Foods That Help Protect Parkinson’s Throughout the Holiday Season
By Melissa Halas
December 10, 2021
Managing Parkinson’s disease (PD) throughout the holidays is no small feat. Between the alcohol, sweet treats, and increased sedentary time, these sudden lifestyle changes can wreak havoc on disease symptoms.
This year, put your worries about Parkinson’s disease protection to rest by enjoying these tasty, festive, yet therapeutic dishes. Each option contains unique nutrients to help protect neurons and dopamine receptors in Parkinson’s disease.
Breakfast
It’s the meal that helps set the tone for the rest of the day. So, this year, start your holiday celebration with a phytonutrient or “fight-o-nutrient” packed breakfast.
Oatmeal with dark chocolate and cranberries
This breakfast radiates with resveratrol – a nutrient that can help maintain glutathione levels while reducing oxidative stress, ultimately protecting dopaminergic neurons. It also contributes to neuroprotection by preventing cell death that leads to degeneration. 1
So, this holiday season, experiment with resveratrol-rich foods such as dark chocolate (ideally cocoa nibs or 82 percent cocoa), cranberries, pistachios, strawberries, red grapes, red current, and more. Plus, their typical red color exudes holiday vibes with every bite.
Yogurt topped with honey and raspberries
Show me the honey! Non-fat greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt with raspberries oozes quercetin – a compound that helps minimizing inflammatory markers associated with neurodegeneration.2
Similarly to resveratrol, these anti-inflammatory properties allow for greater cell survival and dopaminergic neuron protection.1
Chia seed pudding topped with nuts
This breakfast will have you feeling chia-full! Its high-fiber content offers sustained energy to help combat fatigue to enjoy the holiday festivities.
Plus, these small but mighty ingredients are rich in vitamin E – an antioxidant that contains free-radical neutralizing powers to help protect against the progression of neurological disorders.3
Plus, vitamin E may also help improve immunity, cell signalizing, and gene regulation for a healthy boost from head to toe.3
Side dishes
When it comes to the holiday dinner, each family has their own traditional meals, whether beef, poultry, ham, or fish. While these options tend to be the star of the show, the overconsumption of protein may interfere with levodopa absorption in the small intestine.4
So, prioritize your focus on plant-based side dishes rich in colorful, disease-fighting ingredients. Check out these classic options that may help offer protection with Parkinson’s disease.
Sweet potato latkes with apple sauce
Celebrate with spuds! Sweet potatoes get their vibrant color and protective properties from beta-carotene. This nutrient helps regulate gene expression and the dopaminergic system to help maintain brain health.5
Research shows that greater consumption of beta-carotene-rich foods may be associated with a decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease and continued protection with PD.6
Oven-roasted broccoli
It’s a green that’s abundant in vitamin C! Did you know that a large amount of the body’s vitamin C stores is found in the brain? This must-have vitamin helps reduce oxidative stress, synthesize dopamine, and regulate neurotransmission.7
Research shows that vitamin C deficiency may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease and continues to provide protection with PD. So, get your broc’ on to improve brain health!7
Quinoa and vegetable stuffing
Get fiber-filled with this ancient grain. It can help give your gut an added push to help combat the dreaded holiday or medication-induced constipation.
While quinoa is rich in amino acids, it won’t interfere with the uptake of levodopa. On the contrary, a high-fiber diet can help improve levodopa absorption while addressing digestive dysfunction associated with Parkinson’s disease medications.8
“The moment I received my official diagnosis, I dropped all my assumptions about Parkinson’s. It was so freeing.” -Member of MyParkinsonsTeam
Living with Parkinson’s can be difficult and even a burden, but also an opportunity to rid yourself of what you think you know. Have you heard the saying, “People don’t get it until they get it”? That is so true about Parkinson’s.
“The more I learn about Parkinson’s, the more I realize that it’s not my fault.” -Member of MyParkinsonsTeam
A Parkinson’s diagnosis forces us to drop our negative assumptions about life with a chronic condition. Members on MyParkinsonsTeam gain perspective from other members’ experiences to become better informed about what it’s really like to live with Parkinson’s.
What negative assumptions have you let go of about Parkinson’s? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Dopamine is a specialized chemical messenger responsible for sending signals in the brain to coordinate movement.
In Parkinson’s disease, the cells responsible for making dopamine die off, causing movement problems and other symptoms.
Dopaminergic treatments are available to increase levels of dopamine in the brain and alleviate symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by low levels of dopamine and improper signaling in the brain, which leads to movement symptoms. Parkinsonism is a set of movement disorders characterized by tremors, muscle stiffness, coordination issues, and bradykinesia (slowed movements). Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common movement disorders that affect the central nervous system.
Parkinson’s is treated with dopaminergic treatments. Over time, these medications may cause side effects like dyskinesia (uncontrollable, erratic movements) that can interfere with daily life.
