In this video shared by Chad Moir, Chad demonstrates exercises that can help Parkinson’s disease patients with balance and stride length.  Meet Gregory Chandler, who hasn’t let Parkinson’s disease get in the way of his lust for life. 

Vitamin D Deficiency Ups Dementia 53%
There is Widespread deficiency of vitamin D among people with PD.  This can increase risk for falls as well as dementia.  If you haven’t already done so, I recommend asking your doctor to test your blood level of 25(OH)D – this is the level of vitamin D found in humans. 

In the largest study of its kind, not getting enough vitamin D turned out to double the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s.  See why supplements may not be the answer.  Find out which foods to eat. 

This trial was designed to measure the safety of stem cell treatment, not relief of symptoms.  However, this is hopeful news

In an early test of its therapy for Parkinson’s disease, International Stem Cell Corp. in San Diego said Monday that the stem cell-based treatment appears to be safe. 

The first patient in the Phase 1 clinical trial, conducted in Australia, was treated at the end of July.  A checkup three months later found no sign of complications, said Russell Kern, the company’s executive vice president and chief scientific officer. 

This is unpleasant news; but we should consider that many of these hospitalizations are preventable, by means of nutrition and exercise.  Many urinary tract infections are due to dehydration, as people don’t drink enough fluids.  Swallowing problems can cause pneumonia and respiratory tract infections by inhaling food or liquid into the lungs.  When we don’t get enough calcium and vitamin D, or weight-bearing exercise, fracture risk increases.  Fluid intake, managing swallowing problems, diet, and exercise, can greatly lower the risk for all of these concerns. 

Researchers in Ireland have found that the top five reasons for hospital admission of PD patients are urinary tract infections, pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections, aspiration pneumonia and femur fracture. 

We continue to learn more almost daily about the important colony of microbes in our gut.  This research used animals, but appears likely to apply to humans as well.  It illustrates the value of getting enough fiber in the daily diet. 

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining our body’s overall health.  New research shows what happens if we do not feed our gut microbes with the fiber they need to survive. 

Recipes

Speaking of the need for fiber to feed our microbiome, here is a recipe incredibly rich in both soluble and insoluble fibers.  Not to mention heart-nourishing olive oil, quercetin from onion, vitamin A from carrot and squash, complex carbohydrates from beans, vegetables, and farro.  All in one bowl! 

Wondering what else you can do with the cabbage and winter squash in that box of delivered produce?  Here’s a meal in a bowl, perfect for a cold winter night.