Living well with Parkinson’s

Assistive technologies help maintain or improve your functioning related to cognition, communication, hearing, mobility, self-care and vision, thus enabling you to maintain your health, wellbeing, inclusion and community and workforce participation.

Changes in speech volume, clarity, and articulation can affect you due to muscle stiffness and reduced coordination. Speech pathologists, therapy and communication strategies can help you maintain or improve your ability to communicate effectively despite these challenges.

People with Parkinson’s often face several dental and oral health challenges due to motor symptoms like tremors and rigidity, as well as side effects from medications. These issues include dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and difficulty swallowing. Additionally, reduced muscle control can cause excessive drooling and make it hard to maintain proper dental hygiene, leading to poor oral health. Managing dentures can also be problematic due to dry mouth and changes in muscle control, affecting their fit and comfort. Regular dental check-ups and tailored oral hygiene practices are essential to address these challenges effectively.

Driving with Parkinson’s can be impacted by symptoms such as your slower reaction times, impaired coordination, and difficulty with fine motor skills. It’s necessary for you to report your medical condition to your driving authority and insurances. You can then regularly assess your driving abilities with healthcare professionals and consider adaptations or restrictions to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.

Employment and legal considerations for you may involve navigating workplace accommodations, such as flexible schedules or ergonomic adjustments to support your continued employment. Legal protections under disability rights laws may also apply, ensuring fair treatment and access to accommodations in the workplace to accommodate the challenges associated with Parkinson's.

Energy and fatigue in Parkinson's are complex and impacted by many factors, often influenced by both the condition itself and medication side effects. You may experience fatigue that is disproportionate to physical activity, impacting your daily functioning and quality of life. Fatigue (daytime sleepiness) is not resolved with naps or sleep.  Read on for some more tips to manage energy & fatigue.

Exercise is highly beneficial for you, as it can help improve mobility, balance, flexibility, and overall quality of life. It is the single best and most proven treatment for Parkinson’s. Specific exercises such as aerobic activities, strength training, and balance exercises are often recommended to manage symptoms and maintain physical function.

Hydration is important for you to maintain overall health and wellbeing, as dehydration can exacerbate symptoms such as brain fog, dizziness, constipation and fatigue. Parkinson's affects your thirst mechanisms. Furthermore, medications and symptoms like tremors can also increase fluid needs, making adequate hydration essential for managing the condition effectively.

Changes in your home environment often involve adaptations to improve safety, accessibility, and independence. This may include installing grab bars, ramps, non-slip flooring, and making modifications to furniture and fixtures to accommodate mobility challenges and reduce fall risks.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing Parkinson's, as a proper diet can help alleviate symptoms and support overall health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and adequate hydration can help manage your constipation, maintain energy levels, and support medication effectiveness.

Parenting with young onset Parkinson’s (YOP) can add emotional and physical stress, but you're not alone. Support is available for you, your partner, and your children. By accessing resources, building a strong support network, and adapting parenting strategies, individuals with YOP can navigate challenges more effectively and maintain their wellbeing.

Your personal care often requires adaptations to help with your motor and cognitive challenges. This may include getting assistance with activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and managing medications. Solutions will be tailored to maintain your independence and dignity while navigating the impact on your daily activities.

Relationships can be significantly impacted by Parkinson's, as it may affect communication, emotional expression, and daily activities shared with loved ones. Supportive relationships and open communication can help individuals with Parkinson's and their partners, family, and friends navigate challenges together, fostering resilience and maintaining quality of life.

Sleep disturbances are common in Parkinson's, affecting both sleep quality and quantity. Symptoms such as nighttime movement disorders (RBD, RLS), nocturia, night sweats and other medication side effects can contribute to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, impacting overall wellbeing and daytime functioning.

Travelling with Parkinson's requires careful planning to accommodate mobility challenges, medication schedules, and potential fatigue. Preparation may involve arranging accessibility aids, packing sufficient medications and medical supplies, and allowing for adequate rest periods to manage symptoms effectively while away from home.