What Is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a specialized chemical messenger in the brain known as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are responsible for communicating between cells in the brain called neurons. Some neurons are responsible for sending signals with specific neurotransmitters. For example, neurons that communicate using dopamine are known as dopamine neurons or dopaminergic neurons.
Dopamine neurons are found in specific areas of the brain, including the substantia nigra and basal ganglia. These areas of the midbrain work together to control your muscular and skeletal movements. The substantia nigra makes dopamine to send signals to the basal ganglia and other areas of the brain to cause movement.
In neurodegenerative disorders such as parkinsonism, the dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra begin to die off. This may be due to the presence of Lewy bodies in this brain region. Lewy bodies are clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein, which can interfere with the neurons’ function. After the neurons begin to die, they cannot send signals properly and movement is affected.
What Is the Goal of Dopaminergic Treatments for Parkinson’s?
People with Parkinson’s disease have low levels of dopamine in their brains. Dopaminergic treatments are used to increase dopamine levels or mimic the chemical to improve symptoms. These drugs are mainly used to address motor problems, such as tremors or difficulty walking. Over time, dopamine treatments can become less effective, and higher doses may be required.
Dopaminergic Treatments
Dopamine is a specialized chemical that is normally synthesized in the brain. To mimic this process, dopaminergic drugs are taken orally or are infused using a pump system, which allows the drugs to enter the bloodstream. They then travel to the brain and are broken down into dopamine, increasing levels of the neurotransmitter.
Some examples of dopaminergic treatments include levodopa/carbidopa, which is sold under the brand names Sinemet, Parcopa, and Rytary. Levodopa contains a natural chemical that is able to enter the brain and is converted into dopamine. Carbidopa is used to help prevent levodopa from being converted into dopamine outside the brain.
After levodopa is converted into dopamine, it can then interact with dopamine receptors in the brain to improve motor symptoms. Specialized enzymes known as catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors can also be used to increase the amount of levodopa that reaches the brain.
Dopamine Agonists
Dopamine agonists are a type of drug that mimics the shape and function of dopamine. These are not as effective as other treatments, but they alleviate symptoms for longer. They are also thought to make brain cells more receptive to dopamine. Examples of dopamine agonists include Mirapex (pramipexole) and Apokyn (apomorphine).
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of antidepressant drugs which are thought to work by preventing the breakdown of dopamine. This increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, which can treat some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Examples of MAOIs include Xadago (safinamide) and Azilect (rasagiline).
Dopaminergic Treatments and Their Side Effects
The overall goal of Parkinson’s disease treatment is to alleviate the symptoms as much as possible with as few side effects as possible. No medication is perfect, but treatment should improve quality of life, and the benefits should outweigh the risks. Dyskinesia usually occurs when taking levodopa, but it can also occur with dopamine agonists, MAOIs, and COMT inhibitors.
Dyskinesia
A common complication with Parkinson’s medications is the development of dyskinesia. Dyskinesia results in uncontrollable, erratic movements of the arms, legs, torso, or face. These movements include muscle spasms, fluid dance-like motions, or rapid jerking. While they may be mistaken as symptoms of Parkinson’s, they are due to the medication.
Dyskinesia often develops after two to three years of levodopa treatment, and it can usually be addressed through medication adjustments or by adding a new treatment. Every person with dyskinesia will experience it differently. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others’ symptoms can be severe. The most common type of dyskinesia is known as peak dose. This occurs between one to two hours after you take levodopa, or when the medication is at peak dose in the bloodstream.
“On” and “Off” Periods
Diphasic dyskinesia, or dyskinesia-improvement-dyskinesia (D-I-D) syndrome, can occur as you are beginning “on” or “off” periods. “On” or “off” periods are caused by the rise and fall of dopamine levels, which become difficult to manage after several years of levodopa treatment. As a result, symptoms like dyskinesia may develop.
“On” and “off” periods can be addressed in a few different ways. One way is by changing the dosage or timing of your levodopa, or taking an extended-release form of the drug. This will help control the fluctuation of dopamine levels in the brain, reducing the chances of “on” and “off” periods. Learn more about managing “off” periods.
Other Side Effects
Dopaminergic treatments can cause nonmotor side effects, including hallucinations, delusions, and compulsive behaviors such as gambling or excessive shopping. Hallucinations and delusions can also be symptoms of Parkinson’s disease — they are not exclusively medication side effects.
Side effects like nausea, dizziness, or sleeping problems can also occur with Parkinson’s medications.
Connect With Others Who Understand
MyParkinsonsTeam is the social network for people with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones. On MyParkinsonsTeam, more than 74,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Parkinson’s disease.
Are you living with Parkinson’s disease? Share your experience in the comments below.
