Neurofeedback treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

Can Neurofeedback Help with Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?

This study from 2014 indicates that “Neurofeedback Therapy (NFT) can improve static and dynamic balance in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients” :

http://www.gaitposture.com/article/S0966-6362%2814%2900274-4/abstract?cc=y=

The researchers found that:

  • Neurofeedback training is effective on the dynamic balance of Parkinson’s patients.
  • Neurofeedback training can modify the static balance of Parkinson’s patients.
  • The effect of Neurofeedback on static and dynamic balances was similar.

In this 2015 article about Neurofeedback and PD, Dr Diane Roberts Stoler, a neuropsychologist with over 35 years of experience, describes meeting a lady from the UK suffering from Parkinson’s disease and how Neurofeedback helped her:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-resilient-brain/201505/neurofeedback-treatment-parkinson-s-disease

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What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease is an adult movement disorder which is associated with degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. PD affects around 0.5 % of the population.

Blausen_0704_ParkinsonsDisease

 

According to NHS about 127,000 people may suffer from PD in UK.

People with PD are normal-thinking persons trapped inside bodies they cannot control.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

The first symptoms mostly occur over 50 years old but sometimes people under 40 experience the first symptoms:

Parkinsons

  •  Stiffness of the fingers
  • Tremor of the fingers
  • Muscular rigidity
  • Difficulty initiating movement
  • Slowness of movement
  • Mask-like face

There is NO intellectual impairment in PD.

Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

PD is one of the degenerative disorders which damages the brain progressively over time.  There is no cure.

Current treatments are based on relieving the symptoms of PD. Supportive therapies include medications, physiotherapy or in some cases surgery. One of the most common medications used in the treatment of PD is L-DOPA, the chemical precursor of dopamine which is involved in the transmission of movement messages around the nervous system.

Medications unfortunately are often temporary solutions because of the side effects.

Neurofeedback and Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers claim very promising effects of Neurofeedback training for patients with PD. It is not a cure and it will not stop the progression of disease.

However Neurofeedback does have a potential to reduce the symptoms of PD especially in early stages.

Neurofeedback can improve static and dynamic balance significantly.  It also may offer the possibility to reduce dependence on medications and improve quality of life.

Call us today on 0207 878 0186  to discuss how Neurofeedback could help you or your loved one’s Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. Your initial consultation is free and you are under no pressure or obligation to proceed.
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