Top Tips for Parkinson’s

Tips for Tremors: 

  • Take your Parkinson’s medications on time every time to avoid increased tremors during “wearing off” periods of your medications
  • If a tremor makes a task difficult, try shaking your hands briskly as though you’re air-drying them, then try the task again. This can sometimes briefly reduce the tremor, making it easier to complete the movement. Repeat if necessary.
  • If tremors make it difficult to button your shirt, try above tip and then immediately return to buttoning the shirt. Pretend you are angry at the button and use that force while doing the task. Some people find that using a more forceful, deliberate movement can temporarily reduce the impact of the tremor, making it easier to complete the task more quickly. Repeat as needed.
  • Use adaptive utensils if tremors make it difficult to bring food to your mouth. Weighted utensils and products are helpful for tremor reduction. Specialized tremor-reducing utensils are available that use motion-sensing technology to help stabilize the spoon or fork and reduce spilling.
  •  Manage stress and anxiety, as both can worsen tremors. Regular exercise, appropriate medication use, and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation can help reduce stress and improve symptoms.

Tips for Freezing: 

In Parkinson’s disease, reduced dopamine levels can lead to “freezing” episodes, where a person may feel as though their feet are stuck to the floor. This happens because the brain’s movement signals are not transmitted as smoothly or effectively as they once were. People often describe it as Feet feeling glued to the floor, inability to take a step forward, hesitation or “block” when starting to walk or sudden stopping while walking, especially in tight spaces or doorways.

The key is when freezing occurs, never push through a freezing episode, always stop and then follow below 4 S’s.

  • STOP
  • STAND TALL
  • SHIFT WEIGHT
  • STEP BIG

Other tips for freezing include

  • Shifting weight side-to-side before stepping 
  • Using a visual cue (like stepping over a line on the floor)
  • Rhythmic counting or stepping to a beat (metronomes are helpful)
  • Taking a deliberate pause and restarting movement

Tips for Managing Fatigue: 

  • Pace activities and conserve energy: Take breaks as needed and prioritize important tasks when energy is higher (on periods of medication)
  • Exercise: Regular exercise can improve energy over time. Parkinson’s specific exercise programs, walking, stretching and strengthening will assist with managing fatigues. Check out my book, “100 Exercises for Parkinson’s” if you need guidance on where to start.
  • Use adaptive daily living tools to help with everyday tasks. Simple adaptations can help conserve energy and promote independence with daily activities. For example, An electric toothbrush may be easier to grip and use, helping to reduce fatigue during personal care tasks. 
  • Fatigue is very common right after a shower. Avoid long showers, use lukewarm water and after the shower use a terry cloth robe to dry yourself while sitting on a sturdy chair. This will help conserve energy and prevent fatigue from setting in.
  • Keep hydrated throughout the day

Tips for Home Safety: 

Home modifications are often necessary for fall prevention in older adults because aging can affect balance, strength, vision, reaction time, and mobility. Even hazards that seem minor—such as loose rugs, poor lighting, or a single step—can significantly increase the risk of a fall.

  • Reduce environmental hazards: Remove throw rugs, clutter and electrical cords to decrease tripping risk. 
  • Rearrange furniture: Move furniture to create open walking areas, making it easier and safer to move around with walkers or other mobility devices.
  • Improve lighting: Brighter lighting in hallways, stairways, bathrooms, and entrances makes obstacles easier to see.
  • Provide support and stability: Installing grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on both sides of stairs gives older adults something to hold onto for balance. Using shower chairs and toilet aids can provide extra support, making bathing and toileting safer and more comfortable. 
  • In your bedroom, consider repositioning your bed against the wall to make it more accessible. You can add bed rails that can be installed under the mattress and helps a person move more easily in bed.

Tips for Exercise Equipment and Books: 

Exercise is one of the most important tools for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Regular physical activity helps improve balance, mobility, strength, posture, and overall quality of life. More importantly, exercise has been shown to help slow the progression of the disease and play a critical role in managing symptoms. Research suggests that exercise may promote neuroplasticity, helping the brain form and strengthen connections involved in movement and function.

  • Exercise should be viewed as daily medication, something that becomes a consistent and non-negotiable part of treatment.
  • Knowing which exercises to do and how to manage symptoms is important. My book, “100 Exercises for Parkinson’s” reviews exercises that can be performed in lying, sitting and standing- so no matter what stage of the disease you are in, you can find exercises that are right for you. My book, “Parkinson’s Disease-Reclaim your life- Tips to help manage your symptoms” reviews key symptoms of Parkinson’s and how to combat them. Both books were displayed at the World Parkinson’s Congress.
  • Do things bigger: Practice taking BIG steps, forward, backward, and sideways. Practice speaking with a louder voice. Practice writing larger and moving with exaggerated effort.
  • Keep exercises intense and repetitive: Specialized exercise programs like LSVT BIG™ help with symptoms. Boxing and biking have also been shown to improve coordination and stability. Blaze pods can be used as an interactive tool to help improve coordination.
  • Moving a large exercise ball forward and backward while seated helps promote forward weight transfer, reducing the risk of falling backward when standing up. 

