce terrible Parkinson’s-like side effects. It’s the very definition of a vicious cycle, but it may never be recognized.

And according to Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, 49 drugs have been identified as potentially triggering this reaction.

Two of the drugs that can cause DIP, Compazine and Reglan, are prescribed to treat heartburn and nausea. Others include antidepressants and antipsychotics (Zoloft, Haldol, Risperdal, and Nardil), meds given to prevent migraines (such as Valproate), and those intended to prevent seizures (like Gabitril).

Of course, any and all meds can be prescribed off-label, so an unsuspecting patient could get an anti-seizure drug or antidepressant for just about anything, major or minor.

I know that sounds crazy, but it happens all the time.

The good news is that if someone does have DIP, getting off the drug that triggered it usually reverses the condition – in effect “curing” their Parkinson’s.

Just know that it may not happen immediately… it could take months for the symptoms to be reversed.

So, if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s – or even if you’re concerned enough to be Googling symptoms of the disease – the very first thing to do is check the medicine cabinet.

And if you’re not sure, do some research immediately. The stakes are too high to put it off.

And remember — as this is Parkinson’s disease awareness month, share this information with everyone you know!

“Could your senior’s medications cause symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?” DailyCaring, dailycaring.com