Note: This column describes the author’s own experience with vitamin B1. Not everyone responds to treatment the same way. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping treatment.
Last fall, at a support group for Parkinson’s caregivers, I learned that vitamin B1, or high-dose thiamine, can be effective in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, “Some studies have found an association between low levels of thiamine and Parkinson’s disease, but the research has limitations.”
Some of my fellow caregivers had found positive results from adding B1 therapy to their spouse’s treatment. I was excited that this therapy might work for my husband, Arman. When I found the B1 Parkinson’s website, I was amazed by the quotes I read. B1 seemed like the miracle we had been waiting for.
The next step was to consult with Ahman’s movement disorder specialist, who had never heard of the treatment but was open to Ahman trying it.
After getting her doctor’s approval, Arman began treatment, following the dosage suggestions in Dr. Daphne Bryan’s book, “Parkinson’s Disease and Vitamin B1 Therapy.”
How is it happening?
Arman has been taking vitamin B1 to treat his early-onset Parkinson’s disease for about eight months now, but he’s not sure if there has been any real improvement.
Unfortunately, the miracle I was hoping for did not happen. I guess the image in my mind of my son standing upright, moving with ease, and never falling again was not very realistic. I keep reading over and over again of others who have had life-changing experiences with the B1 and I can’t help but wonder why it didn’t happen for us.
Although there hasn’t been a significant reduction in Armand’s symptoms, he has been able to reduce the dosage of his Parkinson’s medication, which Team Ascari sees as a small victory in the boxing match against the disease.
So, even though the vitamin B1 regimen hasn’t been a resounding success or magical fix, Arman plans to continue adding it to his morning regimen, and so far he hasn’t noticed any downsides to taking it.
We continue to learn and become informed about new vitamins, supplements, medicines, and treatments that may just be the miracle we’ve been waiting for. A cure or effective treatment option for Parkinson’s may not be found today, tomorrow, or next week, but we remain hopeful that one day we will find one.
Notes: Parkinson’s Disease News is a website that provides news and information about diseases. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or processThis content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to stimulate discussion about issues relating to Parkinson’s disease.
