Quality of Life
Coping with Parkinson's Disease
Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are many different lifestyle changes to improve one's quality of life. Being cognizant of proper diet, exercise, and stress management are beneficial.
Diet and Nutrition
There is no special diet for individual's with Parkinson's Disease, however maintaining a well balanced nutritional diet is beneficial. (WebMD, 2013) This will lead to more energy, and allow medications that are taken to work better. While the cause of Parkinson's Disease is not known, environmental toxins such as pesticides and herbicides have been suggested. Therefore, avoiding environmental and dietary toxins is important. Homocysteine is an amino acid which is toxic if elevated. Studies have found that it is high in patients with Parkinson's Disease. It's unknown whether higher levels of Homocysteine contribute to Parkinson's or Parkinson's contributes to the higher levels, but it is imperative to keep it at a healthy level. Nutrients needed to do so include: folic acid, Vitamins B12 and B6, zinc, trimethyl-glycine. Increasing Omega-3 fats are beneficial as anti-inflammatories. Omega-3 fats are present in fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and trout. Increasing magnesium supports good diet and nutrition because it acts as a natural relaxant. Patient's with Parkinson's Disease should also adhere to the following nutritional guidelines:
- Eat high‑fiber foods such as vegetables
- Eat broad beans. Broad beans, contain L‑dopa, which is used as a drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and may help in maximizing the effects of Parkinson's disease medications.
- Eat foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats
- Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water daily
- Reduce and moderate the intake of sodium
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, prunes, barley, oregano, and kale.
- Daily intake of 1000‑1500 mg of calcium can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Avoid high protein foods. Certain meats and other high protein foods may decrease the body's ability to absorb levodopa (a synthetic substance used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease).
Exercise and Activity
Remaining active is essential to patients with Parkinson's Disease. Engaging in aerobic activity and other activities builds strength, flexibility, balance, and improves Parkinson's symptoms. Aerobic exercises allow the body's large muscles to move in a rhythmic pattern for an extended period of time. Examples include: brisk walking, treadmill, and swimming. Stretching exercises improve mobility, increase range of motion (make everyday activities such as walking much easier), and reduce stiffness. Examples include: Tai Chi, and stretching. Strengthening activities improve muscle strength, posture, and walking speed. These activities help with everyday activities such as getting up from a chair. Examples include weights/resistance. Lastly, balancing activities improve posture and stability. Improving balancing reduces one's fear of falling. An example of a balancing activity includes: yoga. (Parkinson's Society Canada, 2012)
Stress Management
Stress greatly influences patients with Parkinson's. Flare ups include tremors, rigidity, and difficulty balancing. Stress can be managed with the following:
1) Deep Breathing Strategies:
Explore aromatherapy
Decrease lighting in the room
Listen to soft, slow music
3) Consult the physician and other rehab therapists for further stress
management techniques (Simpson, 2013)
1) Deep Breathing Strategies:
- Diaphragmatic Breathing
- Box Breathing
- Meditation, Yoga
Explore aromatherapy
Decrease lighting in the room
Listen to soft, slow music
3) Consult the physician and other rehab therapists for further stress
management techniques (Simpson, 2013)