How to Flourish With Parkinson’s
An active and positive life with Parkinson’s is possible
There is no cure for Parkinson’s. However, motor symptoms can be kept in check with medicine, healthy diet, exercise, and physical therapy. The major motor symptoms include tremors, rigid muscles, posture instability, balance issues, and slow walking. There are non-motor symptoms too, and include difficulty sleeping, loss of smell, fatigue, depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, and slow thinking.
Exercise
Being physically active with Parkinson’s is vital. Consistent exercise helps with mobility. Walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, strength training, and non-contact boxing are great ways to loosen stiff muscles.
Exercise releases feel good endorphins resulting in a better mental outlook. A regular workout plan along with stretching keeps us moving.
I have Parkinson’s and I find exercise is the key ingredient needed to keep moving.
Diet
While there is no special diet for Parkinson’s healthy eating is always a good idea. A good tip to remember is if we do not feel good, Parkinson’s does not feel good either.
Many people with PD suffer from constipation. I can say from personal experience this should be avoided at all cost. A high-fiber diet with lots of fruit and vegetables can help. Drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated and help with constipation too.
Medications
Levodopa is the most common medicine prescribed for Parkinson’s. A chemical in the brain called dopamine controls body movement. Motor symptoms such as tremors occur when the brain does not produce enough dopamine.
Levodopa increases dopamine production, resulting in better mobility. They usually add Carbidopa to Levodopa for better absorption and to prevent nausea. Taking Levodopa has risks. If taken over a long period, the medicine can produce uncontrolled movements. Sometimes a medicine called Safinamideis is added to Levodopa if symptoms of Parkinson’s get worse.
Healthcare Team
Movement Disorder Specialist, a neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s is of significant benefit. We should keep your regular doctor in the loop regarding your Parkinson’s status, especially if you are on other medications.
A physical therapist can be of great help if the going gets rough. He can teach you specific exercises to aid in movement that you can do at home. I found this to be very helpful.
Finally, having Parkinson’s sucks. Yet, life goes on. The tips listed can keep you moving and mentally alert. I keep going by working around the frailty. For example, my left hand shakes almost constantly. I am typing this post with the other hand. If my right-hand shakes, I will try dictation software to write my articles. Keep going, no matter what.
