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How To Prevent Getting Parkinson’s Disease

How To Prevent Parkinsons Disease With Diet And Lifestyle

PARKINSON DiSEASE HOW YOU GET IT AND HOW TO AVOID IT

The number of people diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and living with this condition is on the rise, with researchers estimating that over 1 million Americans will have this devastating illness by 2020.

Unfortunately, the conventional treatments available for Parkinsons disease are limited to surgical interventions and medications that come with numerous side effects. But a growing body of research indicates that there are many modifiable risk factors associated with the condition, providing us with clues as to what measures we can take to prevent the onset of the disease. Read on to learn how to prevent Parkinsons disease by using evidence-based dietary and lifestyle interventions.

Your Diet And The Microbiome

One of the big stories in medicine is the role of the gut microbiome in health and disease.

Several studies have found that people with PD have much lower levels of Prevotella species of bacteria a type thought to be good for maintaining gut health. They also have higher levels of bacteria associated with inflammation, which can be harmful.

How does that relate to your diet? What you eat affects which bacteria can thrive in your digestive system. Studies have shown that eating a Mediterranean, or whole-food plant-based diet, creates an environment where Prevotella and other healthy bacteria can flourish. Fiber and other components of whole plant foods and sometimes referred to as prebiotics because they feed the good bacteria in the gut, which may be beneficial for people with PD.

Parkinsons Causes: How Do You Get Parkinsons Disease

Parkinson’s disease causes are mostly unknown. Doctors know that the condition develops when nerve cells die in the brain, but there is no finite reason why this occurs. Over the years, vast amounts of research have been done in this area to determine whether genetics, lifestyle factors or both cause Parkinson’s. While Parkinson’s disease isn’t always preventable, these studies have provided some insight into possible Parkinson’s disease causes.

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What And How Can Physical Activity Prevention Function On Parkinsons Disease

Jianshe Wei

1Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Institute for Brain Sciences Research, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, China

2School of Physical Education, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004 Henan, China

3Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Regulation, Kaifeng 475004, China

Guest Editor:

Abstract

1. Introduction

Parkinsons disease is a second common neurodegenerative disease all over the world . Most of the patients are between 50 and 60 years old. As the aging of population increases, the risk of Parkinsons disease increases accordingly, and the incidence in young- and middle-aged people increases. As a chronic disease, PD has a long course and is prone to recurrence. The reduction of dopamine is the leading cause of PD in previous studies . The consequent loss of the neurotransmitter DA in the striatum leads to the primary motor symptoms of PD, namely, bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, and postural instability . At present, the clinical trials are valid only for symptom management no medications have proved effective in stopping the disease process . Therefore, revealing the pathological mechanism of PD is extremely important for the effective prevention and treatment of this disease.

2. Epidemiology Study of Parkinsons Disease

2.1. Incidence of Parkinsons Disease
2.2. Risk Factors and Protective Factors of Parkinsons Disease

3. Physical Activity Prevention and Parkinsons Disease

5. Conclusion

Conflicts of Interest

References

How Is Parkinson’s Disease Treated

Is Parkinsons Hereditary?

If a doctor thinks a person has Parkinson’s disease, there’s reason for hope. Medicine can be used to eliminate or improve the symptoms, like the body tremors. And some experts think that a cure may be found soon.

For now, a medicine called levodopa is often given to people who have Parkinson’s disease. Called “L-dopa,” this medicine increases the amount of dopamine in the body and has been shown to improve a person’s ability to walk and move around. Other drugs also help decrease and manage the symptoms by affecting dopamine levels. In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat it. The person would get anesthesia, a special kind of medicine to prevent pain during the operation.

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Stages Of Parkinsons Disease

Neurologists usually describe the progression of Parkinsons symptoms in stages, using the system known as the Hoehn and Yahr scale. These stages are:

  • Stage I Symptoms are seen on one side of the body only.
  • Stage II Symptoms are seen on both sides of the body. Theres no impairment of balance.
  • Stage III Balance impairment has begun. In this mild- to moderate stage of the disease, the person is still physically independent.
  • Stage IV This stage is marked by severe disability, but the person is still able to walk or stand unassisted.
  • Stage V The person is wheelchair-bound or bedridden unless assisted.

Scientifically Backed Ways To Prevent Parkinsons Disease

Dopamine plays a major role in a variety of mental and physical functions, including:

  • Voluntary movement
  • Memory
  • General behavior

Parkinsons now afflicts roughly 1.5 million people in the United States alone, with primary symptoms being body tremors, slow movement, rigid limbs, reduced memory, a shuffling gait and speech impairment. So we have to ask:

1.) What causes it?

2.) How do we prevent it?

Currently there isnt a known cure, and its not fully understood what causes the dip in dopamine however, we know that aging is the single most important risk factor for PD, with inflammation and stress contributing to cell damage. And we now know enough about the disease to understand the preventative measures that counter the aging and death of the neurons under attack.

