Parkinson’s disease or “shaking palsy” is a brain disorder that causes a gradual loss of muscle control as the brain slowly stops producing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Men are more likely to get Parkinson’s than women with an average age 62. Symptoms of the disease include:
• Tremor or shaking of a finger, hand, leg, or lip
• Balance problems along with difficulty in walking
• Difficulty getting out of a chair
• Stiffed muscles due to rigidity
• Stooped posture Parkinson’s disease affects many aspects of daily life, but with medication and life style changes, patients can remain active.
Patients are recommended to have a well-balanced diet including:
• Calcium and vitamin D for bone strength
• Protein
• High-fiber diet with lots of fluids to prevent constipation Also, exercise helps improve coordination, balance and tremor. It is recommended to exercise three to four times a week for an hour. Research has shown that aerobic exercise such as biking may improve the symptoms of the disease and even reduce the risk.
When caring for a person with Parkinson’s, remember to ensure safety at home by:
• Allowing plenty of space to move and remove obstacles from the way, such as throw rugs or cords
• Ensuring kitchen safety by keeping kitchen tools within reach and plenty of extra towels on hand to clean up spills
• Adding grab bars in the bathroom
• Attaching rails to the side of the bed References:
http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/ss/slideshow-parkinsons-overview http://www.pdf.org/home_safety
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