Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous disease which can present as tremors and muscular rigidity. Weakness and partial paralysis can also be symptoms that develop as the disease progresses but it must be noted that the symptoms that present are an individual response. At this stage there is no cure. However, there are a number of excellent treatment programmes. There is considerable research being conducted into the cause and a treatment that will cure the disease.
The first symptom may appear as a slight tremor possibly down one side. There may be a subsequent loss of rhythm when washing scalp hair in the shower. An occasional quick and random short shake or shudder of the affected arm can also be evident. The symptoms may only be presenting down one side of the body and could include the slight dragging of a leg.
The Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease
For a formal diagnosis to occur it is important to firstly consult a doctor. Consider next arranging and paying for an MRI. The MRI would facilitate a quick referral to a specialist. Once formally diagnosed the treatment will be tailored to meet individual needs based on how the symptoms are presenting. It is important to note that the medications will change over time because as the disease progresses the symptoms will change. These medications can alleviate the presenting symptoms.
Daily Life With Parkinson’s DiseaseSome advice provided from people who know of the disease suggest considering the following options and choices.
If you like them and in terms of diet eat broad beans. These are a natural source of the precursor to dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical being produced in insufficient quantities in the brain. They are easily grown in the garden and can be purchased frozen from a supermarket. Use the internet and search for growing broad beans as there are number of useful links. Exercise is so important and incredibly beneficial.
Examples of good exercise routines can range from martial arts such as Tai Chi to walking for an hour each day. There is recent evidence that push biking decreases tremors. Consider investing in an exercise bike that can be used at home.
Fish oils, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, have a neuro protective benefit. Fresh fat fish is always best but the oil tablets are a great substitute. To understand how a fish can be fat consider the gaps between the muscle layers as this is where the oils are deposited. Fish with plenty of fat such as tuna and sardines are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are a very good vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids and are certainly worth considering.
Don't be blinded by any particular suggestion. Use what works the best for any particular situation. It is important to try and carry on with life as normally as possible.
Pathology CommentThere is a school of thought that an increase in oxidative stress in the affected area of the brain is speeding up the neurone damage. Be aware that some have suggested that oxidative stress is nothing but a contributor in a group of culprits. These nerve cells die at at much higher rate. There is also opinion that once the symptoms of Parkinson's disease have started it is too late to try to repair nerve cells, as up to 50-70% will have already died. Using antioxidants may help however if the antioxidants can get into the brain is another question waiting to be answered.
Research is moving forward all the time and there is an opinion that the consumption of antioxidants may slow the progression of the disease by reducing oxidative stress. Ensuring your diet has plenty of antioxidants may or may not be helpful but it is definitely worth the effort. Search for foods that are high in antioxidants online.
The other avenue of thought is stem cells. This of course is not an option for some and illegal in some countries. The ethics is the readers choice and of course their worldview. It is being suggested by the stem cell medical practitioners as being incredibly successful. Search online as there are places worldwide that will be interested in being contacted.
The Emotions That a Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis Can Cause
The initial reaction could be that of disbelief. Life appears to be normal except that there are some annoying shakes. Expect anxiety and uncertainty that the future now holds. Depending on a personal situation consider making some long-term positive plans.
Another normal reaction to expect is anger. If this happens consider using a time-out place. When the emotions have subsided and thoughts are becoming rational start talking to trustworthy people again.
There may be a period of sadness. Consider some relaxation tapes and don't overload yourself with too many things to do. Schedule some personal time and maybe enroll in a course. Learn to do something completely new, for example designing web pages with HTML or more simply setting up a blog.
Accepting Parkinson's Disease
Accepting and moving on is ever so important. To help with this join a Parkinson's society and become involved in possibly one activity or event. Always remember to ask them for help if this needed.
There will always be this extremely strong desire to know about the current research into Parkinson’s disease. Is there a cure? Are there better treatments? Be proactive search the Web and read current and up to date articles as well as informative books. Most of all ask questions to anyone and everyone as this will help to manage the stress levels.
To help with accepting let people know, including any employer. There will be mixed reactions from disbelief, sadness and offers of assistance. Individuals will check in ever so tactfully, which is nice. However, it is acceptable not to expect to be treated any differently.
A very good book to read is I have Parkinson's but Parkinson's Does not Have Me (Effektiv Foretagsutv LO AB/BA Masterparkinson, 2008) by Leif Ogard. Alternatively a good read is the book, Blocked in the USA: The Stem Cell Miracle by Dr. William Rader.
Plan to make the future happen. Don't let valuable time be wasted!
The writer would be interested in comments of support and interest. With consent from researchers there will be further articles with regards to the interesting field of research using antioxidants. This is not a panacea please don't interpret it in this fashion.
Murray Quartly - Biography Personal Nationality: New Zealand (Kiwi) Qualifications from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Bachelor of ...
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