Parkinson’s Disease: A Complex Condition
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, mental health, and overall quality of life. It is characterized by symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination and speech, which worsen over time. Globally, PD impacts millions of lives, with an estimated 8.5 million people living with the condition in 2019—a number projected to rise dramatically to over 25 million by 2050(8)(12).
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often thought of as a condition caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, leading to hallmark symptoms like tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowed movement. However, emerging research has revealed a deeper complexity to this neurodegenerative disorder. Alongside neuronal degeneration, vascular degeneration—damage to the brain's blood vessels—has been identified as a significant factor in PD progression (2)(8). This "double whammy" of reduced dopamine production and impaired blood flow worsens cognitive decline and motor impairments by depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients while limiting its ability to clear toxins.
In this blog, we’ll explore how both dopamine and vascular health contribute to Parkinson’s disease, highlighting the latest research on their interconnected roles and examining lifestyle changes that may help improve outcomes. By addressing these two critical aspects of brain health, we can better understand the complexity of PD and identify practical steps to support overall brain function.
Decoding Dopamine: The "Feel-Good" Chemical
Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain that helps control how we feel, move, and think. It’s often called the "feel-good" chemical because it plays a big role in feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward. For example, when you eat your favourite food or accomplish a goal, dopamine is released, making you feel happy and satisfied. It also helps with important functions like learning, attention, sleep, and coordinating movements. When dopamine levels are too low or out of balance, it can affect your mood, energy, and ability to move smoothly, as seen in conditions like Parkinson’s disease (1)
Parkinson’s Disease: A Dopamine Deficiency
Dopamine is produced in a part of the brain called the Substantia Nigra, but in Parkinson’s disease, the neurons responsible for its production gradually die off, leading to a depletion of dopamine levels (1). This leads to slowed movements, muscle stiffness and tremors. As Parkinson’s progresses, symptoms like depression and dementia may appear (1).
Tips for Increasing Your Dopamine Levels Naturally
While neuronal damage in Parkinson's is permanent there are ways to support dopamine levels and potentially slow the progression of PD.
Eat Protein-Rich Foods: Foods like chicken, eggs, soy, and legumes contain amino acids (tyrosine and phenylalanine) that help your body produce dopamine naturally (3)(4)
Exercise Regularly: Exercise boosts endorphins (another “feel-good” chemical) and supports dopamine production. Studies show that even three workouts a week can improve brain function in early-stage Parkinson’s patients while increasing blood flow to the brain and help improve dopamine signalling (5)
Listen to Music: Music stimulates the brain’s reward centre. Research shows that listening to your favourite tunes can increase dopamine levels and lift your mood (6)(7).
The Hidden Role of Blood Vessels in Parkinson’s Disease
In addition to neuronal damage, recent studies have identified vascular degeneration (damage to blood vessels) and impaired vascular remodelling (the inability to repair damaged vessels) as significant contributors to Parkinson’s disease progression (2)(8). Here’s how these processes impact the brain:
What is Vascular Degeneration?
Vascular degeneration refers to the gradual breakdown of blood vessels in the brain, particularly capillaries—tiny vessels essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing toxins. In Parkinson’s disease, these capillaries become fewer and less functional, leading to reduced blood flow and compromised brain health (9)(13). Aging and PD-related changes also reduce levels of IGF-1, a hormone crucial for rebuilding capillaries (10). Addressing vascular damage, especially capillary health, could be key to improving outcomes for individuals with PD.
How Blood Vessel Repair Could Unlock New Hope for Parkinson’s Disease
Vascular remodelling is the process by which blood vessels adapt and repair themselves in response to changes in blood flow or damage caused by injuries or conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes (2). In Parkinson’s disease (PD), this repair system is disrupted due to reduced levels of growth factors like VEGF and TGF-β and specialized cells called pericytes that stabilize blood vessels (8). Without these components, damaged blood vessels aren’t replaced effectively, leading to poor blood flow and worsening PD symptoms.
Silver Lining: Reversing Vascular Damage
While neuronal damage is irreversible, vascular degeneration may be reversible. Research suggests that improving blood vessel health could slow disease progression and enhance quality of life for Parkinson’s patients (9).
Boosting IGF-1 levels is an important strategy for improving vascular health in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), as this hormone plays a vital role in rebuilding capillaries and supporting blood flow in the brain (10).
