Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease

While no one wants to be diagnosed with PD, those who choose to confront the disease with creative adaptations and a commitment to improving personal wellness—physically, mentally, and spiritually—lead full and productive lives.

Exercise

Exercise does make a difference! Numerous studies attest to the benefits of a well rounded exercise program, which includes stretching, strengthening, and aerobic components. People with PD benefit in the same ways with improved health, physical conditioning, stamina, sleep, and mood. Research now underway suggests it may have a special role in PD: increased dopamine in the brain. The research has only begun, but there is no reason to wait to start exercising. » more information on exercise classes and the new PD Pilates instruction guide.

Nutrition

Eating a well balanced diet, drinking lots of water, and controlling one’s weight are even more vital for the person with PD. While protein and iron intake can interfere with the absorption of levadopa, these are not to be avoided, simply managed if their impact is experienced. Plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fluids are essential to countering one of the more annoying PD symptoms—constipation. (See PD Handbook for more information.) Good nutrition is important overall health and it is not different for someone with PD. Check out the NPF booklet, Parkinson's Disease: Nutrition Matters, which can be found at the National Parkinson Foundation website.

Education

Coupling a complex disease with a complex health care delivery system requires people with PD and their families to learn as much as possible about PD. Knowledge is power and the information you give your clinician is the foundation on which he/she will treat you. So accurate, concise, and thoughtful observations; knowing what questions to ask and to whom; and when to ask for referrals for additional therapies are a key component to getting the best PD care.
» Patient and Caregiver Resources: Education & Events

Home About the Center Faculty & Staff Faculty Biosketches What is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis & Treatment Living Well with PD Patient Care Clinical Visits Medical Staff Comprehensive Neuro Rehab Team Clinical Trials Helpful Forms Patient & Family Caregiver Resources Education & Events Resources & Links Newly Diagnosed Information Young Onset information Family Caregivers Newsletter Support Groups Exercise Classes Research Clinical Research Basic Science Research Research Volunteer Help Center Research Contact Information Giving for Research Provider Education Educational Opportunities Fellowship Program Donate Now Honor/Memorials Estate Planning Gifts of Stock Corporate Matching Gifts Contact Us Donte Now
		Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease While no one wants to be diagnosed with PD, those who choose to confront the disease with creative adaptations and a commitment to improving personal wellness—physically, mentally, and spiritually—lead full and productive lives. Exercise Exercise does make a difference! Numerous studies attest to the benefits of a well rounded exercise program, which includes stretching, strengthening, and aerobic components. People with PD benefit in the same ways with improved health, physical conditioning, stamina, sleep, and mood. Research now underway suggests it may have a special role in PD: increased dopamine in the brain. The research has only begun, but there is no reason to wait to start exercising. » more information on exercise classes and the new PD Pilates instruction guide. Nutrition Eating a well balanced diet, drinking lots of water, and controlling one’s weight are even more vital for the person with PD. While protein and iron intake can interfere with the absorption of levadopa, these are not to be avoided, simply managed if their impact is experienced. Plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fluids are essential to countering one of the more annoying PD symptoms—constipation. (See PD Handbook for more information.) Good nutrition is important overall health and it is not different for someone with PD. Check out the NPF booklet, Parkinson's Disease: Nutrition Matters, which can be found at the National Parkinson Foundation website. Education Coupling a complex disease with a complex health care delivery system requires people with PD and their families to learn as much as possible about PD. Knowledge is power and the information you give your clinician is the foundation on which he/she will treat you. So accurate, concise, and thoughtful observations; knowing what questions to ask and to whom; and when to ask for referrals for additional therapies are a key component to getting the best PD care. » Patient and Caregiver Resources: Education & Events

		Updated August 11, 2008 by OHSU’s Parkinson Center of Oregon phone: 503 494-7231, fax: 503 494-9059