1. Find a support group in your area. Contact the National Parkinson’s Foundation (NPF), the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA), and PMD Alliance have lists of support groups across the country. Ask for referrals and informational pamphlets. Go to their websites.
2. Search for a Neurologist with whom you can communicate. If you can, find a Neurologist who is also a movement disorder specialist (MDS) or has experience working with those with Parkinson’s.
3. Eat Your Veggies. When I went vegetarian over 20 years ago, my energy level improved, my digestion improved, and my medications worked better. Here’s an interview with retired dietician, Kathrynne Holden, who specialized in Parkinson’s disease.
4. Reduce your stress level. Stress reduces the effectiveness of meds, disturbs sleep, and can cause more illnesses. Find an outlet for stress like calming your mind through yoga, reiki, and meditation.
5. Sleep matters. You need rest to recharge those dopamine receptors. If you can’t sleep, talk to your doctor.
6. Keep active. Challenge your mind and body daily–but don’t overdo it. Find that balance. Exercise has big benefits.
7. Stay on track. Keep a schedule with your meds and take them on time with water.
8. Try music. I find music can soothe my headaches, improve my mood, and help me to relax.
9. Stay informed. Sign up with Google news, local PD organization’s chapters, and other legitimate PD sites to get the latest press in Parkinson’s disease .
10. Get involved. Keep informed and help the PD community. Become a Parkinson’s advocate!
These are just a few ways that I have been able to improve my PD. I hope they work for you. I am not a doctor and this is my opinion only.
