Living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) means adjusting to lots of changes. It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t have the same abilities you used to have. But that’s exactly the time to take charge and learn strategies that can help you continue to enjoy your life. Here are some tips that have proved effective for PD patients like you:
- Take an Active Role in Your Medical Care. Participation in your medical care can increase your sense of control and independence. It can also help your doctor understand your personal concerns and choose the best possible treatment. There are lots of ways you can assume a more active role in your care.
- Bring a list of questions to each appointment.
- Set goals for each appointment.
- Be honest with your doctor; don’t hesitate to talk about problems you’re having with symptoms or medications.
- Ask why your doctor has chosen specific treatments for you; be sure you understand the reason for each medication and how you are supposed to take it.
- Exercise.
- Exercise is a vital part of managing PD. People with PD often avoid exercise because of stiff muscles and joints or problems with movement. However, it’s important to realize that exercise can actually increase your flexibility and agility.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any kind of exercise routine. Your doctor can advise you about the best types of exercise and may refer you to a physical therapist or experienced trainer.
- Eat a Nutritious Diet
- Some simple, basic eating habits can help you maintain good overall health even while living with PD.
- A few good ideas are to drink plenty of water each day; eat smaller, more frequent meals; eat foods rich in fiber (which will prevent or relieve constipation); and maintain a healthy weight to optimize your mobility.
- If you are taking levodopa, you should be aware that high-protein meals might interfere with your body’s ability to absorb the medication. Talk to your doctor if you think your response to levodopa is less after a meal high in protein. Your doctor may want you to work with a registered dietitian to develop the best eating plan for you.
- Other PD medications also have some dietary restrictions, so be sure to ask your doctor if there are any foods you should stay away from while on a certain medication.
- Be sure to get enough calcium every day to protect yourself against loss of bone density. People with PD have an increased risk of falling, and weakened bones are more prone to injury.
- If you want something sweet, try honey. People with PD often develop a “sweet tooth,” and honey (unlike sugar) is a nutritious way to satisfy this craving.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude
- Keeping a positive attitude is one of the best things you can do when you’re diagnosed with PD. It may be hard not to give in to feelings of despair. However, people with optimistic attitudes can, over time, develop the determination to cope with PD and get on with their lives.
- A positive attitude will help you sustain your energy, continue to take part in activities, and appreciate the relationships that give your life purpose and meaning.
- Consider Therapy and Counseling
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy can enhance your well-being and increase your feelings of independence.
- Psychologists and other counselors can help you work through difficult decisions and emotions associated with a diagnosis of PD. It’s important to know that PD can cause biochemical changes in the brain that may affect your mood, resulting in symptoms like depression. If you’re feeling depressed, don’t keep it to yourself. Your doctor can refer you to a therapist and may prescribe an antidepressant medication that’s safe to take along with your PD drugs.
- Join a Support Group
- Several organizations sponsor support groups for PD patients and their families. These meetings are good places to connect with other patients, learn about coping skills that are working in their lives, and experience the comfort of knowing that you are not all alone in facing the challenges of PD.
- For more information on support groups in your area, contact the National Parkinson Foundation (http://www.parkinson.org; 800-327-4545) or the National Family Caregivers Association (http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/caregiving_resources; 800-896-3650).
- Other Resources
- Visit the following Web sites for more information on living with PD.
