How to Manage Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease, a degenerative brain disorder that causes a progressive loss of muscular and cognitive control, affects about 1 million Americans with another 60,000 new U.S. cases diagnosed each year, according to the National Parkinson Foundation. Although there is no cure, treatment and lifestyle options are available to help manage Parkinson's disease and reduce the stressful difficulties associated with the disorder.

Instructions

Preparing for Parkinson's

• 1

  Develop an understanding of the symptoms as your Parkinson's disease progresses to help you cope with the life changes. Tremors, imbalance and decreased coordination are primary symptoms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Walking and speech can be affected. Discuss symptoms and rates of progression with your doctor.

• 2

  Prepare your home for the progression of Parkinson's. This disease can severely affect your coordination and balance. It is important to avoid falls, as well as to reduce the potential seriousness of falls. Avoid pivoting, leaning and reaching, according to the Mayo Clinic. Move needed items so they are easy to reach. Clear furniture and other obstructions from walkways for easier movement. Replace glass furniture in central locations with less dangerous pieces.

• 3

  Change your lifestyle to cope with your Parkinson's. Allow yourself additional time to complete tasks. According to the Mayo Clinic, getting dressed can be particularly difficult, with the loss of fine-motor control making it hard to button and zip clothes or step into a pair of pants. Replace your wardrobe with clothes that have Velcro fasteners and elastic waists.

• 4

  Seek out support for Parkinson's disease. Diagnosis with any serious disease can cause depression, and Parkinson's itself can cause depression. A network of understanding supporters is important to maintaining a healthy attitude. Find a Parkinson's support group in your local area to help you connect with fellow sufferers. Ask your doctor for a referral to a psychologist or an occupational therapist to help you develop strategies for managing your symptoms.