Six Basic Lifestyle Changes to Make Living with Parkinson’s Easier

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease can be scary. There’s no doubt it is a serious disease that, if left unchecked, can result in debilitating changes to one’s body. However, advances in medical treatment combined with some basic lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce the impact of Parkinson’s disease.

So where does one begin? The diagnosing physician is always an important first resource. He or she can advise someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s about medical treatments and what to expect from a physiological point of view. Thanks to increased awareness brought about in part by celebrity actor Michael J. Fox’s revelation that he lives with Parkinson’s and his subsequent foundation creation, and also exciting new advances in stem cell research and other therapies, there is a lot of information about Parkinson’s disease available to the public. Many countries have national association with regional headquarters designed to assist people with Parkinson’s and the internet is full of helpful information, much of it gleaned from the experiences of people who have been living with Parkinson’s disease for years.

Here is a list of six basic lifestyle changes that will make living with Parkinson’s disease easier.

Exercise: Parkinson’s disease affects mobility, so it is important that people with Parkinson’s ensure their bodies are as strong and flexible as possible. Simple activities such as walking, running, stretching, and swimming are super activities that will build strength. If exercising individually is an unappealing thought, look into group classes, community walking clubs, or aquafit sessions. Many municipalities offer low-cost facilities, equipment, space and instruction where necessary. Special classes that take a particular condition into consideration are also common, and may be worthwhile options. If one feels unsteady walking, use a cane, walk against a wall or ask a friend or family member for assistance.

Diet: good nutritional health is the key for strength and vitality no matter your health diagnosis. By eating right, Parkinson’s patients can stabilize their energy and better control their weight, which can have a tremendous impact on struggling muscles. Check with a physician to determine whether diet could have an adverse effect on medications. For example, high-protein foods can sometimes interfere with the absorption of medication. Keeping a food journal can be a valuable tool in identifying problems with efficacy of medication.

Wardrobe check: Parkinson’s can reduce fine motor skills, which can make buttoning shirts and pants, or doing up a bra difficult. Look for loose (but not flapping) clothing with elastic waists, pull-on shirts and dresses and a minimum of buttons, zippers, hooks and ties, as well as slip-on or Velcro-fastened shoes. This may not be a necessity in the early stages of the disease, but may become more important later on.

Compensatory strategies: thinking about ways to overcome problems associated with Parkinson’s disease, such as dropping things. For example, Parkinson’s patients find they may often drop their wallets when fumbling for change. To counteract this problem, find a large wallet that is easy to grip and that does not require digging into deep corners. Using a debit or credit card may be an easier option than searching for coins and bills. Another example of a useful compensatory strategy would be to switch from delicate porcelain tableware to more durable shatter-proof or plastic pieces.

Take a nap: Parkinson’s can disrupt restorative sleep, even though many people who have the disease suffer from fatigue. Take a short nap a couple times a day to keep energy high.

Be understanding: medical treatment and lifestyle changes can do a lot to minimize Parkinson’s symptoms, but it’s likely that people will notice things like tremors or tics at some point. Children, in particular, may ask blunt questions. Don’t be offended, and if possible, use the opportunity to educate about Parkinson’s and its effects.