Approximately 500,000 Americans have been diagnosed with Parkinsons’ disease (PD), but since many people are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, some experts estimate the actual number is closer to a million. Additionally, nearly 90,000 people are diagnosed with this progressive nervous system disorder each year in the U.S. If your senior loved one is living with Parkinson’s, here are some of the best ways to treat and/or manage this disease.

Medications

Difficulty walking, slow movement (bradykinesia), impaired balance, and tremors are among the common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s that may be controllable with medication. Dopamine levels are lower than normal in seniors with Parkinson’s, but the neurotransmitter can’t be directly administered because it’s not able to enter the brain. However, certain medications can help seniors manage the symptoms. Common options include:

Levodopa – Considered the most effective Parkinson’s medication, levodopa is able to pass through the brain and be converted into dopamine.
Levodopa infusion – Seniors with more advanced Parkinson’s symptoms may benefit from this version of levodopa delivered through a feeding tube.
Dopamine agonists – Medications of this nature mimic the effects of dopamine within the brain.
MAO-B inhibitors – Drugs within this classification are so named because they prevent the breakdown of dopamine already being produced within the brain.
Anticholinergics – Seniors with tremors as their most problematic symptom may benefit from medications of this nature.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors – These medications minimize dopamine breakdown, which extends the effects of levodopa.

Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

Exercise

It’s understandable to not want your loved one to depend solely on medication. Balance problems are sometimes manageable with exercises that focus on core muscle groups while also promoting flexibility and preserving range of motion and stability. Fortunately, many forms of exercise can target these muscles in a way that’s appropriate and safe for seniors with Parkinson’s. Seniors with Parkinson’s can often benefit from:

Water-based exercises (e.g., water aerobics, water walking, and swimming)
Walking, hiking, or jogging
Certain yoga or tai chi movements
Marching or dancing
Using indoor treadmills or cycles

Gardening and other favorite activities can also allow your loved one to get some exercise in a way that’s enjoyable and relaxing. Even simply playing with a dog or another family pet can be considered a form of exercise.

Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Danville seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Nutrition

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, there’s no Parkinson’s-specific diet, but there are some healthy foods that may optimize the effects of Parkinson’s medications and keep bones and soft tissues strong as the condition progresses. Reap the benefits of healthy foods as much as possible by encouraging your loved one to enjoy a diet that includes:

Whole grains, brown rice, and other fiber-rich foods to ease issues with constipation, which are common among seniors with Parkinson’s
Walnuts, cashews, and other nuts that tend to be good for brain health
Fatty fish, green leafy veggies, and low-fat dairy products to maintain optimal bone and joint health
6–8 glasses of water per day to boost circulation and help with the absorption of medication

Massage Therapy

Muscle tension is common in seniors with Parkinson’s, as soft tissues are affected by the disease. One way to relieve this tension is with massage therapy. According to a study published by WIN Health Solutions, massage therapy helps those with Parkinson’s by:

Boosting self-confidence
Enhancing walking abilities
Helping them perform daily living activities

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Danville families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today.