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Out-Thinking Parkinson's

Quality of Life Improvement for People Affected by Parkinson's Disease
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Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

December 14, 2018

Of all the therapies and modalities we’ve discussed here, I believe the most beneficial overall for progressive symptom reduction and movement recovery are Dance based. Here we define Dance Therapy broadly and simply as “moving to music or a beat”

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In Video, Music, Re-thinking Movement, Exercise, Brain Science, Books Tags Music Therapy, Dance Therapy, Mental Health, Emotions, Recovery
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Mental Health and Parkinson's Disease

November 16, 2018

I was actually very hesitant to use the term “mental health” in the title of this article, or indeed to refer to it this at all. My research into human biology and the human experience, as well as the results of my own self-experiments, have proven to me that the separation of health into “mental” and “physical” is a complete red herring, as is the separation of “mind” and “body” more generally. Indeed, I have found that most beneficial therapies for quietening my mind have been physical ones. I would refer to the main self-directed therapies which worked best in the regard as of the "Somatic Experiencing" type, especially dance therapy, "smovey ring" exercises, body-movement mindfulness, and using a rebounder and a whole body vibrating plate machine - I feel these all helped.

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In Books, Brain Science, Diet & Supplements, Exercise, Mental Health, People, Therapies Tags Mental Health, Mindset, Psychology, Anxiety, Depression
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The Divided Brain and Parkinson's Disease, Part 2

October 27, 2018

In this sequel, we examine more closely the issues that an imbalanced brain function causes, in particular when the left brain is overly dominant, and show that there are strong correlations with the major motor and non-motor symptoms and real lives of people with Parkinson’s Disease. We will also explore links to Dorsal Vagus Nerve mediated immobilization.

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In Books, Brain Science, Mental Health, Music, People, Therapies Tags Nervous System, Brain Health, Emotions, Facial Expression
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The Dorsal Vagus Nerve and Parkinson's Disease

October 16, 2018

In this article, I would like to return to this topic, and concentrate this time on that primitive, reptilian branch of the Vagus Nerve, and its potentially central role in Parkinson's Disease.

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In Books, Brain Science, Mental Health, Therapies, Video, People, Re-thinking Movement Tags Vagus Nerve, Nervous System, E, Social Engagement, Gut
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The Divided Brain and Parkinson's Disease, Part 1

October 4, 2018

I have since been considering what Iain McGilchrist’s “Divided Brain” work has to teach us, in the context of trauma and chronic illness, and seeking to employ both hemispheres of my brain in thinking about this. I began to see how Iain’s work provides us with a vital missing part of the puzzle. Indeed, his concept of the "Divided Brain", I now feel, connects so very many of the pieces, and I will endeavour to contexualize and map out my thinking on this here.

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In Books, Brain Science, Mental Health, Music, People, Video Tags Brain Health, Mindset, Dystonia, Movement Disorders, Adverse Childhood Experiences
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Diminished Aliveness and Parkinson's Disease

September 4, 2018

Perhaps it would be instructive at this point, therefore to describe more about what its like when I am very symptomatic, to help understanding of why I believe this disease truly corresponds to Death Feigning, and why the converse - increase Aliveness - is the key route to healing. In Death Feigning, not only movement is switched off, but as are all signals through which the keen sense of predators might detect some vestigial signs of life. To me, this describes exactly how it is when I am symptomatic - if I don't implement strategies to combat this state and just allow it to take over - and the more symptomatic I am, the more pronounced these experiences:

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In Biography, Books, Brain Science, Mental Health, Therapies Tags Shock Trauma, Early Trauma, Life Force, Nervous System
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Developmental and Shock Trauma and Parkinson's Disease

August 3, 2018

As for many people with young onset forms of Parkinson's Disease, my diagnosis was given the label "Idiopathic". This term, Idiopathic, is used to denote any disease or condition which arises spontaneously or for which the cause is unknown. This diagnosis was wholly unsatisfactory to me, as I'm a person who needs to know the "why" of things.

