Parkinson’s is a devastating disease, often taking both an emotional and physical toll on whoever it befalls. However, it is possible to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Here are the methods doctors recommend.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease is a brain disorder characterized by uncontrollable stiffness, shaking, and balance issues. Individuals with Parkinson’s often struggle with their coordination and balance. The most at-risk group for the disease is elderly men, especially those over 60.
Slowing Parkinson’s by Eating Healthy
The right diet has been proven to help slow the progression of the disease. Maximizing your intake of whole foods, such as beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve your overall health. Increase your fiber intake to help minimize the discomfort of constipation caused by the slowing down of the digestive system.
Parkinson’s medications can also worsen dehydration. Over time, dehydration can result in tiredness, confusion, weakness, and other serious problems. Because of this, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids like water throughout the day.
The Proper Exercise
Movement and exercise can also help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Firstly, regular cardiovascular exercise can greatly improve the physical symptoms of the disease. These symptoms include concerns such as trouble with balance or strength, motor coordination, grip strength, and impaired gait. Regular cardio like walking on the treadmill has been proven to help increase normal walking speed and stride length in patients.
Shakiness caused by Parkinson’s motor symptoms can cause patients to fear falling or dropping things, which can cause them to be overly cautious and lead them to begin living a more sedentary lifestyle. Unfortunately, the less you use your fine and gross motor skills, the faster you will lose them.
Because of this risk, it’s essential to keep up with consistent exercise and daily activities, such as grocery shopping, folding laundry, and washing dishes. While these tasks may seem inconsequential, they can work wonders when it comes to slowing the disease’s progression.
Gait training for stroke patients can also greatly decrease symptoms. Hippotherapy is a common option for gait training, but it can be inaccessible due to some patients, as not everyone has access to therapy horses. That’s why the Miracolt is so revolutionary—now, patients of all kinds can benefit from hippotherapy, all without needing a horse!
