Living Well with Parkinson ’ s Disease
Don ’ t let your disease define you .
1 4 MAY / JUNE 2 0 1 6
Living Well with Parkinson ’ s Disease
There are many ways to cope with a chronic condition
by Lisa M . Petsche , Staff Writer
Parkinson ’ s disease is a chronic , progressive disorder involving damage to nerve cells in the brain that control muscle movement . According to the National Parkinson Foundation , 1.5 million Americans currently have the disease and approximately 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year . The majority of cases develop after age 60 .
The main symptoms of Parkinson ’ s are shaking or tremors , slow movements , rigidity and balance problems . Other symptoms include low energy , loss of coordination , loss of facial expression , difficulty initiating or continuing movement (“ freezing ”), stooped posture , a shuffling walk , decreased speech volume and depression . Early symptoms are subtle and might be difficult to detect .
While no cure exists , medications that alleviate the symptoms are available . In cases where medication doesn ’ t work , surgery may be considered . Lifestyle modifications are an important part of any treatment plan .
Upon diagnosis of a degenerative condition such as Parkinson ’ s , patients typically experience shock or disbelief . Once they accept the reality of the disease , they can focus on taking control of their situation . If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson ’ s disease , here are ways to empower yourself .
Mental Well-Being
• Learn all you can about Parkinson ’ s and educate others .
• Allow yourself plenty of time to adjust to your situation .
• Find role models : people who are living well with PD , from whom you can draw inspiration .
• Accept that how you feel and what you can do will fluctuate , so be flexible with plans .
• Be open to learning new ways of doing things .
• Keep a positive attitude . Concentrate on what you can do rather than what you can ’ t . Don ’ t let your disease define you .
• Enjoy life ’ s many simple pleasures .
• Stay connected to people who care . Let them know how you wish to be treated and keep the lines of communication open .
• Find an outlet for expressing your thoughts and feelings . Consider attending a support group .
• See your primary physician if you continually feel sad , angry , overwhelmed or unmotivated .
• Set aside quiet time each day to nurture your spirituality .
• Do things that provide you with meaning and purpose , such as helping others .
• Turn to your faith for comfort . Pray for the strength to face challenges with courage and grace .
Tips for Daily Living Because Parkinson ’ s is incurable , the goal , from a medical perspective , is to achieve the highest possible level of functioning and prevent or minimize complications . The following strategies can help :
• Find a neurologist whom you respect and trust who has expertise in Parkinson ’ s .
• Follow the prescribed management plan , which might include medication , diet changes , exercise , rest , adaptive aids , stress management techniques and regular check-ups .
• Because treatment ( especially medication dosing and scheduling ) is individualized , it may involve trial and error , so be patient .
• Join an exercise class for people with Parkinson ’ s . To locate one in your area , call the American Parkinson Disease Association at 1-800-223-2732 or go to www . apdaparkinson . org .
• Use a cane or walker when recommended to minimize the risk of falls . If mobility issues prevent you from getting around in the community , rent or buy a scooter or wheelchair .
• Set up a record-keeping system to organize your health information . Ready-made products can be found at bookstores .
• Do as much for yourself as possible . Set priorities , simplify tasks and learn to settle for less than perfection .
• Find substitutes for enjoyable activities you can no longer engage in . Just don ’ t overdo it .
• Make your home as safe as possible .
• Accept offers of help and ask for assistance as needed .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR :
Lisa M . Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior health matters .
Don ’ t let your disease define you .