Parkinson's disease, a complex neurodegenerative disorder, requires patients and their families to take appropriate measures in daily care and treatment to delay disease progression and maintain optimal living conditions.
The following are three common misconceptions Parkinson's disease patients should avoid.
I. Avoid stopping medication without authorization
Parkinson's disease patients should never interrupt medication treatment lightly.
This is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure, but medication can effectively control symptoms and improve quality of life. Stopping medication without authorization after symptoms have improved or stabilized is extremely dangerous.
Reason: Stopping medication can cause a sudden drop in dopamine levels in the brain, a key pathological mechanism of Parkinson's disease. This drop in dopamine levels can rapidly worsen symptoms such as movement disorders, limb stiffness, and tremors, and may even trigger an "off period," when medication becomes completely ineffective and symptoms worsen significantly.
Consequences: Long-term medication discontinuation can accelerate disease progression, increase treatment difficulty, and may even lead to complications such as dysphagia and breathing difficulties, seriously threatening the patient's daily life and life.
II. Essential Exercise
Parkinson's disease patients should maintain moderate exercise.
Exercise can improve muscle stiffness and motor dysfunction, enhance cardiopulmonary function, promote blood circulation, and enhance overall health.
Benefits: Moderate exercise, such as walking, yoga, and tai chi, can strengthen muscle strength, improve flexibility and balance, and reduce the risk of falls. Exercise also promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, alleviating depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues.
Recommendations: Patients should choose an appropriate exercise program based on their individual condition and follow the advice of their doctor or rehabilitation therapist. Exercise should be safe and avoid overexertion and injury.
III. Important Mental Health
Parkinson's disease patients often face significant psychological stress and emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
These psychological issues not only affect patients' daily lives and social functions but can also exacerbate their condition.
Importance: Mental health is closely linked to physical health. Ignoring mental health can lead to loss of confidence in treatment, reduced quality of life, and even extreme behavior.
Response: Patients should proactively seek psychological support and treatment, establishing good communication with their doctors, counselors, or psychotherapists. Counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, and other methods can help alleviate stress and improve coping skills.
At the same time, the care and support of family and friends is crucial for the recovery of patients' mental health.