What role do emotions and stress play in the pathogenesis of Parkinson?
In this newsletter, we explore a frequently overlooked aspect in the study of Parkinson’s disease: the potential links between emotions, trauma, and the pathogenesis of the disease.
While pollution, pesticides, physical inactivity, genetics, and diet have been widely researched, emotional factors remain a relatively underexplored field. Yet, they could play a crucial role in both the onset and progression of the disease.
For some people, the emotional aspect may be secondary or even nonexistent in the onset of Parkinson’s disease, with pathogenesis primarily attributed to environmental or hereditary factors. However, for others, an emotional shock may play a much more significant role.
Since trauma and stress related to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s are still relatively unexplored topics, we believe this represents a valuable opportunity to dig deeper. Better understanding and optimizing these emotional parameters could, in some cases, not only improve overall well-being but perhaps even slow the progression of the disease.
Have you ever wondered if your emotions or emotional experiences could influence the onset of Parkinson’s? And if the traumas experienced throughout your life might play a role in triggering or worsening the symptoms?
Today, we invite you to explore a captivating analysis of several recent scientific studies, revealing tangible links between psychological trauma and Parkinson’s disease. These studies deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this complex pathology and pave the way for more holistic management approaches, integrating emotional and psychological dimensions.
It is important to emphasize that conventional medicine and its research remain largely anchored in a materialistic approach. Practitioners and researchers seem more comfortable within this framework, where phenomena are tangible and easily measurable through medical imaging or biological analyses. On the other hand, emotions and traumas, which are more complex to grasp and quantify, are often relegated to the background.
The Link Between Post-Traumatic Stress and Parkinson’s Disease: An Unexpected Relationship
Did you know that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease? A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, involving 8,336 people with Parkinson’s, revealed that those suffering from PTSD were 48% more likely to develop Parkinson’s. This percentage rises to 95% among people aged 72 and older.
Another study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan, involving 7,280 people, found that patients with PTSD had a 246% increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Although surprising, these results highlight the importance of managing emotional and psychological trauma throughout life.
A part of this research focuses on war veterans, who are certainly exposed to major traumas, but it is essential to understand that post-traumatic stress can also result from other types of trauma and significant life events. This means that each individual’s emotional experience, whether in a personal or professional context, can play a role in vulnerability to certain neurodegenerative diseases.
The Importance of Early Stress in Parkinson’s Development
Trauma isn’t just events that occur in adulthood. Stress experienced in childhood and even during the prenatal period could also influence the development of Parkinson’s.
The study titled Early Life Stress and Parkinson’s Disease highlights the impact of factors such as prenatal maternal stress, early separation of the child from the mother, early postnatal stress of the child, and social isolation of the child during the first years of life, which can have lasting consequences on our mental, emotional, and physical health. These experiences, sometimes forgotten or underestimated, can influence the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s later in life.
This link between early stress and neurological diseases underscores the importance of emotional care from a young age. However, it is important to note that even if these traumas were not addressed or recognized earlier in life, it is never too late to address them. Caring for one’s emotional well-being remains crucial at every stage of life, particularly for those living with neurodegenerative diseases.
Psychological Stress and its Effects on Parkinson’s Progression
A meta-analysis of 11 studies, published in 2016 under the title Integrated Review of Psychological Stress in Parkinson’s Disease: Biological Mechanisms, Symptoms, and Health Outcomes, conducted by Kim Wieczorek and her team, highlighted the major impact of psychological stress on the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers reviewed a wide range of studies on animal and human models, and their conclusions are clear: stress, whether acute or chronic, exacerbates the biological mechanisms underlying neuronal loss in Parkinson’s. In other words, the higher the emotional stress, the greater the neuronal loss, particularly in key brain regions such as the substantia nigra, associated with Parkinson’s. This phenomenon is closely linked to processes like accelerated oxidation, chronic inflammation, and resulting cell death, called apoptosis.
This research also reveals a direct link between psychological stress and the worsening of motor symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowed movements. Moreover, a general deterioration in health is observed in people with Parkinson’s who are under significant stress. This reinforces the idea that traumatic events and constant stress can accelerate the progression of the disease.
Perhaps you have noticed that stress tends to worsen your symptoms, while relaxation can alleviate them?
Another crucial point highlighted by this study is the effect of stress on dopamine. Stress and anxiety not only consume and deplete dopamine reserves more quickly, an essential neurotransmitter for people with Parkinson’s, but also increase the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons. By reducing stress levels, it becomes possible to slow this dopamine depletion, offering a potential avenue for better managing the disease.
Toxic Emotions and Parkinson’s: Cause or Effect?
The question of whether toxic emotions can be the cause of Parkinson’s or whether the disease generates negative emotions is complex. The disease certainly results from a combination of factors, varying from one person to another.
However, the emotional link is undeniable, as evidenced by the studies mentioned above. Many people with Parkinson’s report experiencing chronic emotional issues, often long before motor symptoms appear and the disease is diagnosed. Recent research shows a link between sleep disorders, including severe nightmares, and the development of Parkinson’s, visible long before clinical symptoms manifest.
Trauma and stress are integral parts of our lives. While they cannot always be avoided, it is important to understand their impact on the nervous system. A growing body of research suggests that this connection works in both directions, which is precisely the message we aim to convey in this newsletter.
If trauma or post-traumatic stress can accelerate the destruction of neurons and worsen Parkinson’s disease, as research shows, it is only logical that addressing emotional wounds could have a positive impact on managing neurodegenerative diseases.
Releasing Toxic Emotions to Better Live with Parkinson’s
So, what can we do to reduce stress and release toxic emotions if they exist?
