Items To Help Parkinson’s Patients

Setting Up Living Spaces

Get help from family and friends to make these changes:

• Keep walkways open and free of clutter.

• Move phone and electrical cords out of the way.

• Remove throw rugs to prevent trips.

• Get a cordless or speakerphone. Program numbers for family and emergency services.

• Make sure rooms are well lit. Install nightlights along walkways.

• If freezing at doorways is a problem, consider placing lines of tape on the floor between rooms. Stepping over the tape may prompt you to keep moving.

Symptoms And Warning Signs

Symptoms of Parkinsons fall into two major categories: those related to motor functions, and those related to changes in someones mood. The four most common signs and symptoms of Parkinsons disease include:

• Trembling: This usually presents itself in the arms, jaw, legs and face.
• Rigidity: Most patients experience stiffness of the bodys core as well as their arms and legs.
• Bradykinesia: This is the term for slowness of movement. Some patients pause or freeze when moving without being able to start again, and others begin to shuffle when trying to walk.
• Postural instability : This results in loss of strength, loss of balance and problems with moving muscles or coordinating body parts.

Other symptoms that can also occur, which often impact someones moods and other behaviors, include:

• Sexual dysfunction

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook

• More than 500 recipes from Americas Test Kitchen

• No unusual or hard-to-find ingredients needed

• Nutritional information included for every recipe

• Recipes aren’t always beginner-friendly

• May not work for home chefs on a limited budget

Most health conditions come with a few lifestyle changes. For Parkinsons, changing your diet is highly recommended. Dr. Nwabuobi advises patients to incorporate lots of vegetables, high fiber, nuts, legumes, and whole grains into their diet. Due to these elements, a Mediterranean diet is a good model for how to start. The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook comes with over 500 recipes that bring the best of Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, and more to your kitchen. Each recipe puts a new twist on the traditional Mediterranean diet and makes meals easy to cook, which is perfect for weeknight dining when energy is already low.

You May Like: Leg Weakness Parkinson’s Disease

What Causes Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons comes under the dementia umbrella. Its adegenerative disease of the nervous system that causes a loss of motor skillsand intentional movement. When someone has Parkinsons, the part of the brainthat controls muscular movements and mood function doesnt receive enough ofthe crucial dopamine chemical. Without enough dopamine, bodily movements,learning abilities and mood levels are severely affected. So-called normalfunctions such as speaking, writing, swallowing, walking and sleeping become difficultto perform. These challenges, combined with a lowering of mood levels is whymany Parkinsons patients suffer with depression.

Risk Factors And Causes

There isnt one single cause of Parkinsons that has been proven at this time. Researchers believe a loss of the neurotransmitter dopamine, neurological damage, inflammation and brain cell deterioration are among the primary factors that trigger Parkinsons development. But why exactly patients develop these problems is a complex issue that remains up for debate.

What is known is that certain risk factors can make someone more susceptible to developing Parkinsons disease, which can include:

• Being a man, especially during older age. Research suggests that men in their 50s and 60s are most likely to develop Parkinsons.
• Genetic susceptibility: Studies have now identified several gene mutations that can put someone at a greater risk. Parkinsons has also been found to run in families, and having a sibling or parent increases someones risk.
• Damage to the area of the brain called the substantia nigra, which produces brain cells that are responsible for making dopamine.
• Toxicity and exposure to chemicals, including pesticides present on produce from non-organic farming. Living in a rural area and drinking well-water that might contain chemicals is another environmental risk factor.
• Poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, food allergies and an unhealthy lifestyle.
• Hormonal imbalances and other medical conditions that affect cognitive health and increase inflammation.

Also Check: Everything You Need To Know About Caregiving For Parkinson’s Disease

Want More Practical Articles Like This

Much more can be found in a powerful new edition of Davis Phinney Foundations free Every Victory Counts® manual. Its jam-packed with up-to-date information about everything Parkinsons, plus an expanded worksheets and resources section to help you put what youve learned into action. Color coding and engaging graphics help guide you through the written material and point you to complementary videos, podcasts and other materials on the Every Victory Counts companion website. And, it is still free of charge thanks to the generosity of our sponsors.

