Medical Keywords - Everything you need to know about health.

Before The Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

The individual sits in ignorance before the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. They are, as of yet unaware of how the disease will impact their life and the lives of those who they care about most in this world. There are so many questions and concerns once Parkinson's becomes a daily word, quietly spoken at first, but then in tones of inquiry. Other family members become concerned over risk factors and prevention. Treatments are discussed along with alternative medicine choices.

The risk factors for Parkinson's disease include age. Young people under age 40 rarely are diagnosed with the disease. The risk for Parkinson's disease increases with age. Heredity also may play a role in the risk for the disease. If you have one or more close relatives who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's your risk for getting the disease increases, although it is still less than 5%. Men are more likely to get Parkinson's than women are and exposure to toxins such as herbicides and pesticides will also put you at a slight increased risk for Parkinson's.

There is no way to prevent Parkinson's disease.

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but through medications, speech and physical therapy, diet and exercise and even surgery you can lessen the effects of Parkinson's disease, improve posture, increase range of motion and perhaps give a better quality of life. It is important to realize that Parkinson's is a disease that you will not recuperate from and it is a lifetime disease that will become progressingly worse over time.

The patient and his/her family will be taught the treatment plan and things that can be done at home to bring relief to the patient. There are various medications that can bring relief from symptoms and there are several surgery options that can be discussed with the doctor when the time is right and all other avenues have been exhausted. It is important to eat a healthy diet that includes fiber and to exercise on a regular basis for periods of 15 to 20 minutes. It is important not to overdo the exercise and run the risk of injury.

It has been discovered that individuals with Parkinson's disease have low levels of Coenzyme Q10, it is important to speak with your doctor before taking this supplement.

Massage therapy can reduce the muscle tension experienced with Parkinson's disease and promote relaxation, which can benefit those with muscle rigidity.

Tai Chi is an ancient form of Chinese exercise that improves flexibility and balance and it can be tailored for all age groups and all types of physical condition.

Yoga is another exercise that can improve your flexibility and balance and it can be modified to fit the individual's physical abilities.