Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that occurs when nerve cells in the brain that make the chemical dopamine stop working normally. Symptoms begin gradually and can include, among others, trembling in the hands, arms, legs, and face, and poor balance and coordination. There are no laboratory tests for Parkinson’s, so it’s sometimes hard to diagnose. It’s unclear why some people develop Parkinson’s.

There’s no cure for Parkinson’s, but medications and deep brain stimulation (a surgical procedure) may help control symptoms for a limited period. Some people with Parkinson’s also try complementary health approaches, such as massage therapy or relaxation techniques.

Bottom Line

A number of complementary health approaches have been studied for Parkinson’s.

• There’s limited evidence that tai chi improves some symptoms of Parkinson’s but study results are mixed. The same is true for transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).
• Dance appears to help with some symptoms of Parkinson’s, including balance problems, in the short term.
• Neither massage nor acupuncture appears to reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s, but the research on both approaches is limited.
• No dietary supplements have been shown to help control symptoms.

Safety

• Don’t replace proven medications with unproven dietary supplements or other unproven complementary health approaches.
• If you’re considering a dietary supplement for Parkinson’s, remember that “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe.”
• If you’re considering a complementary health practice, such as tai chi, ask a trusted source (such as a health care provider or local hospital) to recommend a class or instructor. Professional organizations may also have the names of practitioners who have completed an acceptable training program.
• Before using dietary supplements or other complementary approaches for Parkinson’s, consult your health care provider.

For more information on Parkinson’s, visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Parkinson’s Disease Information Page.