Vera Shury
What is the first thing I can do?
Try to understand that Parkinson’s has snuck up on you, and before you got a diagnosis, your motivation has taken a big nosedive, and you have lost drive, muscle mass, and strength. This has accelerated the progress of the disease. Dopamine is the motivation chemical to make progress and continue, not just the satisfaction when you reach a goal. The medication is very helpful in reducing the symptoms, but sometimes it contributes to tiredness.
Lifestyle additions and behavioral changes can contribute to recovering several years of functional loss.
• Increase your sleep.
• Move your body (boost your activity level). “Exercise is really better than a pill,” Dr. Ospina, neurologist and movement specialist.
• Increase polyphenols (berries, etc.) and adopt a healthy nutritional plan, such as a Mediterranean-style diet. Reduce dairy, as it contributes to phlegm.
• Recent research for mature adults indicates that the daily recommended intake (DRI) of protein by the National Institute of Health is too low and now recommends 1.25 gram per pound of body weight for men and 1 gram per pound of body weight for women, and not all in one meal, but spread out to feed the muscles three to four times a day. You can get back strength!
• Stay hydrated with electrolytes (medications circulate better in a hydrated body).
• Supplements to take include D3, magnesium, zinc, and omega 3 (krill oil).
• Consider herbs or mushrooms like echinacea, lion’s mane, etc., and nootropics.
• Socializing is very important to keep a balanced quality of life.
Detrimental risk factors for the brain are diabetes, nitrogen dioxide in the air, and extent of alcohol intake.
The next biggest risk factors are sleep, weight, smoking, and blood pressure.
Behavior change will help improve the quality of your life! As you make progress, reward yourself randomly with something that is good for you!
Suggestions by some of the class members: Jan said sleep was important for her. Ronnie said keeping moving was important for him. Roy said the social exchange helps his mood and cognition. Pat likes the neurological information and techniques that are learned.
In every class session there are new lifestyle and movement techniques shared to have the best possible quality of life.
We are listed in SaddleBrooke One under Exercise and Support. We have quarterly support and educational meetings on the third Thursday of the month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the SaddleBrooke One Arts & Crafts Center, Room 3, next to the Gift Shop. All are welcome! For Parkinson’s info and support, go to www.pmdalliance.org.
Vera Shury, neuroplasticity and HCH coach, can be reached at 520-275-8755 or [email protected].