Can Alcohol Cause Parkinson’s Disease?
Researches on various aspects of Parkinson’s disease are still going. Due to this, although the actual causes of Parkinson’s disease is still unknown, a body of research has suggested that Parkinson’s disease can be caused by everything from overheating death of brain cells to extreme lifestyle choices like smoking, consumption of too much of coffee and even alcohol.
What Are The Lifestyle Changes Recommended In Parkinson’s Disease?
A healthy lifestyle is thought to help control the symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. Thus, doctors particularly recommend lifestyle changes from the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. This may also help in delayed start of medications.
Adequate rest is extremely important. The patient should sleep approximately eight hours every night. Doctor should be made aware in case of symptoms noted during sleep like restless leg syndrome or rapid eye-movement behavior disorder.
A balanced and healthy diet is of extreme importance in Parkinson’s disease. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet can help the patient manage the symptoms better. Smoking and consumption of alcohol should be controlled and eventually stopped for a healthy lifestyle. Malnutrition can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
How Does Exercise Help In Parkinson’s Disease?
Exercise can help with better motor abilities in Parkinson’s disease. The various benefits of exercise in Parkinson’s disease are-
- Increased strength
- Improved stamina
- Reduced rigidity
- Optimized coordination
- Increased flexibility
- Delayed progression of the disease.
How Long Does It Take For Parkinson’s Disease To Progress?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive disease. This means that the symptoms continue and worsen over the period of years. Although there are various factors that may work, but the normal progression rate of the Parkinson’s disease is ten years. When the onset of the disease is at an older age, faster progression rate associated with cognitive failure may be witnessed.
How Can The Various Stages Of Parkinson’s Disease Be Identified?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease associated by progressive symptoms in various stages. The symptoms associated with the five stages include-
Stage 1- This stage is characterized by the mildest form of Parkinson’s. The symptoms are not so severe to interfere with daily tasks and overall lifestyle. Friends and family members may notice some sort of changes in the way the patient walks, his posture and some facial expression. One of the distinct symptom of Parkinson’s is the tremors are other problems in movement and exclusive to one side of the body. If doctor is consulted at this stage, the prescribed medication can help ease out the symptoms at this stage.
Stage 2- This phase is considered to be the moderate form of Parkinson’s because the symptoms get distinctively noticed by people. Muscle stiffness is quite common at this stage. It must be remembered that although there may be an increase of tremors and irregular posture, stage 2 does not impair the balance of the patient.
Stage 3- The patient may experience a turning point in this stage as along with the symptoms he may not be able to maintain his balance and experience decreased reflexes. Movements become slower and falls become common. Medication along with occupational therapy may be advised.
Stage 4- It becomes impossible to even stand without assistance at stage 4. Living alone may make daily tasks impossible and dangerous. Thus the patient will need a caregiver from this stage.
Stage 5- This is the most advanced stage of Parkinson’s disease. The patient may find it impossible to even stand or walk because of the freezing and stiffness of the legs. Patients may require wheelchair. Around-the-clock assistance may be required in order to help him and prevent frequent falls.
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