Information Sheet for: Parkinson's Improvement Programme
(Copyright © Andrew Carmichael 2007)

Existing eradication treatment of Helicobacter pylori involves antibiotics and can cause side effects in some patients probably due to unwanted eradication of beneficial (good) organisms. A proposed new method of eradication is the use of palmitoyl ascorbate (sometimes known as ascorbyl palmitate) – a fat-soluble derivative of Vitamin C used as a food additive (E-304) in many prepared foods. Tests show that H. pylori is very sensitive to this in the laboratory. In this study the side effects are minimised by the use of probiotics at the same time as the medications – a proven method.

Helicobacter pylori is implicated in gastric ulcer, gastric cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, anaemia, arthritis, heart disease, skin problems and surprisingly to some, Parkinson's disease (PD). Reputable studies have shown that total eradication of H. pylori results in an improvement in the symptoms of PD to a large extent in some cases – sufficiently so to result in optimism that this study is something beneficial to most people with PD. Other studies have shown that palmitoyl ascorbate is found in the brain at almost ten times the concentration of ordinary Vitamin C. As a powerful antioxidant it helps to heal the damage done by years of deprivation of nutrients. This study will explore the effects of a small daily intake of palmitoyl ascorbate over a long period.

Parkinson's Disease is a very long term neurodegenerative process estimated to occur over a period of up to 25 years before diagnosis. By the time diagnosis is made, up to 80% of nerve cells (neurons) can be lost in some areas of the brain so any hope of slowing or reversing this decline is valuable.

We hope you will take part in this study to determine the best way to proceed for the benefit of all patients with PD. Our results will prove useful in other fields of medicine wherever eradication of H. pylori is thought desirable. 

Further to the use of palmitoyl ascorbate you will have the option of a daily intake of Trehalose (Ascend™) which is a natural fructose about 40% as sweet as sugar (glucose). This is a manufactured product and it has the ability to assist in the unfolding of misfolded proteins such as amyloid or synuclein.

It is in use by Huntingtons patients as a method of delaying symptoms and is sold in the USA as 'Neurocoat'.

All patients in this study are recommended to take Danone Fruit Layer yoghurt and Actimel lactobacillus drink daily together with Boots or similar 1000mg cod liver oil capsules (one daily) and vitamin supplements particularly of A, B6 and B12.  Folic acid supplements have also been shown to be beneficial.

We will monitor any changes in your condition once a month and ask for your co-operation in keeping a note of any changes you feel in any area of the body or in your daily life. You may wish to inform your GP of this study and any information he/she may require will be gladly given.

NO PATIENT WILL BE HARMED IN ANY WAY BY TAKING PART, and the treatment choices are available even if you do not wish to be a member of the study group of patients. 

THANK YOU

Andrew Carmichael

Version 1.1    06.02.2007