Receiving a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can be scary. Many are left with so many questions and the fear of the unknown. To those who are newly diagnosed, just remember there is a community of people who understand your concerns and are here to help. Having Parkinson’s does not mean that you cannot life well. Let’s discuss how you can continue to live well.
Diagnosis
At this point in time, there is no one specific test for PD. PD is still diagnosed clinically, meaning based on what symptoms you are presenting with. This is one reason why it may take years before someone receives a diagnosis. In order to be diagnosed, you have to be experiencing at least two of the main motor (movement) symptoms. These symptoms are bradykinesia (slowness of movement) rigidity (stiffness), postural instability (loss of balance), and tremor. One commonly used acronym is TRAP.
T = tremor
R = rigidity
A = akinesia (lack of movement) or bradykinesia
P = postural instability
While the diagnosis is made with motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms can be the more dominant symptoms for some. These include constipation, loss of smell, sleep changes, depression, anxiety, memory changes, and so much more.
Take time to process
Some people may feel relieved after getting a diagnosis - they know what it is, they can give it a name, and now they can make a plan. Others may need more time to wrap their heads around the news. For both groups of people, and everyone in between, make sure you take time to process the diagnosis and allow yourself to acknowledge and express any new feelings. Allow your family and friends to do the same, it is a change for them as well.
Take control
There are a lot of things you cannot control with Parkinson’s but there are things you can control! Work with your loved ones to create achievable goals to continue to live well. These goals might be to take a PD educational course, such as PD Self, work to find a movement disorder specialist if you don’t have one, begin to build your health care team, find support groups, find exercise classes, meet with a financial planner etc.
Live well
Living well with PD can look different for each person, but here are a few good examples.
Talk about your diagnosis. Depression, anxiety, and isolation are common mood changes that people experience. Talking with your loved ones about your thoughts and experience is so important to help build support. If you don’t have people to talk to, explore local support groups and start to build your community. If you don’t feel comfortable meeting with other people with PD, try talking to a therapist.
Stay active. Exercise is medicine for all, and this is especially true in those with PD. Making exercise a normal part of your routine will not only help your physical health, but it will help your emotional health too! We have lots of local PD classes but there are also several online options through the Parkinson’s Foundation and the American Parkinson’s Disease Association as well.
Eat well. Healthy foods will help fuel your body for success. What we eat has a direct impact on our energy level and how well we can move. It also has a big influence on constipation, which is a common non-motor symptom with PD. There is lots of research around a Mediterranean diet being helpful to improve overall health.
Prioritize your sleep. Your sleep is what allows your brain to retain everything you learned that day and it allows your body to recover. Good sleep is crucial for your health and wellbeing.
Being newly diagnosed can be overwhelming and scary. Take things one step at a time, be involved in your community, and lean on family and friends. Help for PD is here for you throughout your whole journey.
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