An article by Pilar Sarasa,
medical director of
The Parkinson’s disease It is a neurodegenerative disorder that chronically and progressively affects the nervous system, more specifically the part that is in charge of movement and balance. The best-known symptoms of this pathology are tremorsalthough this disease can also cause stiffness or decreased movement in some patients. In Spain, it is estimated that at least 150,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and, according to the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), this pathology is diagnosed in 10,000 people each year.
Although Parkinson’s is a disease usually related to old age, this is just one of the risk factors that can lead to the appearance of this disease. Other factors should also be taken into account, such as environmental or genetic factors that may be related to its appearance.
Although a cure for Parkinson’s has not yet been found, since it is a pathology that affects all patients in a very different way, There are medications that can effectively relieve symptoms. If these drugs are combined with some good life habits, it can help to greatly improve the quality of life of patients. At present, there are different areas in which active training can be carried out that have a very positive effect on Parkinson’s patients.
Rehabilitation and physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s.
Physical and cognitive training adapted to the needs of Parkinson’s
The rehabilitation and physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s, focusing these exercises on facilitate movements that are done every day, such as getting up from a chair or walking. Exercises that help improve joint mobility and correct and improve body posture and balance should also be sought.
The objective of all the physical exercises focused on attenuating the symptoms of this disease is to improve patient autonomythat is to say, that they can fend for themselves during the longest period of time, facilitating their relationship with people, the environment and causing an improvement in their quality of life.
Recognizing cognitive changes in people diagnosed with Parkinson’s is complicated, mainly due to the difficulty in measuring them. It is estimated that approximately a quarter of people with Parkinson’s suffer from mild cognitive impairment, while between a quarter and a third develop dementia. The cognitive difficulties that are most commonly found in these patients are, among others, difficulties in maintaining attention and concentration, following complex conversations or solving complex problems, remembering events or details, difficulty when searching for words or attention.
These difficulties can be mitigated by carrying out cognitive exercises focused on improving these aspects, such as exercises that help to exercise memory, attention and language, among others, based on small ordering and decision-making games. Likewise, following a balanced diet or carrying out an appropriate sleep schedule can significantly influence the quality of life of the patient.
What to eat is also important
Parkinson’s affects many aspects of the health of the people who suffer from it and, among them, it can affect the functioning of the intestinal tract, cause constipation, slow stomach emptying, and cause swallowing problems, among other conditions. The People with Parkinson’s are at increased risk of malnutrition.
To overcome these difficulties that may arise, health specialists recommend paying close attention to diet in this pathology. It is recommended to take blue Fish three to four times a week reduce the intake of fats and carbohydrates and avoid excesses. In this way, diseases related to nutrition can be prevented and hospitalization due to the appearance of serious problems will be avoided, in addition to improving the quality of life.
That Parkinson’s does not prevent you from communicating
Parkinson’s, being a disease of the nervous system, can affect the voice of patientscoming to cause difficulties when communicating in everyday life with other people. This is technically called ‘dhypokinetic isarthria‘ and it is a motor speech disorder characterized by repetitive movements of the speech muscles, a weak, hoarse or harsh voice, among other aspects.
Carry out repetitive syllabic or intonation exercises at different speeds to improve, for example, the cadence or tone of speech, they help Parkinson’s patients to improve their quality of life when it comes to fending for themselves and relating day to day with the people around them.
From Bial we have launched a virtual training area in continuous updating to help Parkinson’s patients to stay active in these areas affected by the pathology. With the help of healthcare professionals, chefs, nutritionists, and personal trainers, we’ve created a place to share up-to-date exercises, recipes, and challenges with help Parkinson’s patients improve their quality of life.
References:
Agency (April 10, 2019) In Spain, about 10,000 cases of Parkinson’s are diagnosed each year.
Available in:
Raquel Rodríguez (September 18, 2015) Physical activity in Parkinson’s patients improves their quality of life. Available in:
National Parkinson’s Foundation (USA); Alexander Troster, Ph.D. Cognition and Parkinson’s. Available in:
National Parkinson’s Foundation (USA); Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD. Parkinson’s disease: The importance of nutrition