Since Parkinson’s disease is brought on due to the lack of Dopamine in the brain much of the treatment for the disease relies on ways of replacing, stimulating and substitution of this chemical. Although some very effective drugs have been developed in the treatment of Parkinson’s they do however have their disadvantages, therefore the treatment of the disease doesn’t just rely on medication but on several measures combined together as a package. Some of which include:.

• Exercise.
• Changes in diet.
• General activity.
• Attitude towards the disease.
• Medication.

As Parkinson’s is a chronic disease which progresses the overall aim of the treatment is to maintain the sufferer’s quality of life for as long as possible and not to cure the disease itself. The type of treatment available for you depends on certain factors such as:

• The severity of your symptoms.
• How much distress the symptoms cause you.
• Assessment of possible drug treatments.
• Your personal circumstances.

In order to determine the best possible treatment for the individual doctor and patient will need to be open and honest; this means that if you don’t understand anything that your doctor tells you, you must ask them to make themselves clear. Also you should voice any concerns, fears or worries that you may have regarding the disease.

Medication treatments

Some people with Parkinson’s may from time to time have to visit the hospital when on medication for the disease, this allows for your progress to be checked and alteration to the dosage or drugs needed to be changed depending on your progress. Studies show that early use of Rasagiline may slow down Parkinson’s. It is important that if medication is prescribed for your condition then you know exactly how much to take and when to take it. The patient should also be aware of any possible side effects from the drugs and what steps they need to take in the case of an adverse reaction to the drug.

Holistic therapy

Holistic therapies are now being used in the treatment of more and more illnesses along with traditional medication, possible holistic treatments include:

• Changes to the diet.
• Occupational therapy.
• Aromatherapy.
• Speech therapy.
• Alternative medicine.
• Physiotherapy.

There are many things a person can do to help both themselves and their doctor when suffering from Parkinson’s disease, joining a support group, taking a regular form of exercise plan and maintaining a healthy diet are just some of the possibilities.

Support groups

Support groups can play a crucial role in the emotional aspect of a sufferer’s life and how they cope with living with the disease. Support groups provide a way of asking questions, sharing stories and experiences of the disease and for developing friendships with people in the same predicament as you.

In addition to live support groups several forums can be found online which provide help, support and advice for those suffering from Parkinson’s and the family of those suffering.

Exercise

Although exercise cannot stop the advancement of Parkinson’s disease it can help with the alleviation of symptoms of the disease. A regular form of exercise is crucial in improving flexibility, mobility and balance; exercise can also help with psychological aspects in that it gives the sufferer a sense of achievement and accomplishment in taking an active role in their own care.

Diet

Many people suffering from Parkinson’s have problems with their weight due to loss of appetitive brought on by depression, some people have found that the treatment Levodopa is affected by proteins in foods which then limits their intake of protein which can cause problems in their diet. A full healthy diet which takes in all the necessary nutritional requirements is recommended including eating extra fruit and vegetables to help with one of the symptoms of the disease, constipation.

Speech therapy/occupational therapy

These therapies can offer invaluable aid to the sufferers being able to control their symptoms, physical therapy can help to increase the strength of muscles, increase flexibility and decrease the risk of falls due to imbalance. Speech therapy can help the patient in the pronunciation of words and increase the volume of the voice.

Occupational therapy can help the patient by showing them alternative ways of doing tasks which the patient can no longer do; this gives the patient a sense of achievement and a sense of taking some control back over their life.

Developing a healthy Doctor/patient relationship

Making an accurate diagnosis of the disease especially in the very early stages can be hard, however if the patient and Doctor can establish a healthy relationship from the onset diagnosis and treatment can be easier.

Exercise can be beneficial to those suffering from Parkinson’s disease both psychologically and physically, because of the way the disease affects the person’s ability to move by doing regular exercise it will help to keep the patient’s limbs and joints supple, improve their flexibility and help to keep their muscles strong.

Although exercise cannot stop the disease from progressing it can make a big difference to the person’s lifestyle in that it can help to improve their balance, help them to correct problems with their gait and help to strengthen muscles which are associated with speaking and swallowing.

Exercise can also help with one of the long term complications which are generally associated with the disease, the stiffening of the joints. As with any form of exercise plan it is always wise to consult your doctor beforehand and by doing so the two of you can probably devise a plan which is best suited for your condition.

Your doctor should be able to advise you of the following

• The type of exercise you should avoid and those most suited to your condition.
• Devise an intensity plan for your workout.
• Set the duration of your workout and any physical limitations.
• Give you referrals to other people such as physical therapist who will be able to help you devise your plan.

Of course the type of exercise and the limitations of the plan will depend greatly on the advancement of your disease and points should be taken into account such as your symptoms, your level of fitness and your general overall health. For sufferers who are very limited to the type of exercise which they can do referral to a physical therapist is usually made. Whichever form of exercise plan you do choose to take it is important that you go into the plan slowly.

Exercise tips

• Always remember to do warm up and cooling down exercises at the beginning and end of your routine.
• Start off with small amounts say of 10 minutes exercise then slowly over a period of time work up to the maximum.
• Try to exercise your facial muscles as much as possible, this could include singing or reading aloud with exaggerated movements of the lips, pulling faces in a mirror or chewing food vigorously.
• Try exercise that involves water such as water aerobics.
• If you have difficulty in balancing then make sure you exercise within easy reach of a rail or grab bar.
• Choose an exercise plan that you will enjoy doing.