Because there is no known cure, its critical that we prevent the disease before symptoms arise. Granted, thanks to recent advancements in modern surgical procedures, there are some safe surgeries that can mitigate some of the more severe symptoms associated with PD. The most common one now is deep brain stimulation, in which they implant an electrode into the brain that can stop some of the more severe symptoms of Parkinsons.

But this article will try to keep it from getting to that point. The less drugs and surgery we can have in our lives, the better.

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For People Living With Parkinsons Disease Exercise May Be One Of The Most Powerful Tools To Fight Some Symptoms And To Slow The Diseases Degenerative Nature

In addition to maintaining overall physical and emotional health and well being, exercise tends to minimize some of the primary and secondary symptoms of early onset Parkinsons. Though exercise is not a cure, it can help people living with Parkinsons disease maintain muscle tone and function, remain flexible, and improve overall mobility.

While the precise role exercise plays in delaying the progression of the disease is still being researched, studies consistently report that those with Parkinsons Disease who exercise regularly tend to do better than those who do not. When it comes to exercise, being younger has its advantages. Younger people are usually stronger and better able to maintain a regular exercise program over time.

Many young people with Parkinsons Disease have found that they are able to combine their exercise with grass roots fundraising efforts. From the well-known walk-a-thons held across the country to the young men and women who have walked marathons to raise funds, finding sponsors who will cheer you on every step or mile can help you remain committed to an exercise plan.

Exercise Helps Prevent Fight Parkinson’s Disease From The Harvard Health Letter

Impact of Falls and Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a brain disease that affects the body and how it moves. Early symptoms include tremors, a shuffling gait, and an overall slowing of physical movement. Yet exercise may be one of the best and most underutilized ways of combating the condition, according to the March 2012 .

Several prospective studies that followed tens of thousands of people for many years have shown a correlation between exercise earlier in life and a reduced chance of developing Parkinson’s later on. Exercising in your 30s and 40s decades before Parkinson’s typically occurs may reduce the risk of getting Parkinson’s disease by about 30%, notes the Health Letter. Some experts believe the exercise must be vigorous to make a difference. However, because this kind of research can’t prove cause and effect, there is the possibility of “reverse causation”: that is, exercise may not prevent Parkinson’s disease, but instead a very early “preclinical” form of the disease, without clear symptoms, may make people less willing or able to exercise in the first place.

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How Do You Prevent Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons disease or PD is a type of progressive disease of nervous system. In this case, human brain of a person stops producing dopamine i.e. a neurotransmitter gradually. With less amount of dopamine, individuals fail to regulate their body movements and emotions.

This condition also involves degeneration of basal ganglia present in the human brain and alterations in its other parts and neurotransmitters. The progression of Parkinsons disease problem takes place slowly in human beings and symptoms require many years to develop. Because of this, most of the people may live for many years even by suffering from the problem.

What Are The Surgical Treatments For Parkinsons Disease

Most patients with Parkinsons disease can maintain a good quality of life with medications. However, as the disease worsens, medications may no longer be effective in some patients. In these patients, the effectiveness of medications becomes unpredictable reducing symptoms during on periods and no longer controlling symptoms during off periods, which usually occur when the medication is wearing off and just before the next dose is to be taken. Sometimes these variations can be managed with changes in medications. However, sometimes they cant. Based on the type and severity of your symptoms, the failure of adjustments in your medications, the decline in your quality of life and your overall health, your doctor may discuss some of the available surgical options.

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Eight Causes Of Parkinsons Disease

Many scientists and doctors dream of developing a cure for Parkinsons disease. However, the reality is that Parkinsons disease is caused by multiple factors and therefore is unlikely to respond to a single therapy.

we can make more progress and improve quality of life by addressing the many underlying causes of Parkinsons disease

How Do I Prevent Falls From Common Hazards

How to Prevent Parkinson
  • Floors: Remove all loose wires, cords, and throw rugs. Minimize clutter. Make sure rugs are anchored and smooth. Keep furniture in its usual place.
  • Bathroom: Install grab bars and non-skid tape in the tub or shower. Use non-skid bath mats on the floor or install wall-to-wall carpeting.
  • Lighting: Make sure halls, stairways, and entrances are well-lit. Install a night light in your bathroom or hallway and staircase. Turn lights on if you get up in the middle of the night. Make sure lamps or light switches are within reach of the bed if you have to get up during the night.
  • Kitchen: Install non-skid rubber mats near the sink and stove. Clean spills immediately.
  • Stairs: Make sure treads, rails, and rugs are secure. Install a rail on both sides of the stairs. If stairs are a threat, it might be helpful to arrange most of your activities on the lower level to reduce the number of times you must climb the stairs.
  • Entrances and doorways: Install metal handles on the walls adjacent to the doorknobs of all doors to make it more secure as you travel through the doorway.

