May 2, 2012
Important facts you should know about Parkinson's
• Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease that affects the brain and in turn does not produce enough dopamine and affects movement.
• Parkinson’s worsens over time and Medical Science does not know the causes although they are researching and testing and looking for answers all the time. There are no conclusive facts that it is hereditary.
• Possible causes for Parkinson’s include poisons of the environment and aging.
• Parkinson’s affects the limbs of the body and usually starts between the ages of 50 and 60. It might start with a slight tremor on one side of the body, particularly the hands and the legs. The tremor may stop when the person is sleeping or the hand or arm is moved. The symptoms are not the same for everyone.
• Symptoms for Parkinson’s include stiff muscles, slow movement, a tremor in the extremities such as the leg or arm, balancing, nervousness, and constipation and swallowing.
• In the later stages of the disease the person may have a fixed expression and have difficulty speaking. Some sufferers may experience dementia. It is not a given that when you have Parkinson’s that you will also have dementia.
• Some people have balancing problems and become dizzy and often fall. A good thing to do for a person with Parkinson’s is to have hand railings in the bathroom and in the hallway. It might also be time for a walking stick.
Treating Parkinson’s Disease
• The first thing towards a healthier life is to get a doctor you trust. There is no reason why someone with Parkinson’s cannot live ten or fifteen years longer. You may have to adjust certain things but you can still work. In fact, some doctors do not prescribe treatment until the disease interferes with their lives. This should give Parkinson’s sufferers tremendous hope. The disease is incurable but there are many things you can do to improve life.
• Eat healthily. This cannot be said enough. Include seeds and nuts and fresh vegetables in your diet; not too much fruit.
• If you are slow moving, walk a kilometer every day with a friend and go to the park and get fresh air and Vitamin D from the sun.
• Don’t forget to take your medication and do so at the same time every day.
• People with Parkinson’s are prone to falling; have a little stool in the shower so you can sit down while you wash.
• When you feel depressed, see your doctor and follow the treatment plan. You can also go online for support groups to talk about how you feel. You should feel tremendously hopeful when you consider that there are many people out there in the workplace who have been living with Parkinson’s Disease for many years.