A Parkinson's Protocol that Delivers
As a lifelong endurance athlete and certifiable health nut, I favor preventative and lifestyle approaches to health issues whenever possible, even if it requires more effort and patience than simply taking a pill.
In 2018 at the age of 57, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. According to “Dr. Google,” all I could expect was to gradually feel worse than I already did until I reached a state of total disability and dementia. I sat there in an existential stupor, thinking, “So as lousy as I feel today, it’s as good as I’m ever going to feel for the rest of my life?”
When I started taking Carbidopa/Levodopa (Cd/Ld), I felt better than I had in 10 years. I postponed my planned retirement and started jogging again, ran a few 5ks, and even won my division in a couple of them.
As expected, each year I had to increase my dosage and eventually switched to Rytary, the much touted and pricier time-release version of Cd/Ld, as well as adding in Entacapone to the mix. When I began to experience some dyskinesia, I tried Vyalev, a liquid form of Cd/Ld delivered at a steady rate, subcutaneously, 24/7. My dyskinesia vanished, I no longer needed Rytary or Entacapone and best of all, I didn’t have to worry about missing doses or timing with meals. I felt like I’d turned back the clock 3 years!
So now that I was feeling better enough to work out harder again, I wanted to work out SMARTER – to make the most of the limited time and effort I have for investing in exercise.
The PPC delivers! I have learned an entirely new approach to training. The protocol’s progressively intense, customized workouts are designed to target Parkinson’s symptoms, and are customized for each person. I have certainly improved my physical strength, mobility, flexibility, balance, posture, and coordination (to say nothing of my ego-pleasing muscle tone).
But Athleticism is just one pillar of the program; it is supported by the other four mutually reinforcing pillars. I have learned more about neurology, metabolism, mitochondria, and how the brain works than I ever dreamed I could take in. Understanding the WHYs behind each pillar’s protocol motivates me to follow the guidelines and take advantage of the vast array of tools provided to hold myself accountable.
The way I eat, exercise, sleep, think, and handle emotions affects not only my quality of life, but also the people “lucky” enough to know me. Committing to the protocol empowers me to slow – and maybe prevent – PD symptoms, and to live as fully as I can for as long as possible. Hopefully without annoying people (too much).
Speaking of people I might annoy, my lovely wife really appreciates the online sessions for Caretakers. Sharing experiences with others who support PPC participants validates her frustrations about my sometimes less-than-stellar behaviors or my lapses in judgment. She and I have modified our approach in certain situations and we are both communicating more effectively.
Another unexpected bonus are the real connections and kinship I enjoy with other participants. Their insights and breakthroughs nourish and challenge my own. Just as satisfying are moments when something I say helps someone else
As a result of my active participation in PPC protocol for the past 6 months:
* I no longer view Parkinson’s as a condition where everything only gets worse,
* I have gained back my sense of humor and other parts of myself I thought were left behind forever, and
* I have a grip on practices and approaches to life that will keep me healthier and happier longer.








