Around sixty thousand Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year. When someone who you care about is living with Parkinson’s disease, you’ll see firsthand how the condition can affect a person. The symptoms of Parkinson’s, including tremors, poor balance, and rigid movements, become part of daily life.
4 Tips for Helping a Loved One Living With Parkinson’s Disease
And these Parkinson’s disease symptoms can get worse as the disease progresses.
This person will need extra support and help to preserve their quality of life and stay active. You can help your loved one in a variety of ways. So keep on reading, and we’ll walk you through everything you’ll want to know.
1. Learn Everything You Can About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder. If you care for someone with the disease, you’re likely already familiar with the symptoms.
But do you know what the Parkinson’s disease treatments are? Do you know how the condition progresses or what causes the symptoms? It should also be noted that Parkinson’s does not manifest the same way in everyone.
To support your loved one, you should learn as much as you can about the disease. Research the disease on reputable websites and read books on the subject too.
You will become more informed and will be able to better communicate with your loved one.
2. Get Active
Everyone should be getting in some exercise. However, it’s vital for people who have Parkinson’s disease.
When you exercise, the brain releases dopamine. This is a chemical that is related to movement.
Plus, exercising will improve memory, balance, strength, and quality of life in people with Parkinson’s. People who have Parkinson’s tend to face difficult walking challenges. Thankfully, some tools are available to help them overcome these obstacles.
3. Help Them Feel Normal
A person who has Parkinson’s might feel ostracized and isolated from their friends and family. Because so many people focus on the disease and its symptoms, your loved one might start to identify themselves with sickness rather than as a person who deserves respect.
When you talk to your loved ones, treat them like an average person. They likely don’t want to feel pitied or different. Talk about everyday things like their favorites books and movies.
4. Get Out of the House
Parkinson’s can be a very isolating disease. If your loved one doesn’t get out much, then take them outside. Go to a movie or the park.
You’ll likely have to make accommodations, but it shouldn’t be anything that stops you from enjoying the rest of the world. You should also be ready to change your plans if your loved one isn’t feeling well.
The Importance of Knowing How to Help a Loved One Living With Parkinson’s Disease
When someone you love is living with Parkinson’s disease, you might feel helpless. However, that’s far from true. As we can see, there is a lot you can do to help and support them.
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