Parkinson’s Disease: Using Complementary Therapies Alongside Traditional Medication

PARKINSON’S DISEASE:

USING COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

ALONGSIDE TRADITIONAL MEDICATION

- Marios Politis -

It is inevitable that Parkinson’s patients will have to use medication as the disease progresses.

Parkinson’s Disease: Using Com plementary The rapies Alongside Traditional Medication

Medical professionals will need to prescribe medication according to age, lifestyle and severity of the condition. As these factors generally fluctuate, it is crucial to adjust frequency and increase or decrease dosage according to each patient’s individual needs.

Patients should be aware, however, that medication is not the only resource available to alleviate symptoms.

Acknowledging and Mitigating the Effects of Depression and Anxiety

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Depression amongst Parkinson’s patients can sometimes be missed due to overlapping symptoms such as apathy and insomnia. However, it is vital that mental health is supported alongside physical health. Staying active, joining support groups and practicing self-care through mindfulness, enjoying music and connecting with friends and family will all serve to keep patients healthier for longer.

Physiotherapy and Exercise

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help patients to manage the symptoms of the disease, with experts recommending eating a healthy diet and engaging in 2.5 hours of active exercise per week. A physiotherapist specialising in neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s can help patients to improve their strength and balance with carefully targeted exercises.

Marios Politis

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