One frequently asked question is about managing medication to maximize its efficacy and it goes like this: “Why doesn’t my medication seem to work?” True to its form, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is no stranger to medication mistakes than other illnesses but I’ll keep my comments mainly within the context of PD. Parkinson’s disease is a complex disease that has been referred to before as having multiple symptoms that may seem unrelated but can be tied to PD. These can include respiratory, cardiac, and digestive problems, in addition to related conditions of the nervous system. All requiring different medications to treat them. Sometimes patients are taking a cocktail of multiple medications, in many instances prescribed by a variety of doctors. A gastroenterologist is no substitute for a neurologist. The same can be said about the spectrum of medical specialties. No disrespect to the medical profession but long hours and excessive workloads do not excuse the professional courtesy of a consultation or at least a medication review to assure there aren’t any interactions or contraindications that could actually do harm to the patient. In most medical practices this is protocol.
Common medication mistakes
Allergies – Again protocol should include what types of medications you are allergic to and list alternatives.
Follow up – The lack of follow up with your doctor leaves the door open for unanswered questions.
Questions – You should have a real dialogue with your doctor about what you are taking, what you are taking it for and how it interacts with other medications you are taking.
Problems – There should be clear instructions on what to do if a prescribed medication isn’t working or adverse effects occur.
Assumptions – Don’t assume that your doctor knows everything about PD. They may specialize in say pulmonology but have only a basic understanding of PD.
Nutrition – What you eat and when you eat may affect just how effective your medication will be. For example, too much protein can minimize the absorption of carbidopa/levodopa.
Timing – Remembering to take your medications on time, every time! This will help manage your on time and off time.
Essentially, your doctor is tasked with the burden on how to maximize your medication with the least amount of side effects and zero contraindications and communicating that to you. Far too often I run across people living with PD that do not know this and have difficulty managing medications. The proper management of medication is of course following dosage instructions but as I’ve already stated, PD is a very complex disease that requires a variety of medications that may or may not work for you. This makes communication with your doctor extremely important. If it helps you, keep a list of medications that you take that should include the name of the medication, what you take it for and how often you take it. Also include any supplements that you may be taking. This will help your doctor make an informed decision about what medications to prescribe.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that exercise is a good form of medicine. In my opinion, a structured exercise program may actually stave off the need for prescription medication. Your local PD support organization can recommend a program that’s right for you. This doesn’t mean you don’t need prescription medication but a healthy program of good nutrition and regular exercise can limit the amount that you require.
The takeaway
Here’s the takeaway: Proper medication management is being honest with your doctor and communicating problems or changes, good and bad about what you are taking and following the recommended dosage as well as educating yourself on alternative therapies available to you. Remember to take your medications on a schedule (on time, every time). Set an alarm if necessary because part of the failure of good medication management is forgetting to take your medications on a timely basis.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disease of the brain. In healthy brains, cells called neurons make a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine helps coordinate movement. People with PD have less dopamine because their neurons start dying.1
A low dopamine level causes tremor, slow movement, and problems with balance. Current treatments for PD only manage symptoms as there is no cure.1
Everyone is different
PD affects people differently. The disease affects motor skills, or your ability to physically move. Exactly how and to what extent your mobility is impacted varies.1-3
Non-motor symptoms occur too. Non-motor symptoms, such as memory problems and anxiety, vary between people just like motor symptoms do.1-3
PD symptoms worsen over time. PD advances slowly in some while others are quickly debilitated. Some studies show that symptoms move from limiting to disabling within 3 to 7 years. It is hard for doctors to predict when PD symptoms will develop and how bad they will get.1,4
What are the stages?
Doctors may use scales to rate your symptoms. There are scales to assess non-motor symptoms, but assessing motor symptoms is more common. The Hoehn and Yahr scale measures the effect of motor symptoms on mobility. The level of disability is measured in stages.2-7
The stages include:2,5-7
Stage 1 – One-sided motor symptoms. Examples include a tremor in one hand or stiffness in one leg. Some people have changes in posture or facial expressions. Symptoms may be hard to notice. There is little impact on mobility. Some people skip this stage.
Stage 2 – Motor symptoms on both sides of the body. Previous symptoms may worsen. Daily tasks may take longer as movement is slower. Problems with speech and posture may appear or worsen.
Stage 3 – Balance is affected. You may feel unsteady on your feet or have a hard time pushing up from a sitting position. Reflexes slow. You can still do daily tasks by yourself.
Stage 4 – Symptoms are so bad you may not be able to safely live alone. You need help with tasks like brushing your teeth or getting dressed.
Stage 5 – You may not be able to get out of bed or walk by yourself. Falling is a risk. You may need a wheelchair.
You may read about stage 0 (no symptoms of PD) or an intermediate stage like stage 1.5. These are additions to the original Hoehn and Yahr scale. Intermediate stages describe a mix of disabilities from 2 stages.5
Not everyone experiences all stages of the Hoehn and Yahr scale. You may skip stages or be a mix of 2 stages. You may also move from stage to stage at a different pace compared to others. The variability of PD progression makes it difficult to predict the severity and timeline of symptoms.2,7-8
Ways to ease symptoms
Drugs to boost dopamine levels are common for motor symptom management.8
Other ways to ease motor and non-motor symptoms include:9-11
Eat healthy foods – Eat a well-balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Include foods with antioxidants. These include berries, nuts, bell peppers, and green leafy vegetables.
