Diseases of aging are often conditions for which there is an onset as the patient approaches retirement. Typically, these are conditions that develop around the age of 60 years. For some older adults, however, there can be a risk for developing age-related health complications earlier in life, even developing chronic disease in their 40’s.
Early-onset Parkinson’s disease is a condition that is typically found in older adults but, when it occurs in adults around age 40, the classification of “early-onset” is given. While there is no exact cause of Parkinson’s disease, most physicians agree the complication is related to familial connections and typically a person with early-onset will find that there own parents suffered from the condition early in life as well.
If you have been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, it is important to become familiar with the ways in which you can slow progression of the illness. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are steps you can take to slow progression using diet, exercise and therapy.
Diet for the Parkinson’s disease patients needs to be one that involves eating meals that are small, throughout the day, high in protein, high in fiber, and low in carbs and caffeine. This type of diet, when coupled with regular exercise, can provide for a more healthy physique and will improve neuromuscular movements. In addition, by getting plenty of quality exercise and good nutrition, your medications, used to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, will be given the best opportunity to perform to their ideal levels.
Occupational therapy for early-onset Parkinson’s disease patients is vital also to long term function. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with this condition early in life, and even if you are still functioning relatively normally, it is important to begin a regular occupational therapy program and establish a routine and treatment plan with a therapist. Because your muscular movements will change over time, this early occupational therapy, will help to ensure deficiencies in your health are diagnosed early and addressed to ensure reversal and improvement in health.
Early-onset Parkinson’s disease can lead to many adverse health complications in the person who suffers from the condition. Being proactive in your diet, exercise, and health, will help to ensure you have the best possible outcome for your life needs.
Sources: Parkinson’s Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Families, by William Weiner, pp. 45-49.
