Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's, affect millions of people worldwide, leading to significant health challenges. In the U.S., around one million people live with Parkinson's disease (PD). This condition is more common with increasing age and is known for affecting movement and balance. Although there is no cure at this time, various management options are available. Regular testing using functional labs can be a valuable part of comprehensive care to help manage this condition and support the quality of life for people living with Parkinson's.
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What is Parkinson's Disease?
PD is a progressive brain condition that affects motor abilities, movement, senses, cognition, and other neurological systems. The changes occur in the basal ganglia, which is responsible for those functions.
PD also affects neurons (brain cells) that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. This can impact motivation, pleasure, and reward centers. Dopamine is important for movement as it's part of the signaling system between your brain and your muscles. When dopamine levels are reduced, this may contribute to symptoms associated with Parkinson's. During the later stages of this disease, it can be associated with dementia and depression.
What Causes Parkinson's Disease?
Currently, genetics is a known factor in PD. However, in most cases, this condition does not run in families, and it is believed that there are several risk factors that may contribute to Parkinson's, including environmental and biological factors. These factors may include thyroid hormone imbalances, viral infections, and environmental toxin exposure.
Research suggests a link between thyroid disorders and PD. Hypothyroidism has been associated with an increased risk of PD due to its potential effect on blood flow to the brain. Viral infections are another risk factor. These infections have been correlated with triggering a cytokine immune inflammatory response that may affect neurons and dopamine production associated with PD. Environmental toxin exposure from manganese and pesticides may also increase the risk of developing PD.
Manganese has been linked to inducing Parkinsonism. Although this isn't PD, it mimics PD symptoms. This metal can affect the nervous system, leading to these symptoms. Evidence also suggests a connection between exposure to certain pesticides, such as herbicides and fungicides, and the onset of PD. Many of these chemicals may impact the neurological system and affect neurons.
Additionally, there is evidence suggesting a connection between nutritional status and the severity of PD. Insufficient levels of B12 and folate have been implicated in the clinical severity of this disease.
Parkinson's Disease Symptoms
It's important to note that Parkinson's has both motor-related (movement) symptoms and non-motor symptoms.
The motor-related symptoms include:
- Bradykinesia - movements that are slow due to muscle control issues
- Tremors during rest
- Lead-pipe rigidity - constant stiffness of a body part during movement
- Cogwheel stiffness - a combination of lead-pipe rigidity and tremors
- Hunching over posture
- Stooped stance
- Shuffling strides
- Shorter steps
- Less blinking
- Small handwriting
- Drooling
- Little facial expressions
- Difficulty swallowing
- Soft voice
Non-motor symptoms may be warning signs as these start in the early stages of PD. The non-motor-related symptoms include:
- Hypotension upon standing
- Constipation
- Urinary incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Depression
- Loss of smell
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
What Are The Benefits of Regular Lab Testing For Patients With Parkinson's Disease?
Analyzing the data provided by functional medicine labs can offer insights into risk factors that may contribute to developing or increasing PD severity. These labs can identify underlying factors contributing to PD symptoms, enabling practitioners to tailor personalized approaches to support optimal brain function and overall well-being. Retesting provides guidance on the effectiveness of strategies so adjustments can be properly made.
Top Labs To Run Bi-Annually On Patients With Parkinson's Disease
Here are the labs to consider for patients with PD:
Comprehensive Thyroid Panel
If the patient has thyroid issues that may contribute to PD symptoms, this lab should be run regularly. Thyroid disruptions can affect cerebral blood flow connected with PD pathology. Therefore, regular monitoring of thyroid levels through a comprehensive thyroid panel can help maintain functional thyroid levels to support associated symptoms. This panel measures eight different thyroid hormones, including the antibodies to track thyroid function.
Total Tox Burden
Heavy metals and pesticides are primary contributors and risk factors for neurological changes and PD. The Total Tox Burden test can help patients assess for exposure to these toxins. This test would be beneficial for patients who have not received an environmental screening or have and need to continue monitoring their exposure levels. This test evaluates toxins, pollutants, metals, and other chemicals that may affect neurological health and symptoms in PD patients.
Neurotransmitter Profile
Neurotransmitters are an important part of motor function. Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter that plays a role in the symptoms of PD and should be assessed regularly for patients with this condition. The Neurotransmitter Profile analyzes 21 markers associated with the neurotransmitter levels and production, allowing clinicians to create approaches to address any imbalances and to monitor these levels properly after interventions.
Micronutrient Panel
Many nutrients and insufficiencies of these nutrients are implicated in neurological health. As previously mentioned, vitamins B12 and folate play a role in the neurological system and can impact PD. The Micronutrient Panel is an excellent lab for PD patients as it assesses all of the major nutrients associated with neurological function along with antioxidants and other nutrients needed for overall health. The results can guide personalized nutritional plans and target supplements to optimize nutrient levels for these patients.
Viral Screening
This viral screen identifies chronic infections that are involved with neuroinflammatory responses and have been implicated in conditions such as PD. PD patients who are suspected to have chronic viral infections should be screened regularly. The results of this test can guide approaches to address chronic viral infections, and retesting can assist in monitoring the effectiveness of these strategies for these patients.
Additional Labs to Check
Although this test only needs to be completed once, a genetic profile would be beneficial for family members of PD patients, so preventive measures can be considered to help manage their risk factors. The Mapping the Future of Parkinson's Disease test provides counseling at no cost for people with PD.
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Summary
Parkinson's disease is a progressive age-related condition that affects neurological and motor function. While there is no cure at this time, many healthcare strategies can be implemented to help manage this condition and support the quality of life for patients living with this neurological disorder. Regular testing can be incorporated into the care strategy to address the underlying factors associated with PD symptoms, thus allowing for personalized approaches to better manage this condition for these patients. With the proper care, testing, and strategies, people with PD can live longer and more productively.
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