How to Live Well with Parkinsons

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By Tiferet
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Living with a chronic, degenerative disease like Parkinsons can certainly be a challenge but you can learn to live well with Parkinsons.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Find a neurologist called a movement disorder specialist if you can. Movement disorder specialists receive three additional years of training to treat neurological diseases such as Parkinson disease. If you don’t live in a major metropolitan area this can be a challenge. In that case, find the neurologist in town who sees the most people with Parkinson disease. They will most likely give the best care because they are more practiced at treating the disease. At least once a year make an appointment to see a movement disorders specialist so that you can get a tune-up and have your medications adjusted.
Step 2

Read as much as you can about Parkinson Disease. Become an expert in your own care. Learn about the medications you are taking and their side effects. Learn about the other medical professionals that can assist you in living the best life possible. Parkinson Disease can affect many systems in your body including how you walk or your gait, your voice, your elimination, your eyesight and others. The 3 additional practitioners that will be most important to see as your Parkinson Disease progresses are a physical therapist, an occupational therapist and a speech therapist.
Step 3

Exercise and good nutrition are essential to managing your Parkinson Disease. Dancing, tai chi, and yoga have all been found to be excellent forms of exercise for Parkinson Disease. Dancing is great because moving with music is easier for person with Parkinson Disease and it is fun. Tai chi and yoga can both help with balance. Yoga can also help with the stiffness and rigidity that come with Parkinson Disease. Recently it has been noted that exercise combined with mental activities can be effective at slowing down the cognitive problems that can arise with Parkinson Disease such as problems with memory and word finding.
Step 4

Support is essential to helping you lead a great life with Parkinson Disease. Having a supportive partner is great, but participating in a support group can be extremely helpful in learning about the disease and finding others who have overcome the obstacles that invariably come with the territory. Don’t overlook this tremendous way to get your social support needs met as well.
Step 5

Attitude is everything. Instead of thinking about the things you can no longer do, develop new friendships and new hobbies. You may discover an untapped reservoir of talents you never knew you had. Live each day to the fullest.

Comments

godfather25 said

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on 11/14/2009 Great article on living well with parkinsons.

on 11/9/2009 Yes, absolutely find another doctor if one says nothing more can be done! We are responsible for learning about conditions, treatments, & medicines--& new ideas come along from time to time. Stay positive. Thanks for all the ways to live with and manage Parkinson's. 5*