Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affects over one million Americans and ten million people worldwide. Every year, approximately 60,000 people are diagnosed with this condition. Men are 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women. This can be a very debilitating disease. The cause of Parkinson’s is still not known. Researchers believe it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There are numerous ways you can help yourself if you have Parkinson’s and there is currently a great deal of research being conducted to find a cure.

Diagnosis: It often takes years before a person is finally diagnosed with Parkinson’s. A doctor will perform neurological testing and evaluate the history of the patient. As of yet there are no specific diagnostic tests for the disease. There is great effort being put forth to create a specific test. In the evaluation, a doctor will look for the following; limb stiffness, arm tremors and how quickly you can regain your balance. Testing can also include specialized imaging tests such as brain scanning. They will also determine if you perhaps have a different condition that has similar symptoms to Parkinson’s. For example this could include having had a stroke. Since this disease develops slowly over years, a person may only have partial symptoms that will increasingly become worse. Treatments are individualized and can include various prescription medicines. It depends on the actual symptoms present, the age of the patient and if there is any other preexisting conditions.

Genetic Link: Statistics indicate that approximately 25% of people with Parkinson’s have a family member with the disease. Research has looked at specific gene malfunctions that affect dopamine levels in the cells. They have found that many with Parkinson’s have these gene mutations. This is hopeful in finding an eventual cure. Lifestyle and environmental factors: There is some evidence that toxins may induce the development of Parkinson’s. For example, exposure to pesticides and various chemicals may contribute to the development of the disease.

Good Nutrition: Whenever you are afflicted with any disease, good nutrition becomes even more important. A healthy, well balanced diet is helpful for Parkinson’s. This is because it will strengthen the immune system, give you more energy and help your medications work more effectively. Of course, the proper diet should always be addressed and prepared under the guidance of your personal physician. But some basic guidelines include eating a variety of fresh whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit your sugar and salt intake and avoid saturated fats. Drink adequate amounts of fresh water daily.

Lifestyle and Exercise: Keeping a healthy weight is important. Find out what your ideal weight should be and try to stay within that range. Sometimes this disease causes people to be underweight. Work with your doctor to ensure that this is not the case. There are calorically dense supplements the doctor may recommend such as Ensure or Boost.

Making your home environment safer: With Parkinson’s disease you need to be extra cautious of providing yourself with a safe home environment to avoid accidents or injury. You should allow for a good amount of space between furniture so you have adequate room to move around. Make sure there are no obvious items that you could trip and fall from. For example, make sure extension cords are secured properly and out of the way of your walking areas. You may need to install handrails in your hallways as well as stairwells if you do not already have them there. A balancing stationary bar can be placed by your bedside if you having trouble getting out of bed. In bathrooms, installing safety rails inside the bathtub as well as the toilet area are very helpful. Always use a non skid mat in the bathtub as well. If needed you should put a shower chair in your bathtub.

Questions to ask: If you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s you should ask your doctor the following questions. You should ask why he or she thinks you developed the disease as well what your treatments options are. This would include finding out about any clinical trials you may be eligible to participate in. Ask about side effects of medications you will be taking as well as any interactions with other prescriptions you are using. Recommendations for nutrition or supplements and how to cope with the disease should also be addressed. Your doctor may recommend a support group or counseling.

Finding a Cure: A cure has not been found but it is certainly on the horizon. Understanding the genetic and environmental components that cause dopamine in the cells to die is the question at hand. Treatments that can slow down or reverse this process are the hope of researchers. Parkinson’s research is a growing field and we will continue to see more advances.