The diagnosis of Parkinson’s raises many questions for those affected themselves, but also for their relatives: What impact does the disease have on my life? What restrictions should I expect in everyday life? While a normal life is usually possible at the beginning of the disease, complications increasingly occur over time. For example, movement disorders as well as speech and swallowing difficulties become noticeable. We give you tips on how you can stay fit and active for a long time despite Parkinson’s.
Proper nutrition in Parkinson’s disease
A special diet is not necessary in Parkinson’s, but patients should pay attention to a balanced diet. High-fiber foods are especially important to prevent constipation, which occurs more frequently in Parkinson’s. Whole-grain products and vegetables, for example, contain a particularly large amount of fiber. It is equally important to consume sufficient calcium, because Parkinson’s patients suffer from osteoporosis more frequently than healthy people of the same age. Dairy products, vegetables and eggs are particularly rich in calcium. In addition to a healthy diet, Parkinson’s patients must also pay particular attention to adequate fluid intake. However, they often drink too little for fear of being clumsy when drinking. Many also want to avoid frequent urination. If there are problems with the bladder, these should be clarified by a doctor. Under no circumstances should patients drink less because of this. Important: If levodopa is taken, the tablets should not be taken together with a protein-rich meal. Since the dopamine contained in the tablets also belongs to the proteins, it can otherwise be displaced by other proteins during absorption in the intestine.
Nutrition for dysphagia
In the advanced stages, dysphagia is common in Parkinson’s disease. This is related to the fact that the tongue is less mobile and food is more difficult to pass. However, swallowing and gagging during eating can be avoided by proper nutrition. Porridge and strained foods are easiest for Parkinson’s patients to swallow. Ideally, all foods in a meal should be the same consistency – soup with chowder or mashed potatoes with a piece of meat are less suitable. Hard, dry or grainy foods should be avoided altogether if possible. If dysphagia is present, it is best to eat at a time when the medication is working optimally. Eat in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere where there are no distractions from the radio or television. Also, when eating, make sure your body is upright and your head is straight. Since eating and drinking at the same time increases the risk of choking, do not drink until your mouth is empty.
Keep moving despite Parkinson’s
It is important for Parkinson’s patients to remain physically active. This is because sport promotes motor skills and everyday movements can thus be better managed. In addition, regular exercise can significantly extend life expectancy in Parkinson’s disease. When exercising, however, be careful not to overdo it. Physical and occupational therapy measures as well as light endurance sports are well suited for Parkinson’s patients. Nordic walking is particularly recommended, as it trains endurance and at the same time promotes an upright posture. Sports such as swimming or gymnastics are also a good choice. Tennis, volleyball or squash, on the other hand, where reaction speed is of great importance, are better avoided. Sports that pose a risk of falling, such as ice skating or skiing, are also not suitable for Parkinson’s patients. In order to be able to live independently for as long as possible despite Parkinson’s, it is particularly important that certain muscle groups – such as the hand and finger muscles – are strengthened in a targeted manner. Therefore, do regular finger exercises (for example, playing the piano as a dry exercise or kneading a foam ball). Also games such as ‘Mikado’, ‘Memory‘ or ‘Four wins’ not only train the mental skills, but also the hand and finger function is trained in a fun way.
Combating the freezing phenomenon
Parkinson’s patients experience increasingly severe movement disorders over time. Among other things, the so-called ‘freezing phenomenon’ can occur – this refers to a sudden freezing of movement.The affected person is then unable to move from the spot for a short time. To counteract this phenomenon, you can give yourself loud commands, such as ‘Now the left leg forward’. Deliberately stepping over an object or a light tap on the thigh can also sometimes help to release the blockage. However, which strategy a patient responds to varies greatly from individual to individual.
Prevent falls
Since the mobility of those affected by Parkinson’s decreases, the steps seem smaller and the gait more shuffling, there is an increased risk of falling. To prevent falls as much as possible, consider the following tips:
- Move objects out of the way that you can easily trip over. This includes, for example, carpets and runners, as well as cables.
- Avoid slippery surfaces – in winter, for example, do not go out of the house if possible, if it has just snowed.
- If you feel unsteady on your feet, use a walking aid such as a cane or walker.
- When walking, consciously make sure to lift your feet and avoid quick movements.
- Wear shoes with a leather sole or rubber heel. On shoes with a continuous rubber sole, on the other hand, you should better do without, because you can easily get stuck on carpets.
Train the facial expressions
In Parkinson’s patients, facial expressions freeze more and more over time. As a result, those affected lose an important communication tool – because certain feelings such as joy or sadness are expressed primarily through facial expressions. To maintain your facial expressions for as long as possible, you should train them regularly. The best way to do this is to stand in front of a mirror:
- Say the vowels A, E, I, O, U with exaggerated facial expressions after.
- Try to express different moods using only your facial expressions, for example, joy, sadness, anger and surprise.
- Alternately frown, puff out your cheeks, raise your eyebrows and stick out your tongue.
Actively combat speech disorders
About 90 percent of all Parkinson’s patients develop speech disorders over time. These are caused by a decrease in the mobility of the organs involved in speech. In addition, however, long-term use of levodopa can also have a negative effect on speech. Due to the speech disorders, it becomes more difficult to understand the affected person. Their voice becomes softer and their pronunciation more unclear. Out of shame and fear of being constantly questioned, speaking is eventually avoided as much as possible. However, this is the wrong way to go. Instead, in order to become active against speech disorders, suitable speech training should be started immediately after the diagnosis becomes known. It is best to contact a speech therapist and have him or her show you suitable voice exercises. With a little training, you can then do the exercises on your own at home. In addition to such targeted voice exercises, you can also easily train your voice in everyday life:
- Read a short newspaper article aloud and clearly every day.
- Sing out loud.
- Play orally city-country-river.
- Participate in discussions.
Driving with Parkinson’s – yes or no?
Whether you are still able to drive despite Parkinson’s depends on various factors. Among other things, the extent to which movement disorders already occur is decisive. In addition, certain medications can reduce the ability to concentrate or react – please refer to the package insert of your medication for more detailed information. At an early stage, driving a car is usually not a problem. In individual cases, however, it is always up to the person affected to decide responsibly – preferably after consulting the doctor treating him or her – whether or not he or she is still able to drive a vehicle.
