AtremoPlus: Less Freezing and Motor Blockage! Part 1

A significant reduction in the phenomenon of freezing/motor blockage

In this newsletter, we will explore the well-known phenomenon in people with Parkinson’s disease: the freezing. 

This disorder, also known as “motor blockage”, is characterized by temporary periods of voluntary movement blockage, which can occur at any time. It is one of the most disabling and frustrating manifestations of Parkinson’s disease and usually becomes more frequent and pronounced over the years.

It is interesting to note that recent studies suggest that freezing is not limited to motor aspects but can also affect cognitive functions. This phenomenon, called “cognitive freezing”, results in temporary periods of thought blockage in the affected person.

In our recent survey, we found that 33.4% of AtremoPlus users reported suffering from freezing “Very frequently” or “frequently.” After taking AtremoPlus, the percentage of people in these two most affected categories dropped to 10.11%. We therefore observe a decrease of about 70%! in these two most affected categories. It is also interesting to note that among these two categories most affected by freezing, only 9% of Atremoplus users did not notice any improvement.

However, it should be added that several people who did not notice any improvement were mostly using the minimum recommended dosage of 5g (equivalent to 2 scoops) per day, or even underdosing, taking only 2.5 g (1 scoop) per day.

Most of our clients who have managed to find a good balance with their natural l-Dopa take 10g every day, either 1 dose of 5g (2 scoops) in the morning and 1 dose of 5g (2 scoops) in the afternoon.

By increasing their quantity of natural l-dopa, it is quite possible that the underdosed individuals could have also noticed an improvement in their daily lives.

How does the freezing phenomenon manifest itself?

“Freezing” refers to sudden and temporary episodes where voluntary movements, especially walking, appear to be blocked.

During these moments, individuals feel as if their feet are stuck to the ground, preventing them from starting or continuing a movement. It can also involve any other movement where the person wants to initiate a movement, but their body does not obey.

We can divide this painful phenomenon into three groups:

1. Freezing of gait: This is a sudden inability to start or continue walking, often accompanied by sensations of blocking or freezing of the feet to the ground. This phenomenon is also associated with falls, which occur due to the sudden blocking of the person’s movement momentum.
2. Freezing of movements: This manifests as difficulties in initiating simple gestures such as getting up from a chair, opening a door, or turning off a stove under an overflowing pot.
3. Cognitive freezing: This phenomenon, characterized by blockages in thought and decision-making processes, worsens functional challenges and impacts the quality of life of individuals.

What are the most painful consequences of freezing?

Freezing is a particular phenomenon because it affects the control of our body for daily activities that we had not even considered before.

These abilities, acquired during our childhood and youth, seemed so natural that we considered them acquired, without even thinking about it. Having to relearn how to manage them can be extremely frustrating and requires a significant mix of patience and willpower, both for the individual themselves and for their surroundings.

The sudden and unpredictable aspect of freezing adds additional stress that can shake our confidence in our body, and by extension, in ourselves and our abilities, even our self-esteem.

1. Loss of autonomy: Freezing can lead to a loss of autonomy in all areas and even limit the ability to perform daily tasks. Maintaining independence can be compromised with limited ability to move autonomously and safely, which can lead to increased dependence on caregivers or relatives.
2. Impact on quality of life: Freezing episodes have a significant impact on quality of life, affecting social relationships and daily activities.
3. Frustration, anxiety, and stress: Motor difficulties associated with freezing can lead to frustration, anxiety, and stress, both for the affected individuals and for their relatives.
4. Social isolation and management of leisure activities: Physical limitations can lead to a tendency towards social isolation, as individuals may hesitate to participate in social activities. The management of leisure activities is often severely affected by freezing.

What situations are particularly difficult or even dangerous in freezing?

Here is a list of issues associated with freezing in Parkinson’s disease to illustrate its impact on daily life and quality of life:

1. Crossing the street: Freezing can lead to a sudden stop when crossing the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
2. Moving in crowded public places and complex environments: The sudden occurrence of freezing in crowded places can lead to dangerous situations of blocking or falling.
3. Management of stairs or escalators: Freezing can make climbing or descending stairs and escalators difficult and potentially dangerous due to sudden movement stops.
4. Management of emergency situations: Freezing can make it difficult to react quickly and appropriately in emergency situations such as fires, falls, or domestic accidents.
5. Home fall risks: Freezing can increase the risk of falls at home, especially when navigating confined spaces or handling bulky objects.

A few exercises and tips to reduce freezing:

In the idea of brain plasticity, discussed in one of our newsletters and whose links you can still find below, we have listed below some tips that can help you keep pace:

1. Rhythmic walking: Adopt rhythmic walking using a metronome or listening to music with a constant rhythm to facilitate walking and reduce freezing.
2. Mental visualization: Practice mental visualization by imagining the movements you want to make before physically performing them to stimulate motor planning.
3. Ample and exaggerated movements: Make ample and exaggerated movements to bypass feelings of blockage and encourage fluidity of movements.
4. Walking with a human partner or a dog: Walk alongside a partner or with a dog to benefit from physical and emotional support, which can help prevent freezing.
5. Use of visual cues: Use visual cues, such as lines on the floor or colored mats, to help trigger and maintain walking.
6. Environmental control techniques: Adopt environmental control techniques, such as avoiding stressful or cluttered situations to reduce potential triggers for freezing.
7. Practice of meditation and relaxation: Incorporate meditation and relaxation practices into your daily routine to reduce stress and promote better problem management.
8. Dance: Dancing, such as ballroom dancing or square dancing, can be beneficial for reducing freezing. Music can help the brain stay in rhythm and avoid blockages, promoting coordination and fluidity of movements.

What is the impact of the active principles of the Vicia Faba plant, the basis of AtremoPlus, on freezing?

This is a very interesting question that deserves to be supported, which is why we have chosen to develop it in our next newsletter.

Our priority here is already to inform you about the significant reduction in the field of freezing for AtremoPlus users, as such information can help you regain confidence.

Confidence in your body and confidence in your abilities to deal with the challenges related to involuntary movement blockages.

By your side for several years now, we witness your improvements, and sharing this message to the AtremoPlus community seems essential for those who lack positive perspectives.

In the next newsletter, we will address the scientific explanations about the suspected mechanisms behind freezing, as well as the specific mechanisms of action that could explain this decrease in freezing following the intake of AtremoPlus.

Indeed, understanding the mechanisms at work in our body broadens our parameters of action.

How else could we effectively combat an invisible or difficult-to-decipher enemy without having maximum information about its functioning?

It seems essential to us to become aware that we have a wide range of means, capable to some extent of curbing these assaults, in order to regain a good dynamic and regain ground.

This is supported by numerous scientific studies that highlight the beneficial actions offered by these active principles contained in the Vicia Faba plant, also in the field of freezing.