Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease that currently has no cure, but doctors have developed some highly effective treatments over the last few decades. Seniors who are diagnosed and treated in the earliest stages of this disease often enjoy long and fulfilling lives. Here’s a quick glimpse at a few of the leading treatment options for Parkinson’s disease.
Prescription Medications
Even though many seniors with Parkinson’s are prescribed the same drugs, each individual must be fully evaluated by a medical team to determine which combination of medications is going to work. In the initial stages of this disease, seniors are usually prescribed medications that mimic dopamine in the brain. They might also be given a dopamine agonist that triggers the production of natural dopamine.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of 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 elderly home 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.
Surgical Options
If the prescription medications aren’t working or the side effects are particularly bad, the medical team might suggest surgery. Currently, deep brain stimulation is the most popular surgical option for Parkinson’s, and this particular treatment can produce amazing results. The primary goal of deep brain stimulation is to enhance communication between the brain cells. Deep brain stimulation seems to be particularly effective at treating physical symptoms such as muscle rigidity.
Healthy Eating
No combination of foods will ever cure Parkinson’s, but studies have shown a nutrient-dense diet can greatly boost quality of life while minimizing some of the worst symptoms of this disease. Parkinson’s can cause a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders, and a healthy diet can mitigate many of those problems. Most experts agree seniors with Parkinson’s should eat primarily whole grains, fresh produce, healthy fats, and lean sources of protein. Many people who have this disease also benefit from sticking to relatively bland foods that won’t trigger nausea or diarrhea.
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. Arlington seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Exercise
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it’s vital to immediately come up with a long-term training plan. Exercising is incredibly beneficial for seniors with Parkinson’s, and it’s one of the most effective ways to delay the symptoms of this disease. While seniors are still relatively healthy and limber, they should try to engage in a combination of cardiovascular exercises and resistance training. Going on walks, exercising in a pool, rowing, and using resistance bands are all excellent options.
Supportive Therapies
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can negatively impact a senior’s mental health, which is one of the reasons many doctors suggest supportive therapies. Options such as meditation and pet therapy can greatly enhance a senior’s outlook on life, which could make the rest of the treatments much more effective. Some of the other therapeutic activities seniors with Parkinson’s might want to consider include creative writing, breathing exercises, yoga, and volunteering at local nonprofits.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, an Arlington home care service agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