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Tips For Getting Started

  • Changing your diet can be difficult. Try making one change at a time, like eating a handful of nuts a few times a week or avoiding white bread. Small changes can add up to big benefits.
  • Consult with a registered dietician, who can help you plan menus and make shopping lists for preparing nutritious meals that you like and that account for your individual needs and the timing of your medications.
  • Consult with an occupational therapist about assistive devices, including some mentioned above, to make eating and drinking easier.
  • If you experience anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor. These symptoms can suppress appetite.
  • If swallowing issues are causing problems eating , a speech-language pathologist may be able to help.

What Are The Natural Remedies For Parkinsons

People often underestimate the influence and effectiveness of natural remedies or lifestyle changes on diseases such as Parkinsons. Scientific research shows us that altering the diet and adding specific nutrients can help. Heres a look at what you can do to improve the quality of life under the influence of this disease:

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Parkinson’s Disease And Parkinsonism

There is also another similar disease called Parkinsonism, which is a condition in which people have some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but do not have Parkinson’s disease itself. Parkinsonism occurs when one or more of the regions of the brain that are responsible for Parkinson’s disease become damaged.

One of the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is a loss of the sense of smell, which can happen years before other symptoms appear. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism also include a fine tremor, which is very noticeable in the hands and arms and happens when the hands and arms are at rest.

Beyond loss of sense of smell and tremor, Parkinson’s is associated with several other physical symptoms, including slowness of movement , rigidity and postural instability. These symptoms can make walking or generally moving around extremely difficult and can lead to abnormal body posture. Additionally, people who have Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism often have very little facial expression, which is typically called a “masked face.”

The areas of the brain involved in Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism are called the substantia nigra and the basal ganglia. Parkinson’s disease is normally caused by slowly progressive degeneration of these two areas, which control the rhythm and smoothness of our movements and the tone of our muscles. As the substantia nigra and the basal ganglia degenerate, the typical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease begin to emerge.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease

Stroke? Parkinsons? Elderly? How to Improve Balance & Prevent Falls.

Parkinsons disease is a brain disorder that affects a persons physical and mental abilities. As the disease slowly progresses, people begin to develop difficulties walking and talking. They will also experience behavioral changes, depression, loss of memory, sleep problems, and fatigue.

The exact cause of Parkinsons disease is not known, though scientists believe its a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The common thread between all people who have Parkinsons disease is a loss of neurons that create dopamine in the area of the brain known as the substantia nigra.

While there is no known cure, there are several treatment options that include lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapy, and surgery to help a person cope with Parkinsons.

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What Are The Ways To Prevent Parkinsons Disease In A Patient

According to the research done so far, doctors and scientists believe that Parkinsons disease is triggered through a combination of genetic factors and exposure to factors like trauma and certain kinds of toxins and illness. Thus, the Parkinsons disease cannot be prevented as of now since proper etiology is yet to be discovered.

Can Parkinsons Disease Be Prevented

Unfortunately, no. Parkinsons disease is long-term disease that worsens over time. Although there is no way to prevent or cure the disease , medications may significantly relieve your symptoms. In some patients especially those with later-stage disease, surgery to improve symptoms may be an option.

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Parkinson’s Disease Caused By Stroke: Vascular Parkinsonism

A stroke involving the substantia nigra or basal ganglia is called vascular Parkinsonism. Similar to other strokes, damage is caused primarily by a lack of blood supply to these regions of the brain. Generally, the strokes associated with Parkinsonism are termed small vessel strokes as they aren’t normally catastrophic. Diagnosis of small vessel strokes can be confirmed with diagnostic tests such as CT or MRI of the brain.

It typically takes several small strokes to produce the symptoms of vascular Parkinsonism. In some cases, small vessel strokes can also produce a type of dementia called vascular dementia. As such, it is not unusual for people who have vascular Parkinsonism to also have vascular dementia.

Stooping Or Hunching Over

These vitamins may help prevent Parkinsons disease

Are you not standing up as straight as you used to? If you or your family or friends notice that you seem to be stooping, leaning or slouching when you stand, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease .

What is normal?If you have pain from an injury or if you are sick, it might cause you to stand crookedly. Also, a problem with your bones can make you hunch over.

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Manage Parkinsons Disease Through Diet & Nutrition

A healthy diet can help people living with Parkinsons disease achieve or maintain normal body weight, increase your energy level, boost your immune system, decrease risk factors for certain conditions or illnesses, and reduce constipation.

Parkinsons disease and diet should be considered together. It can be particularly helpful for people with early onset Parkinsons disease to pay close attention to issues of diet and nutrition to living with Parkinsons. Thats because poor nutritional status can result in, and contribute to, many of the common complaints associated with Parkinsons disease. For example, difficulties with swallowing can prevent people with Parkinsons disease from getting adequate nourishment, which can lead to a worsening of motor symptoms and increased weakness resulting in falls.

People with Parkinsons Disease may also find that certain medications, or medication side effects, have an impact on their diet or nutrition. Any time you are prescribed a new medication, it is a good idea to ask your physician about any dietary restrictions and whether it is best to take the medication with or without food. This is particularly important with Parkinsons disease medications because certain food groups as well as the timing of meals can interfere with how quickly or fully your body is able to absorb the medication

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