The Ultimate Quality of Life Symposium (reviewed)

The recent Parkinson’s Resource Organization’s symposium, co-sponsored by the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP), ‘Ultimate Quality of Life, Parkinson’s:  A Paradigm Shift’, in Indian Wells, California, focused on revolutionary new findings concerning Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Dramatic reduction in symptoms has been achieved without surgery or drugs.  Treated patients described their significant decrease in symptoms following their treatment.  Children of patients described their “new” parent.  The excitement of the child over this improvement brought tears to the audience. January, 2011 (Indian Wells, California). Jerome Lisk, M.D., Board Certified Neurologist in Pasadena, California says that the brain receives 40% of its information about posture from the soles of the feet, 40% from the position of the mandible, and 20% from the spine. “The brain is sensitive to the neuroposture being off by as little as one millimeter from the line of gravity. If the posture of the mandible is off, the brain is constantly flooded with information and uses a lot of its available energy dealing with the information.”  He then explained in detail how the brain of a patient with PD becomes unable to cope with this flood of information, and unable to control the muscles of the body.  “Posture is a reflex.  It is automatic.  The individual cannot control it.  Mother may say stand up straight.  However, as soon as the person engages in acts of daily living, posture is beyond the control of the person.”  He further added, “The brain activates survival mechanisms thinking the body is ready to fall over.  The brain’s stress depletes dopamine and other hormones known to be associated with Parkinson’s disease. 

Dr. Lisk has completed a fellowship in movement disorders, and treats PD movement disorders.  He discussed posture from a neurology standpoint, and explained how he tests for posture and balance.  He explained the chemistry of the brain and how it is affected when the posture is not correct.  On the last day of the symposium Dr. Lisk exclaimed, “After hearing and seeing the science presented, I am surprised that I had never come across the information that has been published in the dental literature in my medical education and career until this conference.”

Curtis Buddingh, D.C., D.I.C.S., is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. He specializes in treatment of Temporomandibular disorders and Craniopathy. He also discussed the importance of posture and described how the Chiropractic Belt can be used to stabilize the TMJ complex to help the PD patient, and others with TMJ concerns. Eight dentists described how these patients were able to achieve their remarkable results. No drugs or surgery were used. They explained that excess stress to the brain was responsible for many of their symptoms. Most Parkinson’s patients apparently also have a distally dislocated mandible in addition to the PD. This dislocation constantly sends messages to the brain of stress. It overwhelms the chemistry of the brain resulting in a breakdown of the normal brain function. This stress to the brain increases the PD symptoms.

The Doctors described their treatments to the patients, caregivers, dentists, physicians, pastors, chiropractors, psychologists, and other interested persons present. Details on how the treatments work, and how to provide the treatments that were given. This was the first symposium to ever cover this new information.  All in attendance were excited over the possibilities of improved quality of life. It was also explained that the same treatments often help other movement disorders and autism. Parkinson’s is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that manifests itself in a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may include stiffness or rigidity, tremors, physical and/or mental slowness, involuntary jerking, mask-like facial expression, shuffling gait, depression, occasional freezing in mid-movement, sleep disorders, and reduced vision, taste and smell. Some people develop dementia. Although Parkinson’s is perceived as an illness of the elderly, it affects many people beginning in their thirties. Its progress varies widely, with some people with Parkinson’s living decades beyond their diagnosis. Researchers have discussed multiple causes of Parkinson’s, including genetic predisposition and head trauma.  Currently, there is no known cure for Parkinson’s.

The Parkinson’s Resource Organization (PRO) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization that provides group and individual support to those making the journey through Parkinson’s.  Funding for PRO programs comes primarily from member donations, monthly newsletters, and memorials.  PRO conducts several fundraising events throughout the year that the public is urged to attend and/or sponsor.  PRO also seeks out financial assistance from foundations carefully screened, corporate events, website sponsors, and civic grants.