Link Between Osteoporosis and Parkinson

Osteoporosis is a bone disease caused by the reduction of bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in fractures.  Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder with loss of motor control. Patients with Parkinson's disease are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis due to their limited activity, lower muscle strength an bone mass.

A research paper submitted at the American Academy of Neurology in 2006 clearly highlights the danger of osteoporosis in PD patients. Of the 166 Parkinson's patients studied, nearly 51 % of the females and 29% of the men had osteoporosis. A number of them also had osteopenia or lowered bone mass- 45% of the women and 48% of the men. This firmly establishes the link between osteoporosis and Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease symptoms that may lead to osteoporosis

• Tremors

Incessant shaking or tremors are the first and early sign of Parkinson's. This uncontrollable shaking is due to loss of nerve control and it severely affects Parkinson's patients. It also hampers the free movement and routine activities of the PD patients, resulting in the quick onset of osteoporosis.

• Reduced movement

Patient's with Parkinson's find it difficult to move freely as they have poor posture, balance and  reduced bone and muscle strength. All this prevents them from leading an active life with ample movement. This reduced movement and lack of mobile activity lead to osteoporosis.

• Slow gait

Parkinson's patients exhibit slow gait due to loss of motor function. They lack control of their movements and body balance and hence move in a stumbling manner. This slow gait may lead due to loss of bone mass and osteoporosis.

• Bradykinesia

Bradykinesia or slow movement is another Parkinson's disease symptom that may lead to osteoporosis. Poor nerve and muscular strength and coordination is the reason for the slowed movement in PD patients. This lethargic movement may cause osteoporosis if not attended to immediately.

• Akinesia

The rigidity of muscles or akinesia is another PD symptom that increases the risk of osteoporosis. Caused due to muscular stiffness due to impaired movement, akinesia may reduce muscle and bone strength and cause osteoporosis.

• Vitamin D deficiency

Due to decreased activity and exposure to sunlight, Vitamin D deficiency occurs in PD patients. this reduces bone mass and density leading to osteoporosis.

All the above Parkinson's disease symptoms may accelerate the risk and incidence of osteoporosis in PD patients but can be effectively controlled and cured with regular exercise and  the right medication.

Osteoporosis medications for PD patients

Parkinson's patients are treated with Levodopa as a form of medication. This Levodopa treatment is found to increase the level of homocysteine in the blood and this may further on lead to osteoporosis in PD patients. This condition called "hyperhomocysteinemia" is peculiar to PD patients and causes osteopenia or lowered bone mass which is the first among osteoporosis disease stages.

The only way to arrest this medical problem in PD patients taking Levodopa is to give them additional B12 and Folic acid supplementation to reduce elevated homocysteine levels, thereby preventing osteoporosis.

PD patients also consume SSRI antidepressants to prevent depression. These antipsychotic drugs can increase the risk of hip fractures. Instead, tricyclic anti depressants can be used for such depressed D patients as they do not increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures.

In addition, PD patients have to be treated for reduced bone mass density, calcium and Vitamin D deficiency. A dietary intake of 1200-1500 mg of calcium is a must for PD patients along with enough Vitamin D for its bone absorption.

Biphosphonates like alendronate or risedronate are best recommended to treat osteoporosis in PD patients. Use of these osteoporosis medications can help them combat osteoporosis effectively and completely.

Parkinson's disease is not a singular disease but it is accompanied by a host of other associated medical ailments like osteoporosis. Osteoporosis in PD patients must be addressed immediately with awareness, exercise and medication.

Aromatherapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Aromatherapy is known for its benefits when it comes to progressive neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease. Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses fragrant and aromatic essential oils to ease the ailments associated with the health condition. 

Massages with essential oils help the individuals to manage the pains and muscle cramps, effectively. It is unfortunate that there is a very fewer number of individuals who choose this therapy to ease their symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease.

Many types of researches have proven that essential oils help in fighting cancer and other therapeutic conditions. They are believed to be beneficiary not only on the body but also on the senses and on the spirit. Many essential oils are being employed to treat the health complications that are associated with Parkinson’s Disease. 

You could avail the Aromatherapy if you are experiencing the following the symptoms:

• Muscle spasms
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiousness
• Restlessness

Many individuals with Parkinson’s Disease use the lavender essential oil. However, we are listing down few other oils that help you in easing your symptoms.

• For Managing Relaxation and Depression
• Lavender is the best remedy for the relaxation and restlessness.
• Lavender oil not only makes you feel less anxious but also makes you sleep better.
• This is the first choice of essential oils for many people with Parkinson’s Disease.
• This will also help with other symptoms such as restlessness and tired feel.
• Lavender is anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal, which could make the best solution for the individuals with minor cuts on the skin.
• Depression and Lack of Energy
• Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease may feel depressed more than often due to the symptoms of the disease and the other psychological factors.
• They may also feel that the energy is drained.
• A regular massage with the energizing and stimulating oils would help them to negotiate with these conditions.
• Citrus oils such as lemon, lime and orange oils are best to treat the depression.
• Also, mint oils such as peppermint and spearmint are helpful in cheering up the mood and restoring the energy.
• For Appetite Stimulation
• It is common to hear seniors with Parkinson’s complain about the loss of appetite and the medications are the ones to blame.
• Using essential oils for appetite stimulation is proven to be effective.
• Try inhaling the ginger and peppermint oils at least half an hour before taking food.
• These two oils also help individuals who are suffering from nausea and vomiting sensations.
• For Headaches
• To ease the headaches, use the lavender oil for a gentle massage on the temples.
• Oils such as peppermint and marjoram are also effective for headaches that are associated with Parkinson’s Disease.
• Use these oils and massage gently on the aching area for a better relief.

