Functional Medicine for Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and MS

Functional Medicine for Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and MS

By P. Lovegrove Medically Reviewed by Lindsay Langley, BSN, RN, CHT

Posted Monday, October 7th, 2024

Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS) can be incredibly challenging, not only for those who suffer from them but also for their families and caregivers. While conventional medicine focuses on treating symptoms, functional medicine takes a more holistic, individualized approach to these diseases.

In this article, we’ll explore how functional medicine works for neurological disorders, focusing on Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and MS. We’ll cover the basics of these conditions, how functional medicine approaches treatment, and what patients can expect from this integrative approach.

What Is Functional Medicine?

Before diving into the specifics of neurological disorders, it’s essential to understand what functional medicine is. Unlike traditional medicine, which typically aims to treat symptoms directly, functional medicine looks to address the root cause of illness. It’s a patient-centered approach that focuses on the whole person—considering genetics, environment, lifestyle, and diet.

Functional medicine practitioners aim to restore balance to the body’s systems by combining conventional medicine with natural treatments, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. This personalized approach often leads to a treatment plan that works better for the individual, especially in chronic diseases like neurological disorders.

How Functional Medicine Differs from Conventional Medicine

• Individualized treatment: Functional medicine treats each patient uniquely, based on their specific imbalances.
• Holistic approach: Instead of targeting isolated symptoms, functional medicine aims to address the root cause of illness.
• Preventative focus: Functional medicine emphasizes preventing diseases by optimizing overall health.

Parkinson’s Disease and Functional Medicine

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical responsible for smooth and coordinated muscle movements, begin to die. As dopamine levels decrease, symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement start to appear.

While conventional treatments for Parkinson’s include medications like levodopa to manage symptoms, they don’t slow the disease’s progression. This is where functional medicine steps in.

Functional Medicine’s Approach to Parkinson’s

Functional medicine looks at Parkinson’s as a multifactorial disorder. Instead of simply managing the symptoms, the goal is to find out why the brain’s dopamine-producing cells are dying and work to stop that process. Here’s how functional medicine tackles Parkinson’s:

1. Addressing Mitochondrial Dysfunction

The mitochondria are the energy powerhouses of our cells, and research suggests they play a role in Parkinson’s disease. In functional medicine, enhancing mitochondrial function through specific supplements (like CoQ10, magnesium, and alpha-lipoic acid) can support brain cells.

2. Reducing Oxidative Stress

Parkinson’s is partly caused by oxidative stress, which occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Functional medicine addresses this by recommending a diet rich in antioxidants—found in colorful fruits and vegetables—and supplements like vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione to neutralize free radicals.

3. Targeting Gut Health

Interestingly, gut health is thought to play a significant role in Parkinson’s. Some studies suggest that Parkinson’s might start in the gut before affecting the brain. Functional medicine practitioners often focus on restoring gut health through probiotics, prebiotics, and an anti-inflammatory diet. They may also recommend eliminating processed foods and food sensitivities (like gluten) that may trigger inflammation in the gut.

4. Detoxification

Environmental toxins, like heavy metals, have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s. Functional medicine focuses on detoxifying the body through chelation therapy, liver-supporting nutrients (like milk thistle), and infrared saunas.

How It Works in Practice

For someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a functional medicine practitioner might start by conducting comprehensive testing to assess oxidative stress levels, gut health, inflammation markers, and toxin load. Based on the results, they would create a tailored plan that includes dietary changes, targeted supplements, and lifestyle adjustments aimed at slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Functional Medicine

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. It occurs when amyloid plaques and tau tangles accumulate in the brain, disrupting communication between neurons and leading to their death.

Standard treatments for Alzheimer’s involve medications that may improve symptoms for a limited time, but they don’t stop or reverse the disease’s progression. Functional medicine, on the other hand, takes a different approach by addressing the underlying causes of brain degeneration.

Functional Medicine’s Approach to Alzheimer’s

In functional medicine, Alzheimer’s is seen as a condition that stems from a combination of factors, including inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and toxin exposure. Here’s how functional medicine addresses Alzheimer’s:

1. Reducing Brain Inflammation

Chronic inflammation in the brain is one of the main drivers of Alzheimer’s disease. Functional medicine practitioners use anti-inflammatory protocols that focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, herbs like turmeric, and antioxidants. They may also recommend removing common dietary triggers of inflammation, like sugar, processed foods, and trans fats.

