Video on Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease does not have a cure. It is a progressive disease that will gain in intensity, as the person grows older. New treatments are discovered that help improve motor function and strides have been made in treating depression and sleep disorders in Parkinson’s patients.
In this day of increased exposure to news sources and medical advice, patients are well educated and proactive about their disease. Alternative therapies are researched and have gained favor over some traditional methods of treatment. For some the use of alternative and complementary treatments are strange and foreign to them. Some are not convinced they are effective and little has been done to test their effectiveness. The National Center for Complementary and alternative Medicine is a government organization that will conduct these tests, as will many universities.
In other cultures the use of alternative treatments are widely accepted such as the use of Tai chi and Yoga. Acupuncture and therapeutic massage are also popular and accepted methods of alternative treatments in some centers that are treating Parkinson’s disease. There is also herbal supplements and therapies but you should be careful about self-medicating yourself or using it instead of prescriptions.
Can antioxidants be helpful in treating Parkinson’s disease? These are substances that can detoxify free radicals that are involved in cell death relating to this disease. Vitamin E is a great source of antioxidants because the body can use it easier than other supplements. Another treatment to consider is Coenzyme Q10. Recommended dosage of Coenzyme Q10 is 1200/mg each day. Lower doses have little effect on patients with Parkinson’s disease. It is expensive but does appear safe and tolerated easily by the body.
Another alternative treatment considered helpful to Parkinson’s patients is Ayurvedic medicine. It is something that has been practiced in India for many thousands of years. It concentrates on total body wellness and joining body, mind and spirit to treat a specific disease or health condition. The system uses methods of detoxification using cleansing therapies and balancing body, mind and spirit using yoga and meditation. One of the cleansing agents is drawn from a legume that contains levodopa. This ingredient has been used for thousands of years and was originally used to treat an old disease that has similar symptoms to Parkinson’s. Yoga is a practice that is associated with Ayurvedic medicine. It uses the same principals and involves breathing, meditation, and proper use of the poses. Body, mind and spirit are the focus of Yoga postures. They can be tailored to fit the physical needs of patients with Parkinson’s disease. As normal with any new exercise routine, consult your doctor before you start.
Parkinson’s patients who are looking to improve their balance and flexibility are good candidates for Yoga as well as Tai Chi, another Eastern alternative medication. Many park districts, senior centers, and physical fitness centers are offering these classes to senior citizens routinely. It is important to start any new program gradually and build to a more advanced level so as not to injure the body.
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There are many questions to be answered when you have been diagnosed with an illness there is no cure for, and progressively will worsen over time. When patients are first diagnosed they experience disbelief, anger, fear and depression. These feelings are normal and can be used to create a positive attitude for controlling the disease instead of the disease controlling you. New strides are being made in treatment methods but when it comes down to it, you must learn to accept it and make the changes to live with the disease.
You may be afraid to tell people about your disease, worry that it may affect your relationships, jobs, and your privacy and independence. The questions are unending, how will it progress, how fast will it go, what is it going to do to my career and family life. Some questions may be answered by talking with other people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Searching the Internet or the public library is helpful in finding information. You may choose to take part in groups specifically for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Someone who has already gone through the stages you are going through can help you cope and ease the stress and apprehension you experience because of the diagnosis.
Patients with this disease will find their life changing and will need to learn to adapt to changing circumstances. They may have thoughts that are intrusive to them, high levels of anxiety, anger, and may withdraw socially from those around them. They may not be able to handle even small frustrations and may become self-absorbed in their body. If you or someone you love are experiencing these symptoms, they need to be faced and will need courage to seek the help they will need.
Work and private lives will need to be changes. Hobbies you once enjoyed you may have to drop and you will need to find something else that you can enjoy. If you play an instrument, you may need to begin going to concerts, listening to music or songwriting. Adjustments in life styles can be made so you can still enjoy the activities you love. You may choose to play 9 holes of golf instead of 18, and may substitue watching tennis matches instead of playing them.
Each Parkinson’s patient is different and may react to the diagnosis in different ways. Their work habits, normal everyday routines, and relationships may need to be adapted to the progression of their disease. Medication is available to help manage symptoms and you can live a satisfying life and continue to work in your career. You may want to look at your career sensibly and see if changes should be made. Do you need to find a job that requires less fine motor skills? Do you need to look into applying for disability. If your job requires you to work with machines, you may need to talk to your employer and discuss the possibility of changing positions.
Many will be able to meet these challenges head on, others may need to take some time in adjusting to the changes that will come into their lives and of those of their loved ones. There is no right or wrong way to react, it is normal to worry about the future but you will find the support you need from close friends, loved ones, family and support groups. It is important that you have a doctor that you like and trust to guide you through the progression of this disease.
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