Living with Parkinson’s Disease. Recommendations for Patients

Neurologist at the Buzaev Clinic, Yulia Alexandrovna Sidorova. Materials from the online conference dedicated to Parkinson’s disease.

Hello, dear ones! My name is Yulia Sidorova, and I am a neurologist. Today, on World Brain Day dedicated to Parkinson’s disease, I would like to tell you about non-pharmacological methods that can help patients live with this disease.

Living with Parkinson’s disease is a daily challenge, where the world changes, requiring endurance, courage, and the desire to move forward no matter what. Knowledge is the foundation of your well-being. The more you know about the condition, the easier it will be to anticipate changes and take steps to improve your quality of life. Remember, you are not alone on this journey! We are ready to help you at every stage.

Physical Activity

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects motor function. Maintaining physical activity plays a key role. It is now known that regular activities such as dancing, boxing, or tai chi help:

• Increase muscle strength
• Improve coordination
• Reduce slowness of movements
• Reduce the risk of falls
• Prevent joint changes

These activities can be conducted individually or in groups. For example, patients engage in dancing, boxing with gloves and bags, as well as tai chi in groups. Such activities not only improve health but also promote social engagement.

Nutrition

Patients with Parkinson’s disease often experience difficulties with chewing and swallowing, nausea caused by medication, tremor and stiffness in the hands, as well as olfactory disorders. All of this makes eating difficult. However, nutrition is an important aspect of treatment, as it helps to manage issues such as:

• Constipation ;
• Weight loss
• Emotional disorders ;
• Sleep disorder ;
• Risk of Falls .

No need to follow a special diet, but there are a few recommendations:

• Drink 6–8 glasses of water a day to prevent constipation
• Include fiber-rich foods in your diet: brown rice, whole grain bread, fruits, and legumes
• Limit the consumption of sugar, alcohol, and coffee, especially in the evening, to improve sleep
• Discuss with your doctor the need to take vitamins D and calcium for strengthening bones
• Add healthy fats to your diet, such as nuts, to manage weight loss.

To alleviate nausea, you can use ice cubes, freeze juices, consume cooled food, and avoid combining hot and cold. If nausea occurs in the morning, try protein-rich foods like lean meat or cheese before bed.

It is also important to consider the timing of medication intake. For example, levodopa medications are more effective when taken on an empty stomach.

Comfortable Home Setup

To ease the daily life of patients, there are special tools:

• Cutlery with a wide, non-slip handle
• Spoons and forks with tremor suppression function
• Tableware with a vacuum base or rims for easy food handling
• Spill-proof cups
• Self-adhesive non-slip material for dishes or flooring
• Chairs and benches for the bathroom, toilet grab bars, and bedside rails
• Walkers or a cane for independent mobility

It is important to create good lighting, secure rugs, and use a nightlight for safety.

Communication with Children

If there are children in the family, it’s important to explain to them what is happening with their grandfather or grandmother. Tell them why familiar games have become more difficult, why grandpa needs more rest, or why he smiles less. This doesn’t mean he isn’t happy to see his grandchildren—it’s just that the illness affects facial expressions and the display of emotions.

There are wonderful books that help children understand the condition of their loved ones. For example, “My Grandfather’s Shaking Hands” or “I Will Hold Your Hand So You Don’t Fall”

Thank you for your attention! Remember that knowledge about Parkinson’s disease helps you better manage your condition and improve your quality of life. We are ready to assist you at every stage!