| Whether it is you or a loved one that is diagnosed | | | | - Making adjustments to your living area will become |
| with Parkinson's disease some changes in lifestyle are | | | | necessary as time goes on and there are a number |
| inevitable, especially when mobility and other | | | | of things you can do to make life easier for a person |
| symptoms become severely affected. Below are a | | | | with Parkinson's disease. For example, grab bars can |
| few ways in which you can help a Parkinson's | | | | be fitted around the house and in the bathroom, a |
| sufferer to remain fit, healthy and enjoying life. | | | | sit-down shower can be fitted instead of the regular |
| - A change in diet to provide a healthy balanced food | | | | bath, you can lengthen the legs of chairs so that it is |
| intake will ensure that both you and your loved one | | | | easier to go from sitting to standing and vice versa, |
| remain at a healthy weight and fitness level. Energy is | | | | you can change door and cupboard handles to make |
| one of the biggest requirements for someone | | | | them easier to grasp and change the cutlery to a |
| suffering with Parkinson's disease because the | | | | design which is more comfortable to hold. In fact |
| muscles naturally struggle to cope with the extra | | | | there are hundreds of little adjustments you can |
| strain put on them. A lack of energy would result in | | | | make to your home to make life easier and the |
| many muscle movements becoming even further | | | | longer you live with a Parkinson's sufferer the more |
| impaired which in turn could lead to a negative | | | | ingenious ways you will think of to improve their |
| attitude and despondency. Vitamins, minerals and | | | | quality of life. |
| beneficial oils can also help but check with the | | | | - Buying clothes with Velcro or zips will help a |
| physician first before starting any new diets as some | | | | Parkinson's disease sufferer to remain independent |
| ingredients can react badly with medications used to | | | | for longer. As the disease progresses and intricate |
| treat Parkinson's disease. | | | | hand movements become more difficult, simple things |
| - Exercise is also essential to the Parkinson's sufferer | | | | like doing up buttons can become a chore and very |
| because of the need to maintain good muscle tone, | | | | frustrating for both the sufferer and the loved one |
| strength and posture. Again check with your | | | | as they watch the struggle. Similarly, try finding shoes |
| physician before beginning a new exercise plan but | | | | that simply slip on or that have Velcro strips as |
| simple activities such as walking, jogging, cycling and | | | | apposed to laces. |
| swimming can be performed often and as a couple | | | | There are many ways in which lifestyle can be |
| which will help to defeat boredom. A qualified sports | | | | changed to help a person with Parkinson's disease |
| trainer can often help devise a plan that is enjoyable | | | | lead a normal and active life. Some changes are very |
| for you both and that will target the areas that really | | | | minor whereas some are quite an upheaval, for |
| need help i.e. the limbs and back muscles. As the | | | | example having the bathroom completely modified. |
| disease progresses a sports trainer will also be able | | | | Even so any change to benefit the sufferer is a |
| to suggest low impact exercise routines that will still | | | | change well made. |
| be of benefit but are not a strain on the body. | | | | |