AtremoPlus: less dyskinesia and uncontrolled movements!

A significant reduction in Dyskinesia:

In this new newsletter, we will address another delicate topic related to Parkinson’s disease: dyskinesias.

In previous bulletins, we have examined the phenomenon of voluntary movement blockage, called freezing, as well as “off periods,” where our body does not respond to our command to make a movement that we want to execute.

Dyskinesias are somewhat the opposite of freezing and “off periods”. In other words, they are involuntary and uncontrollable movements that the body performs, even when we do not intend to make them.

Parkinson’s is undeniably a complex issue that goes far beyond the few stereotypes people may have.

The good news is that in the two categories most affected by very frequent or frequent dyskinesias, an average improvement of 32% was observed following the intake of AtremoPlus. For many, dyskinesias become an occasional phenomenon.
It is also interesting to note that only 16% of respondents to the survey reported no improvement in dyskinesias.

For these 16% of people who do not see any improvement, we recommend, if possible, taking 10g of AtremoPlus (4 well-filled sachets) per day in four doses instead of two. This way, L-Dopa and carbidopa will be better distributed throughout the day, which should reduce peaks and therefore dyskinesias, as well as off periods.

Even if you are not currently affected by dyskinesias, it is worth reading on, as there are tips to combat the underlying phenomena of this distressing condition, even before its onset.

What are the types of involuntary movements/dyskinesias?

There are different types of involuntary movements associated with dyskinesia:

• Twisting or torsion movements of the limbs
• Jerky or erratic movements of the limbs
• Swaying or rocking movements of the body
• Rotational movements of the head or neck
• Involuntary movements of facial muscles, such as grimaces or eye-blinking
• Trembling or shaking movements of the limbs or body

Often, these involuntary and erratic movements disrupt a variety of daily tasks and activities that seemed simple and trouble-free before the onset of the disease.

What are the types of situations in which involuntary movements are particularly burdensome?

Involuntary movements can be particularly burdensome in the following situations:

1. During meals or simple tasks: Dyskinesias can make it difficult to perform simple tasks such as eating, drinking, or washing, which can lead to frustration and loss of autonomy.

2. During social activities: Involuntary movements can be awkward during social interactions, affecting the ability to communicate and interact with others smoothly.

3. During movement: Dyskinesias can affect balance, walking, and other activities, including driving, increasing the risk of falls and accidents.

4. During relaxation and sleep: Involuntary movements can disrupt moments of rest and relaxation, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable posture. They can also disturb sleep, affecting both the individual and their sleeping partner if they share the same bed.

5. During activities requiring precision: Dyskinesias can make it difficult to perform tasks that require precision, such as writing, typing on a keyboard, or engaging in artistic or professional activities.

6. During household activities: Dyskinesias can make it difficult to perform household chores and daily activities, affecting autonomy and overall quality of life.

7. Discomfort in social interactions and stigma: People with dyskinesias may experience discomfort and social stigma because involuntary movements can be misinterpreted as signs of discomfort, alcoholism, or inappropriate behavior, leading to disapproving looks or negative reactions from others.

Here are some tips to reduce dyskinesias:

1. Optimize medication: Work with a neurologist to adjust medication to minimize dyskinesias while effectively controlling motor symptoms of the disease.

2. Engage in regular physical activity: Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga, or dancing can help strengthen muscles, improve balance and coordination, and reduce stress, which can contribute to reducing dyskinesias.

3. Use complementary therapies: Explore complementary therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy, which can help reduce tension and improve coordination, balance, and mobility, thus reducing the impact of dyskinesias.

4. Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid known triggers of dyskinesias, such as stress, fatigue, alcohol consumption, and temperature changes that can worsen dyskinesias.

5. Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, and stress management can help reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including dyskinesias.

6. Practice relaxation and meditation: Relaxation, meditation, and other stress management techniques can help reduce anxiety and muscle tension, which can contribute to alleviating dyskinesias.

7. Be aware of your environment: Avoiding crowded, noisy, or stimulating environments can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to alleviating dyskinesias.

The mechanisms of dyskinesias:

Dyskinesias are primarily triggered by fluctuations in dopamine levels in the brain, which result from altered absorption of L-dopa. The added L-dopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, compensating for the structural decrease in the ability to convert L-dopa into dopamine in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
As the disease progresses and treatment continues, cells responsible for dopamine production die off and/or become less sensitive to L-dopa, leading to fluctuations in levels.
 
These fluctuations can lead to peaks and troughs in dopamine levels. This causes excessive activation of brain pathways involved in movement control, known as dyskinesias, during peaks. As for the phenomenon called “off periods,” it occurs during troughs in dopamine levels in the brain. These dyskinesias are often more pronounced when L-dopa levels are high, shortly after taking L-dopa, and during “off periods” at the end of a dose.
 
Dyskinesias in Parkinson’s disease can be compared to an uncontrolled dance, where the body is pushed onto the dance floor erratically and uncontrollably, despite efforts to remain still at times. It’s as if each movement is dictated by an invisible, sometimes joyous and sometimes chaotic, music, making it difficult to control one’s own body.

What could be the underlying mechanisms behind the positive results reported by AtremoPlus users in reducing dyskinesias?

The underlying mechanisms behind the positive results reported by AtremoPlus users in reducing dyskinesias could include several aspects.

From a physiological perspective, the combination of L-Dopa and carbidopa, naturally present in the Vicia faba plant, may promote more regular absorption of L-Dopa in the brain. This could help reduce dopamine fluctuations responsible for dyskinesias and “off periods.”

In our previous newsletters, we have examined various ways to positively influence certain structural brain aspects and thus dyskinesias.

For example, we discussed improving gene expression through optimized methylation, which allows for better protein unfolding and prevents their aggregation in the brain, thus promoting its proper functioning.

Additionally, some components of Vicia faba are known for their protective properties against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, thus contributing to the preservation of our organism, including our brain, and its structural integrity.

Furthermore, we explored the concept that physical and cognitive exercise can influence brain plasticity, characterized by the creation of new neurons and synapses at any age. The BDNF growth factor plays a crucial role in this process, and certain components of Vicia faba, such as polyphenols, provide the necessary elements for the production of these essential BDNF proteins for reconstruction.

Finally, other factors, such as improved sleep, reduced stress, and decreased pain reported by AtremoPlus users in our survey, are factors that science tells us impact the phenomenon of dyskinesias.

Below, you will find links to these specific newsletters to re-explore these fascinating topics.

Pushing Your Limits to the Fullest

We love to share with you any information that can be helpful in gaining ground and confidence in the idea that you have considerable leeway to optimize the conditions of your body and your state of mind, thereby improving your quality of life.

In the next newsletter, we will address another major topic, that of tremors.

Until then, we wish for you to be serene and less troubled by your dyskinesias.