An interview with Mark Limebear and Michel Planquart from No Silver Bullet 4 PD on July 14, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Mark is a property professional and entrepreneur who has always been physically active, playing squash and skiing for years. In 2014, he and his wife noticed a change in his walking gait and stiffness in his left arm swing, along with left hand thumb twitches. Referral to his GP led to a neurologist who delivered a swift and blunt diagnosis of “You have Parkinson’s, take Sinemet and come back in 12 months”!
Michel was the successful CEO of one of the world’s largest financial brokers, who noticed difficulties in typing and writing which led to a GP consultation and referral to a neurologist where he was told, in no uncertain terms, that “he had Parkinson’s disease, an incurable, degenerative disorder causing a multitude of symptoms”. “Walking back to the office that day felt the same as walking home on 9/11” said Michel” everything around me moved in slow motion and I knew that my world would never be the same again”.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
Our mission is to help you and motivate you to become well-informed generalists in your condition and to make the right choices on how to adapt your lifestyle to slow down disease progression.
Mark and Michel reacted in the same way, both unhappy with their neurologist’s lack of interest in what else might help them and, feeling that there was more to be done than accepting their fate, so began researching for other solutions. This led them to specialists in Nutrition for PD, Dr Geoffrey, and Lucille Leader. Covid had begun so the consults were done via Zoom, where they met, soon realizing that they had the same outlook, that there is more to PD than simply taking Meds and that there is a big place for exercise (particularly high intensity), nutrition and mindfulness (Meditation, Yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi etc).
So, we formed a simple WhatsApp group, which then grew as other PwP and carers joined, so moved to a platform to share information on what they learned and to give other PwP support and “No Silver Bullet” was created- a name to reflect the absence of a single solution for the variety of symptoms that we all get.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
We are just two men who in their early 50’s, were diagnosed with Parkinson’s. After the initial shock they quickly realized that sitting back and just taking their prescribed medication was not their solution, a tale that is familiar with a growing number of PwP.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
We have leading world experts in their specialist PD fields giving their time generously to improve the lives of those with PD.
Interviews with experts
We organize live webinars on YouTube with researchers and PD specialists to update you on the latest advances in science and medicine, nutrition, exercise, and wellness.
TikTok
We regularly post short videos on TikTok about the latest medical and scientific research on Parkinson’s as well as highlights from our interviews with experts.
On Instagram, our community of people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers is expanding, and you can also explore our short videos on the platform.
Spotify
We also post podcasts of our interviews on Spotify so that you can listen to them as you relax or exercise.
View the recordings of our previous sessions on YouTube.
Every day over 1,000 people from around the world watch the recordings of our webinars. Don’t miss out!
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Our videos can assist individuals with PD and their caregivers.
Along with a platform to post on, we began to organize speakers to join us via Zoom which has now become our focus.
We try to choose experts on a range of topics and so far, have managed to host sessions from these wonderful experts (In no particular order):
Dr Catherine Hamilton Founder of Wellred – Red Light Therapy
Lucy Jung CEO & Founder of Charconeurotech – CUE1 device
Dr Simon Stott Dir Research Cure Parkinson’s – Round up of 2021 research and view of 2022.
Prof Roger Barker Cambridge University- Cell replacement therapy
Dr Jonathan Sackner- Bernstein- Discussing his research on whether Dopamine is not the answer.
Dr Kevin McFarthing- The drug development landscape
Prof Alberto Espay- The missing ingredient for successful disease modification
Prof Tom Foltynie- The repurposing of diabetes drugs (Exenatide)
Prof Bas Bloem (Sept 2023- PD & exercise)
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
A greater worldwide reach of our No Silver Bullet Interviews to the millions of PD sufferers, many of whom do not get access to support and to the growing range of therapies, technological developments, and benefits of exercise and better diet and nutrition.
What events do you participate in?
Arranging and conducting interviews that are recorded and then shared on our YouTube channel and on major Podcast suppliers. We were recently invited by the Michael J Fox foundation and Cure Parkinson’s to take part in a panel on how to increase engagement between researchers and patients.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
It is just as important that Caregivers are made aware of developing therapies etc.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Email at nosilverbullet4pd@gmail.com
https://nosilverbullet4pd.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/@nosilverbullet4pd998
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Become an expert in your own condition and symptoms by being inquisitive and asking questions about what might help you. Consider lifestyle changes that might help you, including physical exercise, nutrition, meditation/relaxation techniques and technology. Don’t be afraid to ask your Neurologist or Healthcare professionals questions about new ideas; don’t just sit back and take meds BUT always seek professional advice before changing your medications.
Testimonials
I can’t thank you enough for all you do for the PD community. You have changed our lives so much for the better. God’s blessings to you.
Jake from Austin, USA
Informative, inspirational, and insightful. The interviews are top quality and have helped me build my own PD management routine.
Jim from Leeds, United Kingdom
Thank you for telling us about everything we can do to manage our symptoms that our doctors don’t tell us. You gave me back hope!
Kitty from Sydney, Australia