The Deanna Protocol: Help with ALS
A diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may leave you feeling overwhelmed, scared, angry, depressed and confused. But there is hope and help with the Deanna Protocol®.
ALS
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no cure. In ALS, nerve cells that control your muscles degenerate and die, leading to loss of function, including the ability to move, eat, speak and breathe. Life expectancy following a diagnosis is two to five years.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that ALS affects about 1.6 people per 100,000 population in the United States and that about 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS each year. Researchers have found that in patients with ALS:
- Nerve cells lose energy
- Without energy the nerve cells die
- Glutamate, a neurotransmitter (a chemical that sends messages from nerve cells to muscle cells) byproduct of cell metabolism, is present in excessive amounts
These findings led to the development of the Deanna Protocol.
The Deanna Protocol
In 2009, Dr. Vincent Tedone, a retired orthopedic surgeon, was motivated to research alternative ALS therapies when his 30-year-old daughter, Deanna, was diagnosed with the disease. He wondered if ALS could be treated similarly to diabetes, a disease in which the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin, causing high glucose levels in the blood that can damage the heart, kidneys and other organs and systems. Diabetes treatment consists of replacing the missing insulin. Dr. Tedone theorized that replacing the missing metabolic enzymes that provide cells with energy would slow ALS progression.
As a result, Dr. Tedone put together the Deanna Protocol, a metabolic therapy, that has been shown to improve muscle function, reduce symptoms and increase longevity in mice with ALS. Although no human clinical trials have been conducted at this time, patient testimonials about reduced symptoms, improved functioning and better quality of life support these findings.
The Deanna Protocol consists of:
- Daily intake of naturally occurring metabolic supplements to supply energy to the cells and antioxidants
- Massage with extra virgin coconut oil
- Nonexhaustive exercise, including resistance training and aerobics
For more information about the Deanna Protocol, visit Winning the Fight or Simplesa®, a nutritional supplement company.
Simplesa®
Simplesa® is a nutritional supplement company that has developed formulations based on the Deanna Protocol. Simplesa products are the first-ever specific vitamins and supplements for ALS patients, making it easy and affordable to follow the Deanna Protocol. For more information, visit Simplesa.
Additional Support and Resources
Additional help is available from the ALS Association. This national nonprofit organization is dedicated to researching a cure for ALS and providing resources and assistance to ALS patients and their families. Visit their website to find educational materials for both patients and caregivers and for access to local programs and services that can help you cope with ALS.