Managing PARKINSON'S
Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging however managing the condition definitely helps. Find tips below to help with PD including symptom management, maintaining independence, and improving quality of life. While there’s currently no cure, these strategies can help slow the progression of PD and make day-to-day living more comfortable and enjoyable.
Symptom management
Medication management: Talk to your doctor to ensure that you are taking the correct medication for your specific needs while addressing motor and non-motor symptoms.
Stay active: Create a plan to have regular physical activity such as with walking, yoga, tai chi or a customized home exercise plan created for you by a therapist. Exercise can boost dopamine levels and help manage symptoms including balance, strength, flexibility and non-motor symptoms like mood, anxiety, and fatigue. Do what you love. Just do it!
Make lifestyle modifications: Make modifications by creating routines to help sleep better, maintain a balanced diet, manage stress, and use adaptive tools can help maintain independence and assist in creating a better quality of life.
Use therapy services: Occupational, physical, speech, and psychiatric therapies can help with symptom management and making lifestyle accommodations
Safe environment: Have a safe environment like removing clutter, adding grab bars, and improve lighting can help decrease the risks of falls and allow for easier navigation around the home.
services
Working with a therapist and other team members can help you feel more independent and increase your confidence. Personalized therapy plans can help you meet your current needs and plan for future ones. These services can also provide support to family and caregivers through education, training, and strategies for managing the condition and their own stress and worries.
Occupational therapy (OT): The role of OT in PD is to help people with Parkinson's to live independent in everyday activities such as getting dressed, bathing, toileting and more. This is done through lifestyle modifications including recommendations for adaptive equipment and devices, making home and environmental modifications to be safer, and training on strategies to help ease symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and rigidity. OT can also help make a home exercise plan (HEP) to address symptoms and improve functional mobility.
Learn more about adaptive equipment and devices for daily living activities
Physical therapy (PT): The role of PT is to help with mobility by focusing on improving balance, strength, coordination, and mobility. Like OT, PT's can make recommendations on adaptive devices to make mobility safe for you and create an individualized health improvement plan. PT can help find ways to reduce fall risks and keep movement confident.
Speech therapy (SLP): The role of SLP is to address challenges with your voice such as the volume pitch, and speed, and other communication problems, including reduced facial expressions. They can also provide support and strategies to focus on the dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and improve swallowing function.
Social worker (SW): Social workers are important for helping you and family members connect with community resources, support groups, and plan for the future. They are able to identify the needs and ways to cope with the condition. SW's can also address issues like anxiety, grief, and caregiver stress.
Psychiatrist: The role of the psychiatrist is to focus on the mental health conditions that occur in PD like depression, hallucinations, and anxiety. They are able to provide therapy and medications to face these challenges.
Psychologist: The role of the psychologist can range from addressing cognitive changes to the emotional impact of the condition. They can develop programs to help with the cognitive deficits and therapy to manage the stress and other behavioral symptoms like apathy.
While there are many other ways that these specialists can provide support, it is always best to talk to your doctor to discuss options on treatment and therapy.
Seek support
A great support network can be very important during a journey with PD as it can make daily struggles feel more manageable. Support can include family, support groups, and healthcare providers. Having support can empower you to better understand your condition and feel less isolated.
Additional supporters include Promotora's who help bridge the gap in underserved communities by connecting people to local resources.
Church leaders can also be a part of your support group by connecting you with resources and provide social support.
Learn more about support groups in your area