The National Parkinson’s Foundation, American Parkinson’s Disease Association, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation are excellent resources for Parkinson’s patients and their families.
Encourage your loved one to express their emotions. Encouraging positivity doesn’t mean burying the more painful feelings. If they say “I’m frightened,” you can say “I hear you” instead of “Everything will be fine!” The better the relationship between the person with Parkinson’s and their primary caregiver, the better the outlook in terms of depression and physical health. If you are loving, caring, and concerned, you are helping. This doesn’t mean you should neglect yourself! Be open about how you are feeling, and make sure you get the care you need.
Parkinson’s causes a deficiency in dopamine, so any mood shifts are a possible sign of a change in that department. The doctor will likely want to treat the depression with medication if it is diagnosed. Offer to go with the doctor with them if they will let you.
Online forums can also be helpful—search for one that you like.
Free up floors from clutter and remove loose rugs. If your loved one finds it difficult to walk smoothly on thick floor rugs, replace them with thin carpet or solid flooring. Install safety rails, raised toilet seats, and tub chairs. Grab bars are especially important next to the toilet and in the shower. Install a non-skid mat in the shower. Stabilize furniture so it won’t tip over when grabbed for support. [4] X Research source Remove tall lamps, floor vases, side tables, and other unstable furniture.
If these treatments are not effective enough or if the disease progresses to the late stages, there are several surgical treatments available as well.
Before you offer help, ask. Especially in the early stages, ask for permission before touching or otherwise guiding someone with Parkinson’s.
Exercise that includes changes of tempo or action is beneficial for the cognitive maintenance of those with Parkinson’s. Suggest that your loved one try walking in public places, doing yoga or Tai Chi, and taking classes where an instructor leads them through a series of exercises.
If medication causes constipation, increase fiber and fluid intake. Levodopa or L-dopa, a common Parkinson’s drug, may not be absorbed properly if taken with protein. If the patient is prescribed L-dopa, talk to their doctor about eating protein at certain times of day, or in smaller amounts. Do not change the diet without checking with the doctor. [8] X Research source There have been many studies suggesting a link between diet and Parkinson’s, but few clear results. Talk to the patient’s doctor about the latest medical research.
The patient’s doctor can suggest additional treatments if this is still a problem.
Do not take herbal remedies without consulting a doctor first. Some herbal remedies may interfere with medication.
If you do notice concerning changes, or see new difficulties that could be solved with adjustments to the household, do mention what you see to the person with Parkinson’s or to a caretaker. Look for new needs. If your friend can no longer drive, offer to drive them to appointments or to the grocery store.
