1.  Find a support group in your area. Contact the National Parkinson’s Foundation (NPF), the American  Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA), and Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) for more information about updates and seminars. Ask for referrals and informational pamphlets.   Go to their sites.

2. Search for a Neurologist with whom you can communicate. If you have Young-Onset PD, then you probably are going to want a Neurologist who is also a movement disorder specialist.

3. Eat Your Veggies.  When I went vegetarian over 20 years ago, my energy level improved, my digestion improved, and my medications worked better.

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.

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 through the Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN).

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.