Tips for Medication and Symptom Management: 

Timing of Parkinson’s medication is very important. Many Parkinson’s medications-especially Carbidopa/Levodopa work for a limited number of hours. If doses are late, missed or taken inconsistently, it can make the symptoms worse, more tremors, increased rigidity, loss of balance, confusion and difficulty communicating, and it may take a longer time to recover. This is why taking medications on time every time is very important. 

Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure that can cause dizziness or lightheadedness when standing, is common in people with Parkinson’s disease. It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, particularly if you experience symptoms of dizziness. 

Constipation is another common symptom associated with Parkinson’s disease. Regular physical activity and adequate hydration can help promote healthy bowel function. Assistive devices such as a Squatty Potty® can encourage proper positioning during bowel movements, which may help make them easier and more effective. Discuss persistent constipation with your healthcare provider to identify the most appropriate management strategies for your needs.

  • Take your medications on time, every time
  • Use pill timers, pill organizers or other products to ensure medication timeliness.
  • Eating more of your daily protein at dinner rather than earlier in the day may help certain Parkinson’s medications work more effectively, as protein can affect how well these medications are absorbed.
  • If you are traveling, remember to take your medication at the same time you normally would at home. Be sure to account for any time zone differences during your trip.
  • Stay hydrated and keep moving to prevent constipation.

Tips for Speech, Swallow and Sleep: 

Parkinson’s disease often affects the muscles used for speaking, which can result in a softer voice, reduced speech clarity, monotone speech, or difficulty being understood. These changes can make communication challenging and may lead to social isolation or frustration. The muscles involved in swallowing can also be affected by Parkinson’s disease, leading to difficulties with chewing, swallowing, or managing saliva. Swallowing problems can increase the risk of choking, dehydration, malnutrition, and aspiration, which occurs when food or liquid enters the airway and can lead to pneumonia. Sleep disturbances are common in Parkinson’s disease and may include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, vivid dreams, acting out dreams, restless legs, or excessive daytime sleepiness. Poor sleep can worsen fatigue, mood, cognitive function, balance, and overall symptom management.

Speech

  • Speak slowly and deliberately, focusing on clear pronunciation. 
  • Take a deep breath before speaking to improve vocal volume and support
  • Practice speaking loudly and consistently, as people with Parkinson’s may not realize how soft their voice has become.

Swallow

  • Sit upright during meals and remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterward. 
  • Take small bites and sips and eat slowly. 
  • Focus on swallowing completely before taking the next bite or sip. 
  • Maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infections if aspiration occurs.

Sleep

  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. 
  • Create a comfortable sleep environment that is dark, quiet, and cool. 
  • Limit caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, especially in the evening.

Tips for Transfer Aids and Lifts: 

Transfer aids and lifts are important for individuals with Parkinson’s disease because they help improve safety, reduce the risk of falls, and support independence during movements such as getting in and out of bed, standing from a chair, or transferring to and from a wheelchair. The most appropriate device depends on the individual’s strength, balance, mobility level, and caregiving needs. Consult with your therapist to determine which equipment will provide the greatest benefit and safety.

  • Receive proper training from a healthcare professional before using any transfer aid or lift to ensure safe and effective use. 
  • Inspect equipment regularly for signs of wear, damage, or loose parts before each use. 
  • Lock wheelchair and bed brakes before beginning a transfer to prevent unexpected movement. 
  • Wear supportive, non-slip footwear to improve stability during transfers
  • Schedule transfers during medication “on” times when Parkinson’s symptoms are best controlled, if possible.

Tips for Preventing Caregiver Burnout: 

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can occur when caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease. Because Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, caregivers often take on increasing responsibilities over time, including assisting with mobility, personal care, medication management, appointments, household tasks, and emotional support. Caregiver well-being is essential not only for the caregiver’s health but also for the quality of care provided to the person with Parkinson’s disease. Burnout can increase the risk of physical illness, mental health concerns, and reduced caregiving effectiveness. Recognizing burnout early can help prevent more serious health consequences.

  • Ask for help: Accept assistance from family members, friends, or community resources. 
  • Take regular breaks: Schedule time for rest, hobbies, and activities you enjoy.
  • Join a support group: Connecting with other Parkinson’s caregivers can provide practical advice and emotional support.
  • Set realistic expectations: Recognize that you cannot do everything on your own.
  • Take advantage of assistive devices and supportive equipment to make daily tasks easier and reduce the physical demands of caregiving.