Book a Free 15 Minute Consult To Learn More About How Chambers Clinic Is Right For You
Book a Free 15 Minute Consult To Learn More About How Chambers Clinic Is Right For You
Neurodegenerative diseases are chronic, progressive disorders characterized by the gradual loss of structure or function of neurons (nerve cells) in the brain and nervous system. Over time, this neurodegeneration leads to declining cognitive abilities, movement difficulties, and other neurological impairments. These conditions have a profound impact on patients, families, and society. In fact, Alzheimer’s disease is among the leading causes of death in the United States. Worldwide, more than 55 million people live with dementia (mostly due to Alzheimer’s) and Parkinson’s disease – the second most common neurodegenerative disorder – affects over 10 million people globally.
Neurodegenerative diseases become more prevalent with age, and as our population grows older, their incidence is rising rapidly. Despite billions of dollars in research, true cures remain elusive, making early intervention and comprehensive care vital.
Impact and Prevalence: Neurodegenerative diseases not only shorten lifespan but also dramatically reduce quality of life. Memory loss, changes in personality, impaired movement, and loss of independence are common, placing heavy emotional and financial burdens on caregivers and healthcare systems. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people die from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Given their growing prevalence, understanding and treating these conditions is one of the most important challenges in medicine today. The good news is that emerging therapies and holistic approaches are offering new hope for patients and families.
The most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s is characterized by progressive memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline. Patients may start with mild memory lapses and progress to severe impairment in reasoning, language, and the ability to carry out daily activities. In the brain, Alzheimer’s involves abnormal protein deposits (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) and widespread neuron loss. It is typically a disease of older adults, though early-onset forms exist. Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of death and disability reflecting its serious impact.
A movement disorder and the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after AD. Parkinson’s primarily affects the part of the brain that controls movement, causing symptoms like tremors (shaking), muscle rigidity, slowed movement (bradykinesia), and balance problems. It can also lead to non-motor symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes in later stages. Parkinson’s results from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Symptoms usually start subtly and worsen over time, and while medications can help manage symptoms, there is no cure.
Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive motor neuron disease. It leads to the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and atrophy. Early signs might include muscle twitching or weakness in a limb, and it advances to complete paralysis of voluntary muscles. ALS does not typically affect cognition, meaning patients remain mentally alert as their physical function declines. It’s a relatively rare disease (affecting roughly 5 out of 100,000 people) but is devastating due to its rapid progression and lack of a cure. Life expectancy after diagnosis is usually 3–5 years, though some people live longer.
While primarily considered an autoimmune demyelinating disease, MS has neurodegenerative aspects. The immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin coating of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This leads to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. MS can cause a wide range of symptoms: fatigue, numbness, balance and coordination issues, vision problems, and cognitive changes. Some forms of MS are relapsing-remitting (symptoms flare and subside), while others are progressive. Over time, MS can lead to nerve degeneration and permanent disability.
There are numerous other conditions in this category. Dementia with Lewy bodies and Frontotemporal dementia are other forms of degenerative dementias affecting cognition and behavior. Huntington’s disease is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder causing movement abnormalities (chorea), psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive decline, often starting in mid-life. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Friedreich’s ataxia are examples of inherited neurodegenerative diseases that often begin in childhood. Even post-concussion syndrome and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in athletes are forms of progressive neurodegeneration due to repetitive brain injury. Each disease has unique features, but all involve the gradual loss of neurons and function over time.
Chambers Clinic’s :Neurodegenerative Disease Program takes a uniquely comprehensive approach to treating these challenging conditions. Rather than focusing only on managing symptoms, our team uses integrative and functional medicine principles to address root causes and support the whole person. We view neurodegenerative disease treatment through a holistic neurology lens – meaning we consider factors like nutrition, inflammation, hormones, toxins, lifestyle, and mental health, alongside conventional neurology care. Each patient undergoes an in-depth evaluation so we can tailor a personalized plan that maximizes their brain health and overall well-being. Our approach combines the best of evidence-based conventional medicine with innovative natural therapies, drawing on the clinic’s expertise as one of Arizona’s leading integrative medicine centers. Key elements of Chambers Clinic’s approach include:
Functional Medicine & Root Cause Analysis
Regenerative Medicine
Nutritional Interventions
Cognitive Rehabilitation & Therapy
IV Therapies and Detoxification
Alternative and Supportive Therapies
In essence, Chambers Clinic’s approach is highly personalized and holistic. We recognize that each individual’s neurodegenerative disease may have a different combination of triggers and contributing factors. Therefore, we create a tailored treatment plan that might include conventional medications and neurologist referrals alongside naturopathic care, dietary plans, supplements, and advanced regenerative treatments. This integrative strategy aims to slow disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and enhance quality of life far beyond what one modality alone could achieve.
Book a Free 15 Minute Consult To Learn More About How Chambers Clinic Is Right For You
Book a Free 15 Minute Consult To Learn More About How Chambers Clinic Is Right For You
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The Dr at Chambers clinic play a significant role in helping my families immune system , and especially help our teenager w Anxiety. Game changer!
The office rocks! So professional and welcoming every time. Dr Pasenka is amazing! Highly recommended practice.
Dr.vPsenka is a caring professional that listens and offers his expertise from a holistic viewpoint.
Fabulous customer service and every doctor cares a lot. Very personal service. Highly recommend.
I recommend Chambers Clinic. Providers and staff are excellent and their supplements store is very good as well
Dr. Psenka was thorough and informative. I did not feel rushed. The clinic staff was amazing. We will continue using the clinic and highly recommend.
Very impressed with my first visit. It was a super informative appt and the Dr was very knowledgeable and kind.