Will my Nigerian Prince Ever Arrive? Scamming the PD Patient.

Since I made this blog public a few weeks ago, I have received at ton of email voicing support and positive opinions. Mixed in with that are emails from people who fall into two categories:

1. People who absolutely believe that religion and prayer will reverse the disease.
2. Individuals who have been cured through alternative therapies.

Concerning the cohort in the first group, I am truly envious of their faith---mainly because I lack it.  When times are tough, I do not have religion to comfort me.  Having those guiding principles and beliefs when things get rough must serve as a buttress. Many have written me offering prayers and, while it is not something I would do, I am extremely appreciative and gladly accept them.  

The second cohort is a bit trickier. Complementary and alternative therapies are often used in conjunction with the traditional treatments for PD.  Some examples are :

• Nutrition and Supplements
• Coenzyme CoQ10
• Creatine
• Low protein diet
• Caffeine

  

  Scams come in all forms.

• Homeopathy
• Aregentum nitricum
• Causticum
• Mercurius vivus

• Herbs
• Ginkgo
• Cowhag
• Brahmi

• Movement Therapies
• Music therapy
• Alexander  Technique
• Feldenkrais Method

A comprehensive list was created by the University of Maryland Health Center.  It can be accessed here.

Do I think that alternative therapies can have statistically significant outcomes concerning reducing symptoms? Absolutely! What does concern me are people who peddle "cures" for PD.

Having a neurodegenerative disease that doesn't have a cure can produce stress and anxiety for the future. These emotions can then lead to desperate acts and can result in putting your faith in the wrong individuals. I have been amazed at the number of emails I have received trying to prey on my age and, ultimately, my fear of the disease progressing.  They are well-written, pseudo-scientific correspondences that, if I were to follow through on, would leave me in worse physical shape and with a lot less money.

We, as patients, need to trust the process.  Clinical trials, sound research, and proper funding will get us where we need to be---not snake oil salesmen with magical pills. We will get to a cure in our lifetime but we must show patience and respect for the scientific method.  And when we have solved the PD riddle and we can close up shop at the Michael J Fox Foundation, then I will do the victory dance below (as performed by my favorite college bball player, Amidah Brimah):