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More than one million Americans are afflicted with Parkinson's disease. This is a nerve disorder which is both chronic and progressive. It causes uncontrolled trembling and shaking (tremors), a fixed staring expression, stooped posture, muscle rigidity, and an abnormal gait.
The disease itself can vary from one person to another. Some will develop speech problems and difficulty swallowing. Others will suffer with progressive dementia. Parkinson's will show no favorites, it will affect men and woman equally. Most generally it will develop after the age of fifty.
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease comes from progressive destruction of a part of the brain, the substania niagra. This is the part of the brain where the cells make dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that is necessary for neuromuscular function. What actually causes this horrible disease is often unknown. It is, however, known that some head injuries and the use of cocaine have been contributing factors in a certain type of parkinsonism.
There is no known cure for Parkinson's decease, but several medications, especially Levodopa, can reduce symptoms and slow down its progress. Levodopa was introduced thirty years ago and is the main treatment for Parkinson's. It is a naturally occurring neutral aminoacid that is converted to dopamine in the brain.
At the beginning of treatment, Levodopa is very effective in relieving Parkinson's symptoms. After many years of treatment, disabling motor fluctuations begin to appear. This then makes it necessary to adjust the amount of medication that is given.
Some doctors believe that levodopa be given in low doses or even postponed to delay the development of the motor fluctuations. Others believe that it is just the progression of the disease and not the medication at all.
There are also surgical treatments, but these are almost always saved for the sever, more advanced cases.
There are no nutritional treatments for Parkinson's disease. Diet can, however, help to increase the effectiveness of treatment with levodopa and can help manage problems such as trouble chewing and swallowing. It can also help with constipation.
To be at its most effective, levodopa must be absorbed from the small intestine as soon as possible after it is taken. Some doctors say that the drug should be taken 20 to 30 minutes before meals. This can cause nausea, so can be taken with a carbohydrate snack such as bread or crackers. Protein can cause the delayed absorption of the drug, so it should not be taken with an animal product. Many doctors, and the American Parkinson's Disease Association say that people with Parkinson's should cut their protein intake to about half of what other Americans would take. Some doctors even tell their patients to take all of their protein consumption in the evening when it is less likely to create problems with their medications.
Patients who have advanced Parkinson's will many times have trouble chewing food and swallowing it. This is because the disease affects the facial muscles and the tongue. Medications can be given to help reduce the drooling. Meals should consist of foods that will be easy to chew and swallow. This could include such things as:
Cooked cereal
Pouched or scrambled eggs
Soups
Mashed potatoes
Rice
Soft cooked pasta
Tender chicken
Boneless fish
Mashed vegetables and fruits
Custards and yogarts
Juice
It may become difficult and even tiring for the person to eat. It may be a good idea to start them on smaller, more frequent meals. This will make them less tired and more able to get the calories that are needed for them to maintain.
To help avoid choking, sit the patient up straight, and tilt the head slightly forward when swallowing. Have them take small bites, chew compltetely, and make sure to swallow everything before the take another bit. It will be essential to have plenty of liquids on hand to help wash the food down.
Above all, remember to give this person a lot of love. They are going to need it!
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