Video Series Explores Metabolic Enhancement for Neurodegenerative Disorders

By Karen Hales, Neurology Solutions Contributing Writer

Neurology Solutions Movement Disorders Center Medical Director Dr. Robert Izor elaborates on the positive outcome of lifestyle and metabolic enhancement for Parkinson’s disease. Metabolic enhancements for neurodegenerative disorders, also known as MEND, is a medical protocol that incorporates optimizing diet, exercise, stress reduction, supplements, brain stimulation therapy and interventions to address sleep, changes in hormone levels, and a variety of other factors. This video is the first of a series on MEND by Neurology Solutions, a comprehensive treatment center located in Austin, Texas, that specializes in PD, tremor and dystonia.

Dr. Izor, a fellowship-trained movement disorder specialist, calls PD “a complex multi-system disorder.” Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and PD are caused by pathological changes in metabolism. PD, like a number of neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging, is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of protein in a specific subset of neurons. Some proteins are so toxic for the cells that they not only inhibit growth but also cause them to die off when abnormal proteins are produced. Parkinson’s symptoms develop when alpha-synuclein (a protein) accumulates and forms a major buildup, which results in the loss of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that normally sends signals in the brain to control body movement. Alzheimer’s involves the collection of two other proteins called tau and beta amyloid that also become toxic.

MEND Protocol Shown to Reverse Cognitive Decline

MEND was developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in an effort to enhance metabolism and prevent negative outcomes in diseases such as PD and Alzheimer’s disease. MEND, which is based on an assessment of 36 different factors impacting health, was shown in a small study trial to reverse memory loss and cognitive decline in patients with early Alzheimer’s.

MEND improves metabolic function through complex, wide ranging efforts to address various functions at once. Optimizing overall lifestyle and nutrition, maximizing sleep and using supplements are just some of the ways to create a healthier lifestyle.

Metabolic Enhancement for Parkinson’s Video Series

With this video series, Neurology Solutions intends to educate our patients and the community on optimizing various areas of metabolism in order to improve quality of life for individuals with a movement disorder. It’s our mission to prevent and slow these disabilities caused by the neurodegenerative diseases for a healthier life and a reduction in symptoms.

Follow our video series in the coming weeks to learn more about lifestyle and metabolic enhancements for Parkinson’s and other approaches to address movement disorders and improve outcomes.

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Neurology Solutions is accepting new patients seeking a specialist in managing Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, essential tremor and age-related movement disorders. If you are looking to confirm a diagnosis or find different treatment choices for managing symptoms of a movement disorder, please contact Neurology Solutions or call 512-865-6310 to schedule an appointment.

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