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In Biography, Books, Brain Science, Mental Health, People, Therapies Tags Early Trauma, Shock Trauma, Somatic, Nervous System, Adverse Childhood Experiences
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Neural Exercises and Parkinson's Disease

May 15, 2018

This article explores how I've found that persistent and targeted "neural exercises" can progressively reduce various symptoms/problems of Parkinson's Disease, through neuroplastic processes. In particular, here I will demonstrate specific neural exercises, and how I have significantly improved my own quality of life through pursuing these persistently over time, via entries from my video diary which are interspersed through the article.

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In Books, Brain Science, People, Re-thinking Movement, Therapies, Toys, Video Tags Nervous System, Applied Neuroplasticity, Exercise, Symptoms
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Loneliness, Social Isolation, Estrangement and Parkinson's Disease

April 25, 2018

"The single biggest predictor of rate of Parkinson's progression is if you answer true to 'are you lonely'?"  This finding by Dr Laurie Mischley, who monitors the progress of symptoms of more than 1500 people with Parkinson's Disease is perhaps one the most tragic aspects of the disease in our modern society, in which we people with PD may find ourselves heading toward this outcome by default. Indeed, I have lost count of the number of people with PD who have said something to me along the lines of "my friends and family have abandoned me/don't visit/lost touch". The negative feedback loops between loneliness and disease progression can be one of the most vicious circles of PD.  I speak from personal experience also, because at my lowest point, I too had become very isolated, virtually alone in the house and barely going out.

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In Books, Brain Science, Mental Health, Therapies Tags Lonely, Nervous System, Cranial Nerves, Social Engagement, Social Interactions
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Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

March 30, 2018

In this article, we explore a technology which has proven helpful for people with PD, and may work by helping to modulate or quieten these abnormal brainwave patterns.

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In Assistive Technology, Books, Brain Science, Mental Health, People, Therapies, Video Tags PEMF, Electromagnetic Therapy, Research, Science, Symptom Relief, Enteric Nervous System
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Self-Doubt, Guilt, Inner Voices and Parkinson's Disease

September 10, 2017

While most people will be familiar with the external, physically manifest symptoms of PD, very few have a good grasp of these internal, hidden states, and so don't realize that people with Parkinson's (PwP) are also frozen, rigid and trembling on the inside too. Having engaged with very many PwP around the world, I've learned that there are common personality types, and we tend to have shared, overarching themes of internal emotional states. In particular, I've found that many of us can be described as high achievers, but are wracked with self-doubt and guilt on the inside. This finding appears to especially true in the cohort of PwP who eventually end up with a rigidity dominant form of Early Onset Parkinson's Disease. 

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In Books, Biography, People, Mental Health, Therapies Tags Emotions, Doubt, Guilt, Mindfulness, Symptoms, Symptom Relief
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Neurologic Music Therapy for Parkinson's Recovery

July 29, 2016

I recommend anyone interested in Parkinson's Recovery to take a look at Jim Kennedy's research and follow his journey of self-experimentation into NMT. You will find Jim to be very positive and upbeat - no doubt because he has chosen to fill his life with music. You can follow Jim's work via his Facebook Page.

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In Exercise, People, Books, Music, Toys Tags NMT, YoYo Stress Balls

Massageable Magnesium for Relaxing Muscles

March 16, 2016

For me this intervention has been highly beneficial and really helped me to re-open the pathways to movement we have since developed. I also believe, that having used it daily for over a year now, it has had a cumulative repair effect. However, back at the start, I had been describing to Deb how, when the Parkinson’s stiffness and rigidity of muscles took hold (Bradykinesia), the very worst part was the pain in my shoulders.

