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Does Weather Affect Parkinson’s Disease

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Foods Containing Saturated Fat And Cholesterol

Some studies suggest that dietary fat intake may increase the risk of Parkinsons.

Although having a higher intake of cholesterol can elevate a persons Parkinsons risk, having a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the risk.

Therefore, a person with Parkinsons may wish to reduce their intake of cholesterol to help control the symptoms of the condition. They may also wish to reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diet.

However, further studies are required to explore the link between dietary fat and Parkinsons.

What Causes Heat Illnesses

As the name of the illness suggests, its caused by heat excessive heat that increases your bodys core temperature. That heat could come from exercising, from being inside a hot space or from outside weather. High humidity greater than 60% makes sweat evaporation hard. A heat illness happens when your body is s unable to dissipate heat effectively, the balance of salt and water in your body becomes unbalanced and your temperature rises. Sweating fails to keep you cool.

The four heat illnesses are on a continuum with heat rash being the mildest and heat stroke the deadliest. Specific causes of the four illnesses include:

  • Heat rash happens when your excessive sweat gets trapped under your skin, blocking your sweat glands.
  • Heat cramps occur when youre sweating so much, losing salt and fluids, that your muscles cramp. It usually happens when youre exercising in the heat.
  • Heat exhaustion. This illness may happen after a longer period of time in high temperatures where you dont receive enough fluids.
  • Heat stroke is caused by a quick increase in core temperature as a result of high heat and humidity.

Some symptoms are similar between the four heat illnesses, but each also has distinctive symptoms that separate it from the other three. Pay attention to the unique symptoms so that you can tell the difference between the illnesses.

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What Should I Do If I See Someone With Any Of The Warning Signs Of Heat Stroke

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

  • Get the victim to a shady area.
  • Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water place the person in a cool shower spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose sponge the person with cool water or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
  • Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
  • If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
  • Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
  • Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

What Should I Do To Keep My Elderly Friend Or Family Member From Getting A Heat Illness

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People age 65 and older are at a higher risk of heat illness, even if theyre not exercising. Reasons include:

  • Serious medical conditions such as heart disease.
  • Some medications, especially those for insomnia, poor circulation or depression.
  • Lack of air conditioning in their homes.

Caretakers should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of heat illnesses so that they can recognize them quickly. Check in twice a day during a heat wave.

Make sure they stay hydrated. The signs of dehydration include dry skin and decreased urination.

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What Is It And How Does It Affect Those Whove Been Diagnosed

Parkinsons disease is a type of movement disorder that can affect the ability to perform common, daily activities. It is a chronic and progressive disease, meaning that the symptoms become worse over time. It is characterized by its most common of motor symptomstremors , stiffness or rigidity of the muscles, and slowness of movement but also manifests in non-motor symptoms including sleep problems, constipation, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, among others.

Can Medications Increase The Risk Of Heat

The risk for heat-related illness and death may increase among people using the following drugs: psychotropics, which affect psychic function, behavior, or experience medications for Parkinsons disease, because they can inhibit perspiration tranquilizers such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, and thiozanthenes and diuretic medications or water pills that affect fluid balance in the body.

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Foods That Are Hard To Chew

Many people with Parkinsons have difficulty with chewing and swallowing foods. A person needs medical help if this is the case. A speech and language therapist may be able to help a person overcome this issue.

However, if a person is finding certain foods hard to chew and swallow, they may wish to avoid these foods.

Such foods include:

  • dry, crumbly foods
  • tough or chewy meats

If a person does wish to eat chewy meats, they could try using gravy or sauce to soften them and make eating easier.

They could also try chopping meat into smaller pieces or incorporating meat into casseroles, which can make it more tender.

Having a drink with a meal can also make chewing and swallowing easier.

Whats The Prognosis For People Who Have A Heat Illness

How Parkinson’s Disease Affects the Body — The Doctors

Patients adequately cooled within 30 minutes will likely have an excellent outlook.

If you have heat rash, heat cramps or heat exhaustion, you should recover quickly after treatment. How long it takes you to recover depends on your age, general physical condition and how quickly you receive medical care. If you have heat stroke it may take you a few days to recover and you might be more sensitive to hot conditions for a week.

You may want to check with your healthcare provider for permission to return to work or activities.