2. Optimizing Nutrient Levels

Many patients with Alzheimer’s show deficiencies in key brain-supporting nutrients, such as vitamins B12, D, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Functional medicine aims to correct these imbalances through both diet and supplementation. For example, increasing intake of leafy greens, fatty fish, and healthy fats (like olive oil and avocados) can support cognitive function.

3. Hormonal Balance

Hormonal imbalances, particularly a decline in estrogen (for women) and testosterone (for men), have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Functional medicine often addresses these imbalances with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), alongside diet and lifestyle changes to improve hormone regulation naturally.

4. Toxin Elimination

Exposure to environmental toxins—such as heavy metals, mold, and pesticides—can contribute to cognitive decline. Functional medicine practitioners may use detoxification strategies like supporting liver function, chelation therapy, and ensuring the patient’s home is free from harmful toxins like mold or pollutants.

5. Supporting Mitochondrial Function

Like Parkinson’s, mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Functional medicine practitioners use supplements like CoQ10, PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone), and NAD+ precursors to enhance energy production in brain cells.

How It Works in Practice

For someone diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s, a functional medicine practitioner would perform a comprehensive assessment that might include genetic testing, toxin screening, and evaluating nutrient deficiencies. Based on the results, they’d create a personalized plan that could include dietary changes, supplements, detoxification strategies, and lifestyle modifications aimed at supporting brain health and slowing cognitive decline.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Functional Medicine

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering (myelin) of nerve fibers in the central nervous system, leading to communication issues between the brain and the rest of the body. This can result in a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and cognitive issues.

Conventional treatments for MS often focus on managing symptoms or slowing the progression of the disease with immunosuppressant drugs. Functional medicine offers an alternative, focusing on addressing the immune system imbalances and triggers that contribute to MS.

Functional Medicine’s Approach to MS

Functional medicine treats MS by looking at the underlying causes, such as inflammation, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies, and working to rebalance the immune system. Here’s how functional medicine tackles MS:

1. Restoring Gut Health

A growing body of research links gut health to autoimmune diseases like MS. The gut-brain connection is crucial in functional medicine, and practitioners often start by addressing issues like leaky gut, dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria), and food sensitivities. This can involve a combination of probiotics, and prebiotics, and eliminating inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, and processed foods.

2. Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the progression of MS. Functional medicine uses an anti-inflammatory approach, which includes a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and resveratrol may also be used to reduce inflammation.

3. Immune System Balance

Since MS is an autoimmune condition, functional medicine focuses on balancing the immune system rather than suppressing it. This may involve using adaptogenic herbs, such as ashwagandha and rhodiola, and optimizing vitamin D levels, which play a critical role in immune function.

4. Addressing Toxins

Like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, toxin exposure may contribute to MS. Functional medicine practitioners work on detoxifying the body, often starting with reducing exposure to environmental toxins, heavy metals, and mold. Detox protocols may include liver-supporting supplements, increased hydration, and sweating therapies (like saunas).

5. Mitochondrial Support

In MS, the myelin sheath surrounding nerves can be damaged by oxidative stress. Functional medicine practitioners focus on improving mitochondrial function through diet, lifestyle changes, and supplements like CoQ10, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and alpha-lipoic acid to protect and repair nerve cells.

How It Works in Practice

For a patient with MS, a functional medicine practitioner typically begins by identifying the root causes of immune dysfunction through advanced testing. This might include food sensitivity testing, stool analysis, and heavy metal testing. From there, the practitioner would create a personalized treatment plan to help balance the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support overall nerve health. This plan could include targeted dietary changes, such as eliminating gluten or dairy, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, and utilizing supplements to address nutrient deficiencies and support mitochondrial function.

Lifestyle Factors in Functional Medicine for Neurological Disorders

One of the key pillars of functional medicine is the emphasis on lifestyle changes. For neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and MS, the way a person lives day to day can have a significant impact on disease progression and symptom management. Let’s explore some of the lifestyle factors that functional medicine practitioners often address:

1. Dietary Modifications

The saying “you are what you eat” rings especially true in functional medicine. For neurological disorders, a healthy, nutrient-rich diet can help improve brain function and slow disease progression. Some of the most recommended dietary strategies include:

• Anti-inflammatory diets: These diets focus on reducing inflammation in the body, which is a key factor in neurological degeneration. This includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fatty fish), leafy greens, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
• The Mediterranean diet: Studies show that the Mediterranean diet, rich in healthy fats, whole grains, and fresh produce, can be beneficial for brain health and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
• Elimination of processed foods and sugars: Processed foods and refined sugars can exacerbate inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are harmful to the brain. Functional medicine often recommends avoiding these foods altogether.

