“ASK THE DOCTOR” WITH DR. REBECCA GILBERT
Q: Are there any vitamins or supplements that can slow down progression of Parkinson’s disease?
A: Much has been tested, but there has not been a particular nutritional supplement that has been proven to slow down progression of PD.
However, even though we don’t have evidence of the need to take a specific supplement, we do have evidence that a Mediterranean or MIND diet is good for brain health. These diets emphasize whole grains, vegetables, nuts, legumes and berries. Fish is the preferred protein and olive oil is the preferred fat. Recently, a study was published that showed that adherence to the MIND diet and the Mediterranean diet was associated with later onset of PD. So it seems that “the whole is worth more than the sum of its parts” — a combination of healthy, plant based eating does more for PD than any one element of that diet.
Q: I am frequently dizzy. Could this be connected to my Parkinson’s?
A: The most common cause of dizzy spells that are related to Parkinson’s is poor regulation of blood pressure which can lead to sudden drops in blood pressure. This typically occurs when you are changing head position — moving from lying down to sitting, or sitting to standing. The way you would know whether you have this problem is by taking your blood pressure sitting and standing and seeing if there is a drop in blood pressure when you stand. Ideally, you would take your blood pressure when you are having a dizzy spell (that is, if your blood pressure is normal during a dizzy spell, then the dizzy spell is not due to blood pressure drops). If your dizzy spells are due to drops in blood pressure, then there are lifestyle changes such as increasing salt and fluids in the diet that can help. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, then there are medications that can be prescribed that can help to maintain blood pressure.
Q: When I discussed my medication doses with people in my support group, I found that I am taking more than most people. Should I talk with my doctor about lowering my medication?
A: I would try not to compare your treatment with others — since everyone is different. The important thing is whether your symptoms are well treated at this dose, and you do not have side effects. You can certainly talk with your doctor about lowering the dose to determine if you get the same benefits on a lower dose. However, it is definitely possible that when your doctor reviews your chart, he/she will find that you were on a lower dose previously and it was not as effective, which is why you are on your current dose.