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Angina And Heart Failure In Hot Weather

Your heart rate can increase in hot weather if you become dehydrated. This is because dehydration can cause your blood pressure to drop, which in turn forces your heart to work harder. Its very important to stay hydrated if you have a heart condition.

If you take water tablets and start to feel dizzy or light headed let your doctor know.

Get more information from the British Heart Foundation.

What Are The Primary Motor Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease

There are four primary motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability . Observing two or more of these symptoms is the main way that physicians diagnose Parkinsons.

It is important to know that not all of these symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease to be considered. In fact, younger people may only notice one or two of these motor symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. Not everyone with Parkinsons disease has a tremor, nor is a tremor proof of Parkinsons. If you suspect Parkinsons, see a neurologist or movement disorders specialist.

Tremors

Rigidity

Bradykinesia

Postural Instability

Walking or Gait Difficulties

Dystonia

Vocal Symptoms

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Sweating And Temperature Regulation In Pd

People with Parkinson’s experience changes to the autonomic nervous system, which controls sweating. While sweating controls temperature regulation, too much or too little sweating can result in feeling overheated. Here are some resources to understand sweating and temperature regulation, and how to cope with it.

Other Medicines Used For Pd

5 Natural Supplements For Parkinson
  • Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors are relatively new medicines. They include tolcapone, entacapone and opicapone. These help to stop the breakdown of levodopa by the body, so more of each dose of levodopa can get into the brain to work. A COMT inhibitor is sometimes advised in addition to levodopa when symptoms are not well controlled by levodopa alone.
  • Other medicines are sometimes used to help relieve symptoms. They have various effects which try to correct the chemical imbalance in the brain. They include beta-blockers, amantadine and anticholinergic medicines. One of these may be tried when symptoms are mild. However, you are likely to need levodopa or a dopamine agonist at some point.

Various things may influence which medicine is advised. For example, your age, severity of symptoms, how well your symptoms respond to treatment, if side-effects develop, other medicines that you may take, etc. Your specialist will advise on the best medicine for you to take. Whatever medicine or medicines you are prescribed, read the leaflet in the medicine packet for a full list of possible side-effects. Mention to your doctor if you develop a troublesome side-effect. A modification of the dose, dose schedule, or the type of medication, may be possible to help keep side-effects to a minimum.

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How Common Are Heat Illnesses

Statistics about student athletes state that there are around 9,000 cases of heat-related illnesses per year. Most occur during football season. Heat illnesses are the third leading cause of death in high school athletes.

In the U.S. Armed Forces in 2017, there were 2,163 cases.

Emergency departments saw 326,497 cases of heat-related illnesses. Around 12% of those patients were admitted into a hospital and 0.07% of that total died.

Watching A Strong Woman Become More Like A Frightened Child

As Parkinsons takes over the brain, it causes dementia in most people living with the condition. Fear, anxiety, and hallucinations may occur, which can be devastating and scary for both the person with the condition and their loved ones.

The most frustrating and difficult part was watching a strong woman become more like a frightened child from the dementia that was caused by Parkinsons.

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What Causes Parkinson’s Disease

PD is a disorder of the nervous system. A small part of the brain, called the substantia nigra, is mainly affected. This area of the brain sends messages down nerves in the spinal cord to help control the muscles of the body. Messages are passed between brain cells, nerves and muscles by chemicals called neurotransmitters. The brain cells in the substantia nigra produce dopamine, the main neurotransmitter.

If you have PD, a number of cells in the substantia nigra become damaged and die. The exact cause of this is not known. Over time, more and more cells become damaged and die. As cells are damaged, the amount of dopamine that is produced is reduced. A combination of the reduction of cells and a low level of dopamine in the cells in this part of the brain causes nerve messages to the muscles to become slowed and abnormal.

If You Know Someone Who Has Parkinson’s

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

If your friend, relative or neighbour has Parkinson’s, it’s especially important to check on them regularly during winter. Older people are particularly vulnerable at this time of year.

Regular contact is important. This is more difficult while social distancing guidelines are in place. Our article on coronavirus and Parkinson’s has more information on the restrictions, and on support available during this time.

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Asthma And Hot Weather

In very hot weather, make sure you always have your blue inhaler with you and keep using your preventer inhaler as instructed by your doctor. Your inhalers are sensitive to extreme heat and leaving them in very hot places, such as the glove box of a car, can stop them working as well as they should so keep them somewhere reasonably cool.

