Avoiding falls with Parkinson’s disease
This article discusses the effects of Parkinson’s on balance and offers practical advice on how to avoid falls and maintain mobility.
One Day in Parkinsons Life
Practical tips and strategies to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s, including exercise, nutrition and social support.
A Parkinson’s diagnosis does not mean the end of a fulfilling life. Although it is a progressive disease, there are many ways to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease. An active, positive life is possible despite the challenges. With a combination of medical treatment, exercise, dietary adjustments, mental strength and social support, people with Parkinson’s can make a positive difference to their daily lives.
In this article, we present proven strategies that can help people with Parkinson’s to maintain and possibly even improve their quality of life. We look at the physical, emotional and social aspects that influence everyday life.
An essential part of living with Parkinson’s is the right medication. The main aim of medication is to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, especially the motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and slowed movements. The best-known medication is levodopa, which is converted by the body into dopamine to compensate for the lack of this neurotransmitter in the brain.
In addition to levodopa, there are other medications such as dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors and COMT inhibitors that also help to alleviate symptoms. It is important that drug therapy is tailored to the individual needs and disease progression of each patient. As Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, the dose of medication often needs to be adjusted to ensure optimal symptom control.
I have seen patients achieve significant improvements in their quality of life by adjusting their medication. Particularly in the early and middle stages of the disease, the right medication settings can allow patients to maintain a high level of independence and activity. However, it is important to be aware of the side effects of the medication and to discuss these regularly with the treating doctor.
Working with a neurologist who specialises in Parkinson’s is crucial in order to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust treatment accordingly. Regular neurological examinations help to recognise new symptoms at an early stage and adjust drug therapy accordingly. The neurologist can also help decide on alternative forms of treatment such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) if the medication alone is no longer sufficiently effective.
Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown that physical activity can help alleviate motor symptoms, maintain mobility and promote overall health. Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain and supports the production of dopamine, which can alleviate symptoms.
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I have met many people with Parkinson’s who have been able to maintain their mobility and independence over the years by exercising regularly. One friend who does yoga three times a week told me that the stretching exercises help her to combat the stiffness in her muscles and feel better overall. The physical activity not only gives her physical strength, but also mental strength.
In addition to her own physical activity, physiotherapy can play an important role in the treatment of Parkinson’s. An experienced physiotherapist can provide specific exercises and techniques to improve mobility, prevent falls and strengthen muscle function. Regular physiotherapy helps many sufferers to maintain their mobility and independence.
A healthy diet can improve overall well-being and help to alleviate some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Although there is no specific ‘Parkinson’s diet’, there are some nutritional approaches that can be particularly helpful:
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Adequate fluid intake is crucial to aid digestion and keep the body well hydrated. Many Parkinson’s medications can cause dehydration, which is why it is important to drink water regularly.
An acquaintance of mine who suffers from Parkinson’s found that switching to a high-fibre diet significantly improved his digestive problems. He had previously struggled with constipation, which was a side effect of his medication. By simply adjusting his diet, he was largely able to get this problem under control.
Depression, anxiety and apathy are common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Dealing with the emotional challenges of the disease is crucial to maintaining quality of life. It is important to seek support, be it through professional counselling, therapy or sharing with other sufferers in self-help groups.
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A friend of mine who also suffers from Parkinson’s reported that she was able to bring a lot of calmness into her everyday life through regular mindfulness meditation. She found it particularly helpful to focus on the present and not be overwhelmed by fears of the future.
Cognitive impairments, such as memory problems or difficulty concentrating, often occur in people with Parkinson’s disease. Regular mental training can help those affected to maintain their cognitive abilities for longer.
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Isolation is one of the biggest risks for people with Parkinson’s, especially as the disease progresses and mobility becomes limited. Socialising is crucial to strengthen mental and emotional health and prevent isolation.
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I have often found that people with a good social network adapt better to the illness and respond more positively to the challenges. One friend told me that her support group has become an important part of her life and has helped her to feel less isolated.
The more the disease progresses, the more many people are dependent on the help of carers or relatives. It is important to think about support options early on and integrate them into everyday life in order to maintain your independence for as long as possible.
Living with Parkinson’s brings many challenges, but with the right mix of medical treatment, exercise, healthy eating, mental strength and social support, quality of life can be significantly improved. Everyone is different, and it is important to develop individualised strategies that suit your needs and the progression of the disease. Despite the difficulties, there are many ways to stay active and positive and cope with everyday life.
This article discusses the effects of Parkinson’s on balance and offers practical advice on how to avoid falls and maintain mobility.
A detailed look at the different stages of Parkinson’s disease and how sufferers can prepare for each stage to maintain their quality of life.
This article explains how patients and relatives can prepare for the advanced stages of Parkinson’s and what care options are available.
An insight into the factors that influence the progression of Parkinson’s disease and how those affected can slow down the progression of the disease.
A discussion of the emotional impact of Parkinson’s, particularly depression and anxiety, and strategies to overcome these challenges.
This article highlights autonomic symptoms such as digestive and bladder problems in Parkinson’s and gives practical tips to improve quality of life.