Supplements like cGPMAX® can help boost IGF-1 levels in the body. These supplements contain natural cGP, which has been scientifically proven to increase the amount of free, bioavailable IGF-1, restoring its biological activity and enhancing its ability to support capillary growth and overall vascular health (11).
Lifestyle Changes That Support Vascular Health
Exercise: Regular physical activity like walking or strength training has been shown to increase IGF-1 levels while improving circulation and neuroprotection (5).
Dietary Choices: A nutrient-rich diet including protein sources as well as foods high in zinc (pumpkin seeds), vitamin C (citrus fruits), and vitamin D can support vascular health (3)(10).
Probiotics: A healthy gut microbiome can influence IGF-1 levels by improving nutrient absorption and reducing inflammation (10).
Lifestyle Habits: Stress management and sufficient sleep are recognized as critical for maintaining hormonal balance, including IGF-1 (10).
Taking steps to improve cardiovascular health can also help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving blood flow and reducing vascular damage in the brain.
Managing blood pressure and cholesterol is essential, but there are additional ways to promote vascular health (14).
Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or strength training, not only improves circulation but also supports dopamine signalling and neuroprotection (5)
Adopting a heart-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean-style approach rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and omega-3 fatty acids, can enhance vascular function and reduce inflammation (15)(16).
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption further protects blood vessels from damage (17).
Maintaining a healthy weight and addressing conditions like diabetes or sleep apnoea also contribute to better vascular health (14).
In summary
Parkinson’s disease is a complex condition that involves both neuronal degeneration and vascular challenges. While the loss of dopamine-producing neurons is irreversible, emerging research shows that improving vascular health may offer new hope for managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a nutrient-rich diet, stress management, and sufficient sleep can support brain function by boosting IGF-1 levels and promoting capillary growth.
Additionally, supplements like cGPMAX™, containing natural cGP derived from New Zealand blackcurrants, have been scientifically proven to restore IGF-1 activity and enhance vascular health. By addressing both dopamine and vascular health, individuals with PD can take proactive steps toward improving their quality of life.
References
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2. Yang P, Waldvogel H, Turner C, Faull R, Dragunow M, et al. Vascular Remodelling is Impaired in Parkinson Disease. J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism. 2017;7:313. doi:10.4172/2161-0460.1000313
3. Kühn S, Düzel S, Colzato LS, et al. Food for thought: association between dietary tyrosine and cognitive performance in younger and older adults. Psychol Res. 2019;83(6):1097-1106. doi:10.1007/s00426-017-0957-4
4. Colzato LS, de Haan AM, Hommel B. Food for creativity: tyrosine promotes deep thinking. Psychol Res. 2015;79(5):709-714. doi:10.1007/s00426-014-0610-4
5. Petzinger GM, Holschneider DP, Fisher BE, et al. The Effects of Exercise on Dopamine Neurotransmission in Parkinson's Disease: Targeting Neuroplasticity to Modulate Basal Ganglia Circuitry. Brain Plast. 2015;1(1):29-39. doi:10.3233/bpl-150021
6. Koelsch S. Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2014;15(3):170-180. doi:10.1038/nrn3666
7. Salimpoor VN, Benovoy M, Larcher K, Dagher A, Zatorre RJ. Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nat Neurosci. 2011;14(2):257-262. doi:10.1038/nn2726
8. PMC Article: "Vascular Degeneration in Parkinson’s Disease." Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8029297/
9. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience: "Impaired Vascular Remodeling in Neurodegenerative Diseases." Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2022.853372/full
10. PubMed Study: "Role of IGF-1 in Vascular Health and Neuroprotection." Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22897695/
11. Omics Online: "Endothelial Degeneration of Parkinson's Disease is Related to Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation." Available from: https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/endothelial-degeneration-of-parkinsons-disease-is-related-to-alphasynuclein-aggregation-2161-0460-1000370-94649.html
12. Wikipedia Entry: "Parkinson's Disease Overview." Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson's_disease
13. Nature Article: "Impact of Vascular Damage on Neurodegeneration." Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-47708-2
14. Reference: Hackensack Meridian Health. How Weight Impacts Heart Health. Available from: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2020/12/07/how-weight-impacts-heart-health
15. Reference: PMC Article. Mediterranean Diet and Parkinson's Disease. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9820428/
16. Reference: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Parkinson's Disease and Diet: A Practical Guide. Available from: https://www.michaeljfox.org/sites/default/files/media/document/041819_MJFF_DIET_GUIDE_0_1.pdf
17. Reference: Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. Alcohol Use Disorder, Neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncel.2020.00282/full