This week is Parkinson’s Awareness Week which is a chance to gain an understanding of a condition that is the fastest neurological condition in the world.
It is estimated that one in 37 people alive in the UK today will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their lifetime.
The condition is caused when brains cells that produce dopamine stop working properly and die over time.
Everyone who lives with Parkinson’s has a different experience, but the main symptoms include tremors, slowness of movement and rigidity.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with the condition, here are some top tips to manage life with Parkinson’s.
Get moving
It has been reported that taking on two and half hours of exercise a week can help to slow the progression of symptoms. It can also help to manage physical symptoms, sleep issues and improve mental health.
From early mild symptoms to more complex symptoms, every person with Parkinson’s has a different experience so it is important that the individual chooses an exercise regime that suits them. For more detailed advice, talk to your GP or physiotherapist.
Explore different therapies
Chat to your GP about the different therapies available and you may be able to be referred for treatment. A physiotherapist can help you with movement problems while an occupational therapist can help if you are struggling with everyday tasks such as moving about your home. If you find swallowing difficult or having problems with speech and writing, a speech and language therapist may be able to help. Try different ones out and see what works best for you.
Keep a diary
Why not keep a diary of how you are feeling each day so you can track your symptoms? This will make any medical appointments much easier as you will have a record of your symptoms at hand. It might also be useful to record how you are feeling emotionally and mentally to highlight your concerns and worries you have so you can discuss them with a professional.
Are you struggling with Parkinson’s or worried about a loved one? We are here to help. To find out more about our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.