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In Books, Diet & Supplements, People, Therapies Tags Magnesium, Massage, Relaxation, Pain Relief, Pain Management

"Goodbye Parkinson's, Hello Life!" by Alex Kerten and David Brinn

March 14, 2016

This book had been highly recommended to us by several of our readers, and many pointed out the similarities to our Out-Thinking Parkinson's philosophy. Then I read the article "Israeli Healer Treat's Parkinson's Through Talk and Dance" in the Times of Israel about the author. As I read through this article, time and again, I had an overwhelming sense of affinity for what Alex Kerten preaches and, indeed, the parallels between our own independently derived strategies were very clear. I was left feeling a sense of great relief at the vindication I felt after having read it. I called Deb, my Co-Founder, in the middle of her night to talk about it - I simply could not contain myself.

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In Books

How Can I Start to Help my Friend with Parkinson's Disease?

February 13, 2016

When someone with Parkinson's comes into your life, you have a lot of catching up to do.

The point of this article is to open up your eyes to ways that you can start with what you know and begin to offer some support to someone who has a condition that is very complex and confusing to us laypeople.

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In Diet & Supplements, People, Books Tags Food as Medicine, Magnesium, Lemon Juice, Gluten Free, Self Help, Snacks, Alcohol

VIDEOS

Videos
Exploring Improvements in Fluidity and Continuity of Movement with Exercise for Parkinson's Disease
Re-Learning to Trust My Own Body with Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease, Self-Touch and Re-connecting with the Physical World
Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Vestibular System and Parkinson's Disease
Progress on Mindful Walking with Parkinson's Disease
REBOUNDING (MINI-TRAMPOLINING) & PARKINSON'S DISEASE:
Regaining Sense of Balance with Parkinson's Disease?
Applied Neuroplasticity Therapy for Parkinson's DIsease: Update Spring 2018
PEMF Applied to Tremor Control in Parkinson's Disease
Documentary of Progressive Symptom Reduction in Parkinson's Disease
Hands and Fingers in Parkinson's Disease
Practicing Facial Expressions with Parkinson's Disease
Music and Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Learning to Walk Again with Parkinson's Disease: Update
Accessing Whole Body Movement in Parkinson's Disease with a Basketball
More Movement Recovery from Parkinson's Disease
Fight-Flight-Freeze Interruption with a Vibrating Plate
Movement Recovery with Smovey Rings for Parkinson's Disease
Vibrational Plate Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Overcoming Constipation in Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease, Stress and Fear
Neurological Music Therapy, the Vagus Nerve and Parkinson's Diseaae
Exploring Vibrating Plate Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Movement Recovery Exercise for Parkinson's Disease
Applied Neuroplasticity in Action for Parkinson's Disease
The Role of Vision in Parkinson's Disease
What Happened when a Person with Parkinson's Picked Up a Yoga Strap
Why Drug Induced Dyskinesia is not Inevitable
Documentary Proof That Recovery from Parkinson's Disease is Real

