Kadan Homecare's recommendations

How to Live with Parkinson’s Disease

Muhammad Ali, Robin Williams, Ozzy Osbourne and Michael J. Fox may be the famous faces that we associate with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) but there are 60,000 seniors, most of them far less famous, who receive a PD diagnosis each year. They join the one million Americans who already have this neurodegenerative condition, most of whom will live 10 to 20 years with PD.

Tremors, muscle rigidity, slower movement, a change in posture, and changes in speed and handwriting are early symptoms of PD. While symptoms develop slowly, each person’s PD journey is different when it comes to the onset and combination of symptoms.

While PD’s cause is not known and there is no cure for it, medical experts have pinpointed genetic mutations associated with PD and a handful of environmental factors that may increase PD risk. However, the effects of these mutations and environmental elements is thought to be minimal. Debate on whether or not PD is inherited continues with no clear answer in sight.

Part of living with Parkinson’s involves avoiding sugar, which can aggravate the condition, and too much protein, which affects medications’ effectiveness. Building your menus around a variety of healthy foods helps PD patients access the vitamins and mineral they need. Eating more fiber-rich foods such as whole grains and vegetables not only helps PD patients’ digestion, it will can make them feel full longer.

Kadan Homecare has two suggestions for patients and families living with PD. First, don’t isolate yourself or decide to go it alone. Often, PD patients and their families find that talking to others with the disease helps them cope – medically and emotionally. Consider joining a Parkinson’s Support Group if you think it would be helpful. If there’s not one close to you, start one. Second, become a source of information and support for those in your circle and consider taking up the cause nationally as a PD advocate.

Kadan Homecare is committed to serving seniors with excellent care wherever they consider to be home. We go anywhere and everywhere whether it’s a hospital, rehabilitation facility, assisted living facility, personal home or a family home. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation on your current needs, and together we’ll make a plan that’s just right for your situation. For more information or to talk with our team, call 770-396-8997 or email info@kadan.org.

Dina Kadan White2023-11-09T17:21:01+00:00April 13th, 2021|

About the Author: Dina Kadan White

As Vice President of Kadan Homecare, White oversees the day-to-to day operations and assists with strategic planning for company. White has worked with Kadan full-time for the past 11 years, although she has been engaged with the family-run firm at some level for most of her adult life. Prior to joining Kadan, White served as Director of Product Development at Equifax and previously was a Marketing Director with Wachovia. These jobs prepared her well for a position where she works for the benefit of all aspects of this highly client-focused agency. White holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a member of the National Private Duty Association, a membership organization for firms whose homecare model is to employ, train, monitor and supervise caregivers, create a plan of care for the client and work toward a safe and secure environment for the person at home. White is also a member of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.