Also, you could use oils such as lavender, jasmine and Roman Chamomile for sleep-related issues such as insomnia.

A section of essential oils that work for an individual does not necessarily work for others. You may need to explore the best oil that suit to your body condition, as the body reaction to the oils differ from person to person. 

Most doctors do not consider the Aromatherapy as a treatment option for Parkinson’s but few doctors believe that it is, in fact, effective to alleviate the symptoms. However, it is advisable for you to consult your doctor first before undergoing the therapy sessions with aromatic oils. Especially, if you have any allergic conditions, it is important to check with your doctor to know the oils that suit your body.

Parkinson’s Disease – What You need to know about it?

Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders that is mostly seen in the elderly citizens, usually after the age of sixty. It is a movement disorder that is caused by the incremental deterioration of motor function and muscle control due to loss of dopamine-produced by malfunctioning brain cells. Typical symptoms include trembling of the limbs and head while resting, stiffness, slowness, tremors, shuffling gait and impaired balance. With further progression, patients with Parkinson’s disease may experience difficulty to even walk, talk or execute simple chores. Other symptoms may include depression, dementia and anxiety.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) Stages

PD is a progressive ailment with multiple stages, each of which is characterized by typical patterns.

Early PD – Mild Symptoms

Stage 1

• Symptoms are mild and are usually mild and most likely affect only one side of the body  (unilateral involvement)
• Symptoms include tremor of one hand, rigidity, clumsy leg,  facial expression affected on one side

Stage 2

• Symptoms of PD are evident on both sides of the body (bilateral involvement) or at the midline
• Symptoms  are   loss of facial expression on both sides, decreased blinking, speech abnormalities, rigidity of muscles in the trunk

Mid Stage PD-Moderate Symptoms
Stage 3

• Symptoms of PD are characterized by loss of balance and slowness of movement
• Typical symptoms- Balance is compromised, inability to make the rapid, automatic and involuntary adjustments, all other symptoms of PD (as in previous stages) may also be present

Advanced PD

Stage 4

• Symptoms of PD are severely disabled
• Patients are noticeably incapacitated, though they may still be able to walk and stand without assistance. However, they are unable to lead an independent lifestyle completely and require help.

Stage 5

• Symptoms of PD are severe and are characterized by an inability to rise
• Patients are likely to fall when standing or turning and may freeze or stumble when walking.
• Hallucinations and delusions may also occur.

Treatment for PD
Treatment for PD varies from person to person depending upon their health condition and symptoms and may not involve a standardised procedure. It could include

• Medications for increasing the dopamine by simulating receptors in the brain, anti-depressants, anti-tremor drugs and cognition enhancing medications
• Surgical Therapy
• Lifestyle Modifications including regular exercise regimes and getting adequate rest.

Exercises for PD
Exercise and physical activity are a crucial component in the treatment of PD. It helps to maintain balance, improves mobility and aids in performing daily living chores. It should incorporate

• Stretching  exercises for increasing body flexibility
• Aerobic activities
• Exercises for strengthening and improving overall body resistance
• This can be achieved by exercises like biking, running, yoga, dancing, Pilates, weight training and non-contact boxing. The type of exercise chosen depends on existing symptoms and physical limitations. For instance, in sedentary people, merely getting up and doing small movements is beneficial. More physically fit patients may attempt regular and vigorous activities. Exercises also reduce non-motor symptoms such as depression or constipation.

Parkinson Support Program (PSP)
PD includes a broad spectrum of symptoms, including movement- and non-movement-related problems. Hence patients with PD may wish to work with a variety of Health Care Providers (HCP) apart from the specialist who primarily treats the disease.  Parkinson Support Program essentially provides individualized support to both PD patients and their caregivers by educating them about the disease, providing personalised support, making meaningful suggestions for better interactions with concerned physicians about the symptoms and progression and even connecting them with  the correct movement disorder specialist who treats PD. PSP also aids in seeking the help of allied services  like physical therapists for helping  address painful muscle stiffness or a counselor who can provide strategies for coping with depression in PD patients. It is important to have an early professional intervention with   occupational or speech therapists for preventing or delaying future limitations in PD. Thus PSP helps patients manage their functionality and maintain a safe environment despite disease progression.

Conclusion
The progression of PD and the degree to which the body is impaired varies depending upon the health condition of each individual.  However, with proper intervention and treatment, most patients can lead a long, self-reliant and productive life for many years to come.