Parkinson's Disease (cont.)
Complementary and Supportive Therapies
A wide variety of complementary and supportive therapies may be used for
Parkinson's disease.
Among these therapies are standard physical, occupational, and speech therapy
techniques, which can help with such problems as gait and voice disorders,
tremors and rigidity, and cognitive decline. Other types of supportive therapies
include the following:
Diet. At this time there are no specific vitamins,
minerals, or other nutrients that have any proven therapeutic value in
Parkinson's disease. Some
early reports have suggested that dietary supplements might be protective in
Parkinson's disease.
In addition, a phase II clinical trial of a supplement called coenzyme Q10 suggested
that large doses of this substance might slow disease progression in patients
with early-stage Parkinson's disease. The NINDS and other components of the National Institutes
of Health are funding research to determine if caffeine, antioxidants, and other
dietary factors may be beneficial for preventing or treating Parkinson's disease. While there is
currently no proof that any specific dietary factor is beneficial, a normal,
healthy diet can promote overall well-being for Parkinson's disease patients just as it would for
anyone else. Eating a fiber-rich diet and drinking plenty of fluids also can
help alleviate constipation. A high protein diet, however, may limit levodopa's
effectiveness.
Exercise. Exercise can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their mobility and
flexibility. Some doctors prescribe physical therapy or muscle-strengthening
exercises to tone muscles and to put underused and rigid muscles through a full
range of motion. Exercises will not stop disease progression, but they may improve
body strength so that the person is less disabled. Exercises also improve
balance, helping people minimize gait problems, and can strengthen certain
muscles so that people can speak and swallow better. Exercise can also improve
the emotional well-being of people with Parkinson's disease, and it may improve the brain's
dopamine synthesis or increase levels of beneficial compounds called
neurotrophic factors in the brain. Although structured exercise programs help
many patients, more general physical activity, such as walking, gardening,
swimming, calisthenics, and using exercise machines, also is beneficial. People
with Parkinson's disease should always check with their doctors before beginning a new exercise
program.
Other complementary therapies that are used by some individuals with
Parkinson's disease
include massage therapy, yoga, tai chi, hypnosis, acupuncture, and the Alexander
technique, which optimizes posture and muscle activity. There have been limited
studies suggesting mild benefits with some of these therapies, but they do not
slow Parkinson's disease and there is no convincing evidence that they are beneficial.
Next: How Can People Cope with Parkinson's Disease? »
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