Adopt A Regular Sleep Rhythm
Optimizing your circadian rhythm and improving your sleep promotes brain health and may reduce your risk of developing Parkinsons disease. To optimize your rhythm, create a regular sleepwake schedule and sleep in a room that is completely dark and free of light pollution from electronic devices. Avoid using blue light-emitting devices, such as computers and cell phones, several hours before bed. If you must use these devices, wear a pair of blue light-blocking glasses while doing so the glasses prevent blue light from disrupting your sleep rhythm.
Stages Of Parkinsons Disease
Neurologists usually describe the progression of Parkinsons symptoms in stages, using the system known as the Hoehn and Yahr scale. These stages are:
- Stage I Symptoms are seen on one side of the body only.
- Stage II Symptoms are seen on both sides of the body. Theres no impairment of balance.
- Stage III Balance impairment has begun. In this mild- to moderate stage of the disease, the person is still physically independent.
- Stage IV This stage is marked by severe disability, but the person is still able to walk or stand unassisted.
- Stage V The person is wheelchair-bound or bedridden unless assisted.
Diet And Exercise May Play Key Roles
Parkinson’s disease results from the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells within an area of the brain called the substantia nigra.
Since dopamine regulates movement, depletion of it results in motor symptoms like shaking, stiffness, and walking problems. Non-motor symptoms, like depression, sleep problems, and loss of smell, also commonly occur.
While there is no definitive way yet to prevent Parkinson’s disease, eating a “brain-healthy” diet and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine might help reduce the risk or delay symptom onset. This article reviews the potential roles of diet and exercise in PD prevention.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
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How Is It Treated
At this time, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. But there are several types of medicines that can control the symptoms and make the disease easier to live with.
You may not even need treatment if your symptoms are mild. Your doctor may wait to prescribe medicines until your symptoms start to get in the way of your daily life. Your doctor will adjust your medicines as your symptoms get worse. You may need to take several medicines to get the best results.
Levodopa is the best drug for controlling symptoms of Parkinson’s. But it can cause problems if you use it for a long time or at a high dose. So doctors sometimes use other medicines to treat people in the early stages of the disease.
The decision to start taking medicine, and which medicine to take, will be different for each person. Your doctor will be able to help you make these choices.
In some cases, a treatment called deep brain stimulation may also be used. For this treatment, a surgeon places wires in your brain. The wires carry tiny electrical signals to the parts of the brain that control movement. These little signals can help those parts of the brain work better.
There are many things you can do at home that can help you stay as independent and healthy as possible. Eat healthy foods. Get the rest you need. Make wise use of your energy. Get some exercise every day. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can also help.
Evaluate Relationship Between Environmental And Genetic Risk Factors
Gene-environment interaction is often used to describe the majority of idiopathic PD etiology , but most human population studies assess genetic risk for PD without any context of exposure. A few rare highly penetrant genetic mutations such as in the -synuclein gene clearly cause the PD phenotype . In contrast, mutations in the LRRK2 gene, responsible for perhaps 12%of PD, are only 30%penetrant . The much more common genetic variants identified in large GWASs are associated with only minimally increased risk and are not even thought of in terms of their penetrance. These observations clearly suggest and are supported by twin studies that except in very rare circumstances, interactions with the environment are necessary to produce the disease. PD is not unique in this respect. Highly penetrant mutations cause only a small proportion of virtually all late life disorders. The converse of course is also truehighly penetrant environmental exposures are rare causes of late life disorders, perhaps with the exclusion of smoking related disease.
Fig. 3
Number of publications on Parkinsons disease and select topics, 1960-2021. Based on Medline search of Medical Subject Headings and PubMed for keywords or phrases in publications for PD-related topics. Estimates vary depending on search terms and database coverage.
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Support For People Living With Parkinsons Disease
While the progression of Parkinsons is usually slow, eventually a persons daily routines may be affected. Activities such as working, taking care of a home, and participating in social activities with friends may become challenging. Experiencing these changes can be difficult, but support groups can help people cope. These groups can provide information, advice, and connections to resources for those living with Parkinsons disease, their families, and caregivers. The organizations listed below can help people find local support groups and other resources in their communities.
If You Have Parkinson’s Disease
If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, call your doctor if:
- You notice any significant change in your symptoms, such as severe episodes of freezingâa sudden loss of mobilityâwhich may affect walking.
- Your response to your medicine changes.
- Any other symptoms occur, such as constipation, sexual problems, or incontinence.
- You have symptoms of depression, such as feeling sad or losing interest in daily activities.
- You or your family notice that you have problems with memory and thinking ability.
