Neuroprotective effect of carotenoids in brain

A method of treating Parkinson's disease, comprising:

• administering to an animal positive for Parkinson's disease an effective dose of a composition containing a molecular dispersion of carotenoids, the carotenoids consisting of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers, and the carotenoids being dispersed in a water soluble hydrophilic carrier, wherein the composition comprises at least 80% by weight of the carotenoids, and wherein the composition is safe for animal consumption, and as a dietary supplement;
• and
• administering to the animal positive for Parkinson's disease an effective dose of a therapeutic agent to treat Parkinson's disease,
• wherein the composition is administered in the range of 0.5 mg to 100 mg per day,
• wherein the therapeutic agents are carbidopa and levodopa,
• wherein levodopa is administered in the range of 25 mg to 75 mg per day,
• wherein carbidopa is administered in the range of 6.25 to 25 mg per day, and
• wherein the administering of the composition along with the administering of the therapeutic agent is effective to reduce the dose of the therapeutic agent to the animal positive with Parkinson's disease, relative to an animal positive with Parkinson's disease and administered with a higher dose of the therapeutic agent without administration of the composition.