Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Although the progression of Parkinson’s disease cannot be prevented, the treatment of its signs and symptoms can greatly increase an individual’s quality of life. Treatment options include:
Group Wellness Programs/Support Groups
Studies have shown that support from others can prove to be vital in coping with the progression of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, involvement with others can help with the isolation and depression some Parkinson’s patients feel.
Diet
 Since Parkinson's disease affects muscular movement, people with Parkinson's may experience problems with their diet. Important considerations include, maintaining a healthy weight, causes of constipation, making sure Parkinson's medication are working as effectively as possible, and eating nutritious meals. Suggestions for individuals with Parkinson’s disease include:
Cut foods into smaller portions to avoid choking and to encourage digestion.
Remain upright for 30 minutes after eating.
For upset stomachs linked to medication, try eating a small amount of non-protein based food before taking medication.
Occupational Therapy
 Occupational therapists have expertise in helping people to adapt to changes that can occur with Parkinson’s disease. These therapists are able to help individuals with activities such as personal care, work and leisure. In addition, they are able to provide assistance with the following:
giving advice on how Parkinson’s can affect everyday life
an individual and their family new strategies for coping with the physical and psychological problems that may affect everyday life
advise on equipment to use at home or at work to enable a person to continue to carry out their everyday activities
provide advice, information and support to enable an individual to use transport, community, and leisure opportunities to the full
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are able to provide assistance for individual’s with physical difficulties resulting from Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, physiotherapists work with patients to identify and improve their movement and function. The methods that physiotherapists use include exercise, manipulation, heat and hydrotherapy.
Physiotherapists are able to offer support with assessing and treating the effects that Parkinson’s can have on mobility – including gait, posture, balance, activities involving transfers (such as getting in and out of bed) and dexterity. They may also be involved in managing non-motor symptoms, such as pain and sleep-related problems.
Speech Therapy
Approximately 50 % of individual’s with Parkinson's disease will develop problems with their speech and communication. Many also experience swallowing and writing difficulties although these problems may not always accompany each other. Problems that may be encountered include:
Lack of voice volume and/or fading voice volume
Lack of variation and expression in your voice
Hesitancy or difficulty getting your voice started
Slight slurring or indistinct speech.
Writing is "spidery" and difficult to read
Hand shakes too much to write
Face lacks expression
Keeping your head up and lips closed may be a problem so saliva may collect in your mouth and become difficult to manage
Regular coughing when eating or drinking
Choking on your food
A speech and language therapist can help individuals manage these symptoms and cope with changes that occur with Parkinson’s disease.
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