Request your copy of the new Every Victory Counts manual by clicking the button below.

Home Remedyfor Parkinsons #5 Vitamin D & Vitamin E:

Inflammation and low immunity are two powerful factorsthat contribute to the development and worsening of Parkinsons disease. Bothvitamin D and vitamin E are strong anti-inflammatories and immune boosters. VitaminD & E also protect our brain cells and can even help damaged neurons regenerate. A deficiency of these key vitamins has also been linked to brain difficultiessuch as poor memory and recall attainability.

In regards to PD, a study of 157 Parkinsons patientsfound that the vast majority of them had severe to chronic vitamin Ddeficiencies. The findings, published in the Archives of Neurology in March of 2011, revealed a strong linkbetween inadequate levels of vitamin D and the onset of early Parkinson’sdisease.4

Back in 2002, another study was published in the Archives of Neurology which tracked themental decline of 3,000 men and women diagnosed with Parkinsons disease over a period of 7 years. The study found the participants whose supplemental vitamin E intakewas higher experienced a 36% reduction in theseverity of their symptoms compared to the rest of the group. Another study, whichappeared in the Lancet Neurology onlinemagazine in 2005, showed that vitamin E may actually prevent Parkinsonsdisease from developing in the first place! 8

Where to Get Your Vitamin D and Vitamin E From?

Read Also: Which Is Worse Huntington’s And Parkinson’s

Adaptive Dining Products To Help Reduce Spills

Dining plates and bowls, plate guards, and two-handle mugs promote independence, self-confidence, and safer eating for those with Parkinsons disease. Built-up sides on plates and bowls help users to push food onto the fork or spoon as well as keeping the food contained. Suction bases on bowls and plates also help to prevent slipping.

Insulated Mug with Lid

For safer and easier drinking, this mug has a weighted base and two large handles to accommodate adult fingers. The lid’s spout also helps to prevent spills

This convenient dining kit includes a weighted utensil set designed to improve your grasp while feeding, as well as dining ware for reducing spills and messes

Designed to allow the user to push food against the raised side of the plate, this dish helps scoop food with only one hand if necessary

Promoting independence and self-confidence, this unique spill guard minimizes messy spills at meal time. It easily attaches to standard round plates for convenience

A polypropylene mug with an easy-to-grasp handle, used for either hot or cold liquids. The lid regulates flow for safer drinking

Stable dining surfaces can also help simplify mealtimes for those with shaky hands and weakness. The non-slip material can be cut-to-size and placed under a plate or bowl to keep it from moving on the table.

Simple changes and adaptations can make meals easier to prepare, eat, and clean up. Help your loved ones dine with ease and comfort using one of these adaptive utensils and tableware!

Make Your Loved One’s Life A Little Easier With These Thoughtful Gifts

Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Women’s Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. Youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Parkinsons disease is a progressive disorder that develops as a result of losing dopamine-producing neurons. These cells are mainly located in the part of the brain called substantia nigra pars compacta, explains movement disorders neurologist and Parkinsons expert Lynda Nwabuobi, MD. With degeneration of these cells and hence, depletion of dopamine, Parkinsons disease includes symptoms such as tremor, bradykinesia , and rigidity manifest.

This condition can make it more difficult to complete everyday tasks, like moving about the house, putting on clothes, and even speaking. It can be challenging to manage Parkinsons, especially on your own, so having friends and family there to support really can make the difference. Dr. Nwabuobi says its important to remember that Parkinsons is not fatal and many people live full enriched lives with the condition.

Also Check: Ms Symptoms Vs Parkinson’s

Gyenno Parkinson Spoon And Fork

Best movement detection

This product uses an intelligent algorithm to counteract tremors and shakes, which the company claims can offset 85% of unwanted tremors. This smart technology can distinguish between voluntary movement and hand tremors.