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ARTICLES

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Parkinson's Disease Carousel: Original Articles and Ideas
Feb 14, 2019
Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, L-Dopa, Dopamine and Parkinson's Disease
Feb 14, 2019
Feb 14, 2019
Feb 6, 2019
Hand-Held Accessories and Hand-Eye Co-ordination in Movement Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Feb 6, 2019
Feb 6, 2019
Dec 14, 2018
Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Dec 14, 2018
Dec 14, 2018
Dec 8, 2018
Balloon Based Play Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Dec 8, 2018
Dec 8, 2018
Nov 30, 2018
Light Therapy and Parkinson's Disease
Nov 30, 2018
Nov 30, 2018
Nov 16, 2018
Mental Health and Parkinson's Disease
Nov 16, 2018
Nov 16, 2018
Oct 27, 2018
The Divided Brain and Parkinson's Disease, Part 2
Oct 27, 2018
Oct 27, 2018
Oct 16, 2018
The Dorsal Vagus Nerve and Parkinson's Disease
Oct 16, 2018
Oct 16, 2018
Oct 4, 2018
The Divided Brain and Parkinson's Disease, Part 1
Oct 4, 2018
Oct 4, 2018
Sep 10, 2018
Building Aliveness with Parkinson's Disease
Sep 10, 2018
Sep 10, 2018
Sep 4, 2018
Diminished Aliveness and Parkinson's Disease
Sep 4, 2018
Sep 4, 2018
Aug 3, 2018
Developmental and Shock Trauma and Parkinson's Disease
Aug 3, 2018
Aug 3, 2018
Jul 1, 2018
Tennis as Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Jul 1, 2018
Jul 1, 2018
Jun 20, 2018
Dopamine, Aldehyde Poisoning and Parkinson's Disease
Jun 20, 2018
Jun 20, 2018
May 15, 2018
Neural Exercises and Parkinson's Disease
May 15, 2018
May 15, 2018
Apr 25, 2018
Loneliness, Social Isolation, Estrangement and Parkinson's Disease
Apr 25, 2018
Apr 25, 2018
Apr 10, 2018
Yoga and Parkinson's Disease
Apr 10, 2018
Apr 10, 2018
Mar 30, 2018
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Mar 30, 2018
Mar 30, 2018
Mar 11, 2018
Busy, Anxious Thoughts and Parkinson's Disease
Mar 11, 2018
Mar 11, 2018
Mar 6, 2018
Diet and Nutrition in Parkinson's Disease
Mar 6, 2018
Mar 6, 2018
Feb 21, 2018
Visual Cues in Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Feb 21, 2018
Feb 21, 2018
Feb 7, 2018
Progressive Reduction in Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Feb 7, 2018
Feb 7, 2018
Jan 25, 2018
Mirroring and Rehearsal Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Jan 25, 2018
Jan 25, 2018
Jan 18, 2018
Hands, Fingers and Parkinson's Disease
Jan 18, 2018
Jan 18, 2018
Dec 4, 2017
Eye and Vision Exercise in Parkinson's Disease
Dec 4, 2017
Dec 4, 2017
Nov 3, 2017
Social Engagement and Parkinson's Disease
Nov 3, 2017
Nov 3, 2017
Sep 25, 2017
The Nervous System and Parkinson's Disease
Sep 25, 2017
Sep 25, 2017
Sep 10, 2017
Self-Doubt, Guilt, Inner Voices and Parkinson's Disease
Sep 10, 2017
Sep 10, 2017
Sep 4, 2017
The Eyes, Vision and Parkinson's Disease
Sep 4, 2017
Sep 4, 2017
Aug 22, 2017
The Cranial Nerves and Parkinson's Disease
Aug 22, 2017
Aug 22, 2017

TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials Carousel: What People Say
Feb 7, 2019
Feb 7, 2019

Cheryl Nicholson

I’ve been very inspired by these posts. I have a Parkinson’s client who was in a wheelchair and who would crawl to get places. He’s now able to get up and walk to the washroom on his own. He even went out and shoveled his driveway. We are using targeted nutrition, intentional movements, red light intranasal therapy and Natural Bioenergetics to improve his life. He still has days where he goes backwards, but overall things are headed in the right direction. Many thanks for reporting on your own progress and providing information that helps others!

Feb 7, 2019
Sep 10, 2018
Sep 10, 2018

Kay Pyke

Did a quick search this morning and found the website which has so much info that I’ve been looking for. My husband has just been diagnosed and I’m researching how to help him. This is so inspirational and I’ve forwarded it onto our neuro physio. Oddly enough she came today armed with hand exercises which is what led me to this website. I’m in tears. So happy to have found you.

Sep 10, 2018
Sep 10, 2018
Sep 10, 2018

Adam M.

Gary, I want to say a huge thank you for your website! It has been a big help. I’ve changed my diet to fit Dr. Mischley’s recommendations generated by her research. I also bought the smovey rings. Right now I’m doing a Feldenkrais style movement intensive which seems to be helping.

Sep 10, 2018

©2016 Gary Sharpe and Deb Helfrich. ©2017 Gary Sharpe. ©2018 Gary Sharpe. ©2019 Gary Sharpe. All Rights Reserved.

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