Exercise – Move regularly. Many people with PD benefit from walking, dancing, yoga, or swimming. Exercise can help your flexibility and build strong muscles and bones. Exercise may also help ease non-motor symptoms.
Manage drugs and symptoms – Drugs for PD must be taken on time to control symptoms. Try setting an alarm as a reminder to take your pills. Consider keeping a symptom journal. Keep track of how you feel and share this with your doctor. This information can help your doctor better manage your PD.
Decrease pain – Some people with PD have burning or aching pains. Numbness is also reported. Try heat or ice, massage, or light stretching exercises to ease discomfort. Acupuncture has also been helpful for some. Physical therapy may be helpful. Ask your doctor about using physical therapy to ease pain related to PD.
Make daily activities easier – As PD progresses daily tasks like putting on socks or combing your hair may be tough. Occupational therapy may help. Occupational therapists help you overcome physical limitations from PD by teaching you new ways to perform tasks. Ask your doctor about occupational therapy.
Lessen your difficulty with eating, swallowing, or talking – 3 out of 4 people with PD have trouble swallowing. This makes eating difficult. Your voice may also soften. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) may be useful. SLPs are healthcare professionals that help to improve speech, voice, and swallowing issues. People reported that taking PD drugs and seeing SLPs eased symptoms the most. Ask your doctor for more information on SLPs.
Sharpen your memory – Many people with PD notice changes in their ability to think clearly. Keep your mind sharp by reading, doing crossword puzzles, and playing card games.
Stay on top of depression – Many people feel depressed, anxious, or hopeless as PD gets worse. Meditation, yoga, and music may improve mood. Also, reach out for help. Talk to a counselor or spiritual leader. This may help you work through difficult feelings.
Treatment goals
The goal is to maintain mobility and independence as long as you can. As your PD worsens, ways to manage symptoms may change. For example, you may be able to keep a symptom journal and do occupational therapy at stages 1 and 2 but not at stages 3 and beyond.
Your management plan will vary in response to your PD symptoms. Work with your doctor to make a treatment plan best suited for you.
If you have Parkinson’s disease (PD), you may be curious about the role vitamin D plays in your symptoms and the condition’s progression. “My blood work shows that I am very low on vitamin D. Does this have anything to do with PD?” asked one MyParkinsonsTeam member.
One 2020 study indicated that “a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been noted in PD and also other neurological diseases for at least the past two decades.” But the evidence of causality between vitamin D and Parkinson’s symptoms and progression is still unclear.
In order to make informed decisions about whether you should add more vitamin D to your diet, it’s a good idea to think about a few key considerations.
What Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a nutrient that your body needs to make your muscles move, help your nerves send signals, and allows your immune system to fight off bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. Vitamin D is also important so bones can absorb the calcium they need to be strong and healthy.
There are two kinds of vitamin D: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is mostly found in plants, mushrooms, and yeast. Vitamin D3 can be found in oily fish and is also made in the body during sun exposure. Additionally, vitamin D3 is later converted to 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol, which helps turn on and off the genes that allow vitamin D to carry out its function in the body.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, foods that are good sources of vitamin D include:
Beef liver
Fortified cereal
Fish (such as salmon, sardines, swordfish, and cod liver oil)
Egg yolks
Fortified milk and orange juice
Your body breaks vitamin D down into its active form, called 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D — which is also known as calcitriol and can be found as a supplement. This active form of vitamin D can affect the cells involved in the immune system.
Vitamin D Levels in People With Parkinson’s
Vitamin D levels have consistently been found to be lower in people with PD than in the general population. There are several potential reasons for this, and not all of them point toward direct causality. For example, one potential reason why lower levels of vitamin D are found in people with Parkinson’s may be because they engage in fewer outdoor activities and thus have less sun exposure.
However, studies have shown that vitamin D levels have the potential to affect many nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, possibly including verbal fluency and memory, mood, and olfactory impairment. In addition, one of the most replicated findings is that serum levels of vitamin D may be associated with PD’s motor symptoms.
A vitamin D deficiency may relate to higher levels of nitric oxide, which can damage your neurons. More research is needed to determine conclusively whether low vitamin D levels put you at an increased risk for Parkinson’s disease.
Some people consider taking vitamin D supplements to make up for deficiencies. Talk to your health care team if you’re considering adding vitamin D supplements to your diet, particularly because there is a risk of taking too much. “Sometimes, I just get a little (no — a lot) overwhelmed with vitamins and drugs,” shared one MyParkinsonsTeam member.
The Office of Dietary Supplements warns that too much vitamin D can cause nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, dehydration, and kidney stones, among other side effects. Vitamin D can also interact with some medications, so don’t start any supplementation plan before speaking with your physician.
