World Parkinson’s Disease Day: Living with the “Shakes” — Could It Be Parkinson’s?

Uncontrollable hand tremors that gradually worsen

Slowed movements that feel stiff or hard to control

Increasing muscle rigidity throughout the body

An unsteady or shuffling walking pattern

...

If these symptoms sound familiar,Parkinson’s disease may be a possibility.


April 11,2025

2025 marks the 29th World Parkinson’s Disease Day.

This year’s theme:

“Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Management of Parkinson’s Disease”


Parkinson’s disease,also known historically as paralysis agitans,is a common neurodegenerative disorder.

Clinically,it is best known for its motor symptoms,including resting tremor,muscle rigidity,slowed movement(bradykinesia),and impaired balance or posture.Many patients also experience non-motor symptoms,such as a reduced sense of smell,sleep disturbances,cognitive changes,autonomic dysfunction,anxiety,or depression.

According to available data,in China the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease among adults aged 65 and older is approximately 1.7%,affecting an estimated 3.6 million people.China currently has the largest Parkinson’s patient population worldwide,and projections suggest this number could rise to around 5 million by 2030.


Research indicates that Parkinson’s disease is closely linked to the degeneration and loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain.This neuronal damage is strongly associated with oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction,and related cellular processes.

Scholars have found in research[1]:

Hydrogen has been shown to reduce the acute neurotoxic effects of MPTP,a chemical commonly used to induce Parkinson’s-like symptoms,on dopamine-producing neurons.

In chronic MPTP models,hydrogen therapy appears to improve motor and behavioral impairments,which mirror the core symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Studies also indicate that hydrogen can significantly reduce the loss of dopaminergic neurons in experimental Parkinson’s models.

Because hydrogen molecules are extremely small,they can easily cross cell membranes and reach the brain.Additional research suggests that in the midbrain of patients with Parkinson’s disease,hydroxyl radicals produced through the Fenton reaction can trigger a chain reaction that accelerates dopamine oxidation.Hydrogen that reaches the midbrain may neutralize these hydroxyl radicals by converting them into water,thereby inhibiting dopamine oxidation[2].

Taken together,these findings indicate that hydrogen-oxygen therapy,as an emerging medical approach,shows promising potential for the treatment and symptom management of Parkinson’s disease.

Less trembling,fewer regrets.

More warmth.More companionship.

Facing Parkinson’s disease—

we are not defined by it.

References:

[1]Fujita K,Seike T,Yutsudo N,Ohno M,Yamada H,Yamaguchi H,Sakumi K,Yamakawa Y,Kido MA,Takaki A,Katafuchi T,Tanaka Y,Nakabeppu Y,Noda M.Hydrogen in drinking water reduces dopaminergic neuronal loss in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine mouse model of Parkinson's disease.PLoS One.2009 Sep 30;4(9):e7247.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007247.PMID:19789628;PMCID:PMC2747267.

[2]Ichikawa,Yusuke1,2,*;Sato,Bunpei1,2;Hirano,Shin-ichi1;Takefuji,Yoshiyasu3,4;Satoh,Fumitake1,2.Realizing brain therapy with“smart medicine”:mechanism and case report of molecular hydrogen inhalation for Parkinson’s disease.Medical Gas Research 14(3):p 89-95,September 2024.