Parkinson's Disease - Lifestyle Changes

Smoking and Nicotine Replacement. Cigarette smokers appear to have a 40% lower risk for Parkinson's disease, indicating some protection by nicotine. This finding, of course, is no excuse to smoke, but such protection may help researchers develop new therapies. Studies on nicotine replacement, such as gum or patches, have been conflicting, however, with some short-term studies reporting no benefits. A 2002 study suggested that nicotine replacement may help smokers with early PD, but not nonsmokers.

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Coffee Consumption. Studies have indicated that the risk for PD in coffee drinkers is about 30% lower than for non-coffee drinkers. In one 30-year 2000 study of Japanese-American men, for example, coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk for Parkinson's disease and the more coffee they drank, the lower their risk became. It should be noted, coffee and tea can reduce fluids by increasing urination and so may increase constipation in PD.

Ibuprofen

Regular use of ibuprofen may reduce the risk of Parkinson?s disease according to research presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. In this prospective study, people who took at least two ibuprofen tablets per week for at least one year lowered their risk of developing Parkinson?s by 35% compared to nonusers or irregular users. For those who took ibuprofen daily, the comparative risk was 38% lower. Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) did not appear to affect disease risk.

Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Other Helpful Therapies

Exercise early in adult life may help protect men against later development of Parkinson?s disease. Exercise is also an important component of rehabilitation. Physical therapy is extremely important for the Parkinson's patient and usually follows an approach that uses active and passive exercise, gait training, practice in normal activities, and if needed, hot or cold treatments, water therapy, and electrical stimulation. Exercise is also essential for well-being; it is a common denominator in patients who are able to maintain productive years. To date, no specific approach has been proven to be better than others.

Exercise Programs. Exercise programs are used defined as passive or active.

Passive exercise, mostly stretching and manipulation of muscles by a physical therapist, is aimed at preventing muscles from shortening. A passive exercise program that begins with slow and gentle exercises and becomes progressively more intense may improve mobility in patients with early and mid-stage Parkinson's disease.
Active exercises are used to help range-of-motion, coordination, and speed. Patients should continually make efforts to practice movement, even simple ones, such as marching in place, making circular arm movements, and raising the legs up and down while sitting. Patients who enjoy sports or the use of exercise equipment should continue with these activities even if their skills diminish, assuming there are no other medical conditions that would prevent them.