This is a challenging disease. With Parkinson's people cannot control the symptoms they develop nor how their friends and relatives choose to react to PD. There are some behaviors the Movement Disorders study identified that can help people with Parkinson's increase their chances of having a higher quality of life and better general health.
Maintain satisfying relationships The Movement Disorders article authors point to a study from 2006 in which 87 percent of participants identified family as being an important determinant of their quality of life. Many also indicated that their marriage and friendships improved their lives.
Identify depression early and treat it The Parkinson's community has learned that emotional issues affect an individual's happiness more than any any physical limitations or obstacles. The same study mentioned above pointed out how depression can weigh down an individual's quality of life. People who are constantly sad and discouraged, have overwhelming feelings of guilt, or are disapointed with life in general, bring these feelings up with their doctor. Within weeks of confronting depression, they are likely to notice a welcome improvement in their quality of life.
Treat fatigue and improve sleep When people are continually tired it probably affects their health and the way they feel. Sometimes a prescription for a sleeping pill improve sleeps. However, there are less-expensive and more natural ways to improve sleep. Sleep hygiene often helps people wake up refreshed in the morning. Avoiding daytime naps helps the body want to sleep more at night. Spending a lot of time in daylight helps signal the mind that it is time to stay awake. When the sun sets darkess reinforces the signal that it time to sleep.
Consider deep brain stimulation surgery Most people who undergo deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS) report improvements in the physical and emotional realms. Having Parkinson's does not automatically qualify a person for DBS. Only a minority of patients fit the profile for DBS therapy. Nevertheless, DBS recipients generally report less depression and a higher level of health.
Our goal is to help our readers live better with Parkinson's disease. When Parkinson's becomes discouraging we hope you can cancel out some of those losses with these suggestions.
Source:
Movement Disrders, August 15, 2007