Talk With People Who Understand
On MyParkinsonsTeam, the social network and online support group for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, members discuss the chronic nature of the disease. Here, more than 77,000 members from across the world come together to ask questions, offer advice and support, and share stories with others who understand life with Parkinson’s.
There are five commonly recognized stages of Parkinson’s. Neurologists stage Parkinson’s based on the way the condition typically progresses. However, symptoms of Parkinson’s vary by the type of parkinsonism and between individuals. An individual with Parkinson’s will not necessarily experience all or even most symptoms and may not experience them at the same stage in which others experience them. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms worsen gradually over time, new symptoms appear, and disability accumulates.
Assessing the stage of Parkinson’s helps anticipate disabilities and plan accordingly for care.
The Five Stages of Parkinson’s
The stages of Parkinson’s are based on the Hoehn and Yahr scale introduced in 1967. The Hoehn and Yahr staging system focuses on disability caused by motor symptoms such as bradykinesia (slowed movements), tremor, and loss of balance. Some neurologists also use a newer scale called the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The UPDRS scale takes into account changes in mood, cognitive function such as thinking and remembering, and social behavior.
Stage One
Motor symptoms occur on one side of the body only. There is minimal or no disability.
Stage Two
Motor symptoms worsen and begin to affect both sides of the body. There may be difficulty walking and changes in posture, facial expression, and voice. Daily activities become harder and take longer.
Stage Three
In the middle stage of Parkinson’s, loss of balance becomes apparent and falls are more common. Motor symptoms make it difficult to eat, dress, and perform self-care, but the person is still capable of living alone.
Stage Four
At stage four, the person is no longer able to live alone. Disability is severe, and the person requires help with many daily tasks. They may or may not be able to stand and walk without assistance. Many people begin using walkers at this stage.
Stage Five
During stage five, the person cannot rise from a chair or bed without help. Motor symptoms include stumbling and freezing. They may lose the ability to stand or walk, and a wheelchair becomes necessary. Assistance is required around the clock for all activities. Some people begin to experience psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions.
Another View of Parkinson’s Progression
A newer theory of Parkinson’s progression called Braak’s hypothesis suggests that Parkinson’s may begin years before motor symptoms develop. According to Braak’s hypothesis, loss of smell and digestive symptoms such as constipation are the earliest signs of Parkinson’s, showing up many years before motor issues. While these early symptoms do not show up on an official Parkinson’s stage yet, many researchers are working on ways to identify and treat Parkinson’s earlier, even before stage one.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a hemp product commonly used as a natural remedy for many ailments. But can it help people with Parkinson’s disease (PD)? PD is a debilitating movement disorder of the central nervous system, and it currently has no cure. However, symptoms of Parkinson’s can be managed with the help of some drugs and natural remedies, including CBD oil.
What Is CBD?
CBD has grown in popularity in recent years due to its perceived health benefits. CBD is a nonpsychoactive byproduct of the cannabis plant. While marijuana (including medical marijuana) contains a combination of both CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), hemp products contain nearly undetectable levels of THC and have a higher CBD content.
With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, production and distribution of industrial hemp were legalized across the United States. CBD is now more readily available to those who want to take advantage of its beneficial effects. CBD can be consumed in multiple forms, including oils, creams, or edible products like gummies, lollipops, or chocolate. Epidiolex (cannabidiol) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two rare forms of epilepsy.
How Does CBD Work?
Both THC and CBD are cannabinoids, or compounds found in cannabis plants. They each work in complex ways in the brain. When taken together (such as in marijuana), they influence the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network that detects and reacts to the presence of cannabinoids in the body. This system helps regulate a variety of processes, including appetite, cell division, inflammation, stress, and vomit suppression.
There are two identified cannabinoid receptors in the human body: type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) and type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2). CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found in the gastrointestinal tract and organs such as the spleen. Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol are brain cannabinoids that also work within this system.
When CBD enters the body alone (without THC), it acts differently. Scientists believe that CBD acts either directly or indirectly on several types of G protein-coupled receptors, including serotonin receptors. CBD can also affect ion channel receptors, such as vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors. However, there is still much to be learned about how CBD acts within the body.
What is known is that CBD seems to help with inflammation. CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Further work has demonstrated that CBD treatment reduces the pain and nerve damage associated with osteoarthritis. Some of this pain reduction may be due to how CBD acts on TRPV1 receptors. CBD reduces inflammation by regulating cell death, preventing the birth of new cells, and suppressing cytokines and immune cells (such as T cells).
How Can CBD Help Parkinson’s Disease?
CBD may have the potential to help individuals with PD manage motor symptoms such as dyskinesia (the loss of control of voluntary movement). This is because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory actions. CBD may also help movement due to its neuroprotective actions in the nigral-striatal pathway and basal ganglia, areas known to be dysregulated in individuals with PD.
Members of MyParkinsonsTeam are talking about CBD and how it has improved their quality of life, or that of their loved ones. One member shared, “My mother suffers from Parkinson’s and most times has trouble sleeping. The meds they have her on don’t always stop the shaking. I finally convinced her to try CBD. The effects are amazing. She sleeps better, and it normally stops or at the least lessens the shaking.”
