Approach Parkinson's Like An Olympic Athlete

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In this interview, neurologists Indu Subramanian and Bastiaan R. Bloem discuss the importance of taking a holistic approach to managing Parkinson's disease, including lifestyle interventions like exercise, nutrition, stress management, and social connection. They emphasize the need to prioritize and implement these changes one at a time in a sustainable way, rather than trying to overhaul everything at once. Bloem draws an analogy between optimizing one's lifestyle for Parkinson's and the training regimen of an Olympic athlete, highlighting the need to "turn all the knobs" to achieve the best possible quality of life.

Why it matters

Parkinson's disease is a complex, progressive neurological disorder that requires a multifaceted approach to management. While medication is important, research shows that lifestyle factors like exercise, diet, stress reduction, and social engagement can have a significant impact on symptom management and potentially even disease progression. By taking a holistic view and empowering patients to make sustainable lifestyle changes, healthcare providers can help improve outcomes and quality of life for those living with Parkinson's.

The details

Bloem and Subramanian discuss several key lifestyle interventions for Parkinson's patients. Exercise has strong evidence as a treatment, moving from a belief to an evidence-based approach. Nutrition is also crucial, with a Mediterranean, plant-based diet potentially beneficial, and organic foods potentially helpful in avoiding exposure to toxins that may contribute to disease progression. Stress management through techniques like mindfulness is also important, as stress can worsen Parkinson's symptoms. Finally, maintaining social connections is vital, as many Parkinson's patients become isolated. The experts emphasize the need to prioritize and implement these lifestyle changes one at a time in a sustainable way, rather than trying to overhaul everything at once.

• The Wellness Task Force at the Movement Disorder Society recently published a paper on a 'prescription' for lifestyle choices in Parkinson's.
• Bloem's paper on the scientific basis and pathophysiology behind lifestyle interventions for Parkinson's was published around the same time.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Bloem announced that his center is conducting two large-scale clinical trials: the 'Plants for Parkinson's' study testing a plant-based Mediterranean diet, and the 'MIND-PD' study examining the effects of mindfulness on Parkinson's symptoms and disease progression.