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Consider Sex As A Biological Variable In Toxicant Exposure
Just as all biomedical research requires an equitable inclusion of women, measuring environmental risk for PD must also consider sex as a biological variable. While PD appears to be more prevalent in men , sexual dimorphisms are also apparent in PD symptoms . An initial hypothesis that men were more likely to be employed in occupations that elevated exposure risk, such as pesticide applicators and factory workers, potentially explains some, but not all of the gender disparity in PD. In fact, sex differences in PD prevalence may be geographically or culturally specific. One study from Japan found that PD prevalence in women was significantly higher than men however, it is unclear whether this increased female-to-male PD ratio is due specifically to the environment. In Japan, women historically outnumbered men as farmers suggesting exposure to agricultural pesticides could underlie this observation.
Include Populations With High Exposure Burden
The current and projected global growth of PD in populous nations cannot alone be attributed to increased lifespan. Areas of the world that have seen the greatest growth of modern industrialization, such as China and India, have had the highest increase in age-adjusted prevalence estimates for PD . Some of the increased prevalence in PD among these nations may be a result of better characterization and diagnosis of PD by neurologists or reductions in smoking, which is widely accepted to be protective against PD risk . However, other critical factors are the products and by-products of industrialization. In the case of pesticides, China greatly outpaces the rest of the world in annual usage, estimated at over 1,800,000 tons, followed by the U.S. with approximately 55,000 tons . In the last few decades, South American pesticide usage has risen sharply . As regulations for chemical usage vary widely between nations, the risks for their harms may be especially high in certain parts of the world.
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Foods That Are Hard To Chew
Another Parkinsons symptom is difficulty chewing and swallowing. In fact, its estimated that 80% of people with this condition experience difficulty swallowing as the disease progresses .
Choosing foods that are easy to chew and swallow may be important, as may working with a speech language therapist.
Causes Of Parkinsons Disease
As identified by specialists, the main cause of PD is the brains inability to produce dopamine. But, what makes the brain not able to produce dopamine? Your health is in your hands. Be educated and take charge.
Here are some of the reasons that contribute to the deterioration of not only PD but also neurological health:
- Various nutrient deficiencies
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An Environmental Research Agenda For Preventing Pd
To prevent PD, our basic and clinical research activities must expand substantially. We present 10 key areas that could help accelerate disease prevention .
Fig. 1
Parkinsons disease Prevention Agenda. Preclinical and clinical research areas of focus to better characterize environmental influence and prevent Parkinsons disease.
Risk Factors And Causes
There isnt one single cause of Parkinsons that has been proven at this time. Researchers believe a loss of the neurotransmitter dopamine, neurological damage, inflammation and brain cell deterioration are among the primary factors that trigger Parkinsons development. But why exactly patients develop these problems is a complex issue that remains up for debate.
What is known is that certain risk factors can make someone more susceptible to developing Parkinsons disease, which can include:
- Being a man, especially during older age. Research suggests that men in their 50s and 60s are most likely to develop Parkinsons.
- Genetic susceptibility: Studies have now identified several gene mutations that can put someone at a greater risk. Parkinsons has also been found to run in families, and having a sibling or parent increases someones risk.
- Damage to the area of the brain called the substantia nigra, which produces brain cells that are responsible for making dopamine.
- Toxicity and exposure to chemicals, including pesticides present on produce from non-organic farming. Living in a rural area and drinking well-water that might contain chemicals is another environmental risk factor.
- Poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, food allergies and an unhealthy lifestyle.
- Hormonal imbalances and other medical conditions that affect cognitive health and increase inflammation.
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Tips For Daily Living
If you are already living with Parkinsons disease, here are some tips to manage it:
- Exercise your brain. Read, work on crossword puzzle, do Sudoku, or engage in other activities that use your brain.
- Get moving. If you feel comfortable walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike, go for itand try to do it on a regular basis.
- Try tai chi. We think of tai chi as a mind-body exercise, and it is, but it also has roots as a martial art in China. A 2012 study found that practicing tai chi helped people with moderate Parkinsons disease maintain stability and balance. And a 2014 study found that tai chi can help people reduce their risk of falling. It incorporates a flowing series of coordinated movements to help you maintain flexibility, strength and balance, and it can be easily adapted to meet your abilities.
- Practice yoga. You dont have to perform headstands or other physically challenging poses to get significant benefits from practicing yoga. You can improve your balance, mobility, flexibility, and strength with a form thats adapted for you.
- Find a support group. Whether you prefer an online support group or a group that meets in person, a support group can be an invaluable resource for helping you live with Parkinsons disease.
Ways To Reduce Tremors For Parkinsons Disease
5 Ways to Reduce Tremors
Tremors are a common symptom associated with Parkinsons disease, a chronic progressive neurological disorder. Medical management may or may not help with reducing tremors so it is imperative to help patients find a specific way to combat tremors. Therefore, we are going to share with you tips that weve seen improve quality of life with patients, large groups of individuals, and our community. How great would it be for you to feel more confident in a crowd, eating in public, and attend family/grandchild/sporting events? With these 5 ways to reduce tremors for Parkinsons disease you can feel confident when out and about living your life to the fullest.