A recent study, titled Stress and Mindfulness in Parkinson’s Disease, conducted by the team at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands, analyzed data from 5,000 people with Parkinson’s and offers us fascinating insights.
This study highlighted the link between stress and Parkinson’s symptoms, as well as stress reduction strategies. Here are three key findings:
a) Increased Stress Levels in Patients
People with Parkinson’s experience higher levels of stress compared to healthy individuals. They suffer more from anxiety and depression, which translates to a lower quality of life. A notable phenomenon is rumination, or excessive thinking about negative thoughts, which worsens stress. On the other hand, self-compassion appears as a valuable ally in managing this stress better.
b) Amplification of Symptoms Due to Stress
Stress has a direct impact on the symptoms of the disease, leading to a significant deterioration, especially in tremors, followed by rigidity and slowness of movement. These findings reinforce previous studies that show stress can indeed worsen the motor symptoms of the disease.
c) Stress Reduction Strategies
Patients implement various strategies to mitigate their stress. Among them, physical exercise (practiced by 83.1% of participants) and mindfulness techniques stand out. People who practice mindfulness report significant improvements in both motor and non-motor symptoms, including anxiety and depression. A positive correlation was also observed between the frequency of practice and symptom improvement, highlighting its effectiveness.
Mindfulness is an active and open awareness of the present moment. It can be cultivated through meditative practices or simply by observing one’s thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. By accepting these thoughts without judgment, we learn to let them pass without sticking. Additionally, immersing oneself in positive information that brings joy, whether from our past, present, or future, can greatly facilitate the management of stress and emotions. As Aristotle once said, “Nature abhors a vacuum”; our inner life operates in the same way. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to what we choose to introduce into it.
AtremoPlus Users’ Testimonials on Emotional Well-being
On our side, we face the same complexity as other researchers in explaining the range of interactions underlying the notable emotional and stress-related improvements regularly reported by AtremoPlus users.
We have identified several plausible pathways that could partially explain the emotional improvements felt by our users. Here is a non-exhaustive list of elements promoting emotional well-being:
1. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Many users report a reduction in pain, improved sleep, and increased regeneration. Sleeping better and feeling less pain are valuable assets, also improving stress parameters and fostering positive emotions.
2. Motor Improvements: Thanks to the optimized absorption of L-Dopa, aided by Carbidopa, daily activities—even simple ones like dressing, returning to sports, eating more easily, writing legibly, speaking more clearly without repeating several times, taking larger steps, improving balance, or getting up more easily—help boost self-confidence and optimism for a better future.
3. Cognitive Improvements: Better concentration and enhanced cognitive abilities also contribute to greater self-confidence, often giving users the feeling of cognitive rejuvenation.
4. Increased Energy: More energy to undertake activities promotes creativity and the desire to engage with others.
5. Role of Norepinephrine: This neurotransmitter, often overlooked in Parkinson’s management, plays an essential role. We plan to dedicate an upcoming issue to this molecule, which deserves deeper exploration. Taking AtremoPlus is associated with increased levels of norepinephrine, leading to various positive effects, including emotional well-being.
6. Reduction of Stress Markers: Levels of cortisol and prolactin decrease, producing a positive effect on emotional well-being. Thus, when stress markers decrease and happiness agents like L-Dopa and norepinephrine increase, emotional well-being inevitably improves.
7. Epigenetic Optimization: The optimization of genetic expression observed after taking AtremoPlus contributes to the regeneration of certain brain parameters, further reinforcing the virtuous cycle observed in our users.
In summary, many AtremoPlus users report a significant improvement in their emotional state and a reduction in stress, leading to an overall sense of well-being and enhanced emotional balance.
It’s also interesting to note that some users, after missing AtremoPlus for a few days or weeks, have realized the importance of taking it for their overall and emotional well-being.
Finally, some people have noticed even more improvements after increasing from the minimum dose of 5 g/day to the average dose of 10 g/day, i.e., 2 scoops in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.
Taking Care of Emotional Well-being with Simple Strategies
To make the most of managing emotions, it is essential to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Here are a few strategies to consider:
1. Regular Physical Exercise: Physical activity is a great ally in reducing stress and promoting mental health. By incorporating regular exercise sessions into your routine, you can effectively support your emotional well-being. Moreover, many AtremoPlus users have told us that they feel more motivated to move after starting to take our supplement.
2. Consulting a Therapist: In the realm of experts, there are numerous interesting approaches. Freeing oneself through talking with a qualified psychologist or therapist can be a first step. Other techniques, such as EMDR, hypnotherapy, NLP, and many others, can help eliminate the toxic burden of emotions. It is important to find a method and a trustworthy person that suits you.
3. Stress Management Tools: Tools like meditation, Tai Chi, or yoga provide invaluable support, and studies show how important they are for Parkinson’s as well. Additionally, simple activities such as walking in nature or maintaining positive social relationships play a crucial role in stress management.
4. Writing as a Tool for Release: Writing down your emotions can be a powerful way to release painful feelings. Don’t hesitate to write freely without worrying about quality, then destroy those writings as a symbolic gesture of your emotional release. At the same time, writing about positive aspects and future aspirations can boost your general well-being.
5. A Symbolic and Free Method: The exercise of “Stick Figures” (available online) can help to distance oneself from negative emotions or memories.
These are just a few suggestions of techniques and tools among many possibilities. It is crucial to listen to your heart and find what works best for you.
We understand that this topic may not resonate with everyone, but we wanted to address it for those who have always questioned it deep down and who might find answers
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Disclaimer: Please note that this blog provides information about our supplement AtremoPlus and related topics.
This blog is not intended to provide medical advice.
If you have any medical questions, please contact your healthcare professional.