Shaking Up Parkinson's: Embracing Life's Challenges and Finding Support Along the Way
March 3, 2023
5 min read
Living with Parkinson's can become a heavy burden if not managed properly. Without understanding the underlying causes of the symptoms, you won't be able to take any real action against them. On top of physical issues like tremors and stiffness, mental health challenges such as depression also arise.
Shaking Up Parkinson's: Embracing Life's Challenges and Finding Support Along the Way
Understanding the symptoms and seeking support can make all the difference in living with Parkinson's Disease. In addition, connecting with support groups, healthcare professionals, and loved ones can provide much-needed emotional and physical support.
What Is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative, progressive disorder of the central nervous system. It affects the nerve cells in the brain responsible for producing dopamine, which regulates movement and coordination.
People with Parkinson's Disease experience tremors, difficulty walking, stiffness of muscles and joints, impaired balance and posture, slowed movement, slurred speech, and depression.
Parkinson's is caused by either genetic mutations or environmental toxins that damage brain cells. Unfortunately, this condition has no known cure, but medications can help control its symptoms.
Physical therapy can also improve mobility and decrease pain associated with Parkinson's Disease. Patients should also be aware of lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, diet modifications, and relaxation techniques that could help reduce symptoms too.
For individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, it is vital to remain positive and stay actively involved in life despite its challenges. With proper care and support from family members and medical professionals alike, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms to continue living fully.
How Is Parkinson's Disease Diagnosed?
Parkinson's Disease is often called a tricky 'puzzle' for medical professionals to diagnose. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and are very similar in appearance to other neurological illnesses, making them difficult to identify.
At the heart of diagnosis lies a thorough medical history and physical assessment - testing for all classic symptoms such as tremors, slow movement, muscular rigidity, and balance problems. Doctors may also use imaging tests such as a CT or MRI scan to rule out alternative causes.
In more complex cases, specialized scans have been developed that focus on the dopamine transporter activity in the brain. This test is much more expensive than others but can provide valuable data.
Another method doctors may use a biopsy of brain tissue during surgery - looking at abnormal cells under a microscope can help confirm or deny a diagnosis; however, this also carries risks, so it should only be done when required.
Making an accurate diagnosis requires knowledge and experience in identifying individual symptoms and their combined presence, which can be telling once taken into context.
Over time and with information sharing between specialists, doctors are becoming increasingly familiar with Parkinson's Disease and how best to diagnose it in each case - leading to more effective treatments for those who suffer from it.
Parkinson's Symptoms
Parkinson's Disease is a complex and varied neurological disorder with a range of physical and non-physical symptoms that may present differently from person to person.
The most well-known symptom associated with Parkinson's is an uncontrollable tremor or shake, which typically affects the hands and face but can also occur elsewhere in the body. Other physical symptoms include slow movements, often called bradykinesia, muscular rigidity leading to stiff movements, and balance issues due to difficulty coordinating muscle movements.
It is also possible for individuals with Parkinson's to experience a range of non-motor symptoms such as cognitive fog, depression, fatigue, personality changes, and even sleep disturbances, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) behavior disorder – where the individual acts out their dreams while asleep.
Every individual's experience of Parkinson's will be different; however, understanding the wide-reaching physical and mental effects can help identify when someone is suffering from this disease.
Parkinson's Treatment
While there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, several treatment options are available to manage its symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients.
- Parkinson's Medications
One of the most common treatment options for Parkinson's Disease is medication. Medications such as levodopa and dopamine agonists are used to increase dopamine levels in the brain, which can help alleviate the motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. However, these medications may also have side effects, such as nausea and dizziness, which must be managed.
- Surgery
In addition to medication, surgery may be considered a treatment option for Parkinson's Disease. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted in the brain to help regulate movement. While DBS is not a cure for Parkinson's, it can significantly relieve symptoms.
- Parkinson's Exercise
Parkinson's exercise is an evidence-based approach to managing PD symptoms. Certain types of exercise, like strength training, yoga, and Tai Chi, are particularly effective at maintaining overall physical function and reducing anxiety.
It is recommended that patients engage in 30 minutes of moderate activity three times a week. However, more frequent sessions may be necessary for those with more severe tremors or other troubling complications.
- Parkinson's Diet
Finally, diet can also play a role in managing Parkinson's Disease. For example, some studies have suggested that a Mediterranean-style diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein may benefit Parkinson's patients. Additionally, supplements such as coenzyme Q10 and omega-3 fatty acids may positively impact Parkinson's symptoms.
How Can I Manage Parkinson's Symptoms?
Stress is an unavoidable part of life but can have a profound impact when it comes to managing Parkinson's symptoms. Stress can worsen the physical and mental effects of Parkinson's, affecting all aspects of life. For this reason, reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques, physical activities, and other methods is essential to symptom management.
- Stress Reduction
One approach is to focus on stress reduction. Stress can exacerbate Parkinson's symptoms, so finding ways to reduce stress can help alleviate these symptoms. For example, engaging in regular exercise, practicing mindfulness meditation, or finding a creative outlet, such as painting or writing, can all be effective ways to reduce stress and improve mental and physical health.
- Parkinson's Support Groups
Support groups are also invaluable when it comes to managing the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Through these groups, individuals living with or caring for someone with Parkinson's can share tips on how to cope with their condition, exchange experiences, and provide each other with moral and emotional support.
Moreover, support groups are also beneficial because they foster community among people affected by the same issue and create a safe place for open discussion. Working closely with healthcare providers is also essential.
A neurologist can help develop a personalized treatment plan, including medication, physical therapy, or other interventions. By taking an active role in their treatment, people with Parkinson's can improve their symptoms and overall well-being.
