Parkinson's Disease Update   The current concepts of the cause of Parkinson's Disease are centered around environmental toxins and the direct and oxidative damage that they cause to the substantia nigra (the part of the brain involved in Parkinson's Disease). Many studies at autopsy have supported the free radical molecular injury in this disease process as the pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease.   The specifics of this process relate to: 1) Increased brain iron content 2) Impaired mitochondrial function 3) Alterations in antioxidant protective systems: SOD (superoxide dismutase) and reduced glutathione 4) Oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA The hydroxyl radical is thought to be the specific radical free radical that leads to the damage, but peroxynitrite and nitric oxide are also involved.   Since it is now a well established fact that environmental factors play a role in Parkinson's Disease, it would be important to investigate the burden of toxins in the body of anyone who develops Parkinson's Disease and then remove those toxins.   In addition, therapies aimed at lowering intracerebral oxidative stress would certainly be in order. At our Center, our main focus is on discovering the environmental burdens in an individual that have led to the development of an illness. Afterwards, we meticulously remove these toxins and begin the process of healing which then stops the progressive, downhill spiral of Parkinson's Disease.