What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a common condition of the brain that typically begins in the middle to later part of life. It is a progressive condition, meaning that it continues to get worse with time. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, nor is there a way to prevent it.
- Environmental factors
- Genetic factors
- Free radicals
- Normal age-related wearing down
- A combination of some or all of these theories.
SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
- Stiffness in the limbs and trunk
- Slow movement
- Loss of spontaneous and automatic movement (such as swinging the arms when walking)
- A shuffling gait
- A stooped posture
- Problems with coordination and balance
- Fixed facial expressions
- Speaking in a soft voice.
-
Tremor
COMPLICATIONS OF PARKINSON’S
- Depression
- Personality changes
- Dementia
- Sleep disturbances
- Speech impairments
- Sexual difficulties.
SUPPLEMENTS:
Medical Reporters and Licensed Health Practitioners involved with Complementary medicine have learned that many Parkinsonians are taking the following supplements to reduce some of the symptoms:
- AntiOxidants (Vitamins A, C, E)
- Grape Seed Extract
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- NADH
- Ginkgo biloba
- B Complex
- Calcium and Magnesium
DIET AND NUTRITION
Fruits and veggies high in antioxidant properties (the more color the higher amounts of antioxidants)
*Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, pomegranates, cherries)
Apples, oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes,
Dark green, yellow, red and purple veggies
(spinach,brussel sprouts, kale, collards, swiss chard, dandelion greens, squash, cabbage, beets)
High Fiber Foods (whole grain breads, pastas, grains such as brown rice, quinoa, whole oats)
Diets high in calcium (milk and dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables)
Fish – two or more servings of fish a week are recommended.
Cooked dried beans
Coffee and caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower incidence of PD according to JAMA study
EXERCISE
..helps to keep muscles strong and improve flexibility and mobility. Exercise will not stop Parkinson’s disease from progressing; but, it will improve your balance and it can prevent joint stiffening.
Suggested Exercises: Zumba Gold Fitness Classes (standing or seated) gardening; walking; swimming; water aerobics; yoga, tai chi, qi gong.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Why should Parkinsonians exercise?
Because exercise increases oxygen & glucose to the brain, which enhances brain function. The body responds by forming new capillaries to accommodate additional blood to nerve cells. There’s also an increase in brain chemicals which can protect and strengthen nerves.
The human brain is capable of creating new connections which can bypass damaged areas, thus allowing Parkinsonians to regain lost motor skills & muscle control. Regular, daily mental & physical exercise therapy can improve muscle function over time. Mind-body training occurring with certain exercises, includes retraining the brain to focus while repetitive physical movements strengthen muscles.
When the central nervous system is stimulated by physical activity, there is a slowing down of brain cell destruction. Studies show that exercise increases blood flow to various parts of the brain and increases the speed of nerve transmission through the brain.
SOCIALIZING
LAUGHTER
PETS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
SLEEP AND REST
FUN AND RECREATION
HOBBIES
MEDITATION
COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS
OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIONS
ACUPUNCTURE
MASSAGE THERAPY
REIKI HEALING
COLON THERAPY
Contact Dr. Shellie for further information re: Speaking, in-home Massage Therapy, Diet and Nutrition Counseling, Zumba Gold Fitness classes to your Parkinsonian loved one.
Email: drshellie614@gmail.com, Telephone: 602-708-9018,
or visit me on my Facebook page, Dr. Shellie-On Healthy Living and click the ‘like’ button to receive healthy living updates.
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