It has been estimated that in the United States and Canada more than 1.2 million people suffer from Parkinson’s disease. That translates to about one to two cases per 1,000 individuals in the general population. This prevalence increases dramatically when looking at the over-55 population, approaching one in 100.

It has long been recognized that the fundamental abnormality in Parkinson’s disease patients is a deficiency of the brain’s production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. In 1959 the first true therapeutic approach to treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease was proposed attempting to replace dopamine. This is the basis for the use of the dopamine derivative L-dopa (Sinemet®) in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease symptoms today. Unfortunately, while L-dopa therapy may help to temporarily reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, many scientific reports are now appearing in medical journals warning that L-dopa therapy may actually increase the production of brain-damaging free radicals. This may speed up the progression of the illness, causing patients to worsen more quickly.

During the 1990s, scientists learned that the fundamental flaw not allowing certain brain cells to produce dopamine in the Parkinson’s patient is a deficiency in the actual energetics of these cells. It is as if these cells are simply unable to produce the energy needed for normal activity. Incredibly, the most widely prescribed medication for Parkinson’s disease, L-dopa (Sinemet®), has been shown to actually lead to further compromise of the brain’s ability to produce energy. This further reduces the production of dopamine, again possibly worsening the disease.

The good news is research now shows that brain energy can be increased, having a positive effect on Parkinson’s disease. A variety of interventions designed to “jump start” lethargic brain cells are now available. And best of all, most of the research has involved nonpharmacological products, the most promising of which include coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) and phosphatidylserine.

Coenzyme Q₁₀

Coenzyme Q₁₀ is present in all living cells, where it plays a critical role in cellular energy production. Energy deficiencies in specific parts of the brain can produce inadequate production of important brain chemicals. According to Dr. M. Flint Beal at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Parkinson’s disease patients demonstrate a profound deficiency of coenzyme Q₁₀, which may explain why their brains produce an inadequate supply of dopamine.

The encouraging news from Dr. Beal’s research is that orally administered CoQ₁₀ is readily absorbed, well tolerated, and measurably increases cellular energy production. These qualities, coupled with its profound antioxidant properties, likely explain why coenzyme Q₁₀ has been shown to decrease the functional decline in Parkinson’s patients by a dramatic 47 percent. Finally, recognizing the importance of coenzyme Q₁₀ makes it critical to identify any factors that may lower its availability. Unfortunately, “statin drugs,” the most commonly prescribed medicines for lowering cholesterol, can dramatically lower serum coenzyme Q₁₀ levels.

David Perlmutter, MD is a leader in the field of nutritional influences in neurological diseases. He is the author of The Better Brain Book (available August 2004). Visit his website at BrainRecovery.com.

Source: alive #261, July 2004