Juvenon + Lions Mane for CMT by Dr. Weil

[Guest guest]

Q Charcot-Marie-Tooth: Weak Feet and Legs?

What can you tell me about Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease? Would Juvenon

be a helpful supplement? If not, what would you recommend?

A Answer (Published 3/3/2008)

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400363/CharcotMarieTooth-Weak-Feet-and-Legs.html

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, named for the three physicians who

identified it in 1886, is an inherited disorder that affects the

nerves serving the muscles in the arms and legs. Early symptoms

include weakness of the foot and lower leg muscles, which can result

in frequent tripping or falls. Foot drop may occur, and gait may

change. Weakness of the small muscles in the feet can result in high

arches and hammertoes (the middle joint of a toe bends upwards). Loss

of muscle bulk can change the appearance of the lower legs giving

them an " inverted champagne bottle " look. Eventually, the disease can

affect the hands, leading to weakness and muscle atrophy and

impairment of fine motor skills. CMT also causes pain that can range

from mild to severe. But the severity of symptoms varies from patient

to patient. The progression is often gradual, and the disease is not

life threatening.

There are many types of CMT disease caused by different mutations in

the genes involved. In some forms of CMT, inheriting only one copy of

a mutated gene is enough to cause the disease; in others, you have to

inherit abnormalities from both parents.

Although there's no cure, physical and occupational therapy can

strengthen and stretch muscles and increase stamina. Biking and

swimming are recommended for cardiovascular fitness and general

health, rather than walking or jogging, both of which may stress

fragile muscles and joints. Ankle braces and other orthopedic devices

can help provide support and stability. Some patients opt for surgery

to reverse foot and joint deformities.

I don't think Juvenon would be helpful specifically for CMT, but I

would recommend lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom extracts.

This medicinal and culinary mushroom from Asia has a beneficial

effect on nerve growth and function. I also suggest consulting a

practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and trying Feldenkrais

Method, a type of bodywork aimed at increasing ease and range of

motion, improving flexibility and coordination. The Method is

frequently used to improve balance and coordination. Learn more at

www.feldenkrais.com.

Weil, M.D.