Parkinson Non-Motor Symptom Tips (Brief Version)
ALI NAEIMI- Nov 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 25, 2024
Parkinson's disease (PD) affects not only movement but also many non-motor functions, significantly impacting daily life. Below is an organized summary of these symptoms and practical management tips.
1. Sleep Issues
Common Problems:
Insomnia: Difficulty staying asleep, often due to brain changes, medication, or discomfort.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Acting out dreams (e.g., shouting, kicking).
Daytime Sleepiness: This can include sudden sleep attacks.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Uncomfortable sensations relieved by movement.
Management Tips:
Maintain consistent sleep and wake times.
Exercise daily and avoid caffeine after 4 p.m.
Manage REM sleep issues with melatonin or clonazepam (if severe).
For RLS, try dopamine or GABA medications and iron supplements.
2. Gastrointestinal Problems
Constipation: Common due to nerve cell damage affecting bowel movements.
Management: Drink water, eat fibre-rich foods, exercise, and use stool softeners if needed.
Nausea: Often occurs with new medications.
Management: Take medications with meals or snacks, and consult a doctor for anti-nausea prescriptions like domperidone.
3. Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction
Bladder Issues: The bladder is overactive or underactive due to affected brain centers.
Management: Follow a bathroom routine, limit fluids before bedtime, and consider medications like oxybutynin.
Severe Constipation: Can lead to blockages if not treated.
Management: Use prescribed laxatives and consult your doctor for further interventions.
4. Orthostatic Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
Symptoms: Dizziness, fainting, confusion.
Management Tips:
Avoid standing up quickly.
Stay hydrated, eat salty meals, and use compression stockings.
Medication options include fludrocortisone or midodrine.
5. Changes in Mental and Emotional Health
Cognitive Decline: This includes mild impairment and dementia in advanced stages.
Prevention: Stay physically and mentally active, manage blood pressure, and eat healthily.
Mood Disorders: Depression, apathy, and anxiety are common.
Management: Exercise, therapy, and medications like SSRIs or dopamine agonists.
Hallucinations and Delusions: It may develop after years of treatment.
Management: Adjust medications or use antipsychotics like quetiapine.
6. Impulse Control Disorders
Symptoms: Gambling, overeating, hypersexuality.
Cause: Often linked to dopamine medications.
Management: Adjust or reduce medication doses and involve the family in monitoring.
7. Pain and Physical Discomfort
Muscle Pain: Stiffness, spasms, and cramps.
Management Tips:
Stretch, massage, or take warm baths.
Adjust medication timing for "off" periods.
Leg Swelling: It can be a side effect of certain medications.
Management: Use compression stockings and elevate legs.
8. Changes in Taste, Smell, and Weight
Loss of Smell: Common early symptom due to nerve damage.
Weight Loss: This may occur even with increased food intake.
Management: Include high-calorie foods and liquid supplements.
9. Sexual Health Changes
Symptoms: Decreased or increased libido; erectile dysfunction.
Management: Exercise, communication with your partner, and medications like sildenafil (Viagra).
10. Drooling and Swallowing Issues
Drooling: Caused by reduced swallowing.
Management Tips:
Chew gum or use atropine drops.
Severe cases may benefit from Botox injections.
Swallowing Difficulties:
It can lead to choking or pneumonia.
Management: Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and consult a swallowing therapist.
11. Sweating and Temperature Regulation
Symptoms: Sudden sweating during "off" periods.
Management: Wear weather-appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive heat.
12. Vision Problems
Double Vision: Related to underactive eye muscles.
Management: Consult an eye specialist and adjust Parkinson’s medications if necessary.
13. Practical Tips for Daily Living
Exercise Regularly: Beneficial for nearly all symptoms.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Supports overall health and symptom management.
Mental Stimulation: Helps delay cognitive decline.
Parkinson's is a multifaceted disease, but proactive management can improve the quality of life. Consult your healthcare provider to tailor strategies that work best for your specific needs.
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