Managing Parkinson’s Disease: Everything you need to know
Worrying about Parkinson’s Disease is scary, but managing it well can massively improve your quality of life. Here are some ways you can manage symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
Understand your illness
The first thing you should do is find out more about Parkinson’s Disease. Learning to recognise symptoms and active communication with the healthcare team about the condition is of utmost importance. This will help you deal with any worries and fears.
5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Generally, there are 5 stages of Parkinson’s Disease. The amount of help and support needed would vary according to each stage. Note that no two patients experience the same symptoms. The disease is so diverse that its progression differs across different patients.
Secondary Symptoms
There are also secondary symptoms to look out for that are either directly caused by the virus or is a result of living with the virus. These include:
- Depression and emotional changes
- Thinking difficulties
- Memory problems
- Constipation
- Sleep problems
- Bladder problems
- Constipation
- Smell dysfunction
Additionally, more research suited to the patient's condition should be done. Read up on books, online articles, and consult your doctor.
Invest in Eldercare Equipment
People with Parkinson’s Disease are particularly vulnerable to falls. Therefore, investing in equipment to aid mobility and fall-proofing your homes is very crucial. Such equipment also helps them maintain independence. Here are some equipment you can consider purchasing:
Alternatively, you can check out our Rollz Motion 2-in-1 Rollator Pushchair.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Fall Prevention At Home for more ways to fall-proof your homes!
Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Exercise
Regular exercise helps to keep muscles strong to ease symptoms and even relieve stress. It also gives patients a sense of control over their condition and symptoms. Exercising is as easy as finding a simple activity that you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or dancing and imparting it into your daily routine.
For starters, you can follow our Senior-friendly Yoga workout here.
Alternatively, here are 5 Affordable Activities for Seniors in Community Centres that you can try out!
Diet modifications
A balanced diet can help to maintain good health as well as ease symptoms. Patients should drink enough water (6 glasses a day) and eat a variety of fibre-rich food, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, dairy products and protein-rich foods. Snacking on nuts and berries also has various brain health and antioxidant benefits.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, fat, salt and sugar intake.
Stay In Touch With One’s Mental Health
Parkinson's is a very isolating disease. Being able to cope with feelings of anger, frustration and grief and channeling them into healthy behaviours is key to fighting potential challenges of the disease. Therefore, it is very important to encourage patients to talk about their feelings so they can receive enough support. Consider seeking help from support groups, or a counsellor if it gets too overwhelming.
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