Parkinson’s disease affects the amount of dopamine the body creates. Living with Parkinson’s disease can be difficult, but it may be easier to handle if a person makes an effort to exercise, get a good night's sleep, take his medication, and stay positive. Getting support through groups or from loved ones may also help with managing the mental symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Creating a list of goals for each day can help those who are living with Parkinson’s disease. A person needs to consider what thing he does not want Parkinson’s disease to affect in his life and develop a set of goals that will allow him to continue doing that thing. Goals can be about a hobby, work, taking care of the house, and many other things.
Those who are living with Parkinson’s disease often find that doing even simple tasks such as getting dressed in the morning can be complicated. It can be helpful for a person living with Parkinson’s to plan ahead, allowing time for tasks to be completed. Waiting until the last minute to do something can be difficult for a person living with Parkinson’s. Planning ahead can also increase the amount of independence a person is able to maintain.
Emotions can run amuck when someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He might feel angry, sad, confused, frustrated, depressed, or shocked. Getting support from a therapist, a support group, or loved ones allows the person living with Parkinson’s disease to begin working through these feelings and find a way to express them.
A good tip for those who are living with Parkinson’s disease is to always get a good night's sleep. Some of the symptoms that occur with the disease can make this difficult, but a few changes to a person’s lifestyle can help to guarantee better slumber. Before bed, a person should avoid drinking water, caffeine, and alcohol. He should set up a specific time each day that he goes to bed and another time for when he gets out of bed. This should be followed each day.
Exercise will not only help a person sleep better, but it will also strengthen muscles. Balance, flexibility, and stamina may also improve with exercise. Certain exercise plans, such as yoga, can help keep a person’s body healthy while strengthening and improving breathing.
The right kind of nutrition can play a vital part in living well with Parkinson’s. Certain types of foods may react badly with some of the medication given to treat the disease. Eating right also can prevent weight loss, dehydration, and bowel impaction, which are typical problems associated with the disease.
