AtremoPlus: Less Tremors!

A significant reduction in Tremors:

In our latest newsletter, we discussed involuntary movements, often abrupt, known as dyskinesias. In this edition, we’ll delve into another uncontrollable phenomenon in Parkinson’s disease: tremors.

Tremors are one of the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, although it’s actually associated with a range of other issues. Approximately 70 to 80% of people with Parkinson’s experience tremors at some point in their disease. This symptom can be particularly challenging to live with as it’s often highly visible to others, leading to stress, social discomfort, and a decrease in quality of life.

We’re excited to share the results of our recent survey with AtremoPlus users regarding tremors.

The two groups most affected by “very severe” and “severe” tremors experienced a 71% reduction. A large majority of respondents to the survey moved into the “occasional tremors” group.
It’s worth noting that only 13% did not observe any improvements in tremors.

How do tremors typically begin?

Tremors in Parkinson’s disease often start unilaterally, meaning they usually begin on one side of the body, such as in a hand or foot.
Tremor is one of the major symptoms that prompts people to seek medical advice and diagnosis.
Over time, however, tremors can progress and spread to the other side of the body, eventually affecting both sides simultaneously.
In some advanced cases, tremors can also involve other parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, head, or even the entire body.
This progression of tremors from one side of the body to the other, and then to other parts of the body, is considered one of the hallmark features of the natural progression of Parkinson’s disease.

What types of tremors can people with Parkinson’s experience?

When discussing tremors in Parkinson’s disease, many people are unaware that there are multiple forms of these tremors.

Here are the main types of tremors in Parkinson’s disease:

1. Resting tremor: This is the most common type of tremor in Parkinson’s disease. It occurs when the person is at rest and typically disappears when they make a voluntary movement.

2. Action tremor: This type of tremor occurs when the person performs a voluntary movement, such as reaching for an object or writing. It may be lighter than resting tremor.

3. Postural tremor: This type of tremor occurs when the person maintains a specific position, such as extending their arms in front of them. The tremor disappears when the person changes posture or makes a movement.

4. Kinetic tremor: This type of tremor occurs when a person performs precise and coordinated movements, such as typing on a keyboard or drawing. It may be present in some patients with Parkinson’s disease.

5. Orthostatic tremor: This type of tremor occurs when a person stands up after sitting or lying down. It may be associated with a drop in blood pressure and can cause dizziness or vertigo.

These different types of tremors can vary in amplitude, intensity, and frequency from one person to another and also in different situations.

How can these different types of tremors affect the life and daily routine of a person with Parkinson’s?

The various tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease can lead to a myriad of complications, ranging from general difficulties to specific problems.

Here are the most challenging aspects associated with the different types of tremors in Parkinson’s disease:

1. Resting tremor:

• Interference with daily activities, such as eating, writing, or applying makeup.
• Social discomfort and awkwardness in interactions due to the visible tremor.
• Difficulty in resting or relaxing due to the constant tremor

2. Action tremor:

• Impact on the ability to perform precise and coordinated tasks, such as sewing, DIY projects, or gardening.
• Difficulty in executing delicate movements, such as pouring a liquid or buttoning a garment.
• Reduced self-confidence in activities that require precise motor control.

3. Postural tremor:

• Discomfort and fatigue due to the need to maintain a particular position to avoid tremors.
• Difficulty in standing or sitting for extended periods due to persistent tremors.
• Increased risk of falls and injuries due to difficulty in maintaining balance.

4. Kinetic tremor:

• Impact on the ability to perform tasks that require fine coordination and precision, such as writing, drawing, or using tools.
• Frustration associated with difficulty controlling movement during daily and professional activities.
• Reduced efficiency in tasks requiring precise manipulation, such as meal preparation or manual labor.

5. Orthostatic tremor:

• Increased risk of falls due to tremors when transitioning from a sitting or lying position to a standing one.
• Feeling of dizziness or imbalance due to tremors associated with a drop in blood pressure.
• Impact on mobility and independence due to the caution required during transitions between positions.

Here are some tips to improve tremors in Parkinson’s disease:

As usual, we are always striving to share with you elements that can help make progress, and here is a list of measures that can help improve tremors in Parkinson’s disease:

1. Follow a balanced diet: A healthy and balanced diet can help improve Parkinson’s-related issues, including tremors.

2. Engage in regular physical activity, including stretching: Exercise can help strengthen muscles and improve coordination, which may contribute to reducing tremors.

3. Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms, including tremors. Meditation, yoga, and other stress management techniques can be beneficial.

4. Avoid certain stimulants: Caffeine and other stimulants can worsen tremors in some individuals. Avoid caffeine-rich and sugary drinks.

5. Practice relaxation: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and tai chi can help reduce tremors by promoting a state of calm and relaxation. Ideally, you can do these activities in a group setting. There are also many excellent online videos that allow you to do these activities for free from home.

6. Stay well-hydrated: Drinking enough water can help reduce tremors by keeping the body hydrated and promoting optimal muscle function.

It’s worthwhile to conduct your own personal investigation into what may improve or worsen your tremors. You can become an explorer of your own situation by better understanding what works for you and what doesn’t. This approach may even prompt you to proceed more systematically by keeping a journal to note changes observed based on certain modified parameters.

Being proactive in your well-being, observing, and deepening your understanding of your body will always be beneficial for identifying certain parameters to optimize your quality of life.

But what are the mechanisms of tremors and the possible mechanisms of action of the active principles of Vicia faba?

In our next newsletter, we will delve more deeply into the subject of tremors, particularly focusing on the physiological and structural aspects involved in this phenomenon.

We will also examine how the active components of Vicia faba, used in AtremoPlus, could influence the underlying mechanisms of tremors, thus providing a possible explanation for the improvements observed by our clients.