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Published on www.healthline.com<\/a> – Written by Stephanie Watson<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \/wp:paragraph<\/p>\n\n\n\n wp:image {“id”:8808,”linkDestination”:”custom”}<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n \/wp:image<\/p>\n\n\n\n wp:paragraph<\/p>\n\n\n\n When someone you care about has Parkinson\u2019s disease, you see first-hand the effects the condition can have on someone. Symptoms like rigid movements, poor balance, and tremors become part of their day-to-day life, and these symptoms can worsen as the disease progresses.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your loved one needs extra help and support to stay active and preserve their quality of life. You can help out in a number of ways \u2014 from offering a friendly ear when they need to talk, to driving them to medical appointments.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are eight of the best ways to help someone you love manage Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Parkinson\u2019s disease is a movement disorder. If you\u2019re a caregiver for someone living with Parkinson\u2019s, you\u2019re likely familiar with some of the symptoms of the disease. But do you know what causes its symptoms, how the condition progresses, or what treatments can help manage it? Also, Parkinson\u2019s doesn\u2019t manifest the same way in everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n To be the best ally for your loved one, learn as much as you can about Parkinson\u2019s disease. Do research on reputable websites like the Parkinson\u2019s Foundation<\/a>, or read books about the condition. Tag along for medical appointments and ask the doctor questions. If you\u2019re well informed, you\u2019ll have a better idea of what to expect and how to be the most help.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyday responsibilities like shopping, cooking, and cleaning become much more difficult when you have a movement disorder. Sometimes people with Parkinson\u2019s need help with these and other tasks, but they may be too proud or embarrassed to ask for it. Step in and offer to run errands, prepare meals, drive to medical appointments, pick up medications at the drug store, and help with any other day-to-day tasks they have difficulty with on their own.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Exercise is important for everyone, but it\u2019s especially helpful for people with Parkinson\u2019s disease. Recherche<\/a> finds that exercise helps the brain use dopamine \u2014 a chemical involved in movement \u2014 more efficiently. Fitness improves strength, balance, memory, and quality of life in people with this condition. If your friend or loved one isn\u2019t staying active, encourage them to get moving by taking a walk together every day. Or, sign up for a dance or yoga class together; both of these exercise programs are helpful for improving coordination.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n A disease like Parkinson\u2019s can interfere with the normalcy of someone\u2019s life. Because people may focus so much on the disease and its symptoms, your loved one may start to lose their sense of self. When you talk to your loved one, don\u2019t constantly remind them that they have a chronic disease. Talk about other things \u2014 like their favorite new movie or book.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n A chronic disease like Parkinson\u2019s can be very isolating and lonely. If your friend or family member doesn\u2019t get out much, take them out. Go to dinner or a movie. Be prepared to make some accommodations \u2014 like choosing a restaurant or theater that has a ramp or elevator. And be ready to adjust your plans if the person doesn\u2019t feel well enough to go out.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be intensely upsetting and frustrating to live with a condition that is both degenerative and unpredictable. Anxiety and depression are common<\/a> in people with Parkinson\u2019s disease. Sometimes just offering a shoulder to cry on or a friendly ear can be a tremendous gift. Encourage your loved one to talk about their emotions, and let them know you\u2019re listening.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Parkinson\u2019s symptoms progress over time. Be aware of any changes in your loved one\u2019s walking ability, coordination, balance, fatigue, and speech. Also, watch for changes in their mood. Up to 50 percentTrusted Source<\/a> of people with Parkinson\u2019s experience depression at some point in the course of their disease. Without treatment, depression can lead to faster physical declines. Encourage your loved one to get help from a trained mental health professional if they are sad. Make sure they make the appointment \u2014 and keep it. Go with them if they need help getting to the doctor or therapist\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Parkinson\u2019s can affect your loved one\u2019s ability to walk quickly, and to speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard. A speech therapist can teach them exercises to improve the volume and strength of their voice, and a physical therapist can help with their movement skills.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n When having a conversation or going somewhere with them, be patient. It may take them longer than usual to respond to you. Smile and listen. Match your pace to theirs. Don\u2019t rush them. If walking becomes too difficult, encourage them to use a walker or wheelchair. If speaking is a challenge, use other forms of communication \u2014 like messaging through an online platform or email.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \/wp:paragraph<\/p>\n\n\n\n wp:paragraph<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn everything you can about the disease<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Volunteer to help out<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Get active <\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Help them feel normal<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Get out of the house<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Listen<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Look for worsening symptoms<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Be patient<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n