These Ways Can Enhance the Quality Of Life Of Those With Parkinson’s Disease

Here’s an expert guide from Dr Naganath Narasimhan Prem, Chief Consultant Geriatric Medicine/Elderly Care Specialist, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai on enhancing the quality of life of those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. 

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disease and is characterised by tremors, being rigid, slowing of movements and postural abnormality. Other symptoms known as the non-motor symptoms are also present including pain, fatigue, low blood pressure, restless legs, bladder and bowel problems, skin and sweating, sleep, eating, swallowing and saliva control, speech and communication issues, eye problems, foot care and dental health.

The mental health issues associated with Parkinson’s Disease include:

Mild memory and thinking problems

Anxiety

Dementia

Depression

Hallucinations and delusions

PD is usually a slowly progressive disease and the quality of life with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) among older adults matters a lot. Quality of Life (QOL) is defined as “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns.”

Improvement of quality of life can be done through various ways:

Medication-related strategies – Parkinson’s Disease could be treated by single or multiple medications in combination with some therapy.

Surgical Strategies – Deep brain stimulation has been effective in appropriately selected cases.

Controlling the non-motor symptoms of PD as they could be troublesome.

Multidisciplinary Care

Personalised care

Patient-centered care

Palliative care in PD

Enhancing the lives of those with PD

Certain approaches can help ease symptoms of Parkinson’s, help people with the disease carry out activities of daily living, and enhance the quality of their lives.

Support and education

Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can be frightening and can lead to feelings of worry, anger, sadness, and other emotions. Support groups can help people living with Parkinson’s disease and their families interact with others to share experiences and information.

Regular exercise

Exercise can help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their mobility and flexibility and can also help prevent complications like joint pain caused by some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (such as stiffness and stooped posture). Exercise also has a positive effect on mood. Exercise programs can help patients feel more confident and in control of their disease. People with Parkinson’s disease should check with their healthcare provider before starting or changing an exercise program.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists can teach people with Parkinson’s disease how to strengthen their muscles, expand their range of motion, and improve their balance. They can help with managing symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and “freezing.”

Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapist can help people with Parkinson’s disease carry out their daily activities more comfortably and safely.

Speech therapy

A speech therapist can help people with the disease improve swallowing and can recommend changes in diet for patients with advanced problems swallowing. Speech therapists can also help patients with muffled or slurred speech, a hoarse voice, and other speech problems speak more clearly and comfortably.

Nutrition

People with Parkinson’s disease do not need to eat a specific diet, but getting enough calories and nutrients will help maintain bones, muscle, and strength.

Adapting to the disease is really important. As a caregiver, it is important to understand the disease and support the older adult. Social networks and connections help in a significant way to improve quality of life.