Living With Parkinson's Disease
Managing Parkinson's disease (PD) can be complicated, but it's nothing you can't handle. We've got some tips for managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Tools for Managing Parkinson’s Disease
Use our checklists to help track your symptoms, medications, and side effects so you can provide your doctor with a full report at your next appointment. Help take control of your health and your future by creating — and sticking to — your own personal strategy for managing Parkinson's disease.
Explore the sections below to start building your management strategy:
Goals
Every successful management strategy has at least one goal. Think about the things you value most in your daily life, and set personal goals that will allow you to keep enjoying those things.
Your goals might include:
[Back to Top]
Exercise
If you are not exercising regularly, start today. However, always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Exercise can help make living with Parkinson's disease easier by:
- Helping you feel more in control of your movements
- Reducing gait problems and muscle/joint injuries
- Improving flexibility
- Increasing muscle strength and balance
- Increasing energy, stamina, and cardiovascular health
Your exercise program should be tailored to your personal abilities and any other health concerns, such as high blood pressure or arthritis.
Find
Exercise Ideas for People Living with Parkinson’s Disease
[Back to Top]
Nutrition
Good nutrition is one of the most important parts of a successful Parkinson's disease strategy. In fact, proper nutrition can reduce the risk of four common reasons for hospitalization among people living with Parkinson's disease: bone fracture, dehydration, bowel impaction, and weight loss.
Make these nutrition habits part of your management strategy:
- Drink six to eight glasses of water a day, even if you aren't thirsty.
- Eat natural laxatives — prunes, vegetables, and foods high in fiber — to prevent or relieve constipation.
- Eat something cold and sour — such as sherbet — before a meal to help prevent dry mouth.
- Talk to your doctor about any food-specific issues related to your medications. For example, meals high in protein may interfere with the absorption of levodopa.
[Back to Top]
Sleep
A good night's sleep keeps your body and mind functioning properly, but Parkinson's disease can include symptoms that interfere with your sleep — such as vivid dreams, sleeplessness, and restless legs.
Try these tips to help you catch your zzzzz's:
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants — especially in the evenings.
- Minimize fluid intake in the hours before bedtime.
- Establish a regular routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
- Avoid oversleeping.
- Create a comfortable, peaceful environment in your bedroom.
- Avoid watching TV, reading, and eating in bed.
- Exercise regularly.
[Back to Top]
Support
Living with Parkinson's disease can bring about a wide range of emotions, from the shock of diagnosis to depression, anger, frustration with physical challenges, and so much more.
You don't have to deal with these emotional challenges alone. Build a support system to find outlets for expressing your feelings:
- Maintain open and honest communication with your family, friends, and healthcare providers.
- Consider seeking out others living with Parkinson's disease to share common experiences and feelings. A Parkinson's disease advocacy organization can refer you to a group in your area.
- Find local social workers and faith-based counselors who can provide helpful resources in dealing with the emotional ups and downs of Parkinson's disease.
- Write about your feelings in a journal or diary.
Remember that taking care of your emotional health is as important as taking care of your physical health.
[Back to Top]
AZL111023514/110366