CBD may also be able to help with the nonmotor symptoms of PD, such as psychosis. One clinical trial demonstrated that giving oral CBD (compared to placebo) to six individuals over a period of four weeks lowered psychosis behavior.
What To Know Before Taking CBD
The use of CBD is not without risks or adverse effects. Some people have reported side effects of sleepiness, diarrhea, or changes in appetite or weight. There is also growing research to suggest that high doses of CBD may lead to liver toxicity. Not much is known about potential drug interactions with CBD products such as oils.
CBD may not work for everyone, and there is still much to be learned about its use. Be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning to take CBD products.
Building a Community
MyParkinsonsTeam is the social network for people with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones. On MyParkinsonsTeam, more than 79,100 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Parkinson’s disease.
Have you tried CBD products to help manage your Parkinson’s disease? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on MyParkinsonsTeam.
People often think of Parkinson’s disease as simply a movement disorder, but it also has nonmotor symptoms. Many people living with Parkinson’s display behaviors that are troubling to the person and their family. These behavioral changes can be a symptom of Parkinson’s, or they may be a side effect of medication.
Members of MyParkinsonsTeam have shared many experiences that range from annoying to life-threatening. Some people with Parkinson’s disease struggle with anger or impulsive behavior that can impact their friends and family members. Others have hallucinations that cause them to act in ways that don’t make sense to their caregivers. In addition, attention and motivation problems are common and make everyday tasks harder. These behavioral changes can sometimes impact quality of life and put people with Parkinson’s in danger.
Fortunately, there are treatments that can help. With careful monitoring and support from loved ones, people living with Parkinson’s disease can manage these behavior symptoms and sometimes even use the symptoms to their advantage.
Impulsivity and Obsessive Behaviors in Parkinson’s Disease
One of the most startling changes for people with Parkinson’s are impulse control disorders and obsessive behaviors. Some people start gambling or overspending, for example. One MyParkinsonsTeam member stayed up all night shopping and bought 10 surfboards in a short amount of time.
Many members of MyParkinsonsTeam have also found that their sex drive skyrocketed. One member said their increasing sexual needs were too much for their wife and strained their marriage. Another member, however, was happy with their “wonderful post-menopausal sexual awakening.”
Some behavioral changes are similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms and can cause real problems for people living with Parkinson’s. For example, a member said their husband started taking things apart and putting them back together, which became a problem when it led to $3,500 in repair bills. Other times, the obsessive behaviors can be productive, like renewed artistic creativity. One member began making wooden flags to sell, giving some earnings to organizations for veterans.
How Common Are Impulsivity and Obsessive Behaviors in Parkinson’s?
About 14 percent of people living with Parkinson’s experience obsessive and impulsive behaviors.
What Is the Stage of Onset for Impulsivity and Obsessive Behaviors in Parkinson’s?
What Causes Impulsivity and Obsessive Behaviors in Parkinson’s?
These side effects likely develop because of how Parkinson’s medications affect dopamine in the brain. Parkinson’s disease damages dopaminergic neurons — cells that produce dopamine. Sometimes called the “pleasure chemical,” dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain. It is important for movement and the reward system that helps control motivation.
Dopamine agonist drugs act like dopamine in the brain, and the body turns levodopa into dopamine. The increased activity of dopamine in the brain helps with motor dysfunction, but it also boosts the reward system, which may cause obsessive symptoms and impulsive behaviors in Parkinson’s. The use of dopamine agonists such as ropinirole have been linked to increased risk-taking behavior and gambling.
How Are Impulsivity and Obsessive Behaviors in Parkinson’s Treated?
Decreasing or removing treatment with the dopamine agonist and switching to levodopa extended-release medication often helps to alleviate these symptoms. Support groups for impulsive behaviors such as gambling may also help.
Apathy in Parkinson’s
People experiencing feelings of apathy lose interest in things they previously enjoyed and may have blunted reactions to what would otherwise be moments of joy, sadness, or anger. Experiencing apathy can be distressing for the person living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.
MyParkinsonsTeam members have shared some of their experiences with Parkinson’s-related apathy. One member said, “I find myself to be apathetic these last few months. Not in the sense of unmotivated or bored. It’s more like feeling numb. Little do I care if things go wrong. Likewise, I fail to muster happiness when wonderful things happen, like the birth of a baby. I used to feel both joy and sorrow quite intensely.” Another member responded saying that they could barely muster enthusiasm when their daughter announced she was pregnant.
How Common Is Apathy in Parkinson’s Disease?
Up to 60 percent of people living with Parkinson’s disease will experience apathy at some point in the course of disease progression.
What Is the Stage of Onset of Apathy in Parkinson’s?
Some people with Parkinson’s begin losing interest in activities early in progression before they are initially diagnosed with the disease.