2. Exercise and Movement

Physical activity plays an essential role in managing neurological disorders. While conventional medicine might not emphasize exercise as much, functional medicine considers it a crucial part of any treatment plan. Exercise can:

• Increase neuroplasticity: Physical activity promotes the growth of new brain cells and strengthens connections between neurons, which is particularly helpful in conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
• Reduce inflammation: Regular exercise lowers levels of inflammation in the body, which can slow the progression of diseases like MS.
• Improve motor function: For people with Parkinson’s disease, exercises like tai chi, yoga, and resistance training can help improve balance, coordination, and mobility.

3. Stress Management

Chronic stress has a detrimental effect on brain health and can accelerate the progression of neurological diseases. Functional medicine takes a comprehensive approach to stress management, incorporating techniques like:

• Mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce stress, lower inflammation, and improve cognitive function.
• Breathing exercises: Techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage stress and promote relaxation.
• Social support: Isolation and loneliness can worsen symptoms in neurological disorders, so functional medicine practitioners often emphasize the importance of community and staying socially connected.

4. Sleep Optimization

Sleep is vital for brain health, and poor sleep can exacerbate symptoms in neurological conditions. Functional medicine practitioners focus on improving sleep quality through:

• Sleep hygiene: This includes creating a regular sleep schedule, reducing exposure to blue light from screens before bed, and optimizing the sleep environment to be cool, dark, and quiet.
• Addressing underlying issues: Functional medicine looks for root causes of sleep disturbances, like hormonal imbalances, stress, or poor digestion, and works to correct them through natural means.

5. Toxin Avoidance and Detoxification

We live in a world full of environmental toxins, and exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and other pollutants can negatively impact neurological health. Functional medicine practitioners often focus on:

• Reducing exposure: This might involve switching to organic produce, using non-toxic cleaning products, and filtering drinking water to reduce the intake of harmful substances.
• Supporting natural detoxification pathways: The body naturally eliminates toxins through processes in the liver, kidneys, and skin. Functional medicine can support this with dietary strategies, supplements (like milk thistle), and lifestyle practices (like infrared sauna therapy).

Success Stories and Scientific Support

While functional medicine is still considered complementary to conventional approaches, more research is supporting its effectiveness in neurological conditions. Some notable studies and case reports show how this holistic approach can be beneficial:

1. Parkinson’s Disease

Many studies highlight the benefits of addressing inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut health in Parkinson’s patients. For example, research shows that diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can help protect dopamine-producing cells from damage. Additionally, there are case reports of patients experiencing improved motor function and reduced symptoms when following functional medicine protocols that focus on gut health and reducing toxin exposure.

2. Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr. Dale Bredesen’s work with the ReCODE protocol is one of the best-known examples of a functional medicine approach to Alzheimer’s. His research and clinical work have shown that addressing multiple factors—such as inflammation, insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, and toxin exposure—can not only slow the progression of Alzheimer’s but, in some cases, reverse cognitive decline.

3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Terry Wahls, MD, is a physician who famously used a functional medicine approach to manage her own progressive MS. Her Wahls Protocol, which focuses on a nutrient-dense diet, gut health, and lifestyle changes, has helped not only herself but countless other MS patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

What to Expect from Functional Medicine Treatment

The process typically begins with an extensive evaluation if you’re considering functional medicine for a neurological disorder. This might include:

• Comprehensive blood work to check for nutrient deficiencies, inflammation markers, and toxin levels.
• Genetic testing to assess risk factors and guide personalized treatment.
• Gut health analysis to detect any imbalances in gut bacteria or signs of leaky gut.
• Toxin screenings to identify heavy metals, mold, or other environmental toxins in your body.

Based on this information, a functional medicine practitioner will create a customized treatment plan that may include dietary changes, supplements, detoxification strategies, stress management techniques, and lifestyle modifications. Regular follow-ups will ensure the treatment plan is working, and adjustments can be made as needed.

Final Thoughts

Functional medicine offers a promising, holistic approach to treating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis. By addressing the root causes of disease, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxin exposure, functional medicine aims to slow disease progression, reduce symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. While it may not replace conventional treatments, it can work alongside them to provide a more comprehensive, personalized approach to care.

Whether you’re looking to manage symptoms more effectively or slow the progression of a neurological disorder, functional medicine offers hope and new avenues of treatment that focus on treating the whole person, not just the disease.