REASON FOR TREATMENT: David was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the year 2000.
DIAGNOSIS: Parkinson's Disease stage III (Hoehn/Yahr scale)
TREATMENT: hRPE Cell Therapys implantation (human Retinal Pigment Epithelial cells, adult Cell Therapys) by stereotactic brain injection + nutritious Cell Therapy cocktail treatment (intravenous).
BEGINNING OF TREATMENT: March 10TH 2007
CONDITION BEFORE THE TREATMENT:
See Videos:
(Taken in the USA before coming for treatment) before1
(March 15TH) before2, before3
David's initial onset of symptoms was depression and the tightening of his muscles. The following years the disease showed its progression with tremors and decreasing ability to perform smooth movements.
Before the treatment David suffered from tight, spastic muscles especially in his neck and upper back, he suffered tremors in both his right hand and leg, which increased when he was in a state of anxiety. He was unable to pick up a piece of paper or grasp small objects with his fingers, his hand writing was very small and unreadable.
David had difficulty walking and had balance issues; he used to walk in short quick steps leaving him in danger of falls.
While standing he had a tendency to lean forward in a closed and tight posture.
One of David's main difficulties while walking was in changing direction and turning especially in small spaces. Occasionally He would freeze up as his muscles would lock into position for about 30 seconds before he could again move.
David also had major difficulty getting up out of bed by himself, and it would take him few minutes to pull himself out of bed.
Due to his delayed reaction time and his inability to turn his neck he was unable drive.
Depression and difficulty sleeping was a daily battle.
One major issue that has worsened in the last year was a declining speech pattern as his voice became softer and his words began to slur.
AFTER THE TREATMENT:
See Videos:
(April 15TH) after1, after2, after3, after4, after5
Within 4 weeks of treatment, the most noticeable improvement in David's condition was more fluidity in his general movements. His individual steps have become longer and more continuous and his walking more natural and better coordinated.
One of David's primary concerns before treatment was his decreasing balance and the fearing of falls. After the treatment his walking became much more stable and also his 'freeze ups' were completely gone.
His tremors in the right hand have almost completely disappeared. He still had some shakings in his right leg, which gradually began to decrease.
Getting up out of bed has significantly improved.
His posture has opened up more and it seems that his face relates more facial expressions, while as before he had a "Mask Face" (which is a typical symptom of Parkinson's as the muscles of the face do not show expressions).
David's hand writing has improved as his ability to do delicate fine motor tasks with his fingers has increased such as typing on his computer.
Few weeks after David returned from China to his home in Washington DC, he reports in an email to the hospital:
"I am lifting more weight in the gym, no more cramping in my muscles, no more lock ups when trying to turn around, no tremors in right hand.
It's easier getting out of bed and my voice has improved a little.
I have better energy."
Last Update (Friday,01 June 2007) | 
