Tips for managing daily life while coping with Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease affects each person differently, but there are lots of issues and challenges shared by many people living with the condition. It is life-changing for everyone, including the person and their families. The patient will have to undergo long-term treatment to control symptoms, and eventually they will have to adapt to a new lifestyle. However, there are habits and guidelines that can be incorporated into the life of a Parkinson's disease patient in order to help them manage their symptoms and live with the condition.
In this article, we will be giving some tips for people living with Parkinson's disease so that they can manage their symptoms and live their lives to the fullest.
1. Exercise regularly:
Regular exercise is particularly important in helping relieve muscle stiffness, improving mood, and relieving stress. There are many activities that could be done to keep oneself fit, but before starting any kind of physical activity, consult a doctor. They may recommend a physical therapist with whom a patient can team up and decide on the best fitness plans.
If a patient has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or if their symptoms are moderate, they may engage in vigorous activities such as team sports, cycling, and running. However, if the symptoms are complex or worsening, the individual can engage in less strenuous activities such as walking or basic stretching and strengthening exercises. In addition, reading, completing crossword puzzles or Sudoku, as well as engaging in other activities, are beneficial for mental exercise. This is one of the most important tips for living with Parkinson's disease.
2. Sleep well:
Sometimes Parkinson's disease can cause sleep problems or abnormal dreams. One of the most important tips you can follow is to start developing good "sleep hygiene," which will raise the chances of getting good sleep for people living with Parkinson's disease. In order to develop good sleep hygiene for a person living with Parkinson's disease, do the following:
1. Create a relaxing pre-bedtime routine and follow it every night.
2. Stick to a sleep schedule: go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.
3. Get plenty of natural light during the day and keep the room dark at night.
4. Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, and exercise for at least 6 hours before bedtime.
5. Use the bed for sleep only.
6. Take only short naps during the day; keep them to 40 minutes or less.
3. Eat healthy:
It is not uncommon for patients living with Parkinson's disease to face bone thinning, dehydration, weight loss, and constipation. However, it is manageable by keeping a close tab on nutrition. Below are some of the diet tips for people living with Parkinson's disease:
1. Eat a variety of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits daily.
2. Watch the amount of fat being consumed, especially the saturated kind.
3. Limit sugar, salt, and sodium.
4. Reduce alcohol consumption and ensure that beverages do not interact with prescribed medications.
5. Drink plenty of water.
6. Consume foods packed with vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin K, and calcium for bone strength.
4. Be proactive about improving quality of life:
One of the most crucial tips for people who are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is that as soon as an individual is diagnosed with the disease, they should seek help to reduce the effects of symptoms. With proper guidance and support, patients can easily deal with any challenges ahead. A counsellor or mental healthcare provider can design a treatment plan to meet the specific needs of the individual. The main goal is to help individuals regain a sense of control over their lives and improve their quality of life.
5. Expand the care team:
Although doctors are the first line of defence for treating Parkinson's disease, many other specialists and therapies could also help. Thus, think of expanding your healthcare team to include:
1. Physical therapy to help with movement
2. To carry out daily activities smoothly, occupational therapy can help.
3. Speech therapy can help improve problems related to speaking and swallowing.
4. People with Parkinson's disease may experience agitation; to alleviate this, music, art, or pet therapy may be recommended to calm and improve their disposition.
5. Acupuncture will help to reduce the pain associated with Parkinson's disease.
6. Massages also help to reduce the tension in the muscles.
6. Vaccinations:
Everyone with long-term Parkinson's disease is strongly encouraged to receive an annual flu vaccine each autumn. In addition, the pneumococcal vaccination, which is a one-time injection that protects against pneumococcal pneumonia, is typically recommended.
7. Learn to manage stress:
This is one of the most useful tips that will help an individual maintain a positive physical, emotional, and spiritual outlook. Being stressed will only make the situation worse. Individuals living with Parkinson's disease should learn to organise a daily routine or spend time with friends and family, which also helps reduce stress.
Other tips that can be included in daily life that will help a person living with Parkinson's disease include:
1. Research more about the condition and talk to friends and family about it. They can be of great support when living with Parkinson's disease because it gives them an idea of how to care for the individual.
2. Don't be afraid to ask a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider to repeat any instructions or medical terms. These healthcare professionals also offer tips to make the lives of those with Parkinson's disease considerably simpler.
3. Make use of the support services offered by the hospitals in the community.
Parkinson's UK is the main Parkinson's support and research charity in the UK, offering support and advice to people living with the disease. Furthermore, they can also suggest local support groups in the community.
Nurses Group Homecare is the best homecare service provider in the UK, so if you're looking for a dependable, skilled care provider to help you manage Parkinson's disease in the UK, look no further. Parkinson's disease patients and their families have access to competent, dedicated carers. Moreover, our carer can offer tips for coping with Parkinson's disease.