When you are suffering from Parkinson’s
disease you have about three distinct choices before you. The first
and most promising is to get on allopathic medication, the second is
to combine allopathic drugs with complementary therapies such as
Acupuncture or Yoga therapies, and the third is to look for surgical
options like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery or lesioning
techniques. Most patients suffering from this frustrating disease
start with allopathic medication in small doses, or as prescribed by
their general physician or family doctor. This stops only once the
symptoms worsen or cannot be controlled by the prescribed drugs.
That’s when a PD specialist or a neurologist is approached for
consultation. In most cases the new doctor prescribes a combination
of drugs with stronger doses and physical therapy or speech therapy
depending on the patient’s needs. If the patient does not respond
to this well enough, surgery is considered.
Now that you know what happens when you
have PD, here are some ways in which smart Parkinson’s patients are
slowing the progression of this degenerative disease. We all know
that PD has no known cure yet, and while there is research being done
on the subject there is no clear ray of hope for this frustrating
condition. Medication does help to an extent, but you need to find
ways to slow down oxidation and further progression of the symptoms.
No matter what stage you are at with the disorder, you can start
taking 100 milligrams of coenzyme Q10. Take the pill three times a
day or as prescribed by the doctor. If your doctor has not written it
down for you, ask why. There might be a chance that the physician is
unaware of this drug.
There is no substitute for a healthy
diet. You must follow a low-fat diet that is low in calories.
Incorporate as much fruits, vegetables and beans as you can. If need
be, consult a good dietician or nutritionist for a diet plan that
takes into consideration your health issues, the PD disorder, your
age, etc. If you do not know of any dietician, ask your GP to
recommend someone who has worked with PD patients. We have all heard
that Vitamins are good for the body. There are some people who take
certain vitamins each day in the form of natural foods or tablets.
You need to be one of them. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are known to
benefit Parkinson’s disease patients. You can take 400 IU vitamin E
and 2 grams vitamin C daily and see the difference in about a week or
so.
While this is not the age to start
adding bulk or weight-training like a bodybuilder, some sort of
physical exercise is advisable. You can take up any physical activity
to last you 15 to 20 minutes a day. If you feel 20 minutes is a lot
at a stretch, chunk it into two sessions a day lasting 10 minutes.
You can take up something as simple as walking around the house, or
gardening if that’s more up your alley. Patients that do not feel
up to doing physical activities on their own can hire a personal
trainer or opt for physical therapy. There are many options available
as long as you are willing and committed to doing what you can to
curb the symptoms.
All these things may help in
combination with your treatment for Parkinson’s disease, but
not without it. The best thing to do in order to keep the symptoms in
check is to take your medication on time, and consult your doctor
from time to time.
Bio
Kiel is a freelance writer for the
Internet. Having a family member suffering from PD for the last
decade, he often writes about topics such as the best
treatment
for Parkinson’s
disease, how to take care of someone with PD,
homecare
of Parkinson’s patients, etc. In his free
time, Kiel plays the guitar and writes songs. He someday hopes to
make it in the music industry as a songwriter.
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