Each one of these tips can be individualized to you, because everyone has different symptoms. Maybe all, or just one with help you feel better, move better, and look better.
Tip 1: Flicks putting maximum range of motion and opening through the hands, acting as if you are throwing away your tremors with tons of effort. How to do this: close your hands and squeeze tightly, followed by throwing your hands out sideways and opening them maximally. This can be performed with just the hands, or with total arm involvement.
Tip 2: Punching with hands squeezed tightly and in a fist, throw a few punches in front of you giving them your best effort. How to do this: close your hands and squeeze tightly, raise your arms and straighten your elbows as you punch in front of you. Repeat with both arms.
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Measure Pd Incidence And Its Change Globally
Some of the basic facts about PD remain a mystery, beginning with how many individuals have parkinsonisms. For example, U.S. estimates vary by almost 50%. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, the prevalence of PD in the U.S. in 2016 was 710,000 . By contrast, a recent study estimated that in 2017 1,040,000 Americans were diagnosed with the disease . In Europe, a review of high-quality studies found a more than two-fold difference in prevalence estimates .
The variability in these estimates highlights the dearth of rigorous studies on the prevalence and incidence of the disease. The most recent door-to-door study conducted in the U.S. occurred in the 1970s . Such studies are critical because the rates of undiagnosed PD can be enormous and result in underestimates of the diseases true burden. The proportion of individuals with PD who are undiagnosed, and thus missed by claims-based estimates, ranges from 12%in Rotterdam, to 48%in Beijing, to 100%in rural Bolivia . Similarly, temporal studies on the incidence of PD are few . The absence of high-quality, accurate data on the epidemiology of PD limits our ability to understand its root causes. Estimated PD prevalence and percent change in age-stanzardized rates from 19902016 are presented in Table 2.
Table 2
Estimated Parkinsons disease prevalence 19902016 with limited data on contaminant emissions
Fig. 2
What Is Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons Disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the world. It primarily damages the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. The signs and symptoms of Parkinsonsinclude tremors in the limbs or jaw, slowing down of body movements , muscle stiffness and rigidity, painful muscle cramps , unsteady gait, slurred or indistinct speech, and memory problems. The symptoms are usually manageable at first and then become progressively worse, with most patients having to rely on professional caregivers in the later stages of the disease.
Treatment for Parkinsons Disease may include Regenerative Rehabilitation Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy, as well as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy to manage the day-to-day symptoms.
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What Is Parkinsonism Is It Different From Parkinsons
Parkinsons disease is the most common cause of parkinsonism, a category of neurological diseases that cause slowed movement.
No quick or easy diagnostic tests exist for Parkinsons disease, so a patient may receive an initial diagnosis of parkinsonism without a more specific condition being confirmed.
Classic Parkinsons disease referred to as idiopathic because it has no known cause is the most common and most treatable parkinsonism.
About 15 percent of people with parkinsonism have atypical variants, which are also known as Parkinsons plus syndromes.
Eat Wisely And Choose Whole Foods
A diet based on whole, nutrient-dense foods is an excellent first step for reducing your risk of Parkinsons disease. A high intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, fish, olive oil, coconut oil, fresh herbs, and spices is associated with a reduced risk of PD development and slower disease progression. Eating plenty of vegetables and fiber boosts levels of an anti-inflammatory group of gut bacteria that are inversely associated with Parkinsons disease and may play a protective role against neurodegenerative processes in the brain.
Choose organic foods over conventionally grown foods as much as possible. Eating organic reduces your exposure to neurotoxic pesticides and herbicides. If you cant buy all organic food, refer to the Environmental Working Groups Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists to determine which types of conventional produce are lowest in pesticide residues and are safe to buy non-organic.
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How Do We Maintain Our Balance
When the joints in your legs move, the nerves in your legs send signals to the spinal cord, from where they go to the Brain.
If this system is working, then the Brain knows *exactly* where your legs are, even when your eyes are closed!
This ability is called Joint Position Sense.
A second device is important as well:
Our inner ears contain tiny circular canals filled with fluid.
When your head moves, the liquid inside these canals moves, and the ears immediately send signals to the brain, informing it of this movement.
Finally, your eyes.
This one is obvious.
When you tend to fall, you can see that you are falling.
The eyes almost instantaneously send this information to the Brain, so that corrective action can be taken.
The Brain is supposed to act immediately when it gets signals from any of these organs that you are going to fall down.
These reflex movements are called Postural reflexes.
With this understanding, let us see now why we fall.