What are some ways to treat early signs of Parkinson's disease?

While making an early diagnosis of Parkinson’s can be difficult, one can always look out for warning signs. The early signs that are detected are the loss of smell, depression and anxiety, sleeping disorder, etc. Starting with the sleeping disorder, it can be caused due to physiological changes in the brain. And as Parkinson’s prevails, an individual may face trouble sleeping as he goes through the phase of rigidity and tremors.

Another warning sign is the loss of smell, which is caused due to dopamine deficiency in the brain, especially in the olfactory bulb which is known to control the sense of smell in an individual. Also, people with Parkinson’s tend to develop mood swings and disorders like depression and anxiety early during the diagnosis. Let’s look at the treatment to manage these signs early during the diagnosis.

Treatments to cure early signs of Parkinson’s

Medications

A long-acting Levodopa may be helpful in getting the right amount of sleep as it targets non-motor symptoms like blood pressure. For people suffering from Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD), Melatonin or Clonazepam may be helpful. For depression and anxiety, antidepressants like Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) can be prescribed.

Yoga and Exercising

Practicing Pranayama lessens the perceived stress and promotes better sleep. Another good practice is Yoga Nidra that aims at resolving common sleep disorder by producing a Neuroprotective effect. On the other hand, brisk walking can be a useful exercise in reducing mood swings and stress.

Healthy Diet

Omega-3 rich foods are known to reduce depression in PD patients. Foods like Fatty fish and walnuts contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and promote cardiovascular health, improving the PD patient’s emotional health. A healthy diet can help PD fighters maintain their body weight, boost the immune system, and reduce constipation. For the loss of smell, food like wild-caught salmon, shrimp, and flaxseed oil may help in building resistance to the toxin which is known to cause motor symptoms in Parkinson’s.

Music Therapy

The sound is known to be an important non-verbal means of communication. Slow rhythmic music can slow down overactive body rhythms and induce calm which helps in better sleep.

Visualization Techniques

Guided Imagery (GI) treats the sleeping disorder by helping the patient concentrate on positive images and thoughts which reduce stress and anxiety. It is also helpful in reducing tremors during sleep which most of the PD patients face.

Reference: Manoj Agarwala