Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
In Parkinson’s disease, certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain gradually break down or die. Many of the symptoms are due to a loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger in your brain called dopamine. When dopamine levels decrease, it causes abnormal brain activity, leading to signs of Parkinson’s disease.
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but several factors appear to play a role, including:
- Your genes. Researchers have identified specific genetic mutations that can cause Parkinson’s disease. However, these are uncommon except in rare cases with many family members affected.
- Environmental triggers. Exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors may increase the risk of later Parkinson’s disease, but the risk is relatively small.
- Your natural aging process. Parkinson’s disease typically begins around age 60 or older. Part of the reason for this may be that brain cells that produce dopamine decrease in function with age.
- Abnormal immune response. People with Parkinson’s disease often show signs of inflammation in parts of their brains. This inflammation may be related to the disease process.
In many cases, the cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Primary motor signs of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Tremor. A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You may rub your thumb and forefinger back and forth, known as a pill-rolling tremor. Your hand may tremble when it’s at rest.
- Slowed motion (bradykinesia). Over time, Parkinson’s disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk. It may be difficult to get out of a chair. You may drag your feet as you try to walk.
- Rigid muscles. Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can be painful and limit your range of motion.
- Impaired posture and balance. Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems as a result of Parkinson’s disease. Balance problems may also be a side effect of medications you take to treat Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s disease also commonly causes secondary motor signs, including:
- Loss of automatic movements. You may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk. You may fall forward while walking.
- Speech changes. You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more of a monotone rather than have the usual inflections.
- Writing changes. It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.
What not to do if you have Parkinson’s disease
While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, medications, surgery and other treatments can often effectively manage its symptoms. It’s also important to know what not to do if you have Parkinson’s disease.
Here are 9 things you should avoid if you have Parkinson’s:
1. Don’t isolate yourself
It’s common for people with Parkinson’s disease to withdraw and isolate themselves because of symptoms like tremors, rigid muscles, and problems with walking or balance. They may feel embarrassed, self-conscious or depressed.
However, isolation tends to make the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease worse. Social interaction is important for mental health and can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety that often accompany Parkinson’s.
Aim to stay engaged with family, friends, and social activities as much as possible. Consider joining a Parkinson’s disease support group. Let loved ones know if you need help staying socially active.
2. Don’t stop moving or exercising
Exercise is especially important for people with Parkinson’s disease. It can improve mobility, balance, tremor, stiffness and mental health.
Aerobic exercise and strength training are both beneficial. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise. This could include brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Also aim to do strength training exercises 2 to 3 times per week.
If your mobility is limited, even simple stretching or chair exercises can help prevent muscle stiffness and weakness.
3. Don’t take over-the-counter drugs without asking your doctor
Some common drugs can interact with Parkinson’s medications and make symptoms worse. These include:
- Allergy medications containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Sleep aids containing Benadryl, Tylenol PM or Nyquil
- Cold and cough medicines containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Aleve (aspirin and other NSAIDs)
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new over-the-counter medication, herbals, or supplements.
4. Don’t make frequent medication changes
It takes time — sometimes weeks — for Parkinson’s medications to become effective and for your body to adjust to them. Frequently stopping and starting medications can make symptoms fluctuate.
Before making any medication changes, talk to your doctor. Never stop Parkinson’s medications abruptly without medical supervision.
5. Don’t drink too much alcohol
Drinking more than a moderate amount can interfere with Parkinson’s medications. Alcohol can also make motor symptoms worse and interact with antidepressants sometimes prescribed for Parkinson’s.
Men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women only one (a drink is 12 oz of beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz spirits).
6. Don’t ignore depression
Depression affects over half of people with Parkinson’s disease, due to factors like reduced dopamine levels. Warning signs include feeling sad, hopeless, or unmotivated.
Don’t dismiss depression as inevitable. Talk to your doctor, who may recommend counseling or antidepressant medication. Treating depression can improve your quality of life.
7. Don’t rule out therapy and rehab
A variety of therapies can help manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms, including:
- Physical therapy to improve mobility, balance, and strength.
- Occupational therapy to make daily tasks easier and safer.
- Speech therapy for voice and swallowing difficulties.
These therapies, tailored to your needs, can maximize your ability to function independently.
8. Don’t avoid vitamins, fats, and protein
Parkinson’s disease can make eating difficult due to chewing and swallowing problems. But nutrition is important to stay healthy.
Be sure to get enough:
- Vitamin D and calcium to protect your bones, since Parkinson’s increases osteoporosis risk.
- Omega-3 fats from fish, nuts, and vegetable oils to reduce inflammation.
- Protein to preserve muscle mass when activity is limited.
Eat soft, nutrient-rich foods. Your doctor may recommend nutritional supplements if needed.
9. Don’t put off discussing advanced treatments
As Parkinson’s progresses, medications may become less effective while side effects increase. At some point, surgery and other therapies can improve treatment.
Options to discuss with your doctor include:
- Deep brain stimulation: Electrical pulses help normalize brain activity.
- Duodopa: A gel containing levodopa that’s continuously infused.
- Focused ultrasound: Targeted ultrasound waves can lessen tremors.
- New medications: Several are in development and trials.
By knowing your options, you can make timely decisions about advanced Parkinson’s treatments.
Living well with Parkinson’s disease
While currently there’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, symptoms can be managed to help you maintain the highest possible quality of life. With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, many people with Parkinson’s disease are able to enjoy productive and fulfilling lives for years after diagnosis.
The key is actively managing your symptoms through a combination of medications, physical activity, physical and occupational therapy, surgery, and healthy lifestyle habits. Having a good support team of doctors, family, and friends is also important.
Educating yourself about Parkinson’s disease and its treatments will empower you to take control of your health as much as possible. Be proactive with your doctors, therapists, and caregivers. And focus each day on what you can do rather than what you can’t.
Conclusion
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, but there are many ways to minimize its impact on your daily life. Be sure to stay socially and physically active, discuss all medications with your doctor, treat depression, and consider therapy and advanced treatments. With proper management, you can enjoy a full life with Parkinson’s disease.