Hay fever can also make your asthma symptoms worse. Make sure youre managing your hay fever well.

Get more information on managing asthma in hot weather from Asthma UK.

How Can I Prevent A Heat Illness What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk Of Heat Illnesses

Heat illnesses are very preventable. Use the following simple steps to keep yourself from getting overheated:

  • Drink water every 15 minutes when working or exercising in a hot environment, even if youre not thirsty. If you need to be out in extreme heat , drink a total of two to four glasses of water each hour.
  • Take periodic rest breaks in the shade, a cool area or air-conditioned space.
  • When working or exercising outside in hot, humid weather, wear a hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored cotton clothing.
  • Do not drink alcohol or beverages that contain caffeine.
  • Avoid going outdoors for activities or exercise when the temperature and humidity are high.
  • Wear sunscreen. A sunburn reduces your bodys ability to cool down. It can also dehydrate you.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses outside.
  • Avoid eating a hot, heavy meal.
  • Pace yourself. Rest often.
  • Monitor your urine output. If you urinate too much you could have a heat illness.

Remember that your body needs electrolytes, not just water. You can get electrolytes from common sports drinks, or powders you can add to your water. Choose an electrolyte drink or solution thats low in sugar.

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How Does The Body Stay Cool

The process that helps your body keep a healthy core temperature is called thermoregulation. Thermoregulation is controlled by a region of your brain called the hypothalamus. It activates receptors in your skin and other organs that cause you to lose heat and keep a normal core temperature. When your body gets really hot, it relies on sweat evaporation to dissipate heat . If the heat entering your body is more than the rate of heat leaving your body, your core temperature will rise and youll be at risk for a heat-related illness.

Who Develops Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson

PD mainly develops in people over the age of 50. It becomes more common with increasing age. About 5 in 1,000 people in their 60s and about 40 in 1,000 people in their 80s have PD. It affects men and women but is a little more common in men. Rarely, it develops in people under the age of 50.

PD is not usually inherited and it can affect anyone. However, one type of PD, which appears in the small number of people who develop it before the age of 50, may be linked to inherited factors. Several family members may be affected.

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Conditions Related To Parkinson’s

No two people have the same Parkinsons disease . With diverse symptoms and varied speeds of progression, PD does not affect every person the same way.

However, people with Parkinsons share many common symptoms and are at greater risk of developing some conditions. Talk to your healthcare team to help understand your risks and learn prevention strategies to help you lead your best life with PD.

Should I Take Salt Tablets During Hot Weather

Do not take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. The easiest and safest way to do this is through your diet. Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage when you exercise or work in the heat.

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What Are The Types Of Heat Illnesses

Heat illnesses are categorized as either mild or severe. The mild types include:

  • Heat rash.
  • Utility workers.

Additional factors that increase your risk of getting a heat illness include:

  • Dehydration. If youre dehydrated, meaning you dont have enough fluids in your body, youre more at risk of a heat illness.
  • Obesity and/or poor physical fitness.
  • Certain prescription medications. These include tranquilizers, water pills, antihistamines, beta blockers, laxatives and drugs used to treat mental illnesses or Parkinsons disease.
  • Using illegal drugs or alcohol.
  • Lack of experience working in heat, working outdoors or doing heavy work. You may need to take breaks and spend some time in the shade.
  • Illness, specifically medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems and heart problems. Also pregnancy, and symptoms like high blood pressure and fever.
  • Heavy, dark or light clothing. If you must wear heavy equipment and clothing like sports padding and helmets, police and fire uniforms and industrial protective equipment, youre in danger of developing a heat illness.
  • Age. If your child is four years old or younger, or youre 65 or older, youre at a higher risk. Infants and young children commonly get heat rash.
  • Gender. Males are more likely to get a heat illness than females.
  • Prior history of heat-related illnesses.

How Effective Are Electric Fans In Preventing Heat

Lesser Known Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness. Consider visiting a shopping mall or public library for a few hours.

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Foods Containing Nutrients That People May Be Deficient In

Some research suggests that people with Parkinsons often have certain nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B1, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.

The above study points out that some of these deficiencies may be associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, which are key factors in Parkinsons.

Therefore, people with Parkinsons may wish to consume more of the following foods.

Foods containing iron

The following foods are good sources of iron:

  • liver
  • certain fortified foods

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