Coping Support and Alternative Medicine for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s like other chronic disease is difficult to adjust to and to come to terms with for the individual with the diagnosis and for the family members. It is normal to have a full range of emotions when the diagnosis is made. Emotions that are normal to have when given a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease are denial, anger, depression, anxiety, frustration, bargaining and finally acceptance. Friends and family may also go through different emotions when they hear of the diagnosis. Friends and family generally try to lend support as best they can. Education is key to everyone understanding the disease, which enables better support. There are many ways for the individual, family and friends to become educated about Parkinson’s including community support groups and the doctor that made the diagnosis.

There are lots of organizations offline and online available for education and support including the American Parkinson Disease Association and the National Parkinson Foundation.

Alternative medicine is generally treatment and supplements that are not traditional in nature and for those with Parkinson’s disease the alternative medicine commonly used are Coenzyme Q10 which has had some research associated with its benefits for those with Parkinson’s. More studies are necessary though to confirm the benefits. Always talk with your doctor before taking any supplement. Massage is another alternative medicine used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Massage therapy can help to reduce the muscle tension associated with the disease and to promote relaxation. It is important to be relaxed if you hope to relax rigid muscles. Tai chi is another alternative medicine that is used for Parkinson’s and is an ancient form of Chinese exercise. The motions of Tai chi help to improve flexibility and balance. Lastly, yoga has been used as another form of exercise that can help to increase both balance and flexibility.

When dealing with a chronic and progressive disease like Parkinson’s it is important to clear all alternative approaches with your doctor before starting anything new. Supplements especially may have an adverse reaction with a medicine that you are taking so it is really important to tell a doctor about any supplements you are thinking about taking.

A good support system, along with a proper treatment plan can help a person with Parkinson’s to deal with the disease especially as it progresses. It is easier to cope with a chronic disease if you have a support system that is not only caring but also educated about the disease enough to be really helpful and supportive. As the baby boomers age and enter the age group in which Parkinson’s and other chronic diseases are typically diagnosed in, the incidence of the disease will increase which will increase the public awareness of the disease. The more aware of the disease the public becomes the more available services and funds for research become.

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