The utensil has different, interchangeable attachments, which include a spoon and fork. Both of the attachments are dishwasher-safe, but people must avoid submerging the electronic handle in water.

The devices materials are medical grade, chemical-free, and antibacterial. It has a rechargeable battery, and a person can use this product for three meals per day on a fully charged battery.

People can purchase the GYENNO Parkinson Spoon and Fork from online retailers, including Amazon.

Symptoms Of Parkinson Disease

• Rigidity Rigidity can occur in the muscles as well as the ligaments and tendons of the joints in the body. Rigid muscles can cause spasms and sprains easily. It also reduces the range of motion of a person.
• Tremors Tremors are one of the most common symptoms and can occur in the limbs such as arms, hands, fingers, and feet. Tremors can be a great inconvenience while executing daily activities and hence a number of aids are required to counter it.
• Slowed Movement Parkinsons can make a person slow down in a number of physical faculties. Physical and mental, Parkinsons affects both functions by reducing the speed of the functions. Walking, standing, sitting, etc. might become slow and irritating to execute.
• Impaired Posture and Gait Parkinsons might cause a person to stoop or have an improper gait. This might cause impairment in daily functions. It might result in injuries and other conditions as well.
• Impaired Speech Slurring, hesitation while speaking, stammering, etc are some common speech symptoms that can occur in a person suffering from Parkinsons

Also Check: Marijuana Treatment For Parkinson’s

What Types Of Sensors Are Available

There are also multiple methods of collecting the data:

• Data passively captured without a patient having to wear any new sensors for example, capturing typing data by placing software on a patients computer with the patient continuing to interact with the keyboard as he/she normally does. Typing data that is collected can include how long a patient spends touching a key and how long it takes between touching one key and the next.
• Data passively captured by a sensor without the patient having to do any additional tasks the sensor can be placed on the wrist, ankle or trunk. The sensor can also be in the patients cell phone.
• Data actively captured by a sensor the patient wears the sensor and then performs certain tasks beyond what he/she typically does in his/her daily activities. This could include finger tapping, for example. Sometimes the sensors are too complicated or large for the activities to be performed at home, and the patient needs to come to a neurophysiology lab for the data collection.

Managing Medication Side Effects

• Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration-induced headaches and muscle tension.
• Drink green tea, bone broth, or ginger tea to boost your immune system.

Dont:

• Drink alcohol or coffee or any other caffeinated beverages to avoid having sleep issues.

Knowing what to eat and what to avoid can help you manage the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Follow these tips to relieve symptoms and have a better quality of life.

Consult your doctor to know what other foods you can consume to help you manage Parkinsons.

Engage with the community by asking a question, telling your story, or participating in a forum.

Recommended Reading: Foods To Eat With Parkinson’s Disease

Risk Factors Of Parkinson Disease

• Age Age is one of the foremost risk factors associated with Parkinsons. It begins in the late middle ages and mostly spikes during the old age. People above the age of 60 are most at risk
• Sex Like women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, men are more likely to develop Parkinsons.
• Heredity Parkinsons can travel from gene to gene and someone with a prevalent history of Parkinsons in the family is a risk, but the risk is minor.

Path Finder Laser Shoes

Thiss an affiliate link, and while it may not cost you anything extra, if you make a purchase through this link, Ill earn a small commission.

Path Finder is a small and lightweight laser cueing shoe that helps the patient in breaking freezing episodes and improve stride length. It works by displaying a visual cue in the form of a laser line, which sends a message to the brain to allow the leg to move forward.

The laser line automatically projects right in front of the foot as soon as the foot comes in contact with the ground. This bright laser line serves as a safe, obstacle-free visual cue for the corresponding foot to begin the step by stepping over the line, thus allows the patient to step after step and restore the normal walk.

