By Megan Wroe MS, RD, CNE, CLEC

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. PD is considered a movement neuro-disorder, meaning that early and dominant symptoms are motor-based such as trembling, rigidity, slowness, impaired balance and coordination, and even quiet voice. While cognitive symptoms like dementia can eventually develop, it is often late in the disease’s progression and the extent can vary significantly. While the exact causes of PD are unknown and absolute cures have not yet been discovered, there are a variety lifestyle choices completely within our control that can be accomplished to significantly slow progression of this disease and enhance overall quality of life.

This is vital information for insurance professionals to share with their clients.

Role of Diet

Neuroinflammation is present in everyone with PD so an anti-inflammatory diet can help to minimize inflammation and the symptoms that arise from it. The Mediterranean diet has been extensively researched as the most anti-inflammatory style of eating. Following this dietary lifestyle includes:

• Fatty fish like salmon or sardines 2-4x per week

• 5 cups fruits and vegetables per day, with emphasis on berries, dark leafy greens, and crucifers like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower

• A variety of high quality proteins in 3-4oz portions: pasture-raised poultry/ eggs, grass fed meat

• High quality fats in 1-3oz portions: avocado, olives, cold pressed avocado or olive oil, nuts, seeds

• Lots of herbs & spices

• Minimal added sugar (no more than 5 tsp. added sugar per day)

• In addition to eating mostly whole foods and limiting ultra-processed foods, diet can play a role in improving medication symptoms such as dehydration and constipation. Divide your weight in half to know how many daily ounces of water you need. In one of your daily water glasses, add ½ teaspoon sea salt and 2 Tablespoons lemon juice for adequate electrolytes.

Role of Exercise

Exercise is one of the most recommended interventions for slowing PD progression. High intensity exercise can significantly improve overall motor function, minimize tremors and improve coordination. Any exercise that increases heart rate to the point of being hard to keep up a conversation is high intensity, and examples include boxing, HIIT and even cycling. A side benefit of many of these forms of exercise is that classes often include shouting which can aid in voice amplification as well. Other types of exercise that are lower intensity can improve balance and coordination, such as choreographed dancing, yoga and Pilates. Exercise is recommended at least 2-3 days per week, with some form of movement including basic walking recommended daily for baseline cardiovascular and cognitive function. Try to find a program with trainers knowledgeable in PD when looking for fitness programs.

Role of Stress Resilience

Any diagnosis creates chronic stress that can impact sleep and social functioning. People with PD can be especially vulnerable to the impacts of stress and physical symptoms make it easy to stay sedentary indoors and may make social situations difficult. There is no one technique that is better than another for stress resilience, but it is important to find a few strategies that work for you and that you can practice consistently in order to reduce the physical inflammation from stress, enhance the healing that comes with deep sleep, and enhance quality of life with overall life outlook and social interactions. Here are a few techniques to consider:

• Yoga therapy & breath work

• Sound bath or music therapy

• Skill building classes (like art or sewing)

• Massage therapy or watsu in the water

• Tai chi

Megan Wroe manages St. Jude Wellness Center, an integrative wellness department of St. Jude Medical Center. St. Jude Wellness Center is located in Brea, CA and offers a variety of nutrition, fitness and restorative programs and services for prevention and condition management such as PD.

Visit their website for more information: www.stjudewellnesscenter.org