Dr. Matthew Kodsi / Contributed photoQ: My husband was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It’s in the early stages. What are his therapy options?
A: Managing Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a balancing act that takes into account factors such as the patient’s age, symptoms and signs, level of physical activity and level of functional disability.
There are three major components in managing Parkinson’s in addition to medication: exercise and therapy, speech therapy and nutrition.
We know exercise promotes a general feeling of well-being, but it’s especially valuable to Parkinson’s patients because of the progressive motor limitations that are part of the disease process. Speech therapy can help patients with the slurred and quiet speech that are common with PD. It also can help evaluate and treat problems with swallowing. Chronic illnesses such as PD often lead to poor nutrition and weight loss, so a balanced diet can help avoid the loss of bone and muscle mass. Adequate fiber and hydration are also key to help manage the constipation of PD.
Working with your husband’s physician on these components and others can make living with PD less stressful for both you and your husband. Schedule a visit with the physician and make sure to get your questions to them in advance so they can address them at the appointment.