What Causes Apathy in Parkinson’s?
The root cause of apathy in Parkinson’s is unclear. Apathy is a common symptom of depression, and 35 percent of people with Parkinson’s experience depression or depression-like symptoms. However, many people with Parkinson’s who don’t have depression do experience apathy, so there isn’t a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Apathy may be due to changes in reward centers in the brain.
How Is Apathy in Parkinson’s Treated?
If a person is experiencing other depressive symptoms, treating their depressive symptoms with psychotherapy and medication may help with some apathy. The most common antidepressants prescribed to people with Parkinson’s are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like those given for other depressive disorders. Treatment with the dopamine agonist piribedil may also help.
Panic Attacks and Irritability in Parkinson’s Disease
Anxiety during Parkinson’s can contribute to irritability and outbursts that can hurt people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones. A MyParkinsonsTeam member said they developed new intense jealousy and panic attacks when they couldn’t reach their husband by phone. Another member said that their husband’s irritability has led them to fight nearly every day. The increased irritability compounds the stress that people with Parkinson’s are feeling, and it can exacerbate other behavioral symptoms and interpersonal conflict.
How Common Are Panic Attacks and Irritability in Parkinson’s?
What Causes Panic Attacks and Irritability in Parkinson’s?
Scientists aren’t sure whether panic and irritability are caused directly by Parkinson’s disease or by comorbid mood disorders like depression and anxiety disorder.
How Are Panic Attacks and Irritability in Parkinson’s Treated?
Some MyParkinsonsTeam members recommended lifestyle changes like living separately or stepping away when an argument escalates. For some people, antianxiety medication like benzodiazepines can help with these symptoms, as can cognitive behavioral therapy.
Hallucinations and Psychosis in Parkinson’s Disease
Troubling neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease include hallucinations and psychosis. People experiencing hallucinations may see things that aren’t there, hear voices, or feel an unseen presence. One MyParkinsonsTeam member said that “shadows become demons and spirits.” Another member’s husband began having delusions that they had invited people over when the couple had not even spoken to them.
How Common Are Hallucinations and Psychosis in Parkinson’s?
The prevalence of hallucinations depends on the type. Visual hallucinations occur in 22 percent to 38 percent of people with Parkinson’s. Meanwhile, auditory hallucinations occur in up to 22 percent of cases.
What Is the Stage of Onset for Hallucinations and Psychosis in Parkinson’s?
Hallucinations can begin in the early or later stages of the disease and may increase with severity over time. People experiencing hallucinations prior to 5.5 years in the course of disease typically have more pronounced early motor disturbances and are on high doses of medications. Hallucinations and psychosis that develop in the later phases tend to be associated with cognitive decline.
What Causes Hallucinations and Psychosis in Parkinson’s?
The source of psychosis isn’t entirely understood. However, changes to important brain structures could be partially responsible. Some cases of psychosis may be caused by long-term treatment with dopaminergic medication. Deep brain stimulation surgery may also worsen existing psychotic symptoms in some people.
How Are Hallucinations and Psychosis in Parkinson’s Treated?
Treatment for Parkinson’s-related psychosis can involve adding antipsychotic medication or reducing the dose of dopaminergic drugs. Regardless, people experiencing these symptoms need careful attention and support from their loved ones and health care providers to prevent them from potentially harming themselves.
Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease
Cognitive impairment and dementia are common in progressive neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, however, people living with Parkinson’s experience issues with planning, attention, and motivation earlier than problems with memory.
A few MyParkinsonsTeam members have talked about forgetting the day of the week and how surprised they were when they checked the calendar. Others have mentioned losing important items like keys and phones.
How Common Is Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s?
Between 18 percent and 41 percent of people with Parkinson’s develop dementia or some form of cognitive decline.
What Is the Stage of Onset of Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s?
Up to 20 percent of people living with Parkinson’s already had mild cognitive impairment at the time of diagnosis. However, it can take up to 20 years for this impairment to advance to dementia.
What Causes Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s?
The root cause of impaired cognition in Parkinson’s is unclear. It may be caused by the neurology of the disease. Scientists have found that sleep issues and poor REM sleep are common in Parkinson’s and are associated with cognitive decline and dementia.
How Is Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Treated?
Physicians may prescribe medications such as Namenda (memantine) and recommend regular neuropsychiatric evaluations to see if cognitive symptoms are worsening.
Tips for Managing Behavioral Changes in Parkinson’s
Guidance from medical professionals is crucial, but advice from other people with Parkinson’s can make the difference between living and thriving. The following are suggestions from MyParkinsonsTeam members to manage the behavioral changes in Parkinson’s disease.
Find healthy outlets to channel obsessive behaviors, such as art, woodworking, music, or video games.
Educate yourself and your loved ones so that others can help identify and manage behavioral symptoms and mood changes.
If you’re a caregiver or loved one of a person with Parkinson’s, be patient and pick your battles. Step away if possible to clear your head before engaging.
