Improving Longevity with Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that significantly affects motor control and can also impact various aspects of physical and mental health. Currently, there is no cure for PD, however, research depicts lifestyle modifications such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep quality, mental wellbeing, socialisation and appropriate medication can greatly improve quality of life and longevity for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Exercise
Regular exercise is an important element needed in everyday life and even more so for individuals managing Parkinson’s disease. Research suggests exercise benefits mobility, motor symptoms and slows the progression through triggering neuroplastic adaptations to the brain (Ahlskog, 2011).
Types of exercise:
| Exercise Type | Description |
| Aerobic | Activities such as walking, swimming or cycling improve overall cardiovascular fitness and build tolerance to daily activities, reducing fatigue-like symptoms |
| Strength | Resistance exercise, such as squats, pushups, lunges, helps combat muscle wasting and improve posture |
| Flexibility | Stretching and moving the joint through its range of motion helps reduce rigidity and stiffness |
| Balance and coordination | Activities such as tai chi, dance or balance exercises reduce the risk of falls and improve coordination. |
Each individual has different needs and requirements depending on the stage of progression of the disease, and seeking help from a professional, such as an exercise physiologist, can support adherence and safety. Please refer to this resource from Parkinson’s Foundation for more information on Parkinson’s exercise recommendations.
Nutrition
Looking after your nutrition plays a role in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Foods that are rich in antioxidants act to reduce oxidative stress, which affects neurodegeneration in PD (Barichella et al., 2017). Possible sources, such as berries and leafy greens, are beneficial. Foods such as fish, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, have also been shown to directly possess neuroprotective effects.
Nutrition Tips:
- Increase fibre intake to assist with constipation symptoms
- Stay hydrated to allow for appropriate medication absorption and metabolic function
- Limit processed foods (Drouin-Chartier et al., 2023).
For more information and a tailored dietary program, seek assistance from a trained professional such as a registered dietitian.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Parkinson’s is a challenging condition to live with and often brings mental health challenges.
Comorbidities such as depression and anxiety can often lead to negative outcomes and decrease overall life satisfaction, if not acknowledged and treated in the early stages (Reijnders et al., 2008).
Recommendations:
- Mindfulness meditation can lower anxiety and improve coping ability
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Regularly staying engaged in hobbies and social interactions to maintain cognitive functioning, reduces isolation/loneliness and improves mood and resilience (Baikie et al., 2023).
If you are unsure, seek help and reach out to support groups, friends and family or see your GP for professional guidance and referrals.
Sleep Quality
Parkinson’s symptoms can often lead to sleep disturbances, which can significantly affect one’s quality of life. Those who have poor sleep will often experience heightened motor symptoms and increased fatigue in daily activities (Chahine et al., 2017).
Sleep strategies:
- Maintain a bedtime routine to help prepare the body for sleep
- Arrange a consistent bedtime and wake time
- Create an environment that encourages easy sleep – cool, dark, quiet
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol or screen time before bedtime
Medication
Each stage of PD requires adaptations and requirements to medications. Having regular follow-ups with neurologists and movement disorder specialists ensures dosages are optimal and side effects are minimised (Post et al., 2011). Essential to managing symptoms is adhering to prescribed dopaminergic medication schedules.
Lifestyle interventions, as mentioned, all play a role in improving longevity for those progressing through Parkinson’s. Individuals are encouraged to take on a multidisciplinary approach with their interventions and work with professionals such as exercise physiologists, neurologists, dieticians and other specialists.
References
Ahlskog, J. E. (2011). Does vigorous exercise have a neuroprotective effect in Parkinson’s disease? Neurology, 77(3), 288–294. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e318225ab66
Baikie, L., Lewis, S. J. G., & Shine, J. M. (2023). Social connection and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: A review of current research. Frontiers in Medicine, 10, 1183289. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1183289
Barichella, M., Cereda, E., & Pezzoli, G. (2017). Major nutritional issues in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders, 32(2), 153–161. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.26821
Chahine, L. M., Amara, A. W., & Videnovic, A. (2017). A practical guide to the treatment of sleep problems in Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, 4(6), 755–764. https://doi.org/10.1002/mdc3.12539
Drouin-Chartier, J. P., Ardisson Korat, A. V., & Hu, F. B. (2023). Ultra-processed food intake and risk of Parkinson’s disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 117(3), 579–587. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.01.006
Li, F., Harmer, P., Fitzgerald, K., et al. (2012). Tai chi and postural stability in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 366(6), 511–519. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1107911
Post, B., Merkus, M. P., de Haan, R. J., & Speelman, J. D. (2011). Prognostic factors for the progression of Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review. Movement Disorders, 26(1), 104–112. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.23366
Reijnders, J. S., Ehrt, U., Weber, W. E., Aarsland, D., & Leentjens, A. F. (2008). A systematic review of prevalence studies of depression in Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders, 23(2), 183–189. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.21803
