Managing Parkinson's Symptoms

Parkinson’s affects approximately 10 million people worldwide, including one million Americans. It is the second most common neurological disorder (following Alzheimer’s Disease). Uncontrolled PD significantly reduces the patient’s quality of life and can render a person unable to care for themselves. Although, it is generally considered that there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease (PD), there are things you can do that can help ease some of the symptoms one may experience. Aside from medication, here are a few lifestyle changes that could improve your overall ability to cope with the disease.

Eat more fruits and vegetables: The majority of PD patients suffer from chronic constipation, so eating a high fiber diet can help with improving digestion and bowel movements. Fruits and vegetables in your diet may protect nerve cell function and could help manage Parkinson's symptoms.

Limit your protein to help meds work better: Heavy protein diets can limit your body's absorption of levodopa, which converts to dopamine in the brain, and helps with tremors, stiffness and slowness in patients with PD. Doctors recommend taking medication on an empty stomach and limiting protein intake to 12 percent of their total daily calories.

Get restful sleep: Consistently getting a good's night sleep can stimulate one’s immune function, cognition and quality of life. Establishing a regular rise time and bedtime every day can help your internal clock improving your sleep-wake cycle and reduce the number of nighttime awakenings.

Do cardio aerobic exercise: Exercise stimulates the production of a brain protein found to be low in PD patients. Getting the heart pumping increases oxygen in the blood supply, thereby reducing the impact of oxidative stress and can relieve stiff muscles.

Practice meditation and/or yoga: The practice of yoga is can increase mobility, balance, strength and flexibility in everyone, including PD patients. The focus on the integration of movement and breath also improves cognition and immunity. One study showed an increase in grey matter density in the areas of the brain associated with PD.

Perform Tai Chi: Research shows that tai chi can improve balance, gait, functional mobility, coordination and overall well being, so it stands to reason that it would be beneficial for patients with Parkinson’s disease. A 2012 study of three forms of exercise — resistance training, stretching and tai chi — found that tai chi offered measurable improvement in balance and stability in people who had moderate Parkinson’s disease.

Participate in stretching and massage: Stretching and flexibility exercises can help to relieve stiff muscles, improve flexibility, and make everyday tasks easier. A 2016 review of studies showed a temporary measurable reduction in muscle rigidity and resting tremor immediately following a 60 minute massage.

Try Acupuncture: The basic principle of acupuncture is simulating points along the body’s meridians, or energy pathways, which can alleviate pain, amongst other positive benefits. Those who try it frequently report that it helps alleviate such issues as fatigue and poor sleep. Some studies in animals have shown that acupuncture can be neuroprotective (slowing the degeneration of neurons that leads to Parkinson’s disease), though those studies have yet to be replicated in humans. 

Take supplements: Although no dietary supplements have been proven to slow the progression of PD, they may play a role. Consult your physician on benefits of taking supplements such as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), creatine, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione and curcumin. All supplements should be discussed with a doctor before taking them as they may interfere with PD medications or potentially cause serious side effects.

Consider herbal remedies: Some people with PD use herbal remedies for common issues related to PD such as insomnia, to calm anxiety, or depression. For example, St. John’s Wort may help to improve mood, and has been shown to have similar properties to antidepressants. Other PD patients opt for using cannabidiol (CBD) to help alleviate anxiety and aide in sleep.

Simple changes in lifestyle and participation in suggested therapeutic approaches may make it easier to function when dealing with Parkinson's symptoms. It is also important to consult healthcare providers that can help you come up with a detailed plan for living safely and independently at home for as long as possible. Seeking the services of a physical, occupational and speech therapist can facilitate ways to create an environment and life that's friendly to those with Parkinson's and can aid in leading a better quality of life while dealing with the symptoms that often plagued patients with PD. All patients should consult their doctor before beginning any program or lifestyle change.

The information you need . . . straight up!