Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's, account for millions of deaths and disabilities throughout the world. In the U.S., around one million people have Parkinson's disease (PD). This disease increases with age and is considered a degenerative brain condition known for impacting movement and balance. Although this condition isn't curable at this time, there are many treatment options. Regular testing using functional labs is a valuable tool as a part of comprehensive care to manage this condition effectively and improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson's.

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What is Parkinson's Disease?

PD is a deteriorating brain condition that affects motor abilities, movement, senses, cognition, and other neurological systems. The deterioration occurs in the basal ganglia, which is responsible for those functions.

PD also causes damage to neurons (brain cells) that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. This damage impacts motivation, pleasure, and reward centers. Dopamine is integral to movement as it's part of the signaling system between your brain and your muscles. When the dopamine is diminished, this causes symptoms associated with Parkinson's. During the late stages of this disease, it can bring on dementia and depression.

What Causes Parkinson's Disease?

Currently, the only known cause of PD is genetics. However, in most cases, this condition does not run in families, and it is believed that there are a few risk factors that can lead to Parkinson's, including environmental and biological factors. These factors include thyroid hormone imbalances, viral infections, and environmental toxin exposure.

Research is indicating a link between thyroid disorders and PD. Hypothyroidism has been shown to increase the risk of PD due to it causing altered blood flow to the brain. Viral infections are another risk factor. These infections have been correlated to triggering a cytokine immune inflammatory response that negatively affects the neurons and dopamine production associated with PD. Environmental toxin exposure from manganese and pesticides can 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 damages the nervous system, initiating these symptoms. Evidence also shows the connection between exposure to certain pesticides, such as herbicides and fungicides, and the onset of PD. Many of these chemicals cause damage to the neurological system and destroy neurons.

Additionally, there is evidence suggesting the connection between nutritional status and the severity of PD. An insufficient level of B12 and folate was 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 provide insights into risk factors that can contribute to developing or increasing PD severity. These labs can identify underlying factors contributing to PD symptoms, enabling practitioners to tailor personalized treatment protocols to promote optimal brain function and overall well-being. Retesting provides guidance on the effectiveness of treatments 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 problems that are contributing to PD symptoms, this lab should be run regularly. Thyroid disruptions can decrease cerebral blood flow connected with PD pathology. Therefore, regular monitoring of thyroid levels through a comprehensive thyroid panel can help sustain functional thyroid levels to improve the 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 damage and PD. The Total Tox Burden test can help patients assess for exposure to these toxins. This test would be great 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 can trigger neurological damage and worsening 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 treatment protocols to address any imbalances and to monitor these levels properly after treatment. 

Micronutrient Panel

Many nutrients and insufficiencies of these nutrients are implicated in neurological diseases. 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 treatment protocols to address chronic viral infections, and retesting can assist in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment 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 put in place to help decrease 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 degenerative age-related disease that negatively impacts neurological and motor function. While this condition isn't curable at this time, many healthcare strategies can be implemented to manage this condition effectively and to improve 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 protocols to better manage this condition for these patients. With the proper care, testing, and treatments, people with PD can live longer and more productively.