Take your medications on time and with a meal or snack if advised. Make sure you take your medication as prescribed, and tell your medical team if you have any side effects.
If behavioral or personality changes make living arrangements with your spouse too tricky, consider separate living arrangements.
If you have Parkinson’s, be kind to yourself. If your loved one has it, give them grace while also taking care of your needs and well-being.
It’s tough to go it alone, so find in-person and online support groups. MyParkinsonsTeam is an excellent place to start.
Talk With Others Who Understand
MyParkinsonsTeam is the social network for people with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones. On MyParkinsonsTeam, more than 79,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Parkinson’s disease.
Medically reviewed by Evelyn O. Berman, M.D.Article written by Torrey KimPauseUnmuteCurrent Time 0:11/Duration 3:01Loaded: 32.84% CaptionsPicture-in-PictureFullscreen
Check out this video to understand an exercise called “the scarf snatch,” designed to help people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) improve their fine-motor control. During the video, PD Warrior founder Melissa McConaghy and head online coach Jason King demonstrate exactly what benefits people with PD can gain from these exercises.(upbeat music)PlayUnmuteCurrent Time 0:03/Duration 3:40Loaded: 17.94% CaptionsPicture-in-PictureFullscreen
If you’ve experienced bradykinesia (slow movements) among the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, you might benefit from performing some simple exercises that can help you improve your dexterity and agility.
To help spark your exercise journey, MyParkinsonsTeam has partnered with PD Warrior, an organization that specializes in providing rehabilitative exercise programs to people with Parkinson’s disease. These low-impact exercises can help you increase stamina and gain more strength.
Last week’s installment introduced this six-part series and showed you how you can warm up before jumping into a new exercise program. This week, you’ll learn to perform the scarf snatch, designed to help you improve fine motor control.
Consider these steps before you work through the video:
If you aren’t accustomed to exercising, check with your physician first.
If your doctor gives you clearance, it is suggested that you warm up prior to exercising and stretch after you complete your session.
Try to engage in exercise three times per week.
Feeling some muscle soreness following exercise is normal.
Maintaining hydration, stretching, and warming up can help combat muscle soreness.
Below are the written steps of the video exercises. You can write them down or print them for reference:
Start by finding a scarf or other lightweight fabric item you can hold (such as a paper towel).
Stand on the floor with one foot in front of the other, holding the scarf at your side in your right hand.
Swiftly reach your right arm up as high as possible toward the ceiling, letting go of the scarf as you raise your arm.
Swiftly swing your right arm downward and catch the scarf as you return your arm to its resting position at your side.
While still holding the scarf, stretch your right arm behind you and hold it in place for several seconds.
After several repetitions, add your left arm to the movement — as you finish the exercise above and hold your right arm out behind you, reach your left arm forward and hold it out at chest height.
After about 10 to 12 repetitions of this exercise, switch the scarf to your left hand and do 10 to 12 more with the left hand leading.
Try to do the exercise three or four times a week, and do 10 to 12 repetitions on each side if possible.
If you can’t do the exercise more than a few times, that’s OK — you can work your way up to the recommended repetitions over time.
PD Warrior offers in-person and online regular, targeted, and personalized exercise programs to help reduce parkinsonian symptoms — from the comfort and privacy of your home.
PD Warrior’s signature 10 Week Challenge is the leading exercise rehabilitation program for people with Parkinson’s. Designed by renowned neurophysiotherapist Melissa McConaghy, the 10 Week Challenge is tailored to suit the individual needs of participants and their specific types of Parkinson’s. This rehab program will make you move, stretch, and sweat, but most of all, you will feel good. Find out more about the 10 Week Challenge.
PD Warrior’s online gym offers the option to join an intimate group, one-to-one private coaching sessions, or a combination of both. No matter what you choose, you will be training with an experienced PD Warrior coach who will work to your ability and provide exercises specific to your Parkinson’s. Find out more about PD Warrior.
Find Your Team
Through MyParkinsonsTeam, you can join an online social network for those living with Parkinson’s disease. In doing so, you will gain access to a social support group of people who are facing similar challenges and understand what you are going through. Start a new conversation on MyParkinsonsTeam.
Disclaimer: The exercises provided by PD Warrior are general in nature and are not to be interpreted as a specific treatment plan, product, or course of action. Exercise is not without its risks, and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. Risks include and are not limited to injury, aggravation of a preexisting condition, or adverse effect of overexertion, such as muscle strain, abnormal blood pressure, fainting, loss of balance, falls, disorders of heartbeat, and rare instances of a heart attack.
To reduce the risk of injury, before beginning this or any exercise program, please consult your health care provider for appropriate exercise prescription and safety precautions. The exercise instruction and advice presented are in no way intended as a substitute for an individual consultation. PD Warrior and MyHealthTeams disclaim any liability from and in connection with this program. As with any exercise program, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel dizzy or faint, or have physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult with a physician. Please see your health professional immediately, if you suspect you may be ill or injured.