The device is designed by Lise Pape, who was a graduate student at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College of London, and now the CEO and founder of Walk With Path. Her idea of developing Path Finder has originally come from her father illness. Her father was having a gait problem due to Parkinsons disease. She thought of designing a device that could assist and benefit him. This led her to developed a company named Walk With Path in 2014. The company launched its product Path Finder a laser cueing shoe in 2017.

The device is very easy to use. It is small, handy, and can easily fit a shoe. Walking with it is like walking with normal shoes.

Don’t Miss: Dealing With Parkinson’s Dementia

For The One Who Needs To Treat Themselves

Self-care is essential for people with Parkinson’s and care partners. A sun lamp can help ease or prevent seasonal depression, while a spa set of lotions and body wash can help address skin changes, another PD symptom. Products can help your loved one with oily, itchy, dry and inflamed skin all symptoms of PD.

Naturaltreatment For Parkinsons #9 Exercise And Other Alternative Therapies:

Regular exercise has been shown to help Parkinsonssufferers by reducing muscle stiffness, increasing mobility, and enhancing postureand balance. Exercise also increases oxygen levels and neurotransmitters, alongwith releasing potent mood elevating chemicals called endorphins.

The type of exercise performed for PD is crucial. Aqua orwater aerobics can be particularly useful as traditional exercise is usuallyquite difficult for many Parkinsons sufferers. Muscle decline, loss of strength,stiffness and loss of balance can make conventional exercises difficult toperform. The great thing about aqua aerobics is it still has the same benefits as other exercise regimens,but the risk of falling is eliminated.

Other types of exercises that can be beneficial for PDsufferers include Tai Chi, Yoga, dancing, walking, aerobic/jazzercise classes,and general stretching.

For more information on the different exercise programsavailable for Parkinsons patients, you can check out this website Exercise and Physical Therapy for ParkinsonsDisease

You May Like: Where Does Parkinson Come From

Naturalremedy For Parkinsons #10 Foods You Must Avoid

There are certain foods that are known to worsen thesymptoms of Parkinsons and certain foods that are known to help. Healthadvocate, Dr Joseph Mercola, says that Parkinsons disease is primarily relatedto poor lifestyle choices, particularly poor dietary habits. Increasing yourbodys natural dopamine levels is also extremely important in your fight againstPD.

The foods and liquids you should be eating and drinkingmore of to help you along include:

· Clean Filtered Water Clean filtered water helpsto flush toxins from the body and hydrate the cells .Try and aim to drink at least two liters of water every day, and under nocircumstances drink tap water! Tap water is laced with toxic fluoride and otherchemicals and heavy metals so NEVER drink it. Buy yourself a good quality waterfilter. Its worth the investment.

· Whole Foods and Raw Foods Eat plenty oforganic mixed berries, green leafy vegetables, liver , fish,eggs, nuts and seeds such as chia and flaxseeds, along with plenty of herbs andspices. When it comes to buying any of these remember fresh is alwaysbest.

· Consume Lots of Probiotics Good gutbacteria are needed for strong immunity and healthy digestive function, whichin turn produces healthy brain and nerve function. You can learn how to makeyour own probiotic rich foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and yogurt hereCultures for Health.

The foods you should be avoiding or not eating at allinclude:

Mobility & Disability Products For Parkinson’s Disease

There are over 70,000 Australians living with this condition. 65 years is the average age of diagnosis, although younger individuals can begin showing symptoms, in which the disease is referred to as Young Onset Parkinsons.Parkinsons Disease affects the production of dopamine within the brain that acts as a neurotransmitter and is responsible for passing messages between cells. The disease is caused by the decline in the production of dopamine, resulting in difficulty of controlling movement, and can have a broader impact of other systems including cognition, bowel movements and smell.Due to the progressive and motor-impairing symptoms of Parkinsons Disease tremors, shaking and slowing of movements can change normal, mundane daily living activities into challenging and sometimes daunting tasks. We have selected from our product range items that we believe can assist you or your loved one in overcoming some of the daily challenges presented by Parkinsons Disease.

Sort by

Read Also: What Should Parkinson’s Patients Eat