Parkinson’s Disease

How To Prevent Parkinson's Disease

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease comes with a lot of uncertainty. Worldwide, more than 10 million people (about half the population of New York) live with this degenerative disorder. Great strides have been made in research and much is dedicated to finding how to prevent Parkinson's disease. While there may not be a cure or a way to prevent Parkinson's disease, there are things you can do that may reduce your risk, delay the onset or reduce symptoms. 

Getting to the point of a definite diagnosis takes time since there is no definite medical test for Parkinson’s disease. A diagnosis is typically obtained by ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms. 

Are You At Risk? 

Parkinson’s disease is probably best known for causing uncontrollable tremors. It is a neurodegenerative disease that also causes severe stiffness of the joints and greatly affects mobility. You may be at a higher risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease if you relate with one of the following factors: 

• Obesity 
• Diabetes 
• Skin cancer 
• Prostate cancer  
• Vitamin D deficiency 
• Adults 65 years of age or older 
• High levels of iron in the blood 
• Exposure to copper, manganese or lead 
• Prolonged contact with pesticides and herbicides  
• Related to someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 
• Your gender at birth is male. Men are at a higher risk than women. Some research suggests that estrogen plays a protective role against Parkinson’s disease.

How to Prevent Parkinson’s Disease with Diet and Lifestyle 

Medical research is continually finding new ways to treat and hopefully prevent Parkinson’s disease. While FDA approved medications and brain therapies have shown much promise, changes in diet and lifestyle can also stop the progression. Some tried and true methods to slow down the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are the following: 

• Avoid alcohol.  
• Add more caffeine to your diet. 
• Ask your doctor about adding a vitamin D supplement. 
• Limit or avoid foods made from cow’s milk such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. 
• Eat a proper and balanced diet that is rich in fruits, whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods with ample omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.

Other Things You Can Do To Prevent Parkinson’s Disease 

New research and technologies are constantly being updated. Implementing the following strategies have shown promise in how to prevent Parkinson’s disease: 

• Exercise: It’s not only good for your body, but exercise is also good for your brain. Physical activity keeps your brain healthy and also helps manage any symptoms.  
• Mind Games: Staying active in mind and body has been shown to potentially lower the risk of Parkinson's disease. Stimulate your brain with crossword puzzles, reading, or a new hobby. 
• No Toxic Exposure: Always be careful when using pesticides and chemicals of any kind. These toxins have been shown to increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.  
• Get Enough Sleep: Just like your body, your mind also rests and regenerates during sleep. Make sure to get at least 7 to 9 hours of good, quality rest.  
• Less Stress: Anxiety and tension have been known to increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Try some deep breathing exercises, yoga or do something that you love to do to reduce stress.  
• Stay Hydrated: We’ve always heard how important proper hydration is for our bodies, it’s just as important for your brain. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day.  

These tips can help minimize the risk, but there is no sure way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. Talk to your medical professional for guidance and advice. Remember that everyone is different and so is every case of Parkinson’s disease. Knowledge is your power, the more you know, the better you will be at managing Parkinson’s disease and having the best possible quality of life.  

Research 

Because there is no specific medical test to confirm Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis is attained by ruling out other conditions that may be causing any familiar symptoms. However, according to The Mayo Clinic, researchers are currently working on a way to detect the disease before any symptoms begin by testing spinal fluid.  

Treatment for Parkinson's Disease 

There are several ways to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.  

1. Medications - Many patients find significant relief with drugs designed to ease the effects of Parkinson’s. There are several different types of medications that can help. While their effectiveness can diminish over time, symptoms are usually well-controlled. Talk to your doctor about the different medications available and how they can help you. 
2. Surgery – Deep brain stimulation has been found effective for those with advanced Parkinson’s disease that isn’t responding to medication. This procedure involves placing electrodes which send electrical pulses to the brain to relieve symptoms.  
3. MRI-guided Ultrasound – A break-through treatment to ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This minimally invasive procedure helps stop tremors.  

Products That Can Help Prevent Parkinson's Disease