Question: A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. What advice can you give to help him fight this disease?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative condition that unfortunately reduces the co-ordination and agility of its victims. While effective drug and occasional surgical treatment may be beneficial, there is no cure for this condition yet and no supplements that will specifically help slow or prevent progression. Its victims must be encouraged to remain independent and active.

There are some prescription medications that improve this movement disorder, and some that show promise for prevention or slowing of progression, but none are devoid of side effects. All seem to have such a narrow window of effectiveness and tolerance, that balancing doses becomes more of an art than a science.

Be sure your friend’s nutritional needs are maintained and keep him active as much as possible. There is a dementia associated with untreated Parkinson's that is somewhat resistant to treatment, so the goal here is to control his condition aggressively to maintain mobility and hopefully retard progression.