Parkinson's Disease
Integrative support for neurodegenerative conditions using precision medicine, functional approaches, and amino acid therapy.
Understanding Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease affects the central nervous system, attacking the motor neurons in the brain, making life difficult not only in terms of carrying out traditional daily duties, but even simple communication becomes difficult. Other examples of movement disorders are cerebral palsy, ataxia, and Tourette's syndrome.
It is estimated that close to 50,000 new cases are diagnosed in a year here in the U.S. alone. The symptoms begin gradually — maybe a slight tremor in a hand and a feeling of stiffness in the body. These effects always grow worse with time; some people's symptoms stay related to motor control while other patients often develop dementia.
The reduced amount of dopamine in the brain is what causes most of the symptoms to develop.
Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease
Common Symptoms
Changes in a person's mood are frequent. People afflicted with Parkinson's can become very frustrated as their body fails around them. Because of the effect on muscles, they experience:
Causes & Diagnosis
Researchers have identified certain combinations of specific genetic mutations responsible for the development of Parkinson's in familial groupings. Certain key genetic markers all contribute something to a person developing the condition.
It is usually a neurologist who will make the final diagnosis based on a patient's medical history, a review of the patient's symptoms, and specialized imaging. In order to nail down the diagnosis, the doctor may order additional testing not to reveal a positive result for Parkinson's, but to rule out other conditions that have similar effects.
Diagnostic Methods
Management Plan in Ann Arbor, MI
While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are medications to help a person manage their symptoms. When medication ceases to work, there are surgical measures such as DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) where a neurosurgeon implants electrodes into specific regions in the brain, connected to a generator that sends electrical signals to help control muscular tics and shakes.
At Natural Balance Wellness Medical Center, we offer integrative management plans that complement conventional approaches:
Precision Medicine
Advanced genomic and biomarker testing to identify individual factors contributing to neurodegeneration, enabling targeted therapeutic interventions.
Functional & Integrative Medicine
A whole-body approach that addresses underlying metabolic, nutritional, and environmental factors that may accelerate disease progression.
Amino Acid Therapy / Hinz Protocols
Specialized amino acid supplementation protocols designed to support dopamine production and optimize neurotransmitter balance naturally.
We Are Here to Help You!
For a personalized assessment and management plan unique to you and your needs, get in touch with our team today.